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2THESW4MP: Meet all 30 players from Florida's 2024 class

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•02/07/24•

ZachAbolverdi

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Billy Napier and his staff finalized a top-10 class on Wednesday, signing 30 players in the 2024 cycle.

The Gators landed two five-star recruits for the first time since 2015 and finished with the nation’s No. 6 average player rating (91.33).

Meet UF’s 19 signees from the high school ranks and 11 transfers.

WR Tawaski “TJ” Abrams

Measurables: 5-foot-10, 190 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 55 WR, No. 365 overall recruit

Quotable: “TJ Abrams is almost a running back build. He’s 190 pounds at 5’10” and change. He’s got 10-inch hands. He’s long. He’s a 33-inch arm for 5’10”. He’s a big man, and he’s got a ton of versatility. 10 500 meters, now that’s rolling, especially at 190. He’s another guy. He’s taking AP Stats. His mom is awesome, and he’s just got character. In his school, you go in there, he’s one of the leaders of the school and certainly was a leader on that team, which had really a historic year for that program. Their coach has done a really good job there.” — Florida coach Billy Napier

RB Jadan Baugh

Measurables: 6-foot-0.75, 225 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 24 RB, No. 334 overall recruit

Quotable: “Jadan Baugh, in my opinion, if you just go watch senior film, that guy is 6″ and 3/4s. He weighed 230 pounds on his official visit. He’s carrying the ball, running routes, playing safety, linebacker, wildcat quarterback. You go in his school, he’s the president in that place. Every teacher, every administrator that you meet, Jadan Baugh is an exceptional young man.” — Napier

DL Michai Boireau

Measurables: 6-foot-4.75, 394 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 69 DL, No. 770 overall recruit

Quotable: “I always felt the love from Florida; I just had to take a step back and make sure I made the right decision. I feel like they are a team on the come up who can be a real contender in the future. Also, just the city and town. You can really tell it’s a Gator town.” — Boireau

DB Trikweze Bridges

Measurables: 6-foot-3, 200 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 12 safety, No. 204 overall transfer

Quotable: “Trikweze Bridges is height, weight, speed, ton of production. The guy has played corner but has got some position flexibility. He can play safety. Very intelligent. Was on the leadership council at Oregon. He’s got one year of eligibility, and I think looking to create some more value for himself a little bit closer to home, being from Lanett, Alabama. So really excited about the flexibility that he offers and experience that he has.” — Napier

LB Aaron Chiles

Measurables: 6-foot-2.5, 227 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 7 linebacker, No. 73 overall recruit

Quotable: “I think there was a need at the linebacker position, and you get two of the top linebackers in the country. Both of those guys can come and contribute and play early. That was a need for us, especially after last cycle having to hit the portal there and try to figure some things out and the linebacker class not going the way we wanted it to last year. We really put an emphasis on being able to get those guys this year, and I think we did that. With Aaron, any time there’s that much distance between you and a kid, it becomes difficult. But I think that speaks volumes to the type of kid that Aaron is.” — Florida director of player personnel Jacob LaFrance

OL Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson

Measurables: 6-foot-7, 310 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 23 offensive tackle, No. 372 overall transfer

Quotable: “Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, 6’7″, 310, 35 arm. He’s played, I think, 2,500 snaps. He started 35-plus games. Very productive player, All-Conference player in the Mountain West, and equally as impressive when you meet him. Good complementary — good compliments out there related to teammate, toughness, leadership, smart player. Looking to play against better competition. Very similar dynamic to maybe what [O’Cyrus Torrence] was trying to do when he came here.” — Napier

RB Kahnen Daniels

Measurables: 5-foot-11.5, 191 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 15 RB, No. 172 overall recruit

Quotable: “Kahnen Daniels rushed for 2,700 yards. He’s a team captain. He won a state championship. He’s Player of the Year in his classification at Mississippi. He’s got a phenomenal story when you get a chance to get to know KD and the things he’s overcome and the people that have impacted his life, the program that he plays for, the toughness. If you’re from West Port, Mississippi, you’re a tough dude. He’s been a guy that sets the tone in the program. Not only a tough program, but we got the toughest dude out of a tough program. So KD, it’s impressive to watch his body of work as a runner.” — Napier

S Josiah Davis

Measurables: 6-foot-0.5, 182 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 42 safety, No. 484 overall recruit

