Under The Lights, These Recruits Can Shine Brightly On Friday Night
Updated: Jul 29, 2022
By KYLE CURTIS
GatorBaitMedia.com
With a large number of 2023 and 2024 recruits coming and participating in this event, Florida must hit a home run.
Friday Night Lights is a tradition at the University of Florida that former head coach Urban Meyer started in 2005. It is an event that is comparable to other schools that hold camps for prospects to showcase their abilities in front of the staff.
What differentiates Florida’s Friday Night Lights & Cookout event versus other camps across the country is the format. It is a one-night event that includes dinner and a chance to play under the lights of The Swamp with music blaring and highlights of former years on the big screen. This year, a second day cookout has also been added for participants. It is an excellent way to show recruits the kind of atmosphere Florida football has.
Friday Night Lights in the past has consisted of many Florida legends such as Tim Tebow, Joe Haden, Cam Newton and Vernon Hargreaves lll.
In a pivotal time for recruiting and this is a critical year for Billy Napier’s inaugural Friday Night Lights showcase. After a tough loss early in the week on the recruiting trail with top linebacker prospect Malik Bryant committing to Miami over the Gators, Napier must make his presence felt this weekend.
Here are some names to look for this weekend.
Andy Jean, 4-star Wide Receiver
The Miami native in June named the Gators his leader back in June and confirmed with AllGators that he will be attending Friday Night Lights along with the new recruit cookout.
Jean has said he will announce his commitment early Fall, therefore putting UF in a good position to leave a lasting impression until Jean makes his final decision.
Aidan Mizell, 4-Star Wide Receiver
Another explosive talent out of Orlando, Aidan Mizell has been a priority target for Napier and his staff. Most recently, according to 247Sports, Mizell has received crystal ball projections to commit to Florida soon.
A major target for Keary Colbert, Mizel is someone who received offers from other top programs such as Tennessee and Alabama but has always had Florida atop. Napier and company will look to seal the deal Friday.
DJ Lagway, 5-star Quarterback
One of the top names that will be there Friday night, Lagway announced his attendance earlier this week. Lagway has come out and said that while growing up, Florida was his “dream school.” This would be a huge get for this cycle and hopefully gain some momentum if Florida can impress Lagway.
Lagway is from Willis, Texas and earned an offer from the Gators in March when he visited on an unofficial trip.
Cormani McClain, 5-star Cornerback
Corey Raymond has gone all out to land McClain, the nation’s top cornerback out of Lakeland. He’s the No. 3 overall player. Some will argue he is the top player of his class.
Landing McClain and making an impactful impression with The Swamp under the lights could be the momentum this recruiting cycle needs.
Along with these recruits, many commits from the upcoming class will be there as well including recent running back addition Treyaunn Webb.
With a large number of 2023 and 2024 recruits coming and participating in this event, Florida must hit a home run.
Other Names to Watch:
Edge, Samuel M’Pemba
DL, Kamran James
CB, Desmond Ricks
CB, Ja’Keem Jackson
S, Jordan Castell
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