re: "Recruiting Season" 2023 Class

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By the time Malik Bryant reveals his decision on July 23, the Gators will have hosted him three times since Billy Napier’s arrival in Gainesville.

The four-star EDGE visited on Jan. 15 and April 2 and plans to return to Gainesville in June for his official visit. The trip is not finalized, but the Orlando native plans to secure a date sometime over the next two weeks.

With that being said, what makes the University of Florida a top contender in his recruitment?

“Really, how I fit into the scheme,” Bryant told On3’s Joseph Hastings. “Coach Toney showed me how I would fit into the scheme and how he can draw up plays so I can be a playmaker in the defense. It would be how they use Brenton Cox in their defense.

“I just feel like the connections and the relationships I’ve built with some of the coaches at Florida, all that in one, just makes me want to continue to visit there and set up an official. The next time I visit there will be for my official.”

During his most recent stay , Bryant prioritized relationship building and getting comfortable around Napier’s coaching army. He is already well accustomed to his positional fit, so the majority of those conversations are not centered on football.

“I enjoyed myself overall,” Bryant said. “They already showed me how I fit into the scheme and all that. Each time I come back, it’s getting to know more and more people on the staff. Really, just hanging around them and getting to see their true intentions and being around the program.”

What was the highlight of the visit for the All-American defender?

“Kind of how it was at Alabama. Just how they take care of their players,” Bryant said. “Kamari Wilson was telling me they care of them real good. They make sure they don’t really need anything.”

The Gators view Bryant as a must get in the 2023 class
According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Bryant is the No. 5 EDGE and No. 39 prospect regardless of position.

With such a high ranking, it’s no surprise the in-state Gators are keeping their foot on the accelerator. Billy Napier and outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson are serving as the go-to contacts, but Bryant says it’s truly a group effort in terms of UF’s daily pursuit.

“Really, the entire staff; I’m not going to lie,” Bryant said. “I text almost half of the staff at least in a day. It’s real serious at Florida. (Their message) is continue to work, continue to take my time and keep them in the loop.

“I enjoy the new staff. I feel like Billy Napier has a good vision. He knows what he’s doing with the staff and team. All of them are continuing to raise the standard there.”

One school is holding down the top spot
Although he will not be making a commitment for roughly three months, Bryant says Alabama is the school leading the way in his recruitment.

Looking at his recruitment in general, Bryant will take three officials in June; one of those will be to Florida, one to Miami, and the third is undecided. He will take an official to Alabama after his July 23 commitment but intends on unofficially visiting in June as well.

The next step for Bryant is dishing out a final four on May 1. The three aforementioned schools are near locks to make the list.

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