Top 10 Most Wanted Defensive Recruits
It has been a hectic couple of weeks for the Gators on the recruiting trail. Billy Napier and the Florida Gators currently have twelve commits in their 2023 recruiting class. Some of Florida's most recent commits are their highest-ranked commits in their class.
With only twelve spots filled, the Gators will have plenty of room to add to their 2023 recruiting class. The Gators are heavily involved with some of the top-ranked recruits in the nation.
This article will only focus on the top-ranked defensive recruits in the 2023 recruiting cycle. There's plenty of high-quality in-state talent for the Gators to try to add to their 2023 recruiting class. Here are the top ten most wanted defensive recruits for the Florida Gators.
1. CB Cormani McClain
Without a doubt, five-star cornerback Cormani McClain is the #1 most wanted target in Florida's 2023 recruiting class. He is Florida's most highly-coveted target in this class, and it'll be a battle for the Florida Gators to land him.
Cormani McClain is a 6'2" 170-pound cornerback out of Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Florida. McClain is the second-ranked recruit and the #1 cornerback in the country. He's also the top-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
During the recruiting process, McClain has received over 25 offers from some of the top programs in the country. McClain holds offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M, and USC.
Cormani McClain has not made a final three, but it seems that Alabama, Florida, and Miami are the top schools in his recruitment. Of the three, Florida and Alabama have the best odds of grabbing to blue-chip defensive back. It's very back and forth between Florida and Alabama, but Miami is also doing a nice job of recruiting McClain.
2. LB Malik Bryant
Malik Bryant is another highly-touted defensive recruit from Florida that's a priority target for the Gators. Bryant is one of the top recruits in the country and is not too far from the University of Florida.
Malik Bryant is a 6'3" 225-pound linebacker out of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida. Bryant is the 26th-ranked recruit and the #1 outside linebacker in the country. He's also the eighth-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
During the recruiting process, Bryant has received over 35 offers from some of the nation's top college football programs. Bryant holds offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, and others.
Malik Bryant is set to announce his commitment Saturday at 5:25 pm EST. Bryant will choose between Alabama, Florida, and Miami. Miami is the favorite to land Bryant, but Florida is still pushing for the in-state linebacker. Even if he commits to Miami on Saturday, I don't expect Florida's staff to give up as they'll continue to recruit him hard until he signs.
3. DT Will Norman
Will Norman is one of many targets from the IMG Academy that the Florida Gators are recruiting. While Norman isn't originally from Florida, the Gators have made the in-state recruit one of their most wanted recruits this recruiting cycle.
Will Norman is a 6'5" 290-pound defensive tackle out of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Norman is the 70th-ranked recruit and the fourth-ranked defensive tackle in the country. He's also the thirteenth-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
During the recruiting process, Norman has received over two dozen offers from some top-tier programs. Norman holds offers from schools like Florida, Jackson State, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Penn State, and Texas A&M.
While Norman has not set a commitment date, he believes he'll announce his commitment before he starts his senior season. Florida is sitting in a great spot with Norman, even with Texas A&M, LSU, and Penn State involved in his recruitment.
4. SDE Derrick LeBlanc
Derrick LeBlanc is another Central Florida recruit that Florida is actively recruiting this cycle. The Sunshine State native is also set to announce his commitment later next week on Thursday.
Derrick LeBlanc is a 6'5" 265-pound strong-side defensive end out of Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida. LeBlanc is a four-star recruit and the 27th-ranked strong-side defensive end in the country. He's also the 55th-ranked recruit out of Florida.
During the recruiting process, LeBlanc has received over 45 offers from some of the top programs in the country. LeBlanc holds offers from schools like Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and USC.
With LeBlanc expecting to commit next week, the in-state defensive lineman will make his pledge to Florida, Oklahoma, or Penn State. Florida and Oklahoma are the most likely landing spots for LeBlanc. As of now, I believe LeBlanc will choose Oklahoma over Florida, but it will be close.
5. DT John Walker
John Walker is another defensive lineman that the Gators have very high on their recruiting board. Walker is expected to announce his commitment on Thursday with his high school teammate Derrick LeBlanc.
