The Florida Gators picked up another commitment on Monday as they added an in-state defensive lineman to the 2025 class.
2025 defensive lineman Jalen Wiggins (6-4, 245, Tallahassee, FL. James Rickards) committed to Florida over Miami and others on Monday.
“After going on that last visit to Florida this weekend and talking to some of the players that are there and getting their insight into why they choose Florida,” Wiggins said on why he committed to Florida on Monday. “They told me what keeps them motivated both on and off the field, that sold it for me.”
When Wiggins told Napier and new defensive line coach Gerald Chatman of the news, they were excited and had a message for the defensive lineman.
“They were really excited and pumped up,” Wiggins said of the coach’s reactions to his commitment. “They said they were ready to get things going and they want me to lead this class.”
On Saturday, Wiggins had the chance to meet Chatman and also get to know him and he was impressed by the veteran assistant coach.
“It was great meeting him, he’s a great guy, real energetic,” he said on his first impressions of Chatman. “I know he’s ready to get the season going. He was telling me about how ready he was ready to get going. I know that he coached in the pros too.”
Chatman and defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong also explained to Wiggins just how he would fit into the defense once he gets to Gainesville.
“He told me as far as playing wise, I would probably be at that F position,” Wiggins said. “I will be playing the 5, 6, really defensive end and outside linebacker so I will be dropping back some too. I will be working with both him and Coach [Mike] Peterson.”
One of the big reasons Wiggins committed early was to be able to give him the chance to recruit others to join him in Gainesville.
“I really want to lead the class,” he said. “When you commit late or sign late, you’re only there with the people that are already in the class or on the team, you didn’t get any say of who’s in the class. Getting in early, I will be able to help pick up and choose on who else gets into the program.”