After a rough week last week, the Florida Gators recruiting class picked up commitment number 15 on Saturday night.
The commitment came when linebacker Nick Smith (6-3, 210, Orlando, FL. Dr. Phillips) committed to Florida over LSU and Michigan State after taking an official visit to the Gators last weekend.
“I will be committing to….. THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA #ChompChomp #Swamp17,” Smith tweeted.
Smith who was originally committed to North Carolina State decomitted from them after picking up several big offers after having a stellar senior year.
After cancelling other visits to visit Florida last weekend, Smith had a chance to meet and listen to defensive coordinator’s Randy Shannon’s message.
“He said that he wants me to come in and work as hard as I can to get on the field,” said Smith. “He says he needs young guys who are ready to make plays immediately. He thinks that I can play inside or outside linebacker.”
Playing early is something that Florida will need from Smith as the Gators are low on numbers at linebacker after Alex Anzalone decided to leave school early for the NFL.
With Smith’s commitment the Gators now have three linebacker commits in the class as he joins Ventrell Miller and early enrollee James Houston who arrived on campus in early January. Houston will be slowed this coming year due to a torn ACL but the Gators are hoping he will be able to get on the field this summer and fall.
Florida now sets its eyes on adding one more linebacker and the candidates for that position are Levi Jones who visited two weekends ago and Lacedrick Brunson who is currently visiting the Gators this weekend.
Stay tuned to GatorCountry.com for much more on Smith’s commitment and the latest on Florida Gators recruiting.