New RPM pick for the Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA — Demetres Samuel came to Gainesville as a Syracuse commit on Saturday for the Florida Gators’ Grill in the Ville recruiting event. And he left still committed to that program. But there is lots of chatter that Florida made a big splash with him this weekend. Given that — and his ties to the program — I’ve put in an On3 RPM pick for Billy Napier and Co. to land him.

Samuel, listed at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, is the No. 6 athlete and No. 84 overall recruit for the 2026 class in the On3 Industry Rankings. But he said Saturday after his Gators visit he plans to reclassify to 2025. He’ll be a safety in college.

Now, about that link to the Florida program: Samuel is cousins with former Gators defensive back Marcus Maye. Samuel said this in a recent interview with Gators Online: “You know (Male is) going to try to push me to make that move there. He is always going to be supportive of where I go, but he definitely would like to see me there.”

The Florida Gators have a major need at safety in the 2025 class. Samuel plans to reclassify to that year. He’s a Gators legacy. He loves visiting Gainesville. And he is very close to the Florida staff. He’s a talented young prospect with a bright future. He’s got a great frame. Meanwhile, Florida secondary coach Will Harris has zeroed in on Samuel.

When you add it all up, one has to think Napier’s program will have a fairly good chance of getting Samuels on board. “Obviously (I like the coaching staff) and it’s just like it’s Florida. I have family here. It’s like a DNA thing. I grew up on Florida, so why not?”

Can Florida get the flip? The latest intel — and Samuel’s own quotes Saturday — make it seem like that is very possible.

The post New RPM pick for the Florida Gators appeared first on On3.