All Gators

Florida Gators 2025 Signee List and Recruiting Profiles

Gators Illustrated is keeping track of the Florida Gators’ 2025 high school recruiting class and offering an analysis of each signee.

Cam Parker

Four-star wide receiver Vernell "Trey" Brown III
Four-star wide receiver Vernell "Trey" Brown III / Cam Parker/Gators Illustrated
In this story:

Gators Illustrated is keeping track of the Florida Gators’ 2025 high school recruiting class and offering an analysis of each signee, all of which can be found below. During Early Signing Day on Dec. 4, the Gators signed 24 total players.

Recruiting news, via Gators Illustrated, can be found on our Recruiting Page. Signing stories are linked to the players' names. Comments from head coach Billy Napier on certain players from his signing day press conference are included as well.

This story will be updated as the Gators’ class changes with final analysis of each signee on Early Signing Day and National Signing Day.

Florida Gators’ 2025 Signees

Prospects are organized by position, and then by commitment date. Statistics and ratings provided by MaxPreps and/or 247Sports, unless noted otherwise.

QB Tramell Jones

Committed: Nov. 17, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin
H/W: 6-foot, 196 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 19/21, 439 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions (2 games played due to injury)

Profile: Injuries to Florida's quarterback room over the 2024 season made it evident that a high-profile recruit was needed in the 2025 class, and the Gators got one by flipping Jones from Florida State. Although injuries ended his senior season, he was off to a fast start with 400 yards and five touchdowns in the first two games. A tremendous pocket passer, Jones finished his career with nearly 7,200 yards and 75 touchdowns passing. He was an Elite 11 finalist the summer heading into his senior season. He was crucial in the Gators' efforts to flip other FSU commits.

Napier's Comment: "Yeah, I was always impressed with Tramell. Known him since he was very young. He's over here on Friday Night Lights throwing darts. Looked like he's 11 years old out there back then. I've just seen him grow, mature. I love his dad. His dad has a level head. Really smart. Kind of a coach on the field. Just the way he led that program. I've seen him on the seven-on-seven setting. The success the team has had. He's a leader. The kids around him in the area, across the state, they all respect him. He was dominant in Elite 11. Put on a show out there. He's a 6-footer, but he's a quarterback, so... Excited about what he brings to the table."

Related Stories:

RB Waltez Clark

Committed: Sept. 16, 2023
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Tampa (Fla.) Plant
H/W: 6-foot-1, 194 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 63 carries, 398 yards, 5 touchdowns. 28 receptions, 456 yards, 8 touchdowns

Profile: Florida’s first commit and first signee of the class, Clark was a do-it-all player for Plant High School with experience at running back, receiver and linebacker. In his first years on varsity, Clark has shined with 33 total touchdowns and 1339 total yards on 8.2 yards per carry. He’s also seen as a receiving threat with 870 yards over the past two seasons as a part-time receiver and eight total touchdowns. He continued to be a multi-versatile threat his senior season with over 800 yards of total offense and 13 touchdowns. He also ran a 10.82-second 100-meter dash for Plant. Clark told Gators Illustrated after his official visit on June 17, 2024 that he had shut down all communication with other schools. He was Florida’s highest-rated offensive commit at the time of his commitment by 247 Sports (No. 239).

Napier's Comment: "Yeah, just leadership, an incredible story. Love his family. I do think obviously a very historic storied program. There's a ton of Gators in Tampa, right? There's been a lot of great Gators there. He was a guy we identified early. Had him in seven-on-seven camp. Documented speed. A guy that just keeps getting bigger. He can run the full route tree. Good punt returner, kick returner. He's been kind of the leader of the group, the steady, consistent voice there. He's stuck with us. He's got a bright future in front of him. We're excited about him."

