Top-100 DL Derrick LeBlanc moves up decision after latest UF visit
Florida Gators football is the No. 1 topic in Good Morning Gators every day — but we cover news, notes and analysis from across the Gators sports world. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything in the world of Florida football, UF recruiting, Gators basketball, Florida baseball and more.
Top-100 defensive lineman Derrick LeBlanc changed his decision timeline again following his latest visit to Florida on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-4.5, 270-pound LeBlanc was originally scheduled to commit on July 23 with UF targets Malik Bryant and Payton Kirkland. LeBlanc tweeted last month that he was pushing back his announcement and needed more time, eyeing Oct. 22 as his new decision date.
He took official visits to Florida (June 10) and Penn State (June 17). However, after another trip to Gainesville this week, LeBlanc now plans to make his commitment in July.
“Couldn’t wait that long,” LeBlanc told Gators Online’s Corey Bender on Wednesday night.
Despite the recent visit to PSU, Oklahoma may be the biggest threat to the in-state Gators for LeBlanc. He is ranked the No. 8 defensive lineman and No. 73 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Head coach fired
Temple to fire Stan Drayton
- 2
Kirby Smart calls out CFP
Georgia HC victory laps committee after win vs. Tennessee
- 3
Josh Heupel
Tennessee HC unhappy with refs
- 4
Dave Aranda
Baylor HC will return for 2025
- 5
Florida trolls Brian Kelly
'Don't damage our tables, coach'
Wednesday marked LeBlanc’s second trip to UF in June. He spoke to Gators Online about his official visit earlier this month.
“It was smooth,” LeBlanc said. “Talking to everybody, it was just really cool. I mean, talking with the players, that was something I really wanted to do. I mean, even though I knew ’em, it’s just really like getting a deep understanding.
“Most of them wanted to leave after [Dan] Mullen, but [Billy] Napier made ’em stay. And just they really fell in love with the campus, and that’s what they’re trying to make me do.”
In other Florida football news
- Gators Online learned that three players were cut by first-year coach Billy Napier and are expected to enter the transfer portal.
UF recruiting roundup
- Florida’s 7on7 camp produces top talent, new offers and “great change” according to in-state coaches and prospects.
- Four-star DL Jordan Hall, ranked a top-50 recruit by On3, discusses his return trip to Florida and bond with Sean Spencer.
- After taking part in Florida’s 7on7 camp Wednesday, top-200 defensive back Sharif Denson named UF in his top three.
- A pair of five-star teammates from out of state have locked in a visit date with the Gators for next month.
- Texas athlete Samuel Omosigho has Florida in his top two and a commitment date set after visiting UF.
Gators sports roundup
- On Tuesday, freshman infielder Jorge De Goti became the sixth Gators baseball player to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Let’s keep talking
Want to keep the conversation going? Head over to our Florida message board, Swamp Talk. Sign up here and join the discussion.
Gators Twitter updates
- New pictures from the GatorMade service abroad trip to Greece:
- Top-100 OL Monroe Freeling shares a video from his Florida visit: