4-star WR Naeshaun Montgomery commits to Florida Gators
Florida’s already stacked receiver class just got better with the addition of 4-star recruit Naeshaun Montgomery, who committed to the Gators on Sunday. He’ll join two other 4-star receivers on the commit list — Vernell Brown III and Joshua Moore.
For Montgomery, the choice to be a Gator was clear.
“Really, it was the way they showed a lot of love to my family, to me — and they really made it feel like home every time I was on campus,” Montgomery told Gators Online.
Montgomery, listed at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, plays at state powerhouse Miami (Fla.) Central. He is the No. 33 receiver and No. 249 overall recruit nationally for the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He holds a solid 90.51 rating. He also held offers from schools such as FSU, LSU, Miami and Penn State.
The Gators now have 14 commitments; eight are 4-stars.
Montgomery had 30 catches for 451 yards and five touchdowns last season. Then, he recorded a 56-yard touchdown reception for Central on Friday night in the team’s opener.
UF began recruiting Naeshaun Montgomery more than a year ago
Florida offered Montgomery a scholarship on April 1, 2023 during an unofficial visit to Gainesville and the Gators quickly became a factor. At the time, Montgomery said this about Napier: “He is just a players coach.” Napier, receivers coach Billy Gonzales and receiver assistants David Doeker and Chad Lucas were among those who had roles in this recruitment.
“I really talk to them all. Coach Napier, Coach Billy Gonzales. Really all of them — they’re really great coaches,” Montgomery said. “They really care about you — and not only you but your family as well. They always check on my family.”
Not only is Montgomery big on relationships, but he wanted a staff that can develop him. He told Gators Online he was impressed by receiver Ricky Pearsall’s growth as a player during his two seasons in Gainesville. Pearsall was taken in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Florida having touted freshman quarterback DJ Lagway was another factor for Montgomery.
“I really like the way DJ Lagway treated me on my OV,” Montgomery said. “He checked on me to see how I was doing. He said he watched my film and wanted to see me be the X receiver. That meant a lot to me — that the guy throwing the ball, he wanted to build a relationship. That guy right there, he’s everything you need in a QB. He’s an amazing QB. The way he throws the ball makes it easier for a receiver.”
Montgomery is excited to be one-third of what clearly will be one of the top receiver classes in the country this cycle.
“We will be the best trio in college football,” Montgomery told Gators Online.