Related Stories:

RB Chad Gasper

Committed: May 10, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Fulshear (Tx.) Katy Jordan
H/W: 5-foot-10, 200 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 13 carries, 103 yards. 1 reception, 2 yards (3 games played due to injury)

Profile: Gasper owns the accolade of being the most experienced varsity player in the class so far with three seasons for Katy Jordan, the last two being his most extensive on the field. Over his sophomore and junior years, Gasper rushed for 1,163 yards and 21 touchdowns. He missed most of his senior season due to injury. He’s a versatile back with the ability to make plays as a pass-catching back. He owns a reported 4.51 40-yard dash, 4.3-second 5-10-5 shuttle, 295-pound max bench press and 505-pound max squat. After leaving his OV in Gainesville over the summer, Gasper said communication with other schools had cooled down. Gasper’s pledge seemingly rounded out out the Gators' high school recruiting at running back until a late flip from four-star Byron Louis in November.

Related Stories:

RB Byron Louis

Committed: Nov 10, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage
H/W: 5-foot-11, 200 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 157 carries, 1313 yards, 13 touchdowns. 17 receptions, 229 yards, 3 touchdowns

Profile: A former FSU commit, Louis provides a contact-style back who is better equipped as a power back rather than an elusive back. A downhill runner, Louis complements the two other backs in the Gators' 2025 class in speedsters Waltez Clark and Chad Gasper. With American Heritage, Louis has recorded three-straight 10-touchdown seasons along with back-to-back 1,200-yard rushing seasons. He joined the class after two visits in the middle of Florida's strong month of February, flipping from the Seminoles along with fellow signees quarterback Tramell Jones and offensive lineman Daniel Pierre Louis.

Related Stories:

WR Vernell Brown III

Committed: July. 21, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Orlando (Fla.) Jones
H/W: 5-foot-11, 170 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 82 receptions, 1252 yards, 10 touchdowns

Profile: At the time of his pledge, Brown III, who is a consensus top-10 receiver, was the only five-star and second receiver commit of the class. Although his size may limit him on contested catches, his verifiable speed makes him a dangerous weapon offensively, where he projects as a slot receiver, and on special teams. He accounted for over 1,300 receiving yards to go with 14 total touchdowns, four of which came as a returner on special teams, his junior season, and he is shining in his senior year with a 1,200-yard, 10-touchdown performance as Jones continues to advance in the playoffs. He is also a two-time state qualifier in the triple jump with a personal best of 43-7.25. Brown III is a double legacy as his father, Vernell Jr., and grandfather, Vernell Sr., both played at Florida. He also had an uncle, Vincent, who also played for the Gators.

Napier's Comment: "I think his skill level is up there. VBIII impresses in the seven-on-seven setting, all these combines and camps, but he's good with pads on. That's what I like about him. He probably plays his best ball with helmets and shoulder pads on. He's a tough kid. He's just very mature as a competitor. Obviously his dad and his family, their pedigree is athletes. I think there's something there. They've just been competing their whole life."

Related Stories:

WR Naeshaun Montgomery

Committed: Aug. 25, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Miami (Fla.) Central
H/W: 6-foot-1, 165 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 25 receptions, 537 yards, 4 touchdowns

Profile: A verified speedster with a reported 4.5-second 40-yard dash, Montgomery's commitment not only boosts Florida's receiving room, but it also aids the Gators pipeline in South Florida. Montgomery saw his recruitment blow up after a transfer to Miami Central ahead of his junior season and a strong showing on the offseason 7-on-7 circuit. A little smaller on the weight side, Montgomery will look to add muscle while keeping his top-end speed at the collegiate level. His length also allows him to out-jump defensive backs. Florida held on to Montgomery's pledge despite late pushes from Louisville and Alabama.

Related Stories:

WR Muizz Tounkara

Committed: Nov. 25, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: League City (Tx.) Clear Springs
H/W: 6-foot-3.5, 195 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 30 receptions, 455 yards, 5 touchdowns

Profile: After Florida lost big-body receiver Joshua Moore to Miami, the Gators went nearly two months without finding a replacement before flipping Tounkara from Arizona. Prior to his commitment, Tounkara visited Florida during the Gators' win over Ole Miss and rated the visit a "10 out of 10." With his size, Tounkara has a tremendous ability to win jump balls and other contested passes and provides a nice size to block on the edges, although he'll still need to develop his route-running ability.

