Florida Baseball Signee Kevin Roberts Stays Committed Amid Coaching Changes, Eyes Bright Future On and Off the Field
Even with a few curveballs thrown his way, Kevin Roberts isn’t backing down from his commitment to Florida baseball. The 6-foot-5 Jackson Prep standout officially signed with the Gators earlier this week, reaffirming his belief in the program despite a turbulent offseason that saw longtime assistant Chuck Jeroloman depart for Tennessee and head coach Kevin O’Sullivan take a leave of absence.
“It was really no change,” Roberts said. “We had talked about it as soon as it happened. I trust my coaches.”
That level of trust doesn’t come easily, especially for a player with Roberts’ upside. He’s one of the top high school prospects in the country - ranked No. 12 by MLB.com - and is expected to draw serious attention in the upcoming MLB Draft. But for Roberts, the decision to stick with Florida came down to more than just baseball.
“Ultimately, it was just the academic part of it,” he said. “They have a really good academic program, and that’s what is most important to me. I want to get a master's degree.”
That academic focus, combined with a strong relationship with assistant coach Taylor Black, helped seal the deal. Roberts described the Florida staff as “amazing coaches” and emphasized the importance of being surrounded by “amazing people.”
Florida fans should be excited - not just because Roberts stayed committed, but because of what he brings to the field. He’s the kind of athlete that makes scouts take notice the moment he steps onto the diamond. In his junior season at Jackson Prep, Roberts hit .406 with 17 RBIs, nine doubles, three triples, and 15 stolen bases - all while flashing a fastball in the mid-90s on the mound.
“He runs well, fields it well, and throws it well,” said Jackson Prep head coach Brent Heavener. “He hits the ball really hard.
The thing that impresses me is that he is not locked into one spot. He’s a multi-position player who can play outfield and can play infield.”
That versatility is a big part of what makes Roberts such a compelling prospect. At 6-foot-5, he combines size with athleticism - a rare combo that allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. Heavener praised his work ethic and understanding of how valuable it is to be a complete player.
“He understands the game. The better he is at both those positions, the more value he has,” Heavener said. “He has really worked hard at both to become a complete player.”
Roberts has also had a front-row seat to the draft process. He watched his former teammate Konnor Griffin go No. 9 overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, and the experience gave him a blueprint for how to navigate the months ahead.
“One of the things that we learned from Konnor a few years ago was to put yourself in the best position you can to be successful,” Heavener said. “You have a school that you're committed to, to go play college baseball.
It’s a great school, and Florida has a great reputation for what it has been able to produce. If the draft falls like it can or might, then you have that ability.
It’s always great to have options.”
Roberts and Griffin helped lead Jackson Prep to a state championship in 2024 and a No. 7 national finish in the MaxPreps rankings. Now, Roberts is projected to be taken somewhere between the second and third rounds of this year’s draft - and he’s using everything he learned from Griffin to make the most of his own path.
“It was a blessing to be able to pick up on what he does,” Roberts said. “He’s a great kid and somebody that you can model yourself after. Me, going through the same thing right now, I can pick up some tips and do some things better that he did, and ultimately make the best of what I have.”
Whether Roberts ends up in Gainesville or hears his name called early in the draft, one thing’s clear: he’s prepared, focused, and ready to make an impact - both on the field and in the classroom.