KYLE CURTIS: Recruiting With the Best; USF Visitor List
With many recruits coming to Gainesville the past two weekends, Florida has stayed consistent on the recruiting trail despite the start of the season. Big names, committed and uncommitted, have been able to enjoy the night experience The Swamp provides while also getting to see the Gators in action. Florida sits at No. 10 in the 2023 rankings in recruiting according to 247Sports. Here is a look at how some of the top targets sit with the Gators along with who will be in town for the USF game.
Cormani McClain- 5-star CB
McClain, a Lakeland native, could join the historic list of Gator legends to come out of Lakeland: Ahmad Black, Chris Rainey and the Pouncey brothers Maurkice and Mike to name a few.
The Gators are not the only team in the race for the top-rated cornerback recruit for the class of 2023. Additionally, Alabama and Miami are Florida's only threats to McClain. In an interview with Chad Simmons of On3 Sports McClain said, "Man, that’s all I do is think about them three (Florida, Miami and Alabama), playing with them; I could play for all three.”
McClain is the No.4 overall player in his class and has the power to be the leader of a strong group. Luckily for Florida, Coach Corey Raymond has one of the best track records in the nation with developing cornerbacks. Players that have been under Raymond in the past include Jamal Adams, Derek Stingley Jr. and Kelvin Joseph, all at the top of their position at the highest level.
In the interview, McClain said he would choose “whichever coach (can) develop me the most, tell me the best and progress me as a man and athlete.”
If that is what McClain is looking for, Raymond has the resume to back it up. McClain recently went on an unofficial visit to Florida and was told that “Florida blew it out of the water.” This is going to be a player worth monitoring that has the chance to make a tidal wave impact on this recruiting class for the Gators.
Keon Keeley- 5-Star Edge
Keon Keeley is a towering 6-foot-6 edge rusher out of Tampa and has all the physical tools to be elite at the next level. The No. 2 overall player in Florida (7th nationally), Keeley would be another massive addition to Billy Napier’s class.
Along with McClain, the Gators are in a three-man race for Keeley with Alabama and Ohio State. Keeley made an appearance in The Swamp last weekend on an unofficial visit and was impressed by the atmosphere of a night game at Ben Hill along with the coaching staff.
“They say they’re building something special to stay in the state of Florida,” said Keeley to On3 Sports.
Napier has made an emphasis on staying close to home and gather all the talent in our own backyard. Winning over Keeley and gaining his commitment will be a massive momentum booster for the Gators in owning the Sunshine State on the recruiting trail.
Eyes on the Prize
Although Florida has missed some commitments on the trail, the mission isn’t over until the dotted line is signed on national signing day February 1. Some recruits verbally committed to other schools who the Gators are still in contact with include four-star offensive lineman Rodrick Kearney (Florida State), four-star defensive lineman John Walker (UCF), four-star running back Cedric Baxter Jr. (Texas) and four-star linebacker Malik Bryant (Miami).
VISITORS FOR USF GAME Gators DB commit Ja'Keem Jackson
Gators OL commit Knijeah Harris
Gators DL commit Kamran James
Gators LB commit Jaden Robinson
2024 No. 1 RB Jerrick Gibson
2024 top-100 CB Charles Lester
2024 top-100 LB Adarius Hayes (50/50)
2024 top-100 DB Jaylen Heyward (50/50)
2024 DL Kendall Jackson (50/50)
2025 four-star EDGE Armondo Blount (No. 1 sophomore in Florida)
2025 four-star RB Taevion Swint
With a lot of visitors coming for the opening kickoff against Utah along with the SEC opener, this is a slower week for visits of recruits.
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