Related Stories:

WR Dallas Wilson

Committed: Dec. 22, 2024
Signed: Dec. 22, 2024
City/School: Tampa (Fla.) Bay Tech
H/W: 6-foot-3, 193 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 41 receptions, 677 yards, 9 touchdowns

Profile: A whirlwind recruitment that saw him initially sign with Oregon despite a late push from Florida and then ask out of his financial affidavit with the Ducks only to then sign with the Gators, Wilson joins the class as the top-overall prospect of the group. He is the first composite five-star receiver to sign with Florida since Andre Debose in 2009. With good size, tremendous speed and an innate ability to make plays, Wilson will have an opportunity to be one of the best receivers in the country as a Gator. Not to mention, Florida's needs for a boundary receiver could have him see the field sooner than later.

Related Stories:

TE Micah Jones

Committed: June 21, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Madison (Miss.) Central
H/W: 6-foot-5, 245 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 40 receptions, 515 yards, 6 touchdowns

Profile: Florida beat out in-state schools Ole Miss and Mississippi State for Jones’ services. Known for running a two-tight end offense, Jones likely projects at the “Y” tight end spot, which is primarily a blocking position, but he could be a sneaky pass-catching option. He caught 12 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown last season and improved on those numbers with a 500-yard, six-touchdown senior season according to his SBLive page. Jones became the first summer visitor to pledge to Florida after the Gators hosted over 40 prospects throughout the month of June. 

Related Stories:

TE Cameron Kossmann

Committed: Dec. 23, 2024
Signed: Dec. 23, 2024
City/School: Chesterfield (Mo.) Marquette Sr.
H/W: 6-foot-6, 240 pounds
2024 HS Stats: None available on MaxPreps

Profile: Kossmann, previously a Penn commit, joined the class as a late addition following a decommitment from Tae'shaun Gelsey and multiple outgoing transfers, putting Florida's tight end room in a difficult position from a depth perspective. Due to a lower rating and the Gators' history of not throwing freshmen tight ends on the field right away, Kossmann projects as a developmental piece while providing depth as a freshman.

IOL Daniel Pierre Louis

Committed: Nov. 19, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Loxahatchee (Fla.) Seminole Ridge
H/W: 6-foot-4.5, 290 pounds
2024 HS Stats: N/A

Profile: Pierre Louis' pledge not only was one of multiple recruits to flip to Florida from Florida State, but he also ended a dry spell of offensive line recruiting by becoming the Gators' lone offensive line commit at the time of his announcement. With his size, Pierre Louis projects as a guard for offensive line coaches Rob Sale and Jonathan DeCoster, the latter of whom Pierre Louis has forged a close bond with. Prior to his flip, Pierre Louis visit Florida during the Gators' win over LSU. Pierre Louis is teammates with four-star linebacker signee Ty Jackson.

Napier's Comment: "I think Daniel is really one of the freakier guys. He's a human forklift. That's kind of how I would describe him. We've had a couple guys like him in the past at Louisiana. 6'4" and a quarter. Really long 35 arm, 84 wing. Really good bender. He's got good functional movement. Extremely smart. Very bright. Very knowledgeable about football. Studies players. Then I like his mom and dad. They're exceptional. I think they're both educated, high character. He's made of the right stuff."

Related Stories:

OT Jahari Medlock

Committed: Nov. 25, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Riverdale (Ga.) Charles Drew
H/W: 6-foot-6, 278 pounds
2024 HS Stats: N/A

Profile: Medlock became Florida's second offensive line commit of the class joining Daniel Pierre Louis after flipping from Cincinnati in the middle of the Gators' strong close to the month of November. At 6-foot-6, Medlock projects as a tackle alongside four-star commit Tavaris Dice. He also played defensive line, where he was being recruited at by Georgia. Multiple visits, including one for the win over Ole Miss, put the Gators ahead in his recruitment. As with any offensive line recruit, he will need to be developed fully, which he anticipates from assistant offensive line coach Jonathan Decoster.

Napier's Comment: "Medlock is a freak of nature. He's 6'5", heavyweight wrestler, just unique hip, ankle and knee flexibility. The guy can really run. He plays both ways. I'm not sure he couldn't play defense, he's that athletic. But a guy that really came along. Tough, blue-collar family. Yeah, just unique movements for his size. A guy that can play offensive tackle for you."

