2023 QB Marcus Stokes flips from Penn State to Florida

Class of 2023 quarterback Marcus Stokes of Ponte Vedra Beach (Fla.) Nease announced his commitment to Florida Thursday afternoon.

The 6-foot-2, 215 pounder was committed to Penn State before flipping his commitment.

Stokes on why he chose Florida

“Ever since me and my family moved to Florida, we all agreed not to leave,” Stokes said. “Florida is home and has always treated me and my family well. If things are going great, why leave?”

“Also, I believe in what coach Napier and the whole Florida staff is doing, and I want to be a part of it.”

Marcus Stokes has great relationship with coaching staff

“I am super close with coach Ryan O’Hara and coach Napier,” Stokes said. “I think that’s one of the most important relationships that a quarterback has to have–with the QB coach and the head coach. As well as coach Sale (offensive coordinator), he is a great guy and they all are.”

He joins coach Billy Napier and the Gators’ top 20 class in the 2023 team rankings alongside T.J. Searcy, Isaiah Nixon, and others.

Marcus Stokes Scouting Summary

“Quick-armed passer that can paper cut opponents with his off-schedule athleticism and ability to nickel and dime throws down the field,” On3’s Director of Scouting Charles Power wrote. “Owns an athletic frame that comes in at 6-foot-1.5, 190 pounds with a 9.5-inch hand. Ran an electronically-timed 4.82 40-yard dash as well as a 4.47 shuttle and jumped a 30.5-inch vertical during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Has a quick release that can rip it from multiple arm slots. Much more comfortable outside of the pocket and on designed bootlegs than within the pocket. Above average arm strength but release makes up for the relative lack of juice on some passes.”

“Led his team to a regional final during his junior season where he threw for 2,672 yards, 22 touchdowns and 9 interceptions on 196 completions for a 59% completion percentage. Overall arm strength dampens his ability to drive the football downfield at times. Has the ability to frustrate defenses with his skill set to dispense the ball at the underneath and intermediate levels and escape trouble.”

Stokes ranks as the No. 539 player in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that accounts for all four major recruiting sites. He also tabs in as the No. 29 quarterback and the No. 92 player in the state of Florida.