Kyle Curtis: Gators Stay Hot on Recruiting Trail. More To Come
Updated: Aug 19, 2022
By KYLE CURTIS
Here we go again -- another recruiting roundup -- a topic I will never tire of reporting on; how the Gators continue to prove they belong with the top competitors on the recruiting trail. In case you missed it, they just did it again.
The Gators landed four more blue-chip recruits, bringing the 2023 class total to 20 commits. Along with landing four 4-star defensive linemen in the 2023 class, Billy Napier was also able to land a top-50 recruit to kick off the 2024 class as well in LB Myles Graham, son of former running back Earnest Graham, who played for Steve Spurrier.
Florida and its staff claim this is just the beginning of recruiting excitement in Gainesville.
“The Gators aren’t going anywhere on the recruiting trail,” Napier said.
Some fans hit the panic button in late May, and early June. Napier has responded with 15 recruits commits since the last week of June.
This latest wave of recruits featured a flurry of defensive line commitments to build the trenches for Coach Chaos Sean Spencer.
Let's break down each of the newest commits and how they can help wreak havoc in the trenches of The Swamp in the near future.
Kelby Collins: 4-Star Defensive Lineman
A 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive lineman out of Gardendale, Collins already has an NFL body. Collins chose the Gators over the giants of Alabama and Georgia amongst others (a massive win on the recruiting trail for Napier against both Smart and Saban).
An interior lineman, who has an explosive first quick step combined with size will give the opposing line a matchup nightmare.
He is the no. 24 rated defensive lineman according to 247 and top 200 players nationally. Growing in the system under Coach Spencer, Collins could see playing time as a true freshman in a defensive line room that needs depth.
Will Norman: 4-Star Defensive Lineman
Another player with an NFL body, Norman is a 6-foot-5, 290-pound interior lineman out of IMG academy. Norman will join forces with former IMG teammate Kamari Wilson, who will look to make an impact for the Gators this upcoming season as a true freshman.
One of the top defensive tackles in the country, Norman is rated as the No. 18 prospect along with being the No. 36 player in the state of Florida according to 247.
Norman was drawn to the Gators due to his fascination with Coach Chaos’s scheme and how he feels he will fit in nicely.
“I’m a big guy, but I’m also athletic so just knowing that they’ll have me slanting, knowing they’ll have me in different run games … that’s definitely eye-opening,” Norman said. “I don’t want to be one of those D-lineman that’s just full blow nose guard, I kind of want to get to move around, maybe do some stunts, let me slant here and there.” (https://www.si.com/college/florida)
The versatility of this new Gator's defense is drawing the attention of the nation’s top players.
Kamran James: 4-Star Defensive Lineman
A7 6-foot-6, 265-pounds, Kamran James fits the part of a dominant SEC interior force. Out of Orlando, James chose the Gators over the likes of Alabama and Georgia amongst others.
More of a pass-rusher than a run-stopper, James will provide versatility for different sets Coach Toney and Spencer want to throw at the opposing offensive line. Growing up playing basketball at Olympia high school, football began to take over once he realized the level pf capability he had..
He totaled 21 tackles for loss along with 47 total tackles, James will be another great addition for Coach Chaos.
Jaden Robinson- 4-Star Linebacker.
He is a 6-foot, 215-pound linebacker out of Columbia high school, which happens to be just down the road from campus.
Robinson, previously committed to South Carolina, flipped to the Gators during Friday Night Lights while making it public over the weekend. He is the 32nd-ranked linebacker nationally according to 247.
A true sideline-to-sideline attacker, Robinson has the potential to be the heart and soul of the Gator's defense in the coming years.
Robinson chose the Gators over Michigan, Maryland, Kentucky and of course, South Carolina.
Wrap-Up
In Billy Napier’s first full recruiting cycle he has given priory to players close to home. With a 91.9% blue-collar rating, Billy Napier is on the trail of something great. All we must do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
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