Quotable: “Florida is just a great school overall, football and academic wise. The bond I have with the coaches, especially (assistant secondary) coach CJ [Wilford] and coach [Austin] Armstrong. They treat me very special every time I visit up there.” — Davis

WR Chimere Dike

Measurables: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 113 WR, No. 771 overall transfer

Quotable: “Chimere Dike is a receiver from Wisconsin who played with Graham. Chim is 6’1″ and change, about 185 pounds; he’s a 10.8 100-meter guy. Very productive two years ago. He’s got flexibility inside and outside. Polished player. Very consistent, dependable player that I think brings some speed. But he’s a very smart, mature, aware player. He’s got a ton of experience. Certainly there’s a relationship with Graham there that helped.” — Napier

S DJ Douglas

Measurables: 6-foot, 205 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 42 cornerback, No. 386 overall transfer

Quotable: “DJ Douglas is a player that we’re excited about, the safety from Tulane. He’s impressed so far. He’s got a temperament about him. He’s a leader, He’s a good communicator. Think there’s some continuity in the system he played in and he’s an alpha and he’s a worker. His work ethic has impressed so far. He’s 6-foot, 205, came from Thompson High School in Alabama, which is a really good football program. And then certainly playing at Tulane for Coach Fritz, there’s a ton of respect there in terms of the type of program that they run. So I had a couple of my former players that were on that team that knew DJ and they spoke highly of his behalf.”

CB Teddy Foster

Measurables: 6-foot-0.5, 170 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 68 cornerback, No. 683 overall recruit

Quotable: “The kid is an absolute coach’s dream. One of the top three players I’ve been around as far as personality and dedication to getting better. He’s a relentless worker. He still has a ton of meat on the bone as far as potential. And I think he thrives with competition, which some kids just don’t. He’s a guy that steps up to the plate. You are getting a player with the character, drive and focus of a Todd Johnson with the frame, tools and potential of a Jalen Ramsey. He understands concepts even though he just started playing the middle of his sophomore year. He’s got such length.” — Cardinal Mooney assistant coach Jon Haskins, Florida’s former director of player personnel

LB Myles Graham

Measurables: 6-foot-0.75, 215 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 5 linebacker, No. 57 overall recruit

Quotable: “He’s a legacy, and there’s something in Myles Graham that’s different because of that. … It’s in him, right? He cares about this place. I think he’s an exceptional football player, but this guy’s a leader, man. He’s got presence. He’s articulate. This guy is going to do a lot more than just be a great football player for the Gators. Myles pretty well documented that he’s not just a great linebacker, he’s a heck of a running back too. Myles is ready to go too. He’s physical. He’s mature. Very smart player. And he’s been very consistent and vocal, right? I think that’s one of the reasons we were able to finish with a really good group is because of his leadership presence and the way he kind of carried the flag for this class.” — Napier

CB Jameer Grimsley

Measurables: 6-foot-2, 187 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 20 cornerback, No. 157 overall recruit

Quotable: “Grimsley, we all know is 6-foot-2 and change. He’s like 190 pounds. He’s a two-way player, a guy that played receiver as well. But big, long corner, heavy handed, balls skills, was a little bit banged up as a senior, but I think we feel really good about the skill set there. Certainly, keeping a player from the state of Florida at home. And Jameer is a Gator. He grew up dreaming of playing for the Gators and we were able to get that done.” — Napier

EDGE George Gumbs Jr.

Measurables: 6-foot-4, 242 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 76 EDGE, No. 1255 overall transfer

Quotable: “Gumbs is 6-foot-4, he weighs like 242, unique story, right? Simeon High School, started as a walk on receiver, moved to tight end and then last year made the move to pass rusher, and then kind of took off and had a great year. So, we’re getting a two-year player that’s got some traits there, maybe could help us on third down, and I think his best football in terms of being a defensive football player is in front of him.” — Napier

WR Jerrae Hawkins

Measurables: 5-foot-9.5, 160 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 49 WR, No. 300 overall recruit

Quotable: “Speed and more speed. I think Tank is probably one of the more electric skill players in the country. Took a huge step forward this year at IMG, just relative to adding some play strength, run the full route tree inside and outside, dynamic returner, phenomenal story coming down from West Virginia. Tank’s been incredible to get to know and work with. I mean, immediately, when you see this guy on ground level, there’s just a different level of speed. He’ll immediately be the fastest player on our team, and I think he’s got a chance to change the game.” — Napier

