CB Jameer Grimsley Commits to Alabama Over Florida
Florida cornerback target Jameer Grimsley exited the recruiting market on Saturday as he pledged to the Alabama Crimson Tide over the Gators.
While Florida failed to get him on campus for an official visit, Grimsley showed late intrigue in what renowned secondary coach Corey Raymond was selling for his collegiate career. It placed the Gators in firm contention for his services, chasing Alabama, who had long been considered the leader for his commitment.
On Thursday, Grimsley shared his interest in the home state program by naming them in his top three, also including Michigan after a memorable official visit weekend in Ann Arbor.
"Florida is close to home and has been my dream school since I was a kid," Grimsley told On3 Sports about his decision to include the Gators in the shortlist of remaining contenders. "I like the direction they're going in with their rebuild, and the weather is great here in Florida. Historically they've been a great school, especially on defense and have had multiple first-round DBs.
"It may be a school that if I want to be part of a rebuild, we could bring Florida back into national championship contention."
The battle ended as a two-team race between the Gators and Crimson Tide.
However, despite the promising late surge to provide a formidable adversary to Nick Saban and Co.'s efforts, UF head coach Billy Napier and Raymond fell short of overtaking the perennial national championship contender's lead for Grimsley.
Florida will move forward in its search for high-caliber cornerback talents to join a strong safety group, Xavier Filsaime and Josiah Davis, in the 2024 secondary class.
Losuiana-based prospect Wardell Mack arises as Raymond's top priority with Mainland (Fla.) defensive back Zavier Mincey, Cardinal Mooney corner (Sarasota, Fla.) Teddy Foster and La Salle Academy (Providence, R.I.) coverage man Justin Denson Jr. making up other known targets on the Gators' radar.
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