Gators Early Signing Period Coverage

7:10 am

Gators Ready to Grab What Took Root Last Summer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The UF baseball team was in Omaha on the way to playing for the national championship against LSU. The summer buzz in Gator Nation centered on the diamond as Florida advanced to the College World Series for the first time in five years.

Still, the UF football program and head coach Billy Napier joined the party from afar.

Over the course of a couple of days last summer, the Gators' 2024 recruiting class shot up the national rankings with a flood of commitments in June. Florida's class climbed as high as No. 3 in the country in the rankings.

The Gators have suffered some de-commitments since then, while adding via the transfer portal. Today is the day the Gators receive their score on the first half of the test. Remember, while today's Early Signing Day has essentially become the biggest day in recruiting, the official National Signing Day is Feb. 7.

So, check back here often as we update the blog when each signee becomes official with some notes, quotes and social media embeds to help you get to know the newest group of Gators.

7:29 am

Myles Graham is Officially a Gator

The first National Letter of Intent is official and it's from a centerpiece of Florida's 2024 recruiting class: LB Myles Graham.

Graham, the son of former Gators running back Earnest Graham, is considered a player with the potential to make an impact from his first day on the field.

Graham played his senior season only a few miles from The Swamp at Gainesville's Buchholz High. He earned a five-star ranking from Rivals.com is considered among the top linebacker prospects in the 2024 class by every major national recruiting service.

Graham chose the Gators over offers from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida State, among others.

8/14/22 I committed to the University of Florida and was the first commit of the 2024 class. It means the world to me to put pen paper and sign to my dream school. ALL GLORY TO GOD. Gator Nation will get my best every day#GoGators🐊 https://t.co/a1dT5ueJBv pic.twitter.com/1y7fQqDk2u
— Myles Graham (@MylesGraham2_) December 20, 2023

8:24 am

TE Amir Jackson Ready to Compete

The Gators have validated the NLI of their second signee in the 2024 class, TE Amir Jackson from Portal, Ga.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Jackson is a consensus four-star signee and ranked the fifth-best player at his position group by On3.com.

Jackson chose the Gators over offers from Georgia, Alabama, Florida State Miami, Tennessee and others.

Tall and athletic, Jackson starred in basketball at Portal High, where he averaged 13.7 points and 11 rebounds in 86 games.

"Humble and competitive,'' Jackson said in his official announcement. "Excited to get to Gainesville to show what I can do."

7:48 am

Texas junior-college D-Lineman Brien Taylor Signs

The Gators have added some muscle on the defensive line via the junior-college talent pool.

Defensive lineman Brien Taylor, who is listed at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, has officially signed with the Gators. Taylor played at Blinn (Texas) College, the same school where former Gators QB and Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton starred between his time at Florida and Auburn.

Taylor recorded 39 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss last season to earn all-conference honors. He is from Houston, Texas, where he played at Cypress Falls High prior to Blinn College.

He is ranked the fourth overall JUCO edge rusher in the 2024 class by On3.com.

Taylor drew interest from many heavyweight programs, including Auburn, Georgia and Miami.

"The Florida Gators are getting somebody who's hungry and going to leave it all out on the field,'' Taylor said in his announcement. "Gators vs. Everybody."

"The Florida Gators are getting somebody who's HUNGRY and who's gonna leave it all out on the field. Gators vs. Everybody."

Welcome to The Swamp, @BDTJ13!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/PAvbMKqtnR
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

8:05 am

Germany's Portnjagin Officially a Gator

The Gators have added their first offensive lineman of the day. And they found him across the pond in Germany.

Noel Portnjagin of Schwabisch, Germany, stands 6-foot-5 and tips the scale at 334 pounds. He signed with the Gators after playing tackle in the German Football League for Schwabisch Hall, helping his team reach the German Bowl.

Portnjagin may have performed far from the Southeastern Conference, but Florida, Auburn and South Carolina are among the schools that offered him an opportunity to come to America to play college football.