Related Stories:

OT Tavaris Dice

Committed: Nov. 30, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes
H/W: 6-foot-4, 295 pounds
2024 HS Stats: N/A

Profile: Dice's recruitment to Florida dates back all the way to the summer, where he was a major priority for the staff. At the time, however, he was pledged to Auburn, but he still kept the Gators in mind due to the program's family-like atmosphere and the relationships inside the offensive line room. He eventually flipped to Florida the same day of the FSU game. A strong run-blocker, Dice shows tremendous flexibility compared to others at the same size and has a quickness to him that allows him to affectively combat speed rushers. His size and run-block ability allows him to also play inside, which Florida has done with other tackles in the past.

Napier's Comment: "Dice is a big, powerful, lean, 310-pound guy. Got some position flex. He's 34 and a half arms, got some length. Maybe he can play tackle. I think he's got some position flex. He's got power to play guard. Loves football. Very motivated. Comes from a winning program. Knows how to work."

Related Stories:

EDGE Jayden Woods

Committed: Nov. 29, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Shawnee (Ks.) Mill Valley
H/W: 6-foot-3, 235 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 90 tackles (44 solo), 5 tackles-for-loss, 5.5 sacks, 6 hurries, 1 pass deflected, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovered

Profile: A good-sized rusher, Woods was a late addition to the Gators' class after flipping from Penn State. Displayed a good use of hands to shed blocks and has great closing speed on tackles. A physical defender, Woods' strength also comes from time spent as a discus state champion in Kansas and time spent as a wrestler. Although a speedy rusher with good strength, he'll need to continue developing into a multi-faceted rusher at the collegiate level, although he'll have time to develop with a multitude of contributors set to return for UF. Should he add weight, he could spend time on the inside.

Napier's Comment: "Jayden Woods is one of my favorites. We evaluated Jayden. Really high grade. Then he came on campus with his grandmother in the spring. After meeting him, it was like, Okay, that's exactly what we're looking for. 40-inch vertical. Elite thrower. Freaky throws. 6'3", 235. Plays stack backer. He can rush. He'll be able to run. He's loose-hipped. He can play on special teams. Just a phenomenal human being and worker. Dad played at Kansas State. His grandma reminds me of my grandma. It's all business, okay? Yeah, we hit it off. I think we stayed in touch. Mike did a good job there. I think ultimately got him back for a game. I'm excited about him. He's a special kid... He's exactly what we're looking for."

Related Stories:

DL Jalen Wiggins

Committed: Jan. 15, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Tallahassee (Fla.) James Rickards
H/W: 6-foot-5, 245 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 86 tackles (51 solo), 18 tackles-for-loss, 14 sacks, 9 hurries, 7 passes deflected, 2 fumbles recovered, 1 fumble forced

Profile: Although listed as a defensive lineman, Wiggins has been split-recruited by both defensive line coach Gerald Chatman and EDGE/outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson. He’s been projected to play either JACK linebacker or the “F” defensive end position due to his length and size. Mostly a five-technique lineman with Rickards, Wiggins recorded 167 total tackles, 50 tackles-for-loss and 30 sacks over the last two seasons. Despite a late push from nearby FSU, Wiggins shut down his recruitment on July 1 and signed with the Gators despite a late push from Notre Dame.

Napier's Comment: "Wiggins was one of our first commits right there in the backyard in the panhandle. He's an extra-effort player. He's four and three quarters, 260, extremely long. Also a heck of a baseball player. Just overall good mom and dad."

Related Stories:

DL Jeramiah McCloud

Committed: May 2, 2024
City/School: Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County
H/W: 6-foot-3, 280 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 64 tackles (22 solo), 16.5 tackles-for-loss, 7 sacks, 10 hurries, 1 interception, 1 pass deflected, 2 forced fumbles

Profile: Previously committed to Mississippi State, McCloud decommitted on April 21 before choosing Florida on May 2. He possesses the ability to play either outside or inside, should he continue to bulk. Currently projects to play either the natural defensive end “F'' position or the three-technique “end” position. In his first year on varsity, he recorded 55 total tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss and 12 sacks while lining up in multiple spots for Gadsen County. Won defensive line MVP at the Under Armour camp in February and did not lose a rep in one-on-ones against the offensive line. McCloud recently transferred to Lee County High School ahead of his senior year where he improved on his total tackles and tackles-for-loss numbers. However, recent visits to Athens, and even a midseason crystal ball prediction, puts him as a major flip target for Georgia.

