Gators in the running for former FSU defensive end commit

The Gators hosted some elite talent from the 2023 class at their elite camp on Friday, including defensive end Gabe Harris, the No. 81 overall recruit.

Harris, from Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Georgia, committed to Florida State in February but decommitted a few weeks ago as his recruiting has blown up and prospects are allowed to take visits again.

UF offered him in April and is in the mix alongside LSU, Auburn, Florida State and Ohio State. Harris said his visit to campus went well and helped the Gators’ chances of landing him.

“Florida was great,” Harris said. “I ain’t going to lie. I like the atmosphere here. It’s a really good school. Coach [Keiwan Ratliff], Coach [David] Turner, my relationship is really good with them, so Florida might be in my future.”

Florida’s coaches view him as a BUCK in their defense and for good reason. Harris is 6-foot-4 and 237 pounds with solid athleticism and strength. He even plays a similar position in high school, as he lines up both as a defensive end and an outside linebacker in Thomas County Central’s 3-4 scheme. The Gators want to continue moving him around the field to create mismatches.

Harris wants to take his time this time around instead of rushing into another commitment. He said he plans to make his college decision after his senior season.

When the time comes, Harris knows exactly what criteria he will use to make his decision. And it certainly sounds like the Gators are in a great spot at the moment.

“What’s important is how they treat you here,” Harris said. “Of course, No. 1, education. Two, I’m trying to get to the league, so wherever I can get that three and out.

“They’re a top school I’m looking at right now. I’m very interested in them.”

Ethan Hughes
Ethan was born in Gainesville and has lived in the Starke, Florida, area his entire life. He played basketball for five years and knew he wanted to be a sportswriter when he was in middle school. He’s attended countless Gators athletic events since his early childhood, with baseball being his favorite sport to attend. He’s a proud 2019 graduate of the University of Florida and a 2017 graduate of Santa Fe College. He interned with the University Athletic Association’s communications department for 1 ½ years as a student and also wrote for InsideTheGators.com for two years before joining Gator Country in 2021. He is a long-suffering fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars. You can follow him on Twitter @ethanhughes97.