re: 2024 Recruiting Class

quote:

---

While the majority of the Gators’ targets remain on the market, there are a flurry of prospects they hope to flip as well. One of them was safety Jordan Pride, but he is now back on the market. It’s still early in the cycle, so UF has plenty of time to change the minds of those committed elsewhere.

With that said, Gators Online highlights five prospects from the 2024 class Florida would like to flip at some point. All but one line up at a skilled position as well.

Five-star Ohio State wide receiver commit Jeremiah Smith

Let’s face it; flipping Smith away from the Buckeyes will be extremely difficult, but the South Florida native is taking his visits and recently returned to Gainesville. And to sweeten it up more, Gators quarterback commit DJ Lagway flew in the night prior to make sure he was present for Smith’s visit.

Having Lagway in the class is a huge plus for UF. Him being present for that visit improved the Gators’ chances over the long haul, but I believe Smith’s relationship with Billy Gonzales is the key here. The presence of Keary Colbert was arguably the No. 1 reason why the Gators were previously in the picture. so that bond with Gonzales is something we will be monitoring.

All in all, the Gators have to get Smith back on campus in the near future. The best case scenario is Smith taking 1-2 more unofficials and then returning for an OV. If the Gators were to somehow reel in Smith, it would be one of their biggest commits in recent memory.
Georgia, Miami and Alabama are schools actively pursuing the Big Ten commit as well, but I still like where OSU stands. That pledge is rock solid.

Michigan State cornerback commit Jamari Howard

This is one who might be trending toward the Gators right now.

Back in the fall, the top-50 prospect made a commitment to Michigan State. He continues to say all the right things about that pledge as well, but Florida and Florida State have been surging in recent months. Staying put in the Sunshine State seems like the most-likely scenario right now.

Howard grew up a huge Seminoles fan and has been in Tallahassee quite a bit. That could be the program trending behind the scenes, but I’m now giving the Gators the slight edge. He has been to campus several times over the past month and is planning to return for an official visit. Corey Raymond is turning up the heat and has the full respect of Howard. His resume is something other DB coaches do not have.

Also, I’m told new safety commit Xavier Filsaime is already in Howard’s ear as well. The South Florida native is well reserved when discussing his recruitment, but I believe it’s an extremely close battle between Michigan State, Florida and Florida State. I am giving UF the slight edge as of today though.

Texas A&M defensive line commit Dealyn Evans

Evans could be the most-likely flip addition for UF. He recently logged a three-day visit to Gainesville and was blown away by the experience. The Aggies are the in-state program that has held his commitment for over a year. UF, however, is right there threatening as the No. 2 option.

The On300 prospect has a strong liking for UF’s family-like feel and also praised Mike Peterson. He mentioned his NFL background as a player and believes his experience would benefit him greatly. The Gators definitely knocked it out of the park when hosting him.

Right now, Florida, Texas A&M and TCU are expected to receive official visits in June. The Horned Frogs are the lone program with a set date, but the Gators have the best shot at flipping Evans right now. And if they can secure another unofficial visit prior to the OV, it would be a massive step in the right direction.
All in all, the following quote from after Evans’ visit explains why he is on this list.

“I feel good here. It’s a close thing to A&M, maybe a little better if you ask me,” Evans said.

Georgia wide receiver commit Ny Carr

Last month, the Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County standout was in Gainesville for the first time this year. Prior to that, his last known visit to Florida took place last April, resulting in a scholarship offer.

It’s also worth noting that Carr’s teammate is five-star tight end and Georgia commit, Landen Thomas. UF has stopped by Colquitt County several times over the past year to check on the coveted duo, so familiarity between both parties is fairly high

So, considering that he recently returned to Gainesville, it’s safe to say the Gators are still somewhat on Carr’s radar. When looking at the big picture, however, I think it’s going to be difficult for any school to flip him from the Bulldogs. The same goes for Thomas, but visits are taking place. You can never officially close the book when a prospect is giving schools the opportunity to roll out the red carpet.

But for now, Kirby Smart’s staff should feel comfortable about where they stand with Carr.

Colorado cornerback commit Ju’Juan Johnson

The Louisiana native had Florida and LSU in his final three, and considering he lives in Louisiana, both SEC programs will remain in his ear. You also have the SEC factor, but proximity obviously favors them too.

It’s the presence of Corey Raymond that highlights Johnson’s interest though. Much of that is due to his resume and him consistently manufacturing NFL talent. Those two hit it off in January and will be reconnecting in the near future as well.
If all goes as planned, Johnson will be returning to Gainesville before the start of summer and then visiting again for an OV. Nothing has changed in terms of his relationship with the Gators; in fact, that is why the SEC program is going to receive additional visits. Johnson continues to feel like a top priority and remains interested in the possibilities under Raymond.

Colorado is buzzing on the recruiting trail right now. It’s not going to be easy to flip Johnson, but the Buffaloes should witness a number of hiccups on the field in year one. They finished strong in the transfer portal as well; however, I don’t think that will be enough to flip the script in such a short period of time.
Johnson is definitely one to monitor for the Gators. In-state LSU is one to mention as well.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

---