4-star DL Kendall Jackson commits to Florida

Gainesville (Fla.) F.W. Buchholz defensive lineman Kendall Jackson has been a top target for Kentucky football for quite some time. Unfortunately, this recruitment was always going to be an uphill climb for the Wildcats due to Jackson’s extensive ties to the Florida football program.

On Wednesday afternoon, the expected became reality when Jackson committed to the Gators over Arkansas, Kentucky, and Miami.

I’m staying home!!!! Ready to work!
Go Gators!!!!🐊🐊🐊@Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/WVScOJ9ge8

— Kendall “Hollywood” Jackson (@big_Ken8) July 12, 2023

Kendall Jackson is the No. 395 overall player in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. A top-35 defensive line prospect, Jackson’s uncle, Aubrey Hill, played wide receiver for the Gators and there are numerous other family ties to the program. That all helped Billy Napier‘s staff keep the hometown product home.

Kentucky made a strong push for the four-star prospect and Jackson gave his official visit to Lexington strong reviews. Unfortunately, the allure to play at home was too strong. Jackson now joins a top-five recruiting class that Napier is building in Gainesville that includes five top-100 prospects and now has 19 commitments.

Kentucky currently has 14 commitments in the 2024 class. However, the program is not done recruiting Florida. Sneads (Fla.) High tailback Jason Patterson and Pahokee (Fla.) High wideout Hardley Gilmore are two programs to watch later on this summer. Meanwhile, everyone is paying close attention to Austintown (Ohio) Fitch EDGE Brian Robinson.

Recruiting never stops.