Atmosphere, bond with staff have Gators contending for 4-star OL Canon Pickett

GAINESVILLE — Canon Pickett’s second visit to Gainesville this year came Saturday, when he took in the annual Orange & Blue Game at The Swamp. According to the 4-star 2026 interior offensive lineman from Tampa (Fla.) Wharton, the experience was memorable.

“I loved it today,” Pickett said Saturday evening. “I was mainly watching the O-Line but I loved the atmosphere. I loved the intensity they played with.”

Pickett is one of the top young offensive line prospects in the South. He’s the No. 186 overall recruit nationally in the 2026 class for the On3 Industry Rankings.

Earlier this year, he attended a junior day at Florida.

But Saturday, he got a good look at the Gators — and the coaches — in action on the field.

The UF offensive line impressed Canon Pickett

“I was really watching the ones I knew, like Dijon Johnson, Greg Smith and Jameer Grimsley,” Pickett said. “But the O-Line stood out as a whole. I saw them coaching. I thought they looked good. I saw they were teaching them, telling them what they did wrong and how to fix it. I could see that from afar.”

After the game, Pickett spent more time with the staff.

“It was good,” Pickett said. “It took awhile to meet with some of the coaches but after that we got to talk to them— I love coach (Rob) Sale and Coach (Billy) Napier. They’re fun to talk with and seem like great guys.”

Overall, the Gators seem to have impressed the young prospect.

“First of all, I love the coaching, especially all the O-Line coaches, including coach (Kaleb Johnson) and Coach Sale,” Pickett said. “They had the O-Line coach that’s with the Commanders but I love him as well. I always love the swag they have at Florida and the development with the O-Line.”

Asked if Florida is a strong contender in his recruitment, Pickett replied, “Definitely. I love the program itself and I love the coaches.”

According to Pickett, he plans to return to Gainesville either this summer or for the Florida-Miami game at the latest.

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