The Florida Gators have been very active in the 2025 class now that they’re able to communicate with the class since August 1st.
Last month, 2025 linebacker Riley Pettijohn (6-2, 205, McKinney, TX. High) was on campus for the Grill in the Ville and enjoyed his time at the event.
“It was really cool,” Pettijohn said of his visit to Florida for the cookout. “I got to talk to the linebackers coach, it was a fun trip. We got to play some games, the scavenger was fun, and the trivia questions.”
Pettijohn had the chance to spend more time around linebackers coach Jay Bateman who explained the plan for his position in the 2025 class.
“It was good, we got to talk a little bit about football,” he said on talking with Bateman. “It was just good catching up with him. They’re only taking a couple of linebackers in 2025 and I’m one of them he wants. It’s unique, sometimes schools take a lot of linebackers, and they only want a few.”
Bateman also broke down to Pettijohn just what the Gators like about his game and why he’s a top priority to them.
“Just my ability to play all around the field,” Pettijohn said on what Bateman likes about him. “I’m a more athletic linebacker.”
This is the second time that Pettijohn has visited Gainesville and he says the Gators are a school high on his list now.
“They’re up there now,” Pettijohn said on where Florida stands in his recruitment. “I’ll be back at a game but I’m not sure when.”
One of Pettijohn’s teammates is Florida safety commit Xavier Filsaime and he’s constantly recruiting the linebacker to join him in Gainesville.
“It’s pretty funny, he’s in my ear,” he said on having his teammate recruiting him to Florida. “X is always trying to get me to come down here when he comes down.”