This is a huge week for the Florida Gators on the recruiting front as not only will Billy Napier and his staff host their first Friday Night Lights and cook-out events this weekend, but several prospects are slated to make their decision announcements.
Napier and his staff have been great about building momentum and the Gators have a strong chance at doing just that this week as they’re favorites to land multiple prospects.
GatorCountry looks at the guys scheduled to make decisions this week, plus a few guys that we’re watching as Friday Night Lights typically produces a commit or two after the event.
Thursday, July 28th
Defensive back Jakeem Jackson- Jackson picked up an offer from Florida this spring after the Gators watched him during spring practice. Jackson was scheduled to wait until the fall to decide but moved his decision up after multiple visits to Gainesville. The Gators are the favorites over Auburn, Penn State, and Tennessee heading into his decision.
Defensive lineman Derrick LeBlanc- The Gators have hosted LeBlanc on campus multiple times, and he has built a great relationship with the coaching staff including defensive line coach Sean Spencer. However, Oklahoma is the team that LeBlanc currently favors heading into his decision. The Gators will continue to recruit LeBlanc going forward in hopes of getting him back on campus again.
Defensive lineman John Walker- Walker is a big interior defensive line that would fill a position of need for the Gators, but UCF is trending for the defensive lineman as the distance from home is something he and his family like. Even if the Gators aren’t the pick on Thursday, I expect the Gators to continue working Walker in hopes of securing an official visit down the road.
Friday, July 29th
Receiver Aidan Mizell- Mizell is a Gators’ legacy as both of his parents attended Florida and ran track in Gainesville. Napier has made up a ton of ground with Mizell as Dan Mullen and the last staff didn’t show Mizell much interest, so the Gators have had to play catch up to teams like Tennessee this year. Heading into his decision the Gators and Vols are battling for Mizell’s commitment.
Saturday, July 30th
Defensive back Jordan Castell- Castell was slated to announce his decision in October but two weeks ago moved his decision up to Saturday. Castell is also scheduled to be in Gainesville this weekend which should help the Gators’ even more in his recruitment as Florida has been the team to beat for a while for the Florida native. Alabama, Auburn, and Arkansas are also involved with Castell.
Athlete Daquayvious Sorey- Sorey was originally supposed to commit on July 4th but pushed that decision back and now plans to decide on Saturday. Sorey is also scheduled to be on campus in Gainesville this weekend as the Gators appear to be the favorite in his recruitment. Sorey is a guy who can play receiver or safety at the next level.
Guys to watch
Defensive lineman Kamran James- James is one of the most underrated prospects in the country and someone that defensive line coach Sean Spencer likes a lot. James took an official visit to Gainesville in June and the Gators have been sitting in good shape for the defensive lineman for some time now. Right now, it’s a Florida/Georgia battle.
Receiver Andy Jean-Jean was once a Miami commit but de-committed from the Canes once the Gators offered him this spring. Jean has been a frequent visitor to Gainesville and named the Gators his leader after his official visit in June and he plans to return to campus this weekend. Right now, Florida is battling Georgia, Miami, and Texas A&M.
Defensive lineman Will Norman- Norman is very close with Spencer as the Gators’ defensive line coach has worked with Norman for years now and their relationship is the best out of all the coaches recruiting the IMG prospect. Norman has never said when he wants to make a decision but the Gators hope to add Norman to the class soon as they have the momentum now.