According to ESPN, Portnjagin is ranked the No. 39 offensive tackle prospect in the 2024 class.

Since Portnjagin's addition is off-the-beaten-path, why not surf the web over to Europe for a scout's take on the big guy.

Here is what the scouting service Europe's Elite has to say about Portnjagin:

Noel is an absolute lock at the guard spot, he possesses elite explosiveness on the line of scrimmage that a very small percentage of players can compete with. The separation he creates with his first contact makes the pocket much bigger and freer for the run/pass game. The technique of his blocking is very solid, the hands are strong and engaged at the point of attack, the elbows allow him to be as explosive as he is, and he's more than capable of pulling the line to effect outside the tackles.

The Gators are eager to see how that translates on the field at The Swamp.

"Florida bekommt einen Mann, der 110% auf und neben dem Feld geben wird. Macht euch keine Sorgen Gator Nation, Ich bin hier um zu DOMINIEREN!"

Welcome to The Swamp, @74_noel_!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/d3E0Q3QUc2
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

8:21 am

Hawkins Adds Speedster to Gators Roster

Receiver Jerrae Hawkins has signed his NLI and officially joined the Gators.

"Full speed every snap,'' Hawkins said. "World to be the best teammate and player I can be."

Hawkins is from Wheeling, W. Va., but played last season at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, where he caught 26 passes for 483 yards and four touchdowns as a senior.

On3, 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals all rate the 5-foot-9, 160-pound Hawkins a four-star recruit.

Hawkins' speed helped him on the track, too. He won the 60-meter dash at the 2023 Florida Indoor Championships and was the 100- and 200-meter state champion as a sophomore in high school in West Virginia.

Hawkins signed with the Gators over offers from Alabama, Miami, Oregon and Penn State, among others.

On his official visit in June, Hawkins told SI.com he liked what he heard from the UF coaches about utilizing his skill set.

"Get me in space,'' he said.

"Full speed every snap. Playmaker. Work to be the best teammate and player I can be."

Welcome to The Swamp, @Tankk_1k!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/9acMC1tBGj
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

8:39 am

San Diego State Transfer O-Lineman Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson Signs

The Gators need talent and production on the offensive line and signed a player who will be able to help immediately.

Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson,a three-year starter at San Diego State, has signed with the Gators out of the transfer portal. Crenshaw-Dickson committed last weekend.

The 6-foot-7, 312-pound California native appeared in 38 games for the Aztecs, starting 37 over that span. Crenshaw-Dickson played for former Michigan coach Brady Hoke at San Diego State and developed a reputation as a strong pass blocker.

He did not allow a single pressure last season against Boise State and according to Pro Football Focus, limited opponents to nine pressures all season.

Crenshaw-Dickson started at left and right tackle for San Diego State and surrendered only one sack in 2022. He is expected to compete with returnees Austin Barber, Damieon George Jr. and Kamryn Waites for playing time next season.

"Bringing the work ethic and energy to the team to be a leader. Will bring everything I have to Ben Hill Griffin and the city of Gainesville."

Welcome to The Swamp, @Brandon_CD56!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/2Se1ghWBs3
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

8:48 am

Safety Josiah Davis Officially a Gator

Safety Josiah Davis was a big man on campus in Nashville. No, Davis isn't a country music standout, but he did a little of everything at Berrien High school in Nashville, Ga.

He was a two-way player who took shifts at quarterback and running back when not in the secondary. He signed with the Gators on Wednesday as a 6-foot, 182-pound safety.

Davis is ranked the No. 36 safety prospect in the country by ESPN and finished with 38 tackles and three pass breakups as a senior.

Davis played basketball and ran track at Berrien High but did his best work on the football field, helping the program reach the playoffs for the first time in almost 30 years his junior season.

Davis weighed offers from programs such as Tennessee, Louisville and N.C. State before signing with Florida.

