Oxbridge Academy LB A. J. Garson will join the Huskies program in the summer of 2016.

The football program has had a significant amount of contributors and stars from the state of Florida in recent years.  Darius Butler, Larry Taylor, Cody Brown, Greg Lloyd Jr., Twyon Martin, Jasper Howard, Bobby Puyol, Jhavon Williams, Ron Johnson and Ryan Crozier are just some who have played a significant role for the Huskies.

It’s an area that former head coach Randy Edsall cultivated well and one that Bob Diaco and staff have returned to on the recruiting trail

You can add linebacker A. J. Garson (West Palm Beach, FL) to that list of commits, who committed to the Huskies in December.

Why did he come north?

“UConn is just an awesome place,” Garson said by phone late last week. “I really like the coaches and got a sense of a close brotherhood there. [Bob Diaco] is an awesome guy who really cares about his players”

A former Bowling Green commit, Garson was blown away by the Huskies facilities during his visit, stating they were ‘the best I’ve seen.’

He will play outside linebacker at UConn, which he says is his preferred position.

“I think I’m more of a run stuffer,” he explained. “I am able to drop back in coverage every so often, but my best attribute is rushing the passer.’

Garson stands at 6′ 6” so it’s only natural he was a two sport athlete at Oxbridge Academy, playing basketball. He played up until his senior season, taking his final year off to focus on football, working in the weight room to prepare himself for the next level.

The recruiting process was a long one and he’s been hearing from a number of FBS schools including Wake Forest, Oregon State, Cincinnati, Middle Tennesee St & Boston College.

His high school career ended in the regional finals on a Hail Mary to the eventual state runner-ups. It was the first year Oxbridge Academy was eligible for the state championship, earning Doug Socha state coach of the year honors.

For Garson, it’s important for him to stay in touch with the fellow members of the 2016 class, as they all have a continuous group chat set up.

When asked about his biggest role model to get him to this point, Garson naturally mentions his parents.

UConn fans will get to see him as part of the Huskies program, when he gets on campus this summer.

See A.J. Garson’s full highlights and fellow members of the 2016 recruiting class here.