Corey Raymond a 5-star coaching hire for Florida Gators

New Florida coach Billy Napier has landed his first major commitment – LSU cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond.

Raymond is one of the most talented defensive back coaches in the country. But maybe more importantly for the Gators, he’s also one of the best recruiters in college football.

Raymond, a former LSU defensive back from 1988-91 out of New Iberia, La., has been either the Tigers’ No. 1 recruiter or close to it, other than the head coach, since he came to LSU in 2012. He spent one season at Nebraska as a secondary coach and two at Utah State as cornerbacks coach before moving to the Tigers.

Raymond, who also served as the recruiting coordinator for LSU, has landed a long list of blue-chip recruits during his time in Baton Rouge.

He’s been the primary recruiter for seven — yes, seven — five-star recruits at LSU. He’s also landed more than 35 four-star prospects since joining the Tigers’ staff.

You’ll recognize the name of many of the players he’s recruited — stars like Jamal Adams, Derek Stingley Jr., Kevin Toliver II and Kelvin Joseph.

The addition of Corey Raymond to the UF staff is a shot across the bow to other SEC programs. It’s a sign the Gators are ready to be a force to be reckoned with on the recruiting trail.

“This definitely makes raise your eyebrows and pay attention,” a rival SEC recruiter said. “Corey’s such a great coach. A really, really good coach. But he’s just as talented as a recruiter. To get him to come to Florida and away from LSU is truly something.

“I’m just glad I don’t have to recruit against him in Louisiana because he’s going make things awfully difficult for his alma mater.”

Corey Raymond makes Florida a factor in Louisiana

Granted, Louisiana is one of the states where getting players to leave home is easier said than done. Players from The Boot grow up indoctrinated in everything LSU. Only a few schools like Alabama or Texas A&M have had recent success.

But there might just be a window of opportunity for Corey Raymond and the Gators.

LSU is breaking in new coach Brian Kelly. While the Notre Dame brand helps buoy his reputation, he’s still an unfamiliar name with many of the local high school stars. Kelly will have to work quickly to also build bonds with high school coaches throughout the state.

Raymond — combined with Napier, the former coach at Louisiana — doesn’t have to do that. Raymond is an established name with Louisiana recruits and throughout the coaching community in the area.

The good news for LSU is that Kelly hired Louisiana native, former LSU assistant, UTSA and McNeese State head coach Frank Wilson on Tuesday. Wilson, himself, is also an outstanding recruiter with deep Louisiana ties.

“We are thrilled (Wilson) is returning home to ensure that we continue to sign the best student-athletes in Louisiana and throughout the country,” Kelly said.

The battles between Corey Raymond and Frank Wilson will be epic, but here’s betting Raymond is up for the challenge of going head-to-head against his former co-worker and team.

And while it’s Raymond’s commitment to join the UF staff won’t show up on the Gators’ signing day list, it’s a pledge that could reshape the recruiting landscape in the SEC.