JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – North Florida men’s basketball is excited to publicize the signing of a strong quartet ahead as part of the 2025 class as announced by head coach Matthew Driscoll and staff.
Benjamin “BJ” Plummer, Trey Cady, Gabriel “Gabe” Jacobs and Mason Watkins join the Ospreys, hailing from four different states.
Trey Cady | 6’8″ | Forward | Marion, Ohio
A 6-8 forward out of Marion, Ohio, Cady is currently taking a postgraduate season with Western Reserve Academy in Ohio. Cady played AAU ball with the Indy Heat and is averaging 16.5 points per game and 10 boards a contest early on in the season. Cady hit a big growth spurt during high school, jumping from 5-7 all the way to his current height of 6-8.
“Just by being around Trey for a minute you will immediately feel energized for whatever is next. Or, if you’re having a bad day, just spend some time with Trey and you’ll be lifted. Trey is wired for action and that helps make him really hard to account for on the floor as he generates mismatches and opportunities from his effort alone. Along with those traits, Trey brings guard skills that he has honed since he was 5-7 in eighth grade. At 6-8, Trey possesses a beautiful lefty stroke from beyond the arc, making him the quintessential addition to our storied #BirdsofTrey program.” — Head Coach Matthew Driscoll
Gabriel “Gabe” Jacobs | 6-1 | Guard | Warner Robbins, Georgia
Coming to Jacksonville from just up the road in Warner Robbins, Ga., Gabe Jacobs set a school record with 50 points in a game while draining a staggering 14 three-pointers. A region 2-5A honorable mention pick last year, Jacobs helped Warner Robbins to a 22-win campaign a year ago. He also added preseason HypeSouth First Team honors to his résumé as a middle Georgia pick earlier this year.
“Gabe Jacobs is a really special human being who has a soft spot for serving others at every opportunity that he is presented with. His athleticism and grace on the floor, coupled with his impressive physique will blow you away as well. Scoring 50 points and making 14 three-pointers in one game says volumes about his skillset. All of these things, paired with his consistency in all walks of life make him a perfect fit for our program.” — Head Coach Matthew Driscoll
Benjamin “BJ” Plummer | 6’6″ | Forward | Tallahassee, Fla.
A 6-6 forward out of Tallahassee, Fla., Benjamin “BJ” Plummer arrives at North Florida from Rickards High School in the state capitol. Plummer played AAU ball with Pro One and Equal Shots where he was tabbed to the Big Bend Conference First Team. The No. 34 prospect in Florida per Prep Hoops tallied 11.5 points per game, 2.5 rebounds and one assist a contest, shooting 54 percent from deep and 74 percent from the line to help Rickards to a district title.
“BJ Plummer has so many natural talents and gifts while possessing a great capacity to grow into a really special player. His length, athleticism and fluid style of play lends itself to an effortless look on the court, but at the end of the game his stat sheet is stuffed in all categories. BJ’s range and touch from deep, along with his skillful handles, make him a perfect fit for our system. PJ has shown continued growth and development since a very young age, however what has stood out the most is his compassion for his teammates and an incredible ability to encourage others.” — Head Coach Matthew Driscoll
Mason Watkins | 6-3 | Guard | Burlington, Iowa
Heading south from eastern Iowa, guard Mason Watkins brings a 6-3 frame to the Ospreys after his impressive high school and AAU career wraps up in Burlington, Iowa. Watkins registered 21.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.2 APG and 41.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc during his high school career. Watkins helped lift his 2A-4 team to a conference title and berth in the state tournament. Watkins brings a strong basketball IQ to North Florida as the No. 10 prospect in the state per Prep Hoops and as the son of a college basketball coach.
“Mason Watkins comes to us in an amazing way that will resonate with so many people. Mason’s first birthday was celebrated at associate head coach Bobby Kennen‘s house, illustrating the meaning behind how life is about “dots on a map”. As he grew up he developed into a prolific three-point shooter and electric shooter with a high basketball IQ, making him a blast to coach and play with. His offense is paired with his active presence on the defensive end and ability to be coached as a coaches’ son. Mason also has the unique gift of being able to strike a conversation with anyone about anything in life, demonstrating his maturity and excitement for being the difference in the lives of others.” — Head Coach Matthew Driscoll