LB Grayson “Pup” Howard

Measurables: 6-foot-4, 242 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 12 linebacker, No. 134 overall transfer

Quotable: “Good to get Pup Howard back. I think with Pup we were really close, like one phone call away, in the beginning. Pup is walking around here at 6-foot-4, 240 inside backer, you know. And just the intelligence that he brings, the character, the work ethic. I mean, the guy is wired right. He’s what you want. So, we need more of that, we’ve got to keep the good players in our state at home and it’s a good win for us to get him back.” — Napier

TE Amir Jackson

Measurables: 6-foot-4.75, 220 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 7 TE, No. 95 overall recruit

Quotable: “His body control and his timing when the ball is in the air is remarkable. It’s part of the reason he’s able to make so many plays. His body position and ability to catch the ball at the highest point. It’s really fun to watch. you’re getting multiple layers of clay with him as a player. He has a lot of room to grow. He plays both sides of the ball in games and practice. So, his practice time is limited (on offense). He’s not had to block much in the box. But he knows that’s going to be an area he’s got to grow at. He’s all in. No issues. He knows it’s something he has got to improve on.” — Portal coach Jason McEachin

QB DJ Lagway

Measurables: 6-foot-3, 238 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 1 QB, No. 3 overall recruit

Quotable: “The biggest compliment I can give DJ is that, as much attention as he has received throughout the recruiting process, he’s a better human being, he’s a better leader. His character, his faith, his example, the way he treats people, his work ethic, his focus, his drive to get better. Ultimately, we all know DJ’s talented, but that’s not what makes him exceptional, in my opinion. It’s these intangible things that make him a difference maker. So, DJ Lagway, he’s talented, but there’s a lot more to that young man than just the talent.” — Napier

OL Devon Manuel

Measurables: 6-foot-9, 310 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 15 offensive tackle, No. 281 overall transfer

Quotable: “He is a real big kid that we run behind and especially creates some matchup problems for the other team on third- or fourth-down-and-short situations. His size is obviously his biggest strength because there are not a lot of guys who can physically match up with him. But since there are not a lot of guys his size, it’s also about his bend to get under them. I would like to see him get a little bit more flexible to really get down under their pads and really drive them out.” — Beau Chene coach Sal Diesi

OL Marcus Mascoll

Measurables: 6-foot-4.75, 285 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 26 offensive tackle, No. 386 overall recruit

Quotable: “Mascoll has position flexibility. He’s got height and length as well. He plays in a really good program, and I think he’s played a lot of football. He’s 4 3/4. He’s a lean 285. He’s played some tackle and some guard.” — Napier

EDGE LJ McCray

Measurables: 6-foot-6, 267 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 2 DL, No. 10 overall recruit

Quotable: “He’s going to play over the EDGE for us. Mike Peterson has been recruiting him. We kind of see him in that F mode. He certainly has got a lot of position flex. One thing I’ll say about LJ that I respect about him is he is up for the challenge. We talked to LJ in the very beginning of the process — LJ is an alpha. He’s a leader. He’s an elite competitor, and he’s done very similar things at his high school. I think he’s got that type of presence and that type of voice, and he’s an impact player.” — Napier

QB Clay Millen

Measurables: 6-foot-3, 210 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 80 QB, No. 1014 overall transfer

Quotable: “He was a big piece especially for the future and spring practice and development of our team. We’re getting a guy who started the whole year, a ton of production, got injured last year. Dad playing the National Football League and just a confident player, and a guy that spins it really well, understands football, can communicate, really did a nice job of articulating what his offense was doing and he’s moved the team quite a bit in his career. I’m excited to watch him. I think he will continue to get bigger, stronger, too, as he goes.” — Napier

OL Noel Portnjagin

Measurables: 6-foot-5, 334 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 73 offensive tackle, No. 1101 overall recruit

Quotable: “Noel Portnjagin, when you get a chance to meet this guy, this is one a heck of a story. This guy is 19 years old. He’s been playing semi-professional football (in Germany). He plays against 20- and 30-year-old men Tuesdays and Thursdays and gets in a van and drives an hour and a half for team practice, then gets in a van and drives back to his community. He does individual practice the other days of the week. This guy is a freak athlete. He does some things — he’s 6’5″, 330 pounds. He runs around. Go watch his tape. This guy’s one of the more impressive players in the class.” — Napier

