If the Florida Gators have taught us anything under Billy Napier, it’s not to rush to judgement on their recruiting classes. Come December, it will likely look much different and boast plenty of the state’s top players.
The Gators have already picked up steam in the summer, and added five commitments from in-state recruits, and all are Top 100 recruits and top 10 players in their position.
QB Will Griffin (No. 45 overall, No. 4 QB) and IOL G’nivre Carr (No. 72 overall, No. 7 IOL) committed exactly one year apart, with Carr’s coming as recently as June 1. ATH Kaiden Hall (No. 23 overall) joined the class after pledging on June 7. RB Justin Williams (No. 49 overall), a Gainesville native, OT Chancellor Campbell (No. 70 overall), and TE Kekua Aumua (No. 90 overall) round out the Sunshine State pledges.
Here are five Top 100 recruits that the Gators have not only shown high interest in, but that they could feasibly land come Signing Day:
Jake Kreul, IMG EDGE
USA TODAY Florida Rank: No. 3 overall, No. 1 edge-rusher
Height, weight: 6 feet 2½, 230 pounds
What to know: Kreul’s lack of prototypical height at his position is quite literally the only question mark surrounding him as a prospect. He plays like a wrecking ball on the edge, and has elite top-shelf strength that bests even the top offensive lineman in the state.
His ties to Florida run deep as his father is an alumnus and he grew up a “die-hard” Gator fan. Napier’s staff has pushed hard for the five-star, and locked in an official visit for June. The Gators are competing with Colorado, Ohio State, Texas, and Oklahoma for Kreul.
Calvin Russell, Miami Northwestern WR
USA TODAY Florida rank: No. 4 overall, No. 1 wide receiver
Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 195 pounds
What to know: When it comes to raw talent, there are few recruits more exciting than Russell. His length makes him a matchup nightmare and he has the speed to take the top off of a secondary. He’s is also a bona fide hooper with Power-5 basketball offers, and it shows on the gridiron when he brings down lobs in the corner of the end zone.
His top eight included Florida, along with Michigan, North Carolina, Syracuse, Miami, LSU, FSU, Oregon. He’s taken an official visit to Gainesville already, along with Oregon and LSU. He’s locked in official visits to Miami and FSU in the summer.
Chauncey Kennon, Booker CB
USA TODAY Florida Rank: No. 8 overall, No. 1 cornerback
Height, weight: 6-1, 175 pounds
What to know: Kennon is a gifted prospect with elite speed and footwork, plus a wingspan that helped him break up 16 passes last year.
The in-state programs are among his leaders right now, and Florida made his list of top suitors after he culled his list twice — from 10 schools and again down to six. He visited the Swamp in mid-April and will likely get up again before his commitment date of July 6.
Izaiya Williams, Tavares LB
USA TODAY Florida Rank: No. 9 overall, No. 1 linebacker
Height, weight: 6-1½, 215 pounds
What to know: It’s hard to argue with sheer athleticism, and Williams posted a 4.41 40-yard dash time at the Under Armour Next camp in Orlando. He has the skill set to go along with the blazing speed, and he gets pads popping behind the line of scrimmage. His mobility also makes him uber-effective in coverage.
Williams’ recruitment has been a hectic one. He’s currently committed to Ole Miss, marking his fifth pledge since 2023. Louisville, Syracuse, Florida State, and Florida have all held commitments from Williams at one point in time.
The Gators held on to Williams for just two months, but may find a way to work back in the fold. He will reportedly take an official visit to Florida this summer, along with Penn State, Georgia, Alabama, Colorado, and Florida State.
Asharri Charles, Venice EDGE
USA TODAY Florida Rank: No. 19 overall, No. 3 edge-rusher
Height, weight: 6-3, 235 pounds
What to know: Charles has a lot of tools, but his spin move may be the most dangerous. He’s too strong and quick to leave on an island outside, and he dominated against some of the most stout offensive lines in the state as a junior. His growth in the weight room this offseason has only led to an uptick in his recruitment.
The Gators just hosted Charles for an official visit on May 30, and are jostling with Missouri, Kentucky, and Miami.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida Gators football recruiting: Which Top 100 in-state prospects could commit next?
Reporting by Nick Wilson, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
