The Florida Gators have a huge need on the defensive line and that has been a big focus for the coaching staff in the 2023 recruiting class.
Defensive line coach Sean Spencer and outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson have built an impressive recruiting board and have landed three of their top targets on the line.
Despite having the three commits in the class, the coaching staff is in good shape with several others as they would like to add at least three more prospects on the defensive line this cycle.
GatorCountry brings you a look at the top remaining targets on the defensive line for the Gators.
Kelby Collins- Collins took an official visit to Gainesville in June and plans to return in July for Friday Night Lights for another visit. Spencer has made the Alabama native a huge priority and the lineman took official visits to Georgia and South Carolina in June and Alabama and Oklahoma are still in the mix. Alabama is considered the favorite heading into the fall.
Derrick LeBlanc- LeBlanc has long been a huge target for the Gators and took his official visit to Gainesville in June and quickly moved up his decision date from October to July. LeBlanc is expected to choose between Florida and Oklahoma on July 28th and the Sooners are the favorite with three-plus weeks to go.
John Walker- Walker is teammates with LeBlanc and will also announce his decision on July 28th. Walker plans to take an official visit to Florida in October and his decision likely comes down to Florida and Ohio State but the Buckeyes have the momentum heading into his decision. Walker is an interior defensive lineman that is a huge need for the Gators.
Zavion Hardy- South Carolina and Florida are the top teams for Hardy heading into the fall and the Gators are keeping an eye on the defensive lineman as he has some work to do off the field. Hardy is one to watch this fall.
Will Norman- The IMG prospect has had a long relationship with Sean Spencer dating back to his days at Penn State. The Gators hosted Norman in June and Norman came away raving about his visit to Gainesville. Michigan, Penn State, and Texas A&M are also involved in Norman’s recruitment.
Jordan Hall- Hall is a Jacksonville native and is a big target for the Gators and he released a top 10 on Monday and the Gators made the cut. Florida, Florida State, Georgia, and South Carolina are also involved in Hall’s recruitment, but the defensive lineman doesn’t have a timeline for his decision date.
Kamran James- The Orlando native is one of the most underrated prospects in the country and the Gators have been on him the longest, but Georgia is coming on strong for the defensive lineman. James doesn’t have a decision timeline yet, but the Gators will be in this until the end.
Kayden McDonald- The Georgia native says he wants to decide in October and the Gators have a lot of competition as Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and Oklahoma are all in the mix for the defensive lineman.