Jul 02, 2015 12:26 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Jake Allen may not be arriving in Gainesville until 2017, but his commitment to the University of Florida is an important part of head football coach Jim McElwain's long-term recruiting efforts.

According to ESPN, Allen announced his commitment Wednesday even though he is a member of the class of 2017. Florida has a pair of underclassmen QBs under scholarship this season, but the school did not sign one in the current recruiting cycle, nor do they have any commitments from the class of 2016 at the position.

Allen's commitment not only offers McElwain a future at the position, but it should help the Gators' new head coach recruit offensive playmakers in the coming years.

"After speaking with my head coach and my quarterback coach, we believe that this makes the most sense for me," Allen told ESPN. "I like the offense that [offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier] runs and it's just the way it felt when I was up there on my visit the last time - it just felt like family and I was comfortable there. I felt ready - I feel like it's time to pull the trigger and get started on this recruiting class."

Bleacher Report noted Florida is targeting a trio of highly rated pass-catchers - Trevon Grimes, Sam Bruce and Michael Irvin Jr. - who are currently teammates to Allen at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale.

"Sam and 'Tre' are both my boys. I'm definitely going to talk to them about becoming Gators," Allen told Bleacher Report. "That's where I need to start getting guys, at my own school. They know I'll be honest with them about the process and they'll be honest with me. It would be huge to play with them both in college."

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