He told On3.com the Gators were a perfect fit.

"Florida is just a great school overall, football and academic wise,'' he said.

9:10 am

Aaron Chiles Joins UF Program

The No. 1-ranked prospect in the state of Maryland according to Rivals.com is coming to the Sunshine State.

Linebacker Aaron Chiles out of Good Counsel High in Olney, Md., has officially signed his NLI.

The 6-foot, 227-pound Chiles joins Gainesville Buchholz linebacker Myles Graham in Florida's 2024 signing class, delivering a talented tandem at a position of need.

Chiles had seven sacks and 76 tackles in nine games last season and is invited to play in the 2024 Under Armour All-American Game.

He picked the Gators over offers from Miami, Florida State, Alabama, LSU, Michigan and Clemson, among others.

In his signing announcement, Chiles promised to arrive ready to make a difference.

"You're getting somebody ready to win and someone who is going to be relentless in his efforts,'' Chiles said.

10:01 am

Westphal Adds Beef Up Front

The Gators have officially signed offensive lineman Fletcher Westphal out of Leesburg, Va.

The 6-foot-8, 334-pound Westphal is ranked one of the top five players in Virginia by On3.com, ESPN and 247Sports.

He adds another addition at a position of need for the Gators, joining San Diego State transfer Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, who signed earlier this morning.

"Can look forward to me accountable, hard working and dedicated to being a leader for this team,'' Westphal said.

Westphal starred at Tuscarora High and will play in the 2024 All-American Bowl.

Westphal chose the Gators over Clemson and Arkansas in the end, and told On3.com why he liked Florida.

"Really, out of my top five, every school had the facilities and I loved the coaches at all the schools, but Florida had the best academics out of all the places,'' he said. "I liked the coaches at Florida and blended the best with the players."

"Can look forward to me being accountable, hard working, and dedicated to being a leader for this team."

Welcome to The Swamp, @FletcherWestph1!
#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/cKyokeOmjS
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

10:21 am

In-State CB Foster Fulfills Goal to be a Gator

The Gators have added an important in-state prospect to the secondary in cornerback Teddy Foster.

Foster starred in high school at Sarasota's Cardinal Mooney High, where he was a two-way player who caught an 82-yard touchdown pass in the state championship game.

Foster is a 6-foot, 170-pound recruit who garnered a three-star ranking from the major recruiting services. He picked the Gators over Tennessee, Miami and North Carolina.

Foster finished his senior season with 44 tackles, six pass breakups and an interception.

He left little doubt about where his heart was after helping the Cougars win the Class 1S state championship earlier this month at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee.

"I'm locked in,'' he told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. "I'm a Gator. We just got our new DB coach [Will Harris]. I'm a Gator right now. I'm a Gator forever."

"Hard working, selfless, encouraging, competitive, dedicated and determined. A teammate will do whatever it takes to win."

Welcome to The Swamp, @TeddyFoster_3!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/jgPfafPn5m
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

10:40 am

Ivy League POY Slackman Joins Gators

He started out as a wrestler at Penn. Defensive lineman Joey Slackman finish his Penn career as Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year.

Slackman's next stop is Gainesville after he officially signed with the Gators on Wednesday morning.

Slackman started 18 games at Penn and finished with 115 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles. He adds a veteran playmaker and leader on the defensive line.

Slackman announced his commitment to Florida over the weekend, capping a busy stretch for the 6-foot-3, 295-pound lineman.

"It's been the craziest two weeks of my life,'' Slackman told the Philadelphia Inquirer recently.

Slackman, a wrestling star at Commack (N.Y.) High, joined the Penn football team as a sophomore. He finished tied for second in the Ivy League with 12 tackles for loss last season, including four sacks.

"He is very, very coachable,'' Penn coach Ray Priore told the Inquirer. "He has been an incredible competitor. No matter what Joey Slackman does, he does it at 100 miles per hour."

