Three candidates to become the next Florida Gators commit
After landing nine prospects over the span of less than two weeks, it’s time to take another look at the Gators’ big board to see which prospect(s) could be next.
According to the Industry Ranking Football Team Recruiting Rankings, only Georgia is ahead of the Gators for the 2024 class. Billy Napier’s program was sitting outside the top 10 last Saturday morning, and then by the end of Monday, they were all the way up to No. 2. That is where Florida stands today as well.
With that said, Gators Online dishes out three candidates to become the next UF commit.
Four-star WR Jerrae Hawkins
This weekend, the West Virginia native is returning to Penn State for his official visit. We should have a really good idea of where his recruitment stands shortly after that trip is wrapped up.
That is because multiple sources continue to tell me the Nittany Lions’ staff is split on Hawkins. They know he is a dynamic playmaker in the slot, but some question his size and frame.
Also, it’s worth noting KJ Hamler is a player similiar to Hawkins in terms of size that Penn State previously had success with, so all options are on the table. PSU has received the most visits by a large margin, so there is plenty of familarity in Happy Valley.
But if it’s not Penn State, I believe Hawkins lands with the Gators. Miami is the third school on his list, but Florida and Penn State have been the top-two schools since the spring.
Hawkins is highly impresssed by Billy Gonzales’ track record and loves the idea of playing in the SEC. Billy Napier’s experience with receivers stands out as well. There are plenty of boxes UF checks ahead of a commitment date that is now rescheduled for July 1.
All in all, the blue-chip pass catcher, who goes by the nickname of “Tank,” is definitely wanted at Florida.
“The player development at Florida stands out. They also have good history at producing receivers and their track program is big too because I want to run track in college,” Hawkins said of the Gators this week with speaking with On3’s Chad Simmons.
In-state CB Teddy Foster
Although the Sarasota native didn’t return to Gainesville today as expected, that does mean it’s a bad sign or anything to do with the Gators; in fact, GO’s Keith Niebuhr said it’s because of his mother’s work schedule. You can expect that trip to be rescheduled sooner than later.
Also, Florida is the No. 1 school in his recruitment right now. Foster previously mentioned Miami as a likely official visit destination for this weekend, while USC is pushing to receive a visit as well; however, all signs are pointing to the Gators as the heavy favorite. Here is why.
The defensive back’s sister recently graduated from the SEC school. That is significant itself. Foster also likes the idea of playing big-time football in his home state. Then you have Corey Raymond and the intrigue of playing for him. With all that considered, it’s no surprise Florida is atop his list right now.
Unless Miami knocks it out of the park this weekend, I don’t see anyone surpassing UF in the near future. North Carolina is a school to keep an eye on too.
“I think I’m going to make a decision in July right now,” Foster said after his OV.
Top-100 OT Ethan Calloway
With a commitment date set for June 30, Calloway’s leaderboard is very close right now. I don’t think anyone, possibly even Calloway, knows where the Mooresville (N.C.) Lake Norman standout is going to end up.
This month, Calloway has taken official visits to Florida, Georgia and Penn State in that order. LSU is the final school on the calendar, with that return trip to Baton Rouge set for this weekend. The Tigers, according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, are trending but with odds of just 20.9 percent.
As for the Gators, they are also a realistic option and for several reasons.
Calloway really likes the people involved in the program. That hospitality from Billy Napier down to the training staff has been top-notch each time he sets foot at the Swamp. Napier, Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton view Calloway as a priority target and are treating him as such. The Gators need to reel in a household name along the offensive line and Calloway fits that label.
The 6-foot-7, 300-pound rising senior has also taken notice of UF’s recent success on the recruiting trail. He views this class as one that could catapult the Gators over the top nationally and is highly considering being the next addition to the top-two class.
No school is overly confident right now, but the Gators could definitely win out here. It’s extremely close between Florida, Georgia, LSU and Penn State.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
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