John Walker is a 6'4" 300-pound defensive tackle out of Osceola High School out of Kissimmee, Florida. Walker is the 168th-ranked recruit and the eighth-ranked defensive tackle in the country. He's also the 27th-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
Walker has received over 35 offers from some elite programs during the recruiting process. Walker holds offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, and UCF.
The Central Florida native is committing next week and has released a Top 5 for his commitment date. Walker will commit to Florida, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, or UCF. The UCF Knights have gotten the most recent buzz about landing Walker. Florida and Ohio State are also likely candidates to land Walker.
6. SDE Kelby Collins
Kelby Collins is one of the few out-of-state recruits on this list, but Florida's staff has turned the team up on him. Collins is an Alabama native but one of the country's top-ranked recruits.
Kelby Collins is a 6'5" 258-pound strong-side defensive end out of the Gardendale High School in Gardendale, Alabama. Collins is the country's 40th-ranked recruit and the fourth-ranked strong-side defensive end. He's also the fifth-ranked recruit out of Alabama.
During the recruiting process, Collins received over 30 offers from some of the top college football programs in the nation. Collins holds offers from schools like Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas.
Collins has not yet a commitment date yet, but he'll likely take his time with his recruitment. Collins has already visited Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. However, Alabama is the favorite to land Collins even though Florida has turned up the heat lately.
7. ATH Ja'Keem Jackson
Ja'Keem Jackson is another Osceola player committing next week and has Florida as one of his options. Jackson is one of the top athletes in the country and has been recruited by Florida's cornerback coach Corey Raymond.
Ja'Keem Jackson is a 6'1" 173-pound cornerback out of Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida. Jackson is a four-star recruit and the twelfth-ranked athlete in the country. He's also the 42nd-ranked recruit out of Florida.
Jackson received over 30 offers from some blue-chip college football programs during the recruiting process. Jackson held offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, Penn State, and Tennessee.
Jackson will announce his commitment on July 28th and has released a top six. The in-state athlete will choose between Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Penn State, and Tennessee. Florida is sitting in a great spot for the highly-touted athlete out of Kissimmee.
8. S Jordan Castell
Jordan Castell is another defensive back that the Gators are heavily recruiting this cycle. The Gators are heavily in the mix with Castell and will make his commitment towards the end of the month.
Jordan Castell is a 6'2" 190-pound safety out of West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida. Castell is a four-star recruit and the fourteenth-ranked safety in the country. He's also the 45th-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
During the recruiting process, Castell received 40 offers from some top college football programs in the country. Castell holds offers from schools like Alabama, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Castell was initially supposed to announce his commitment on October 1st. However, the blue-chip defensive back moved up his commitment and will now be committing on July 30th. Castell is expected to be on Florida's campus when he's scheduled to announce his commitment.
9. S Joenel Aguero
Rivals100 safety Joenel Aguero is the second out-of-state recruit on the list. Aguero is expected to announce his commitment shortly. Florida is one of the schools in his final four.
Joenel Aguero is a 6'0" 205-pound safety out of St. Johns's Preparatory in Danvers, Massachusetts. Aguero is the 91st-ranked recruit and the fourth-ranked safety in the country. He's also the second-ranked recruit out of Massachusetts.
Aguero received over 30 offers from some elite college football programs during the recruiting process. Aguero holds offers from schools like Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Texas.
Joenel Aguero is set to announce his commitment on Saturday as he'll commit to Florida, Georgia, Miami, or Ohio State. Florida is not really in the mix for Aguero. Georgia and Miami are the favorites to land him, but the Bulldogs seem to have the edge over the Hurricanes.
10. DT Jordan Hall
Jordan Hall is the last recruit on Florida's Top 10 most wanted defensive recruits. The Gators have turned up the heat on Hall's recruitment after Florida landed some commits from his hometown.
Jordan Hall is a 6'3" 306-pound defensive tackle out of Westside High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Hall is a four-star recruit and the twelfth-ranked defensive tackle in the country. He's also the 47th-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
During the recruiting process, Hall received over 30 offers from top-tier programs. Hall holds offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, South Carolina, and USC.
Jordan Hall has not announced a commitment date yet, but Florida is definitely in the mix for Hall. Florida State and South Carolina are also in the mix for the Jacksonville native. Still, Florida is getting a lot of buzz once Jacksonville native Marcus Stokes and Treyaun Webb committed to the Gators.
