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Elite Safety Xavier Filsaime Flips Pledge From Florida to Texas

McKinney (Texas) safety prospect Xavier Filsaime ended his eight-month pledge to Florida on Monday by flipping to Texas.

Brandon Carroll

Elite Safety Xavier Filsaime Flips Pledge From Florida to Texas
Elite Safety Xavier Filsaime Flips Pledge From Florida to Texas /

Elite five-star safety Xavier Filsaime flipped his eight-month pledge from the Florida Gators to the Texas Longhorns on Monday.

The move comes following Filsaime's official visit to Texas Dec. 15-17, the final weekend before the Early National Signing Day on Wednesday. Florida, as a result, loses one of its three headlining pledges in the 2024 class, also including quarterback DJ Lagway and defensive end LJ McCray.

A casualty of the Gators' Nov. 27 release of secondary coach Corey Raymond alongside defensive line coach Sean Spencer, Filsaime departs from the nation's No. 5 class.

The Orlando, Fla., native, rated as the nation's No. 29 overall prospect and No. 2 safety according to 247Sports Composite, was slated to occupy a prominent role in the backend of the Gators secondary after compiling 154 tackles, nine pass breakups, two interceptions, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 24 games at McKinney High.

His impressive sideline-to-sideline range and knack for delivering blows while working downhill against ball carriers or would-be pass catchers presented Filsaime the opportunity to compete for Florida's starting free safety position with rising sophomore Bryce Thornton immediately upon arrival on campus in Gainesville.

Even if Thornton edged him out, he'd still work in heavy rotation to complement ESPN Freshman All-American strong safety Jordan Castell.

However, instead of entering the thin safety room at UF, he'll remain in the Lone Star State for his collegiate career to play for head coach Steve Sarkisian, defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and the College Football Playoff-contending Longhorns.

Florida remained steadfast in recruiting the safety in recent weeks, including being the first stop on the itinerary of new defensive backs coach Will Harris when he began working for Florida on the recruiting trail.

However, it wasn't enough to keep Filsaime in the class.

The Gators move forward with two commits in the secondary in the 2024 recruiting class, including cornerback Teddy Foster and safety Josiah Davis.

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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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