We speculated recently that the Florida Gators might be preparing themselves for one of the most challenging college football schedules of all time for the 2024 season, but t's looking as if the team and head coach Billy Napier are prepared for the challenge.
The Gators have always been a reputable program in college football — especially since the days of Tim Tebow and more recently Anthony Richardson — but their recruiting class this offseason has been electric.
Napier scored a top safety prospect in Kamari Wilson in 2022, and 2023 was even better. This year, the program has seen 20 enrollees, including 18 four-star players, according to 247Sports.
The list includes the following notable names:
- Kelby Collins, defensive lineman
- Ja'Keem Jackson, defensive back
- Aidan Mizell, wide receiver
- Eugene Wilson III, wide receiver
- Andy Jean, wide receiver
These are all excellent recruits, but Napier has entered his final form for the 2024 class.
Billy Napier's Hot Streak: Looking at Florida's 2024 Recruiting Class
Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
Things started with five-star quarterback D.J. Lagway committing in December 2022, and five-star safety Xavier Filsaime committed in April 2023.
June, however, has been a red-hot month for the SEC head coach. In this month alone, Napier has recruited these players in the class of 2024:
- Jamonta Waller, edge rusher (four-star)*
- Aaron Chiles, linebacker (four-star)
- Amir Jackson (no position designation) (four-star)
- Amaris Williams, defensive lineman (four-star)
- Nasir Johnson, defensive lineman (four-star)
- Marcus Mascoll, offensive tackle (four-star)
- Michai Boireau, defensive lineman (four-star)
- Mike Williams, offensive tackle (three-star)
- Noel Portnjagin, interior offensive line (German prospect; no star rating)
* Note: Some sources have Waller as a five-star player.
All of those commits occurred from June 12-19. Napier averaged more than one commit per day during that week.
Before this surge, Florida had a ranking of the No. 21 recruiting class in the country. Not bad by any means, but certainly not good enough for the SEC.
Now? Following the Waller commit, the Gators leapfrogged up to No. 3 in the nation, marking the best class for Napier by far. It has Florida fans reminiscing about the Urban Meyer recruiting days.
Waller is viewed as the cream of the crop of this group. Cooper Petagna, a national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, said this about the Mississippi native: "Exhibits outstanding knee bend and hip flexibility off the edge. Demonstrates an explosive first step off the line of scrimmage in addition to excellent play speed and tempo in his pass rush. Shows the ability to win with short area quickness, suddenness, and power. Pro-active mover that plays with very little wasted motion. Every step has a purpose. Thick frame and explosive hands allow him the ability to seal the edge. Flashes active run and chase ability, plus the ability to make plays down the line of scrimmage. Possesses the athletic ability and suddenness to drop in coverage situationally. High motor player that can impact the game with speed, power, and athleticism off the edge."
Yesterday, Florida landed #Rivals100 LB Jamonta Waller
"I'm ready to get to work and make a name for myself. There's an opportunity for me to come in and there and be a game-changer and get on the field early"@RivalsCole broke down the commitment?https://t.co/9QQl8uoN5S pic.twitter.com/sZH8kzi9D4
— Rivals (@Rivals) June 21, 2023
While we can all sit in awe of Napier's accomplishments, we still don't expect more of this legendary college football program than he does.
"I can assure you that no one has higher expectations for what we want to accomplish than me," Napier told 247Sports.
Florida fans have a lot to look forward to, as long as a majority of these kids stay committed.