It has been a hectic couple of weeks for the Gators on the recruiting trail. Billy Napier and the Florida Gators currently have twelve commits in their 2023 recruiting class. Some of Florida's most recent commits are their highest-ranked commits in their class.
With only twelve spots filled, the Gators will have plenty of room to add to their 2023 recruiting class. The Gators are heavily involved with some of the top-ranked recruits in the nation.
This article will only focus on the top-ranked defensive recruits in the 2023 recruiting cycle. There's plenty of high-quality in-state talent for the Gators to try to add to their 2023 recruiting class. Here are the top ten most wanted defensive recruits for the Florida Gators.
1. CB Cormani McClain
Without a doubt, five-star cornerback Cormani McClain is the #1 most wanted target in Florida's 2023 recruiting class. He is Florida's most highly-coveted target in this class, and it'll be a battle for the Florida Gators to land him.
Cormani McClain is a 6'2" 170-pound cornerback out of Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Florida. McClain is the second-ranked recruit and the #1 cornerback in the country. He's also the top-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
During the recruiting process, McClain has received over 25 offers from some of the top programs in the country. McClain holds offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M, and USC.
Cormani McClain has not made a final three, but it seems that Alabama, Florida, and Miami are the top schools in his recruitment. Of the three, Florida and Alabama have the best odds of grabbing to blue-chip defensive back. It's very back and forth between Florida and Alabama, but Miami is also doing a nice job of recruiting McClain.
2. LB Malik Bryant
Malik Bryant is another highly-touted defensive recruit from Florida that's a priority target for the Gators. Bryant is one of the top recruits in the country and is not too far from the University of Florida.
Malik Bryant is a 6'3" 225-pound linebacker out of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida. Bryant is the 26th-ranked recruit and the #1 outside linebacker in the country. He's also the eighth-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
During the recruiting process, Bryant has received over 35 offers from some of the nation's top college football programs. Bryant holds offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, and others.
Malik Bryant is set to announce his commitment Saturday at 5:25 pm EST. Bryant will choose between Alabama, Florida, and Miami. Miami is the favorite to land Bryant, but Florida is still pushing for the in-state linebacker. Even if he commits to Miami on Saturday, I don't expect Florida's staff to give up as they'll continue to recruit him hard until he signs.
3. DT Will Norman
Will Norman is one of many targets from the IMG Academy that the Florida Gators are recruiting. While Norman isn't originally from Florida, the Gators have made the in-state recruit one of their most wanted recruits this recruiting cycle.
Will Norman is a 6'5" 290-pound defensive tackle out of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Norman is the 70th-ranked recruit and the fourth-ranked defensive tackle in the country. He's also the thirteenth-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
During the recruiting process, Norman has received over two dozen offers from some top-tier programs. Norman holds offers from schools like Florida, Jackson State, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Penn State, and Texas A&M.
While Norman has not set a commitment date, he believes he'll announce his commitment before he starts his senior season. Florida is sitting in a great spot with Norman, even with Texas A&M, LSU, and Penn State involved in his recruitment.
4. SDE Derrick LeBlanc
Derrick LeBlanc is another Central Florida recruit that Florida is actively recruiting this cycle. The Sunshine State native is also set to announce his commitment later next week on Thursday.
Derrick LeBlanc is a 6'5" 265-pound strong-side defensive end out of Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida. LeBlanc is a four-star recruit and the 27th-ranked strong-side defensive end in the country. He's also the 55th-ranked recruit out of Florida.
During the recruiting process, LeBlanc has received over 45 offers from some of the top programs in the country. LeBlanc holds offers from schools like Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and USC.
With LeBlanc expecting to commit next week, the in-state defensive lineman will make his pledge to Florida, Oklahoma, or Penn State. Florida and Oklahoma are the most likely landing spots for LeBlanc. As of now, I believe LeBlanc will choose Oklahoma over Florida, but it will be close.
5. DT John Walker
John Walker is another defensive lineman that the Gators have very high on their recruiting board. Walker is expected to announce his commitment on Thursday with his high school teammate Derrick LeBlanc.
John Walker is a 6'4" 300-pound defensive tackle out of Osceola High School out of Kissimmee, Florida. Walker is the 168th-ranked recruit and the eighth-ranked defensive tackle in the country. He's also the 27th-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
Walker has received over 35 offers from some elite programs during the recruiting process. Walker holds offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, and UCF.
