On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: New leader for 4-star safety Jordan Pride

Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star safety Jordan Pride recently decommitted from Florida State. Now, the Seminoles’ in-state rival is trending to land him.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Florida has a commanding lead for Pride’s commitment at 91.5%. The Gators’ odds rose exponentially following an expert prediction from Corey Bender of Gators Online.

“Jordan Pride was committed to FSU for almost two years, but since the fall, Florida was probably the hotter team in his recruitment,” Bender said. “They generated the most buzz. They hosted him more than FSU did. He did get back to FSU once or twice in recent months… but now he’s back on the market and visiting Florida tomorrow. They’ve been in the picture for a long time. I feel confident submitting an On3 RPM pick for Florida.

“He is a candidate that’s hinted at making an early decision, but with tomorrow’s game approaching, that’s a date to keep an eye on. I think over the long haul, Florida is definitely positioned best in his recruitment.”

Pride is the No. 103 overall prospect and No. 8 safety in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 15 player in Florida.

The 6-foot-1.5, 175-pound defensive back has already visited Gainesville three times. Even while committed to Florida State, he expressed high praise of Florida.

“They always treat me like I’m a king,” Pride told Bender on Aug. 24. “They like my length and how fast I move at my height. Also, my ball skills. They said I’m a ball hawk on the field.

“I liked seeing the new campus, like, they developed a new facility. The last time I went up there, it was just being started. It was just good seeing the progress. I just want to keep building a relationship with them because I’m really interested in Florida.”

Pride would be a huge recruiting win for Florida

Landing Pride would be a massive victory on the recruiting trail for head coach Billy Napier and his staff. At the moment, the Gators have a commitment from one safety in the 2024 cycle: Nashville (Ga.) Berrien three-star Josiah Davis. 

Meanwhile, Florida’s 2024 recruiting class contains six players. The group ranks No. 4 in the 2024 On3 Industry Recruiting Rankings and No. 3 in the SEC.

Three Florida pledges are top-100 recruits in Willis (Texas) four-star quarterback DJ Lagway, Atlanta (Ga.) Woodward Academy four-star linebacker Myles Graham and Largo (Fla.) four-star linebacker Adarius Hayes. The Gators also have commitments from North Palm Beach (Fla.) The Benjamin School four-star running back Chauncey Bowens and West Point (Miss.) four-star running back Kahnen Daniels.