Slackman wrestled as a freshman but when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he returned home and earned money by working at a local deli. He developed an interest once again in football and walked on to the football team as a sophomore.

The rest is history as they say.

He is ready to play and be a leader for the Gators.

"When I called Coach Napier to let them know that I committed, that was something that he reiterated," Slackman told ESPN.com. "He just said, 'Look, we need guys that can come in and lead, not just play.' They went through a very diligent process in the portal."

"My teammates can expect someone who is going to come in, put his head down and WORK. Nothing else matters but the task at hand."

Welcome to The Swamp, @JoeySlackman!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/puQ9CYxo9V
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

10:55 am

WR Abrams Adds Another In-State Signee

Four-star receiver Tawaski "TJ" Abrams has officially joined the Gators.

Abrams is a 5-foot-10, 190-pound four-star recruit out of Dunbar High in Fort Myers. He is ranked the No. 33 receiver in this year's recruiting class by ESPN.

Abrams hauled in 34 catches for 558 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior, helping Dunbar reach the state semifinals.

Abrams originally committed to Florida State and entertained offers from Texas A&M, Miami and LSU, among others.

He changed his commitment to UF in July after a visit that made a strong impression.

"I felt like the right place for me from the field to the classroom,'' Abrams told On3.com when he flipped. "Touring the facilities, getting to see that this place is really at the top when it comes to producing and creating great players let me know this is where I wanna be."

11:28 am

Florida Inks Mississippi All-State RB Daniels

The Gators have added another playmaker on offense in running back Kahnen Daniels.

Daniels signed this morning out of West Point High in West Point, Miss.

He is a four-star recruit and the fourth overall prospect from the state of Mississippi in this year's recruiting class according to On3.com.

Daniels put together a decorated career as a prep standout, earning the Mississippi High School Athletic Association Class 5A Mr. Football award as a senior. He rushed for a whopping 2,737 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior, including a 253-yard performance in the state championship game.

Daniels plans to enroll in January and will be present in spring camp.

He appeared in the U.S. Army Bowl on Monday and is ready to start the next chapter.

"They're going to get a leader, a person that's going to go past 100 percent," Daniels told the Columbus (Miss.) Dispatch. "I feel like I'm different from all of these guys in my class and they'll see. I'm ready."

11:53 am

Georgian Marcus Mascoll Joins O-Line Mix

Offensive lineman Marcus Mascoll is the fourth offensive lineman on the day to sign with the Gators, joining fellow signees Fletcher Westphal and Noel Portnjagin, in addition to San Diego State transfer Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson.

Mascoll committed to the Gators in June following an official visit and the 6-foot-4, 290-pound product of South Gwinnett (Ga.) High stayed true to his commitment.

"It's mainly the environment, being around the players,'' Mascoll told 247Sports.com following his verbal commitment. "The system they run with the two line coaches. There are just big things coming in Gainesville.

Mascoll is rated the No. 36 offensive tackle in the class according to 247Sports. He signed with Florida over LSU, Pittsburgh and N.C. State.

Mascoll was named all-state and his older brother, Justin Mascoll, is a senior defensive lineman at Clemson.

"Never satisfied, never settling for less. Go Gators"

Welcome to The Swamp, @MarcusMascoll1!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/yuEYSUi2ja
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

12:16 pm

Gators Sign Mike Williams Out of Maryland

The Gators continue to bulk up on the offensive line, signing Mike Williams out of Maryland. Williams is the fifth O-lineman addition for Florida on National Signing Day.

A 6-foot-6, 308-pound three-star prospect out of Charles Herbert Flowers High in the Baltimore area, Williams is ranked the No. 31 offensive tackle in this year's recruiting class by 247Sports.

Williams originally committed to South Carolina but flipped to Florida last summer following a visit. He was sold by the two offensive-line-coach system the Gators have in assistants Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton.