The Central Florida native is committing next week and has released a Top 5 for his commitment date. Walker will commit to Florida, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, or UCF. The UCF Knights have gotten the most recent buzz about landing Walker. Florida and Ohio State are also likely candidates to land Walker.
6. SDE Kelby Collins
Kelby Collins is one of the few out-of-state recruits on this list, but Florida's staff has turned the team up on him. Collins is an Alabama native but one of the country's top-ranked recruits.
Kelby Collins is a 6'5" 258-pound strong-side defensive end out of the Gardendale High School in Gardendale, Alabama. Collins is the country's 40th-ranked recruit and the fourth-ranked strong-side defensive end. He's also the fifth-ranked recruit out of Alabama.
During the recruiting process, Collins received over 30 offers from some of the top college football programs in the nation. Collins holds offers from schools like Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas.
Collins has not yet a commitment date yet, but he'll likely take his time with his recruitment. Collins has already visited Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. However, Alabama is the favorite to land Collins even though Florida has turned up the heat lately.
7. ATH Ja'Keem Jackson
Ja'Keem Jackson is another Osceola player committing next week and has Florida as one of his options. Jackson is one of the top athletes in the country and has been recruited by Florida's cornerback coach Corey Raymond.
Ja'Keem Jackson is a 6'1" 173-pound cornerback out of Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida. Jackson is a four-star recruit and the twelfth-ranked athlete in the country. He's also the 42nd-ranked recruit out of Florida.
Jackson received over 30 offers from some blue-chip college football programs during the recruiting process. Jackson held offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, Penn State, and Tennessee.
Jackson will announce his commitment on July 28th and has released a top six. The in-state athlete will choose between Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Penn State, and Tennessee. Florida is sitting in a great spot for the highly-touted athlete out of Kissimmee.
8. S Jordan Castell
Jordan Castell is another defensive back that the Gators are heavily recruiting this cycle. The Gators are heavily in the mix with Castell and will make his commitment towards the end of the month.
Jordan Castell is a 6'2" 190-pound safety out of West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida. Castell is a four-star recruit and the fourteenth-ranked safety in the country. He's also the 45th-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
During the recruiting process, Castell received 40 offers from some top college football programs in the country. Castell holds offers from schools like Alabama, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Castell was initially supposed to announce his commitment on October 1st. However, the blue-chip defensive back moved up his commitment and will now be committing on July 30th. Castell is expected to be on Florida's campus when he's scheduled to announce his commitment.
9. S Joenel Aguero
Rivals100 safety Joenel Aguero is the second out-of-state recruit on the list. Aguero is expected to announce his commitment shortly. Florida is one of the schools in his final four.
Joenel Aguero is a 6'0" 205-pound safety out of St. Johns's Preparatory in Danvers, Massachusetts. Aguero is the 91st-ranked recruit and the fourth-ranked safety in the country. He's also the second-ranked recruit out of Massachusetts.
Aguero received over 30 offers from some elite college football programs during the recruiting process. Aguero holds offers from schools like Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Texas.
Joenel Aguero is set to announce his commitment on Saturday as he'll commit to Florida, Georgia, Miami, or Ohio State. Florida is not really in the mix for Aguero. Georgia and Miami are the favorites to land him, but the Bulldogs seem to have the edge over the Hurricanes.
10. DT Jordan Hall
Jordan Hall is the last recruit on Florida's Top 10 most wanted defensive recruits. The Gators have turned up the heat on Hall's recruitment after Florida landed some commits from his hometown.
Jordan Hall is a 6'3" 306-pound defensive tackle out of Westside High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Hall is a four-star recruit and the twelfth-ranked defensive tackle in the country. He's also the 47th-ranked recruit in the state of Florida.
During the recruiting process, Hall received over 30 offers from top-tier programs. Hall holds offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, South Carolina, and USC.
Jordan Hall has not announced a commitment date yet, but Florida is definitely in the mix for Hall. Florida State and South Carolina are also in the mix for the Jacksonville native. Still, Florida is getting a lot of buzz once Jacksonville native Marcus Stokes and Treyaun Webb committed to the Gators.
