CB Wardell Mack Names Florida to Top Four

The Florida Gators align within the top four for blue-chip cornerback target Wardell Mack.

The Florida Gators' search for a cornerback pledge in the 2024 class crowded the Monday afternoon news cycle as two top targets updated their recruitments.

Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.) High product Jalyn Crawford shared July 15 as his commitment date. Simultaneously, John Ehret (Marrero, La.) coverage man Wardell Mack shared the four schools moving forward in contention for his services as he nears an awaited commitment.

He placed Florida alongside Florida State, LSU and Texas.

Where’s home ? https://t.co/VYkLSgfS6C

— Wardell Mack (@dell2litty) July 11, 2023

Since offering Mack on March 9, the Gators have viewed the blue-chip cornerback highly. Their pursuits of his services have illustrated that idea.

Hosting him on campus in early April, Mack got the opportunity to grow his relationship with an influx of Florida staffers, including area recruiter Jabbar Juluke and secondary coach Corey Raymond. The initial impression created mutual intrigue between the two sides.

It resulted in a June 16-18 official visit, a weekend that had proved fruitful for the Gators' No. 3 recruiting class in the nation — according to 247Sports Composite Team Rankings — as eight of the 13 visitors committed to the program before, during or after the trek to Gainesville.

Florida strives for Mack to be No. 9.

Performing in several roles at the prep level, Mack showcases uncanny athleticism with the ability to make plays from anywhere on the field. He functions well as a two-way athlete on the boundary, receiving reps at wideout and cornerback, where he’s proved equally valuable.

The versatility is an attribute Raymond covets when targeting talent to stack the cornerback room.

Ja’Keem Jackson is a notable example of that mold.

When Mack arrives at the collegiate level, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound Louisiana native will slot in permanently at defensive back to provide a ball-hawking coverage man to the team he elects to continue his playing career. Despite areas to grow from a technique and size standpoint — expected to add close to 20 pounds before being deemed ready to see the field — the raw talent he displays as a disruptive third-level defender makes him a hit commodity for the four remaining suitors.

There is currently no timeline regarding his eventual commitment. Although, his shrinking list of contenders indicates a decision could be coming sooner rather than later.

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