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OL Jake Guarnera Pledges to Michigan over Florida Gators

In-state center prospect Jake Guarnera aligned himself with the Michigan Wolverines for his collegiate career on Friday.

Brandon Carroll

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Ponte Vedra (Fla.) offensive lineman Jake Guarnera has committed to the University of Michigan over the Florida Gators, he announced Friday.

The three-star prospect chose the Wolverines over four other suitors in a recently released top five, including NC State, Penn State and Rutgers alongside Florida.

The move adds more firepower to an already ascending program in the 2024 recruiting cycle, as Jim Harbaugh and Co. earn their 15th commitment to add to the No. 1 rated class per the 247Sports' Composite Rankings.

Meanwhile, Florida moves forward still lacking an offensive line pledge to protect franchise quarterback commit DJ Lagway. The loss of the in-state prospect to Michigan stings in that regard, although Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton have prioritized other talent to this point — namely at tackle — in their efforts on the trail.

Despite aligning as a tackle at the prep level, the 6-foot-4, 290-pound trenchman shared Florida's intentions to utilize him elsewhere if he were to choose the Gators due to his size and length not matching the mold of the exterior talent they tend to recruit.

He shared that center was Sale's position of choice for him in an interview with All Gators in January.

"Just, obviously, my measurables aren't on par with where a tackle would be. So, you know, they see me moving down to center. They want someone that's intelligent, and can be powerful through their feet in that area," he shared.

He'll likely assume that same spot in Ann Arbor.

The Gators will continue their pursuit of Guarnera until signing day, although his alignment with the back-to-back College Football Playoff Semifinal contenders makes the task to earn his services a daunting challenge in the late stages of the 2024 cycle.

However, his proximity to campus and another season of exemplified development upfront for Florida's duo of offensive line coaches could help in that endeavor come time for Guarnera to put pen to paper.

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Brandon Carroll
BRANDON CARROLL

Brandon Carroll is a recent graduate of the University of Florida. He serves as the lead reporter for the Florida Gators FanNation-Sports Illustrated website, covering football, basketball and recruiting. When he isn't hard at work, he enjoys listening to music, playing flag football and basketball, spending time with his friends and family, and watching an array of television shows. Follow him on Twitter @itsbcarroll.

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