Good Morning Gators: Florida set to host two top transfers this weekend
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After hitting the road this week to recruit high school players for the spring evaluation period, Florida coach Billy Napier and his staff return to campus Friday to host two of the top transfers in the portal.
Gators Online confirmed Sunday that former Arizona State receiver Ricky Pearsall is scheduled to visit UF on Friday. Another transfer on the defensive side of the ball will be in town as well.
GO’s Corey Bender reported Monday that former Maryland defensive lineman Darrell Jackson is returning to Gainesville this weekend for his official visit.
It will mark his second trip to Florida this month after a multi-day visit for the Orange & Blue Game. Jackson, a native of Havana, Fla., has since visited Florida State and Miami.
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He plans to make his decision by May 15.
“It was nice,” Jackson told GO after his first UF visit. “I like coach Napier. He is a good dude and I feel like I can be around this culture. I’ve also seen the new facilities and really just toured Gainesville. I also saw the academic hall. I love it. It’s not too big, it’s too small, it’s perfect.”
In other Florida football news
- Florida kicker Chris Howard announced Monday that he will be entering the transfer portal to play elsewhere for his final year of eligibility.
UF recruiting roundup
- UF had a jam-packed Monday on the recruiting trail, visiting handful of four-star prospects and the nation’s top JUCO wide receiver.
- Bryce Thornton, a four-star safety according to the On3 rankings, has locked in his official visit date with the Gators.
- Florida is expected to drop by the schools of several offensive line recruits Tuesday, including priority target Payton Kirkland.
Gators sports roundup
- The Gators men’s hoops team will reportedly play Oklahoma next season in the inaugural Jumpman Invitational.
- UF transfer portal tracker: A full timeline of all the roster moves Florida basketball has seen since new coach Todd Golden was hired.
Let’s keep talking
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Gators Twitter updates
- Florida football’s nutrition and scholar athletes of the week: