The Florida Gators picked up commitment number eight on Wednesday when cornerback Elijah Blades (6-2, 170, Pasadena, CA John Muir) made the call to the Gators.
“First off I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity to play at the next level, also I want to thank all the coaches that recruited me up to this time,” Blades said on Twitter. “Also my family for helping me choose this decision but I always had a dream since I was 6 to play in the Swamp and be a part of something great. I’m glad to say that I have a chance to make it a reality but I will be continuing my academic and football career at the University of Florida. #DBU
Blades visited Gainesville earlier this month for the first time and called the visit better than he expected after the Swamp impressed him.
Running backs coach Tim Skipper was the main recruiter for Blades and the two have developed a good relationship. Blades informed Skipper on Tuesday night about his decision.
The California prospect has clocked a 4.4 forty several times and his length as cornerback is something that has intrigued the Gators coaching staff including defensive backs coach Torrian Gray.
Blades is the first of what is expected to be a very deep defensive back class as the Gators have to reload at a position where they could lose their top corners this upcoming season to the NFL draft.
Blades is the third defensive prospect to commit to head coach Jim McElwain and the Gators, joining defensive tackles Jordon Scott and Javier Edwards.
GatorCountry.com will have much more on Blades commitment to Florida, as he will go in-depth on why the Gators were his choice.