GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When Gators coach
Billy Napier addressed the signing of defensive lineman
Kelby Collins last month during his Early Signing Day press conference, he made it clear that Collins has an opportunity to see the field early in his career.
"You just turn the tape on, one of the more polished, ready-to-play players in the country," Napier said. "Just fundamentally advanced, [6-foot-4], 260 pounds, and really a violent player. Plays with effort."
Gators fans who tuned into Tuesday night's Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando got a glimpse of why Napier is so high on Collins, a Gardendale (Ala.) High product who signed with the Gators despite a late push from his home state Crimson Tide.
Collins finished with four tackles and two sacks in a disruptive performance, earning MVP honors for Team Speed, which lost 14-7 to Team Phantom in the exhibition game at Camping World Stadium.
Collins is ranked a four-star prospect according to
247Sports and
On3.com. He helped Gardendale win its first region title in more than a decade and advance to the quarterfinals of the Alabama Class 6A playoffs. As a senior, he finished his prep career with 111 tackles and 14 sacks.
Collins stuck with the Gators despite Alabama's attempt to sway him late in the recruiting cycle.
"Until the last 24 hours, I was debating on where I wanted to go, but I stuck out with Florida," Collins told
AL.com last month. "They believed in me since Day 1, and they wanted me to lead this freshman class and help recruit it. I met a lot of people through the recruiting journey, and I'll take a lot from all of them throughout my career."
Collins joins a Florida team that needs help on the interior line following the departure of junior
Gervon Dexter Jr., who opted to pass on his final season of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.
He offers many of the intangibles that Napier seeks in rebuilding the Gators' roster heading into his second season.
"He comes from an unbelievable family, just his mom and dad, their character, they're competitors," Napier said. "That might have been the cleanest house I've ever been in. I think that's an indicator of things. Kelby's mom and dad, got a younger brother, his grandma, they're just awesome, salt of the earth, and he's a reflection of them certainly. He's a leader … a guy I believe is in prime position to be a difference maker."
While Collins was the star of the eight Gators signees who played in Tuesday's game, quarterback
Jaden Rashada was the biggest name among the group.
A five-star prospect out of Pittsburg (Calif.), Rashada signed with the Gators after initially committing to Florida, flipping to Miami, and then back to the Gators.
He faced consistent pressure in Tuesday's game but finished 4 of 8 for 25 yards. Rashada garnered praise throughout the week from his Team Speed coaches for his arm and leadership ability.
Those traits are part of what attracted the Gators.
"Can't compliment Jaden enough relative to who he is as a person, as a leader, his character," Napier said. "He had a fantastic senior year, made a huge playoff run. Came up a little short in the state title there, but just phenomenal run there as a senior. That's always a good sign, I think.
"The ball really jumps out of his hand. He's a junkie. He loves the game. He's all about the work. I think he's got a good sturdy frame that we can add weight to. Just been very impressed with his approach."
Under Armour invited ten UF signees to play in Tuesday's game. Tampa Gaither receiver
Eugene Wilson III and Tampa Wharton defensive back
Dijon Johnson did not make the trip, but eight future Gators participated.
Offensive lineman
Roderick Kearney, who signed with the Gators out of Orange Park High, contributed to Team Phantom's win. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Kearney is a four-star recruit ranked the fifth-best interior offensive line prospect in the 2023 signing class by 247Sports. Kearney's block on the edge opened a lane for running back
Cedric Baxter to run for a 13-yard touchdown for the game's first score.
Defensive lineman
Will Norman, center
Knijeah Harris, and defensive backs
Sharif Denson,
Ja'Keem Jackson and
Jordan Castell also played.
