Top-100 DL Derrick LeBlanc dishes out final three, sets commitment date
The recruiting finish line is in sight for Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola star Derrick LeBlanc.
On Monday afternoon, the top-100 defensive lineman announced that a commitment will be taking place on July 28. It was initially scheduled for July 23, and then switched to mid-October, but now the 2023 prospect has settled on another date for next month.
Also, roughly a week ago, LeBlanc told Gators Online he would pull himself off the market sometime in July, so today’s news should not come as a surprise.
“Couldn’t wait that long,” LeBlanc told GO at the time.
Florida, Oklahoma and Penn State are his final three schools. Each program has hosted LeBlanc on multiple occasions as well, especially UF, which has played host well over a dozen times, including nine times in 2022. LeBlanc took an official visit on June 10 as well.
At this point, the 6-foot-4.5, 270-pound defender should be charged rent for the amount of times he has visited campus. His level of comfort around the program is obviously extremely high, as plenty of UF players are in communication as well. Much of LeBlanc’s communication runs through Sean Spencer though. Those conversations are taking place roughly a handful of times each week.
“I’ve been up there so much,” LeBlanc told On3 on Monday. “I love it up there. It’s great vibes everywhere, feels like home, and the development over there is amazing!”
However, you certainly cannot count out Oklahoma and Penn State. In fact, LeBlanc could choose either of the three schools and that decision would not surprise me. Both the Sooners and Nittany Lions are very confident in where they stand as well.
So, despite the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine listing UF’s odds at 93 percent, this recruitment is extremely close. You can expect each program to ramp up its level of communication even more now.
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According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, LeBlanc ranks as the No. 8 defensive lineman and No. 73 prospect regardless of position.
Scouting Derrick LeBlanc
Versatile defensive lineman with length and quickness who creates disruption as an interior pass rusher. Has measured at close to 6-foot-5, 265 pounds with a wing-span over 6-foot-10 and 33.5-inch arms.
Popped up on recruiting radars early as a high school underclassman. Plays both defensive end and on the interior at a high school program that traditionally has FBS level talent. Shows active hands and good quickness, particularly as an interior pass rusher.
Can present a mismatch for opposing guards and centers on passing downs. Uses his length both as a run defender and finisher behind the line of scrimmage. Is an average to good athlete for the position, but does not show the level of twitch of some of his highly-rated peers.
Turned in solid production as a junior, totaling 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
