Pass-Catcher Caleb Odom Picks Alabama Over Florida Gators
The Gators have compiled a collection of victories on the trail recently. But, they can’t win them all.
Florida wideout target Caleb Odom named Alabama his collegiate destination on Saturday. He chose the Crimson Tide over 32 potential suitors including Florida, Miami, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and others.
The commitment ends a three-month saga that saw the Gators resurrect themselves after falling out of his recruitment in its entirety in April. It came via an adjusted pitch for his potential usage in the offense.
Given his 6-foot-5, 215-pound stature, the Carrollton (Ga.) product performs as a hybrid athlete that walks the line of wide receiver and tight end.
The Gators previously pursued him as the latter. But upon further evaluation, once new coaches — Billy Gonzales and Russ Callaway — settled in at the respective positions, Florida flipped the script and moved Odom to the X-receiver spot on the board.
He took interest in the spot, as the Gators lifted the idea of Odom being utilized in a Kyle Pitts-like role — although with more reps outside than inside, unlike the 2020 All-American and 2021 No. 4 draft pick.
Deeming Florida as the team going “head-to-head” with college football’s everlasting powerhouse, the Peach State native left his impromptu June 9-11 official visit in Gainesville feeling higher on the Gators than he had previously.
"I'd say Florida is definitely pushing now. They're definitely up there for sure," Odom told All Gators following the trip. "Those two [Florida and Alabama] are kind of going head-to-head right now.”
In the end, Florida climbed the rungs of Odom’s recruitment to regain legitimate contender status. However, it wasn’t enough to dethrone the Crimson Tide from the top spot in his process.
The Gators move forward with Jerrae Hawkins Jr., Izaiah Williams and Amir Jackson as their pass-catching pledges in the class of 2024.
As a result, Gonzales moves forward continuing his search for a true X-receiver in the 2024 cycle. He remains involved for several flip candidates as the uncommitted options have dwindled significantly.
Chance Robinson (Miami), Ny Carr (Georgia) and TJ Abrams (Florida State) sit as the most reliable options to fill the position of need at this stage. Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) remains UF's No. 1 choice.
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.
Get your Gators football, basketball and other sporting events tickets from SI Tickets here.