DL Joey Slackman

Measurables: 6-foot-3.5, 295 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 2 DL, No. 35 overall transfer

Quotable: “Joey was the conference Player of the Year at Penn, 6’3″ 1/2, 295. He’s got good length. He’s a former wrestler. The film was impressive. I think he got 20-plus offers pretty quickly in the cycle. We started communication. He came on an official visit. I’ll tell you, I wasn’t expecting the height and length that walked in the door, but more importantly, when this guy started engaging our staff and people throughout the organization, he made an impression. He left an impression. This guy’s got leadership. He’s got a motor, he’s driven, he’s ambitious, and he’s got a plan. But the number one thing I would say about Joey, our players love the guy. This guy leaves campus after an official visit, and I’m getting calls and texts every day about Joey Slackman and how, man, we’ve got to get that guy on our team. I think just his personality and demeanor resonated with our players, all parts of our team, not just that position group, but offensive players, specialists, defensive players. So, I was really impressed with Joey and certainly excited about getting him here and getting to work.” — Napier

DL D’antre Robinson

Measurables: 6-foot-3, 315 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 27 DL, No. 266 overall recruit

Quotable: “D’Antre grew up a Gator, kind of a unique dynamic with the defensive line coach. Felt like we were really close the first time, and then able to get him back. 6-3, 315 pounds, lean, twitchy, could play on all three downs. I think he’s got good things in front of him and a lot of work to do.” — Napier

S Gregory Smith

Measurables: 6-foot-3.25, 191 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 19 safety, No. 261 overall recruit

Quotable: “Greg Smith is a guy who’s been in his first year playing DB. He was a quarterback most of his career. And when you put the whole evaluation together, you talk about the verified height, the length, the guy’s 6-foot-3, he’s crazy long. And then you throw in the 47′ 11.25” triple jump, No. 2 in the state of Florida, which is exceptional. When you piece all that together, quarterback background, the athletic ability and traits to go along with the film for only playing safety for one year at a position where we were looking to add players, we are really excited about what he can be. Somebody that has huge upside and definitely an undervalued player. Greg’s a perfect example of everything that we look for in a DB. From quarterback background, plays offense, plays defense, has verified track numbers, intelligent, tough. All that stuff is what we look for from a defensive back standpoint.” — UF director of player personnel Jacob LaFrance

EDGE Brien Taylor Jr.

Measurables: 6-foot-4.5, 281 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 4 EDGE, No. 14 overall JUCO recruit

Quotable: “The culture (at UF), everyone comes different out there. The whole town is invested into that Gator football and I’m ready to contribute to a rebuild. Even after Coach [Sean] Spencer was let go, they pushed even harder to make sure I knew I was still a priority, and everything was real from the jump. They like folks like me. I have never had anything handed to me; I go get what I want.” — Taylor

S Asa Turner

Measurables: 6-foot-3, 200 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 5 safety, No. 130 overall transfer

Quotable: “Asa Turner, 26 starts, 6-foot-2 and change. I think he’s 208, productive, good tackler, leader on the team. Had a voice. I think we really went for high character, leadership traits, production in the portal. That was kind of the theme of the year.” — Napier

OL Fletcher Westphal

Measurables: 6-foot-8, 334 pounds

Industry ranking: No. 14 OT, No. 191 overall recruit

Quotable: “Fletcher Westphal, I can’t compliment Fletcher enough in terms of the recruiting process. I think his mom and dad and Fletcher executed that process, just total professionals, educated, flipped over every rock. Fletcher’s a unique athlete. You look at junior tape to senior tape, he may have made the biggest jump of any player in this class. He’ll be here mid-year. He’s 330; he looks like he’s 260. So, Fletcher is going to make us better.” — Napier

OL Mike Williams

Measurables: 6-foot-5.75, 308

Industry ranking: No. 89 OT, No. 1337 overall recruit

Quotable: “Mike Williams is a football junkie and from a phenomenal family. We kind of had to get out of our footprint there, but I go up to see Mike. We’re sitting down, and this guy starts talking football. It’s like talking to a coach. He’s a student of the game. He’s talking about speed rush, speed to power, long-arm, ghost, double hand swipe, all the things he does to combat those things. He’s got football pedigree. He’s a worker, and I’m excited about Mike. He’s a very bright, smart young man. He’s got great presence to him.” — Napier

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