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Five-star DL David Stone Jr. set for another meeting with Florida Gators

79417-removebg-preview (1)by:Corey Bender•05/03/23•

Corey_Bender

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Photo by Chad Simmons/On3

While it’s not expected to be a crowded recruiting weekend in Gainesville, the Gators will still be hosting multiple On300 prospects on Saturday.

One of them will be five-star defensive lineman, David Stone Jr., who announced his plans on Twitter moments ago. The Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy star made his way to Florida multiple times in 2022 as well, with the most recent trip having taken place on Nov. 12.

Stone was slated to visit the Gators earlier this spring; however, those plans ultimately fell through.

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Stone ranks as the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 10 prospect overall. He is also the third-ranked junior in the Sunshine State.

“They’ve been recruiting me hard and so, I feel like it’s necessary for me to go check it out again,” Stone previously said of the Gators when speaking with On3’s Chad Simmons. “Last time I was there, it was a busy day, so I didn’t really get a feel for the environment there. But I did enjoy it regardless. So this time, it’s just me getting another look at everything, getting to hang out with the players and talk to coach.”

According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, Oklahoma is trending with odds of 80.8 percent. Michigan State is also a major contender for Stone. The Sooners, however, started separating themselves after playing host multiple times this spring. They have received nearly a dozen visits overall.

On top of that, On3’s Sam Spiegelman and SoonerScoop.com’s Josh McCuiston recently submitted predictions for the Sooners.

“Michigan State made a significant push early in 2023. The Spartans are still a contender, but the momentum has swing back toward the Sooners,” Simmons said earlier this week.

“David Stone is going to take his visits. He’s going to entertain each offer and keep as many guessing as possible, but I like where the Sooners sit at this time. Todd Bates and Brent Venables, among others, have done an outstanding job with him and those close to him.”

According to Simmons, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Michigan State are in line to receive official visits. We will see if the Gators can receive that nod as well.

On3 Biography of David Stone

David Stone is originally from Oklahoma City, Okla. He played his first two years of high school football at Del City before transferring to IMG Academy, a prep school powerhouse in Florida.

Stone said the move was the best thing for his football development.

“I’ve gotten a lot better, stronger and taller,” Stone said. “It was the right decision for me. I’m a better player because of the move to IMG.”

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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