The Gators continue to roll, hauling in highly-coveted DL Kamran James

On Saturday, Florida made a major splash by scooping up commitments from four-star defensive linemen Kelby Collins and Will Norman.

Those pledges alone would be enough for a huge week on the recruiting trail; however, the Gators are operating on another level right now and added to that total moments ago.

Kamran James, the No. 3 defensive lineman in the 2023 class, just announced his commitment to Billy Napier’s program. He also ranks as the No. 23 player regardless of position and No. 5 prospect in the Sunshine State.

Representing Orlando (Fla.) Olympia, James is now the third top-100 defensive lineman in UF’s class, joining Kelby Collins and T.J. Searcy. Then you also have Will Norman and hometown product Gavin Hill, who are four-star prospects themselves.

Nearly four months ago, I submitted a prediction in favor of UF. Georgia received multiple visits as well, but all eyes have been on the Gators from the start. They have received five visits in 2022, including an official visit on June 17, and will also be hosting James for the season opener against Utah.

All in all, the On300 prospect has not been associated with much recruiting drama at all. The Gators have been trending for much of 2022 and then sealed the deal moments ago.

“The recruitment, you can really tell they definitely have taken a big step with pursuing me and making sure, letting me know that they really want me to come here,” James told Gators Online. “And they are showing it in the best way that they can, and me and my family can see that.”

Spencer is preaching more than just football to James

Sean Spencer, UF’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, goes by the nickname “Chaos.” It’s safe to say he is living up to that label on the recruiting trail right now.

He was also one of the first coaches to identify James as a national prospect. The Gators extended an offer in February, and since then, the in-state product has also received the nod from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Miami and a host of others.

It’s worth noting that James was unranked at the time of UF’s offer as well. That is a impressive evaluation from a coach who certainly boasts a proven resume, which includes a recent stop in the NFL.

“The message I took away from coach Spencer, he always says don’t let football use me; use the game of football to get where I want to get,” James said. “I really need to appreciate the free college that comes with playing football instead of just playing football and being a football player. There are other things I can get from playing football.”

James received a well-deserved bump in On3’s rankings

According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, James ranks as the No. 213 prospect overall and No. 23 defensive lineman in the 2023 class.

However, as noted above, On3 ranks him a whole lot higher than additional recruiting services. On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power, explains why James is viewed as a can’t-miss prospect and one of the very best in his class.

“We view Kamran James as one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2023 cycle heading into the season,” Power said. “The Orlando Olympia product sticks out due to his combination of size, athleticism and disruptive pass rush ability. James checks in at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds with 34.5-inch arms and ran an electronically-timed 4.98 second 40-yard dash on the camp circuit. He’s a twitchy pass rusher at the high school level, often lining up as a big defensive end.

“James’ junior season production also stacks up well among the top defensive linemen with 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. He also doubles as a basketball player and is one of the younger top defensive linemen, having turned 17 years-old in April.”

With James on board, Florida now holds commitments from 20 prospects in the 2023 class. Fifteen of those future Gators are equipped with a four-star ranking, including all five defensive line commits. You can throw Isaiah Nixon in that group as well, but he is ranked as an EDGE.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.