The Gators hosted two defensive line prospects this past weekend, with defensive end Cedric Works and Auburn defensive line commit Malik Autry visiting this upcoming weekend. Four-star 2025 defensive lineman Jakaleb Faulk, who is also committed to Auburn, spoke with Gator Country last Sunday to discuss how the Gators made up some ground in his recruitment.
Florida lost communication with Faulk after the departures of Jamar Chaney and Patrick Toney but have made a big push for Faulk over the past year.
“The highlight was basically just talking to the people and getting to know everybody again, I haven’t been here in a minute,” Faulk said about the highlights of his visit. “So, just to see everything that’s new and everything they were talking about the last time I was here. It’s just amazing to see and everyone is so genuine and nice, and I just can’t wait to get back.”
Both true freshmen Aaron Chiles and LJ McCray were player hosts for the Auburn commit this weekend, who gave Faulk a sense of how he’d be utilized at Florida.
“They said it was a good spot, a great spot actually. If you’re looking for a place to play as a freshman, then this is the place to go to,” Faulk said on his time with Chiles and McCray. “They mainly see me as an inside backer, and on third downs, that’s when I would possibly rush. But mainly I’m going to stay more inside.”
With Coach Ron Roberts coming over from Auburn, there’s some familiarity established between Roberts and Faulk. Coach Mike Peterson has also played a big hand in the recruitment of the Alabama native.
“Just knowing them, I have a great relationship with them and great people. It’s kind of cool to see them here,” Faulk said on Roberts and Peterson.
After coaches Jamar Chaney and Patrick Toney left Florida for new opportunities prior to the 2023 season, the connection between both Napier’s staff and the Auburn commit was put on hold.
“Yeah, from the connection standpoint I kind of lost contact for a little bit and now it’s back,” Faulk said.
Florida has recently made up for the lost time with the four-star, and it’s given Faulk the opportunity to take a step back and view the Gators as one of his top schools heading into late June.
“Just the people and the environment. The new coaching staff has great energy and I believe in Coach Roberts and what he does, and he knows ball,” Faulk said how he views Florida now.
Even with his brother Keldric Faulk dominating at Auburn as a freshman last season, the top 100 player is keeping his own path in mind.
“He told me if it’s Auburn go to Auburn, and if it’s Florida go to Florida,” Faulk said on his brother’s message to him. “Just choose my own path and everything doesn’t revolve around him, and I have my own path regardless.”
Faulk explains what it would take for a school to flip him from Auburn.
“It doesn’t take much, you just have to have genuine and nice people, a great environment and people that believe in you,” Faulk said on what it would take to flip him from Auburn.
The 6-3, 225-pound edge rusher has visits set up with Auburn this weekend and Alabama next weekend. Faulk is currently committed to Auburn but lists Florida and Alabama in his top three schools heading into late June. The Gators “made up in a drastic way”, according to the four-star edge rusher.
Faulk finished his junior season at Highland Home High School with 58 tackles (13 tackles for loss), 3 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumbles recovered. Faulk ranks 108th in the 2025 class, according to 247’s composite rankings.