"Coach Stapleton, Coach Sale, they aren't used car salesmen," he told 247Sports after committing. "They are great guys. That is a beautiful scheme they run. Even when the two guys are gone from around you, they have other offensive line guys. They really are into developing you, and breakdown how they will develop you.

"When I come in for the fall, they have told me how they will develop me."

Williams also had offers from South Carolina, Tennessee, Southern Cal and Miami, among others.

"Gator Nation and my teammates are getting someone who is looking to showcase his ability to the world and make Gator Nation proud."

Welcome to The Swamp, @Mike4kk!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/bISIaKBQjq
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

1:04 pm

Gators Land Former Oregon Starter Bridges

The Gators have announced the addition of their third transfer portal acquisition today in former Oregon cornerback Trikweze Bridges.

Bridges is from Lanett, Ala., and moved cross country to sign with the Ducks coming out of high school. He appeared in 48 career games at Oregon, with 17 starts.

The 6-foot-2, 191-pound veteran adds experience in the secondary and a player who will not be intimidated by one of the country's toughest schedule in 2024.

Bridges' best season at Oregon came in 2022 when he started 13 games and finished with a career-high 49 tackles and three interceptions. He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school.

Bridges announced his transfer plans on Dec. 5. He posted 16 tackles and two passes defended last season while largely stuck behind Khyree Jackson and Dontae Manning Jr. on the depth chart.

Bridges recorded 36 interceptions in high school, including 13 returned for touchdown, tying the Alabama High School Athletic Association's all-time record set in 1987.

"I am so excited to join Gator Nation and be a part of the incredible atmosphere,'' Bridges said. "You are getting someone who's ready to lead and bring the energy."

Here is an interview with Bridges from last season:

1:15 pm

Gators Flip RB Jadan Baugh

The Gators joined the fun of flipping a prospect on National Signing Day when the inked running back Jadan Baugh on Wednesday afternoon.

Baugh originally committed to Arkansas before opening up his recruitment. Most had him going to Alabama earlier in the week but the Gators beat out the Crimson Tide to sign the 6-foot, 225-pound runner from Columbia High in Decatur, Ga.

Ranked a four-star prospect by On3, 247Sports and Rivals, Baugh rushed for 1,583 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior.

He joins Mississippi product Kahnen Daniels in the backfield as the Gators seek to replace the departed Trevor Etienne, who recently entered the transfer portal.

Baugh had seven 100-yard rushing games last season and also played quarterback and defensive back.

He had numerous offers from top programs, including Michigan, Tennessee and Texas.

Baugh took official visits to Florida and Alabama earlier this month, with Florida getting the win.

"Florida has shown me that it's a home for me. I'm very wanted here," Baugh told SI.com after his visit on Dec. 10. "I was always told, 'Go where you wanted.' I like Florida a lot."

The Gators liked him, too.

Run the BAUGH.

Welcome to The Swamp, @1vibesjay!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/xPEIUHmaHD
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

1:39 pm

Gators Ink D-Lineman Michai Boireau from Georgia

He committed, de-committed and committed again during the recruiting process, and in the end, defensive lineman Michai Boireau signed with the Gators on Wednesday.

A 6-foot-4, 394-pound interior lineman out of Creekside High in Hampton, Ga., Boireau will play his college football about a four-hour drive down Interstate 75.

Boireau drew interest from in-state Georgia but opted to re-commit to the Gators earlier this month as his team was about to play in the state championship.

He chose Florida over offers from Georgia, Auburn, Florida State, Michigan, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Texas A&M, among others.

According to 247Sports, Boireau maintained contact with Florida following his de-commitment and attended Gators games against Vanderbilt and Georgia.

When he returned to campus for a visit, it was like he never left.

"Coming back, I thought it was going to be kind of awkward, but nah, it wasn't awkward at all," Boireau told Swamp247 after that trip. "Everybody was excited to see me, and I was excited to see them. I was excited to be here, and everything honestly felt like I never left."

