Billy Napier has Gators ‘in the cards’ for 4-star DL

BRADENTON, FL. — It was back in January when 2026 4-star defensive lineman Preston Carey was offered by Florida and then visited the following week. Being offered was his welcome-to-Florida moment too, as it was the first school to offer after relocating to IMG Academy.

That first experience in Gainesville alone put the Gators in high standing; however, having a familiar face on the roster who grew up 10 minutes from his hometown helps too.

“Obviously, I’m close with (Joey) Slackman. I’ll eventually get back to their campus. Right now, I’m just really focused on the season. We’re so focused right now as a team,” Carey told Gators Online at IMG Media Day.

“We have two bye weeks and maybe I’ll get on campus at that point if Florida stays in the cards for me, which they probably will. Coach (Billy) Napier is always reaching out to me and keeping in contact, so I know they will stay in the cards. Even If I was going to OV there, if they build the relationship, I would totally do that.”

Preston Carey loves the personal connections in Gainesville

Joining the Gators’ head man in pursuit of the New York native is defensive line coach Gerald Chatman. Those conversations are taking place on a weekly basis, especially with Chatman.

“They are great men. Not only coaches, but they’re great men,” Carey said. “The one thing about coach Chatman is that he’s very passionate. He coaches how I want to play. He coaches loud, coaches aggressive ,and I love that. Having passionate coaches who love the game and are not just treating it like a job is very important.”

When taking a step back and dissecting Florida as a whole, what stands out the most? Is it those relationships?

“I’d honestly say it’s the relationships,” said Carey. “With there being so many great Florida schools, it can’t be location because every Florida school has a good location. The Florida Gators, the relationships and how they are are really good.”

A plan for the recruitment process is in place

According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, Penn State is trending with odds of 27.7 percent. That is due to the trio of visits Carey has taken to Happy Valley.

The blue-chip defender himself, however, says all schools are on a level playing field. There are numerous visits he still wants to take before making a decision in 2025.

“Honestly, I’m just grateful for all my opportunities and just taking it day by day,” said Carey. “In the winter, I will get a list of top schools, set OVs and look to commit next summer.”

Additional offers on the table include Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, USC, Michigan, Florida State, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Auburn and Texas A&M. USC and Oklahoma are some schools recruiting Carey hard right now.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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