SEC commit locks in third Florida Gators visit of the year

When the Gators host Tennessee next month, a top flip target in the 2025 class will be present for the action.

Malik Autry, an Auburn defensive line commit from Opelika (Ala.) High, tells Gators Online he is returning to Florida on Sept. 16. That will mark his third trip to Gainesville this calendar year, as Billy Napier’s staff also played host in June and July after offering a scholarship on May 22.

On top of that, the Gators are pushing the hardest to flip the 6-foot-5, 285-pound defender as well.

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“Probably the staff,” Autry said of his interest in the Gators. “Florida is still in the rebuilding phase as far as the actual football team, but they have great people on the staff. Coach Napier, coach (Austin) Armstrong, the young defensive coordinator, coach Spencer, coach James, (quality control) coach (Cannon) Gibbs, the whole staff is just great.

“They are really trying to turn Florida around and get Florida back to where it was a few years ago. Even with the ’24 class, they had a super huge month and super huge summer. They’re going to turn this ship around for sure.”

Sean Spencer is making a strong case on behalf of the Gators

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Autry is the No. 36-ranked defensive lineman and No. 359-ranked prospect overall.

Additional offers on the table include Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Kentucky and Louisville; however, it’s safe to say Florida is Auburn’s top competition early on. Much of that is due to the several coaches Autry already has a strong relationship with, including defensive line coach Sean Spencer.

“He’s a super down-to-earth guy,” said Autry. “His relationship with coach James is like they are brothers. He’s just real. He not only talks about going to the NFL but also college because everyone knows making the NFL is super hard. He’s super real and super honest. He’s a good guy. My parents could drop me off and they trust him, so he’s a great person.”

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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