Napier's Comment: "McCloud is a former linebacker that kind of grew into a D-lineman body. Two and three quarters, 299. Can really run. Twitched up. Three-down player. Can rush the passer, play on the edge. Got a motor."

Related Stories:

DL Stephon Shivers

Committed: Nov. 18, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Brentwood (Tenn.) Brentwood Academy
H/W: 6-foot-4.5, 365 pounds
2024 HS Stats: (No stats on Maxpreps)

Profile: After initially losing Joseph Mbatchou, the Gators turned its attention to big-body Shivers, who projects to play at both nose tackle and the three-tech. With development, Shivers is expected to take on a similar role to that of Desmond Watson, a run-stopper who plugs gaps in the middle, although he's shown tremendous athleticism as a part-time running back in high school. He also spent time of the offensive line and played basketball, eclipsing the 1000-point mark as a junior. Shivers was previously committed to Georgia prior to visiting and then pledging to Florida.

Napier's Comment: "D-line, big Shivers. We're losing big Des in camp. I think we were looking for a big man in there that could play nose. Four and three quarters, 380. I think big, long guy. When is the last time you've seen a 380-pound guy run a 75-yard touchdown. The guy is running the ball Friday Nights. Just a big, athletic guy. Guy scored 1400 points in basketball now. Elite basketball player. Just a unique situation there and an athlete. Got a lot of upside."

Related Stories:

DL Joseph Mbatchou

Committed: Dec. 1, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Loganville (Ga.) Grayson
H/W: 6-foot-4.5, 280 pounds
2024 HS Stats: N/A

Profile: Mbatchou rejoined the class after initially being commit to Florida from July 31 until Oct. 21. He still officially visited the program after backing off his commitment, but he eventually pledged to Texas on Nov. 23. He flipped his commitment again back to Florida a day after the team's win over FSU. A big-body, Mbatchou, alongside Stephon Shivers, will look to replace exiting seniors Cam Jackson and Desmond Watson as middle plugs on the line-of-scrimmage. His recruitment initially blew up right after his first pledge to Florida with eight Power-4 offers in the month after his commitment. Initially decommited due to concerns about stability within the program but gained confidence in Florida after Scott Stricklin's announcement that Billy Napier would remain as the team's head coach.

Napier's Comment: "Mbatchou I think is the hidden gem. Put a helmet on for the first time this past spring. Four and three quarter, 285. Is going to be a monster. Has been well-coached. I think his coaches at the school he went to did a great job. That's one of the better programs in the state. Just accelerated. We kind of found him before he blew up. Everybody in America came in there and offered him. Great parents. Blue-collar parents, working family. Obviously an African kid. Education is important. Values are important. But yeah, that was a big win."

Related Stories:

LB Myles Johnson 

Committed: July 10, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Brewton (Ala.) T.R. Miller
H/W: 6-foot-1, 220 pounds
2024 HS Stats: (No stats on Maxpreps)

Profile: A previous Alabama commit, Johnson had chosen the Crimson Tide in the middle of Nick Saban’s final season. However, once Kalen DeBoer took over, Johnson said communication with Alabama had slowed down, even going as far to say he was more committed to them than they were to him. He immediately became a flip target for Florida and eventually became the first linebacker commit of the class. Johnson missed his junior season with Brewton due to an ACL injury. As a sophomore, Johnson primarily played on offense, where he rushed for 273 yards and seven touchdowns in five games. He also ran track and posted an 11.25-second 100-meter and 23.17-second 200-meter.

Related Stories:

LB Ty Jackson

Committed: Nov. 25, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Loxahatchee (Fla.) Seminole Ridge
H/W: 6-foot-1, 200 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 13 tackles (5 solo) (Only 2 games of stats uploaded to Maxpreps)

Profile: Jackson became one of Florida's highest-rated commits after his flip from USC, which was the culmination of a months-long recruiting effort by the Gators. A high-priority recruit, Florida chipped away for his services dating back to last summer, first fighting off FSU and then flipping him from the Trojans. One of the most productive players at his position, Jackson hit the 350-mark for career tackles prior to his senior season. A fast, instinctual linebacker and strong tackler, Jackson also provides a tremendous ability in pass defense and is one of the hardest hitters in the class. He also has had prep success offensively and on special teams. Jackson is the teammate of fellow signee, three-star offensive lineman Daniel Pierre Louis.