"Florida is getting a hard worker and a guy who is ready to get the job done!"

Welcome to The Swamp, @MichaiBoireau58!
#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/DmNuEQZzRk
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

3:51 pm

Gators Sign Hillsborough County DB Smith

The latest signee for Florida is safety Greg Smith, a four-star prospect from Riverview Sumner in Hillsborough County.

A two-way player in high school, Smith played quarterback and safety while leading Sumner to the regional finals his senior season.

Smith is a 6-foot-3, 191-pound rangy athlete who made 29 tackles and had an interception and forced fumble on defense as a senior.

He was Sumner's starting quarterback his junior year and threw for more than 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Smith had offers from Ole Miss, Virginia, Vanderbilt and Toledo, among others, before opting to sign with Florida.

4:06 pm

Gators Sign Veteran Badgers WR Dike

Gators quarterback Graham Mertz will have a familiar target in 2024: his former Wisconsin teammate Chimere Dike.

The Gators signed Dike from the transfer portal on Wednesday afternoon, their fourth addition from the portal.

Dike is a 6-foot, 184-pound receiver who played in 44 games at Wisconsin, including 31 starts.

Dike caught 97 passes for 1,478 yards for the Badgers and earned honorable mention on the All-Big Ten Team in 2022 when Mertz was Wisconsin's starting quarterback.

He caught 70 passes for 1,032 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022 with Mertz at quarterback.

Dike is a Wisconsin native who grew up in Waukesha and starred at North High School. He served as a team captain last season.

Bringing a proven veteran presence to the WR room.

Welcome to The Swamp, @chimdk11!#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/OWTsFgVapB
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

4:37 pm

QB Lagway Makes It Official: He's a Gator

The jewel of Florida's 2024 recruiting class has made it official.

One of the country's top recruits, five-star quarterback DJ Lagway, has signed with the Gators.

Lagway announced his decision in a school ceremony Wednesday afternoon that was aired by ESPN2.

When asked what made UF head coach Billy Napier and the Gators his choice, Lagway responded: "I just believe in him. He's a really good dude. I just see it. I can see it there. I can see him doing amazing things. I feel like I'm the piece of the puzzle to complete it."

The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Lagway earned National Player of the Year honors from Max Preps after throwing for 4,604 yards and 58 touchdowns this season for Willis (Texas) High.

Lagway is a consensus five-star recruit and ranked the No. 1 quarterback prospect by Rivals and No. 2 by On3.com, 247Sports and ESPN.

Lagway had offers from nearly every major program and was pursued heavily by Texas A&M in recent weeks.

He committed to Florida in December 2022 and has been omnipresent on campus and social media supporting the Gators for the past year.

"My teammates can expect me to work hard everyday and the fans can expect to get my best every time I'm wearing that Orange and Blue."

Welcome to The Swamp, @DerekLagway! #2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/hLe3w9RGwd
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023

8:31 pm

LJ McCray Caps Gators' Class Following a Wait

The Gators closed National Signing Day in dramatic fashion, signing five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray.

McCray committed to the Gators several weeks ago but recently visited Florida State and Auburn, raising questions about his final destination. He added to the confusion when he reportedly told On3.com that he would not sign with any school on Wednesday.

But shortly before 6 p.m., McCray announced on Instagram Live that he was signing with Florida.

McCray is a 6-foot-6, 267-pound force who starred at Daytona Beach Mainland and is ranked the top overall defensive tackle by On3.com.

"One thing I'll say about LJ that I respect about him is he is up for the challenge,'' Gators coach Billy Napier said at his NSD press conference. "We talked to LJ in the very beginning of the process — LJ is an alpha. He's a leader. He's an elite competitor, and he's done very similar things at his high school.

"He's got that type of presence and that type of voice, and he's an impact player."

Napier said McCray will play off the edge for the Gators.

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