The Gators are tied at No. 1 with most blue-chip defensive commits
Although the Early Signing Period is still over three months away, numerous programs are nearly filled up with 20-plus prospects in their recruiting classes.
Also, just one five-star defender in the On3 Industry Ranking is currently uncommitted. That prospect is Waco (Texas) Connally cornerback, Kobe Black, so a number of elite defenders are off the board.
Let’s see where the Gators stack up nationally in terms of defensive blue-chip talent.
The Gators boast top-shelf talent and depth
As it stands today, two programs are tied for the most blue-chip commits on defense with nine.
Those schools are Florida and Oregon.
Trailing those programs are Georgia, Ohio State and LSU with eight commitments, followed by Tennessee and Auburn with seven blue-chip defenders in the fold.
Leading the way for Billy Napier’s program is five-star safety Xavier Filsaime, while a trio of highly-regarded linebackers are also committed in Myles Graham, Adarius Hayes, and Aaron Chiles.
That linebacker group under Jay Bateman does not get much better than that, as all three are committed to play in the Under Armour All-America Game.
Then you have four additional blue-chip prospects along the defensive line.
Leading the way is versatile star and Mississippi native, Jamonta Waller, a top-60 prospect overall. He will split time on the edge with Mike Peterson and at linebacker with Jay Bateman. There are several options with him.
Amaris Williams, fresh off an offer from Ohio State, Gainesville native Kendall Jackson and On3 four-star Nasir Johnson are teamed up with the Gators as well.
Sean Spencer is still on the hunt for elite talent
Both Williams and Jackson, however, are being courted to play the EDGE position. That leaves the Gators with just one true defensive lineman in this class.
That makes five-star prospect and On3 No. 1-ranked defensive lineman, LJ McCray, that much more of a priority going forward. CLICK HERE for more on UF’s involvement with McCray.
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Additional targets along the defensive line include Steve Mboumoua, JUCO standout Brien Taylor, Texas commit D’Antre Robinson and Texas A&M commit Dealyn Evans.
Earlier this week, Evans told GO he is definitely returning to Gainesville for a Gators game. It’s just about locking in a date that fits his schedule. His relationship with the staff is the No. 1 reason why Florida remains in the picture. Alabama is trying to flip Evans as well.
In my opinion, flipping Robinson away from the Longhorns is going to be very difficult, but UF is definitely not backing away. The Orlando native was back in town earlier this season.
Taylor, a fast-rising JUCO standout, is scheduled to take his official visit in late November for the Florida State game. That date could be changed though. Auburn and Georgia have secured OV dates as well.
A native of Cameroon, Mboumoua made his first trip to Gainesville in late July and landed a scholarship offer in the process. Now, he’s in consistent communication with the Gators staff, including Billy Napier.
The plan is for Mboumoua to return for an official visit, likely in December, but dates are still being discussed.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