Napier's Comment: "Ty Jackson is one of the best football players I've watched in my career. I mean, I watched 800 players a year at Louisiana. Watched about 650 here. His junior film is probably one of the best football players I've ever seen. He keeps getting bigger. I remember when he was in camp, he was like 197 pounds. He just keeps getting bigger. Legit track speed. Plays receiver, returner. Just accelerates through contact. Unique play strength for a guy that maybe doesn't have the bulk. His mom and dad are incredible. We had a great relationship throughout the recruiting process. I mean, I had more fun recruiting him and getting to know his parents. They were awesome. That was a big one."

Related Stories:

CB Ben Hanks Jr.

Committed: Aug. 16, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington
H/W: 6-foot-1, 170 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 33 tackles (24 solo), 12 interceptions. 11 receptions, 255 yards, 3 touchdowns

Profile: Another legacy signee, Florida continually had to fight off Miami for Hanks Jr.'s services even after his pledge. However, an expected later visit with the Hurricanes was spurned in favor of another trip to Gainesville late in the season. Hanks Jr., the Gators' lone defensive back commit, is the son of Spurrier-era linebacker Ben Hanks. The legacy is a strong one-on-one cover corner and recently tied the Miami-Dade County record for career interceptions. A fast defender, Hanks Jr. has a reported 4.5-second 40-yard dash and won a district title in the 400-meter dash. He also provides great length with a 6-foot, 5-inch wingspan, although a goal when he gets to college will be to build muscle. Turnover saavy skills could make him an immediate impact player.

Napier's Comment: "Look, (Hanks Jr. and Brown III), it's in the DNA. Certainly I can respect how they went about the process 'cause they did go visit other places. They did evaluate and compare. I think that we worked extremely hard. I think it's important to add players like that to your team because I think they care. I think there's just a little something different about it for them. I'm always looking for that kid that grew up a Gator, that has passion for the place, that has always wanted to play here. I think in crunch time, it just means a little bit more to them.So those two fit into that category. Both are fantastic players… Certainly Hanks Jr., 13 picks, Miami-Dade County record. 6'1"... I mean, both fit exactly what we're looking for. They're phenomenal kids. Then the family, just salt-of-the-earth people. Both home runs for this class."

Related Stories:

S Hylton Stubbs

Committed: Dec. 2, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin
H/W: 6-foot-2, 195 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 54 tackles (39 solo), 8 tackles-for-loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 4 passes deflected, 1 fumble recovered, 3 fumbles forced

Profile: The face of Florida's defensive recruiting class, Stubbs' flip from Miami to Florida not only came in the midst of Billy Napier's best recruiting stretch as the Gators' head coach, but it will also go down as one of his biggest recruiting wins. Originally a USC commit, it seemed to be neck-and-neck between Florida and Miami over the summer, and Stubbs originally wanted to wait until after the two teams played to make a decision. However, he reversed course and pledged to the Hurricanes, making it seem like Florida never had a chance. Instead, a three-game winning streak to end the season, a public investment into Napier as the head coach and other recruiting wins led to Stubbs to flip his commitment to the Gators two days before early signing day. A do-it-all safety, Hubbs provides a nice run-stopping ability as a consistent tackler while doubling as a strong coverage safety. With an exodus at the safety position, he could be a day-one contributor for the Gators. He is the high school teammate of quarterback signee Tramell Jones.

Related Stories:

S Lagonza Hayward

Committed: Dec. 4, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Lyons (Ga.) Toombs County
H/W: 6-foot-1, 205 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 32 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 8 passes deflected

Profile: A big-body safety, Hayward has all the key tools to be an effective player at the collegiate level with a good frame, wingspan and on-field abilities. His size and strength to go with a high IQ playmaking ability makes him a strong, turnover-savvy defender with hard-hitting abilities. A two-way player for Toombs County, Hayward has recorded over 2,400 yards with 27 touchdowns receiving in four varsity seasons while making 140 tackles and nine interceptions in that time. Considering Florida's needs at defensive back, Hayward could be a day-one contributor for Florida.

