Blue-chip LB Elijah Melendez blown away by latest experience with Florida Gators

It’s safe to say 2025 linebacker Elijah Melendez was blown away by his experience at Florida today.

Melendez, a four-star prospect from Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola, is fresh off meeting with Billy Napier’s staff for the third time this year. He visited multiple times in April as well, with his scholarship offer having been delivered on the first of that month.

The On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, labels Melendez as the No. 28 linebacker and No. 274 prospect overall. He is also the 41st-ranked rising junior in the state of Florida.

“I had an AMAZING time,” Melendez texted to Gators Online today. “It was crazy; I loved it so much. The coaching staff and everyone showed so much love. All the coaches showed they really watched my film, what they like about me and see how I would fit in. I really built a great relationship. Wow.”

During today’s visit, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Melendez spent time with over a handful of staff members. Those included Billy Napier, defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman, running backs coach Jabbar Juluke and tight ends coach Russ Callaway.

“They were all so cool and all told me what they see. They were real,” said Melendez. “I can play everywhere and all linebacker positions. I can come in and make an impact early. Also, I have amazing stopping power and am very violent.”

The Gators are heavily on the rise with Melendez

When speaking with GO on Wednesday, Melendez labeled Florida as a top-eight school in his recruitment. That was due to the proximity advantage and the Gators’ reputation for manufacturing NFL talent; however, those relationships are still fairly new. That had been the holdup for a few months.

Well, after reconnecting with the SEC school today, Melendez says UF improved its overall standing.

“Florida is most definitely top three,” said the rising junior.

In addition to the Gators, the 2025 prospect possesses offers from Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Auburn, Miami, Texas A&M, Kentucky and Arkansas among others.

The Gators, according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, are trending with odds of 48.5 percent.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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