Gators head coach Billy Napier had 23 new players to pump his fist about after the Early Signing Day on Wednesday. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
Gators Maintain Momentum with Strong Class on Early Signing Day
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | Football, Scott Carter
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin did not attend Billy Napier's Early Signing Day press conference late Wednesday afternoon, but if he had, more than one inquiring mind may have asked if he wished he had shared his vote of confidence in Napier sooner.
Since Stricklin's letter to Gator Nation on Nov. 7, Napier and his program's fortunes have changed considerably in the past 27 days.
The Gators reeled off three consecutive wins to close the regular season after a 32-point loss at Texas two days after Stricklin's letter, and on Wednesday, they capped a frenzied stretch by signing the top-rated class in Napier's four recruiting cycles at Florida. The Gators' class averaged a 10.8 national ranking based on their position in the four primary recruiting services: ESPN (10th), On3.com (11th), 247Sports (11th) and Rivals.com (11th).
While Stricklin's letter clarified Napier's future to recruits, Florida's play on the field helped Napier's Army flip 12 players over the past two weeks, including defensive back Lagonza Hayward from Tennessee on Wednesday.
"Obviously, for you to get the administration's stamp was a big deal,'' Napier said. "Then you prove it on the field with a couple of big wins."
Gators incoming freshman Vernell Brown III with his father, former Gators defensive back Vernell Brown Jr. (Photo: Jordan Herald/UAA Communications)
The Gators defeated No. 21-ranked LSU and No. 9 Ole Miss at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium last month in front of sold-out crowds and recruiting visitors still taking a hard look at the Gators.
They saw a Gators team that refused to throw in the towel after a 1-2 start that included deflating home losses to Miami and Texas A&M. Florida closed the regular season on Saturday with a 31-11 win at Florida State, clinching Napier's first winning season at 7-5.
Florida overcame numerous defensive injuries to play its best of the season down the stretch, and true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway injected confidence in the team with his deep passing ability and poised leadership.
"The character they showed through the first month of the season, how they responded, how they continued to fight — I think that spoke loudest of all," Napier said. Former Gators linebacker Ben Hanks with his son, Ben Hanks III. (Photo: Jordan Herald/UAA Communications)
Florida signed 23 players Wednesday, including a pair of legacy prospects in Orlando Jones receiver Vernell Brown III and defensive back Ben Hanks III from Miami's Booker T. Washington High.
Both their fathers played for the Gators.
Brown had a busy Wednesday with a morning signing ceremony at school with a pair of teammates and then practice later in the day in preparation for Friday night's state playoff game against Naples.
"It's extremely exciting,'' Brown III said. "Ever since I was 5 years old, you work for days like these. I'm just glad I was able to make a future where I'm going to college for free at the University of Florida. After the OV [official visit], I kind of just sat down with my family and just asked different questions, and throughout the answering of those questions, it was pointing toward Florida.
"From then on, I knew I was going to Florida."
Brown's father, Vernell Brown Jr., faced a similar situation when he came out of high school. His father, Vernell Brown Sr., played for the Gators in the 1980s and recently was honored at The Swamp with the rest of the 1984 team that won UF's first on-field Southeastern Conference championship.
Brown Jr. played for the Gators in the mid-2000s under Ron Zook and Urban Meyer and was a team captain his senior season. Vernell III came along soon after his father's college career ended, and Vernell Jr., having been around big-time college football most of his life, saw his son develop into a talented player fast.
"It was actually really early on,'' Vernell Brown Jr. said. "You could tell, even watching him in youth ball, that he was different. I kind of had an early inclination that he was going to have a shot."
Napier views both Brown and Hanks as pivotal additions.
"Those two guys, it's in the DNA," Napier said. "It's important to add players like that because I think they care. There's just something different about it for them. I'm always looking for that kid that grew up a Gator, that has passion for the place, that has always wanted to play here."
Hanks joined fellow defensive backs Hayward and Drake Stubbs in the class. Stubbs recently flipped from Miami after starring at Mandarin High in Jacksonville. Brown is one of three receivers in the class, joined by Naeshaun Montgomery from Miami Central and Muizz Tounkara from Clear Springs High in League City, Texas.
Overall, Florida signed three receivers, three defensive backs, three offensive linemen, three running backs, three defensive linemen, two edge rushers, two inside linebackers, a punter, a kicker, a quarterback and a tight end.
"Really excited about the players that we added,'' Napier said. "It's a blessing to welcome a very talented group, in my opinion."
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