Napier's Comments: "Good player, man. Really good player. Plays both ways. Plays returner. Incredible program. Still playing. Playing this week. It's a tough place. They lift weights. They practice the right way. They've had success. It's a winning program. He's the leader. So three hours away, in our footprint. Obviously we got him on campus a number of times back in the spring and summer. Came up a little short. Just another one of those guys that we were able to get on campus here the last couple weeks. In his heart he knew he wanted to be here, so... You got to continue to chip away at these guys that you maybe finish second or third on. You can turn it around if you play well."

Related Stories:

P Hayden Craig

Committed: June 12, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Bridgton (Me.) Academy
H/W: 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
2024 HS Stats: N/A

Profile: Ranked as a five-star by Kohl’s kicking services, Craig becomes the heir apparent to Jeremy Crawshaw and plans to be on scholarship when he arrives on campus. A lefty, Craig is also rated as a 4.5-star kicker by Kohl’s and has experience handling kickoff duties. In December at Kohl’s Winter Showcase Camp, Craig shined in both aspects with 11 points on field goals, 106.4 points on kickoffs and 103.4 points on punts. Craig improved his punting score by two points the following May at Kohl’s Eastern Showcase Camp. He is rated as the No. 18 punter by 247 Sports and the No. 5 punter by Kohl’s.

Napier's Comment: "Obviously we're extremely excited about Mac and Hayden. I think we've got specialists that are a big piece of the puzzle. We've seen the value of those over our time here... He made a 50-something-yarder to win a game for his team this past year. I love his parents. His parents, ton of sacrifice for him to come to the States and play. Boarding school. A ton of sacrifice there for that family, what they did."

Related Stories:

K Evan Noel

Committed: Nov. 11, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Bay St. Louis (Ms.) St. Stanislaus
H/W: 6-foot-2, 155 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 3/6 field goals. 6/8 extra points. 13 kickoffs (10 touchbacks), 774 yards. (Only 3 games worth of stats recorded)

Profile: The No. 2 rated kicker in the country by Kohl's kicking services, Florida flipped Noel from Arkansas ahead of its other November recruiting successes. Noel provides a big leg for the Gators' field goal services after he broke the Mississippi state record with a 61-yard field goal on Sept. 21. He also consistently kicks touchbacks on kickoff duties, evident by a 72-yard kick with a 3.84-second hang time at Kohl’s National Scholarship Camp in July of 2022.

Napier's Comment: "I mean, go watch the tape of the Evan Noel guy. This guy is hitting 62-yarders off the ground. I mean, out here in kicking camp, I think he had a 62-yarder. We called timeout. We doubled timeout out there in the Swamp. He lined up, kicked it right down the middle. I don't give many elite grades. He's got an elite grade."

Related Stories:

LS Mack Mulhern

Committed: Aug. 4, 2024
Signed: Dec. 4, 2024
City/School: Scottsdale (Az.) Horizon
H/W: 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
2024 HS Stats: 1 tackle

Profile: Mulhern rounds out the Gators' specialist class as the nation's No. 2 long snapper recruit, according to Kohl's kicking services. Had the second-highest score among his recruiting class at the Kohl’s National Scholarship Camp and "consistently snaps in the .66-.68 second range," according to Kohl's.

Napier's Comment: "Obviously we're extremely excited about Mac and Hayden. I think we've got specialists that are a big piece of the puzzle. We've seen the value of those over our time here."

Related Stories:

Published |Modified
Cam Parker
CAM PARKER

Cam Parker is a contributing writer at AllGators.com of FanNation-Sports Illustrated and is a recent graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in journalism. He also covers and broadcasts Alachua County high school sports with The Prep Zone and Mainstreet Daily News. When he isn't writing, he enjoys listening to '70s music such as The Band or Lynyrd Skynyrd, binge-watching shows and playing with his cat, Chester.

Home/Recruiting