Florida 'Up There' For Recent FSU Decommit Pride

Former IMG Academy secondary projection was back at the Swamp for the spring game Thursday

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Jordan Pride is becoming quite familiar with Gainesville, something apparent despite a longstanding commitment to Florida State. 

This week, though, the former Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy standout — transferring to Blountstown (Fla.) High midway through his junior season — elected to back off of his pledge to the Seminoles just one day ahead of a return trip to The Swamp for the program's spring game. 

Florida is one of several SEC programs, Pride says, that have his attention going forward. "Tennessee, Alabama and Texas A&M" are presenting as the contenders to Billy Napier's program. 

Trips to any of those programs are yet to be determined on the heels of the return to Florida. However, a new decision may not be far off.

"I'll probably say by the end of this month or into the next month," Pride said of his timeline. 

UF remains a prime option in what has become an All-SEC battle for the former ACC pledge.

"I'll say they're up there, but I'm just trying to make sure I have the right choice," he said. "It was great to be back, watch the atmosphere and see all the fans coming out on a Thursday night — that's crazy. The defenses looked good and the DBs are young, but they're developing. 

"I talked to Coach (Austin) Armstrong ... and Billy (Napier). They were glad to have me back here and just told me to make sure I take it slow with my knee, because I'm hurt."

Early Birthday Wishes from @GatorsFB pic.twitter.com/BKFW4s1o1K

— JP4❤️‍🩹 (@JordanPride5) February 17, 2023

Pride says Napier and company did not push for a verbal commitment, but know progress has been made. The rising-senior DB offered "no comment" on whether or not Florida was leading his recruitment at this time. 

"They just want me to keep building a relationship in this process now that my recruitment is back open," he said.

Armstrong is among the newer coaches involved in Pride's recruitment and the two are looking to build on what appears to be a solid foundation. 

"It's getting better every time we talk," he said. "The way he coaches, I was trying to watch him, so it was just good to see it to see if it's how I want to be coached." 

Pride, a Blountstown, Fla. native,  is ranked was high as the No. 3 safety recruit in the class of 2024 (ESPN), tabbed as a four-star throughout the industry at this time. 

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