Florida Picks Up Transfer Commitment From Legacy DB

Florida secures a transfer portal commitment from Michigan safety and Gators legacy R.J. Moten.

Michigan defensive back and transfer portal prospect R.J. Moten committed to Florida on Tuesday, joining the Gators following three seasons with the Wolverines. 

Moten is the son of former Florida linebacker (1982-86) and five-year NFL defender Ron Moten. 

Florida head coach Billy Napier acknowledged Moten's commitment with his signature sunglasses emoji tweet on Tuesday afternoon. 

Moten appeared in 29 games for Michigan, starting 15 across the 2021-22 campaigns. He tallied 65 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and six defended passes for the Wolverines. 

Moten entered the transfer portal on Apr. 24. His acquisition marks Florida's first spring portal pickup after the program welcomed 10 transfers between Dec. 2022 and Jan. 2023. 

Listed as a rising senior by Michigan and a member of the 2020 recruiting class, the latter fact qualifying him for a COVID-19 eligibility extension, Moten has two seasons of collegiate eligibility remaining to utilize at Florida. 

Moten's addition fills a critical need on the backend of Florida's defense, offering the Gators experience that the safety position previously lacked. 

Following 2022 starters Trey Dean III and Rashad Torrence II's departures to the NFL, sophomores Kamari Wilson and Miguel Mitchell were elevated to first-team roles this spring with two true freshmen and a former wide receiver backing them up: Bryce Thornton, Jordan Castell and redshirt junior Ja'Markis Weston, respectively. 

RELATED: Secondary coach Corey Raymond observing growth from Gators DBs Kamari Wilson, Miguel Mitchell 

Both Wilson and Mitchell made impacts as true freshmen in 2022 by appearing in every game, however, the duo combined for just three spot starts in relief of injured first-teamers. 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles were tallied between the two of them. 

Wilson and Mitchell could reasonably hold onto their projected starting roles throughout the offseason and into the 2023 campaign, but Moten offers the safety unit valuable depth, the ability to play within a rotation and someone who can start in a pinch. Moten will compete to start in fall camp regardless. 

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook. 

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