Xavier Filsaime, Other Gators Pledges Affirm Commitment After Dismissals

Gators pledge Xavier Filsaime, alongside fellow 2024 classmates LJ McCray, DJ Lagway and Kendall Jackson, fervently affirms commitment following Corey Raymond and Sean Spencer's dismissals.

Following the decision to part ways with secondary coach Corey Raymond and defensive line coach Sean Spencer, several current and future Gators expressed their feelings via social media. 

Namely, Florida safety pledge Xavier Filsaime took to Instagram Live to present his immediate thoughts on the situation to a multitude of viewers.

Alongside UF defensive end commit Kendall Jackson — while Texas edge rusher commit Zina “Zoo” Umeozulu attempted to persuade the Lone Star State prospect to remain in-state for his collegiate career — Filsaime maintained his loyalty to the Gators. 

“We trying to flip the program around, that’s why we got to stay,” Filsaime explained after originally teasing a potential move to Oregon.

He echoed the sentiment several times in the succeeding moments. Jackson fervently agreed. 

A few minutes later, fellow Florida commits LJ McCray and DJ Lagway joined Filsaime on the live.

Widely regarded as the nucleus of the Gators 2024 recruiting class — which currently ranks No. 5 according to 247Sports — the trio doubled down on Filsaime’s earlier message, expressing their intentions to stick with Florida amid the impending changes following a 5-7 season. 

Filsaime proceeded to share that while he was a “little frustrated” with the move to release Raymond, he understands the business aspect of the collegiate level and how it results in staff shakeups. The others felt similarly. 

They each affirmed their commitment to the program once again. 

Nothing is certain in the current age of recruiting, but, for now, the McKinney, Texas, safety prospect is locked in with the University of Florida. As are McCray, Lagway and Jackson.

Billy Napier will strive to maintain the strong collection of talent he’s pieced together throughout the cycle, even as he finds new assistants to lead the defensive position groups moving forward.

That challenge becomes especially important as further staff changes could be announced in the coming days. 

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