Billy Napier making tremendous progress with elite five-star recruit who would bolster Florida Gators' elite defense

Gators making progress with Jireh Edwards

The On3 Industry ranking for Edwards is very strong. The Maryland product ranks as the 21st-best player in the nation and the second-best safety. The Gators are hosting Edwards for the second time next week after hosting him for the first time on November 16th when the Gators beat the LSU Tigers in a major upset.

It's worth noting that the visit Edwards is taking to Florida is unofficial, but an official visit could be scheduled in the coming months. That's what happened with the Oregon Ducks, who hosted Edwards on April 19th, only to get a visit scheduled on June 20th.

Edwards joins cornerbacks CJ Hester and Chauncey Kennon as high-profile targets in the defensive backfield for the Gators. Defensive backs coach Vinnie Sunseri has been a force on the recruiting trail in securing visits from the best players, and now it's time for him to close.

His scouting report from 247 Sports is a good one, going so far as to compare him directly to Malaki Starks.

Punishing defender that should offer some alignment flexibility at his next stop as he can spin down into the box or patrol from the border. Owns a college-ready build with some promising features and tested off the charts spring before junior year. Spent much of his 11th-grade campaign deployed as an oversized slot and did nothing but make plays for one of the nation’s top prep defenses. Triggers downhill in the snap of a finger and frequently arrives with violence. Comfortable crashing gaps, but is also effective in the alley as he uses sharp angles to get ball carriers on the ground. Instinctive in coverage and can match and mirror underneath routes with his lateral agility. Will take some chances when defending the pass, but unsuspecting length can bail him out. A bit older for the grade, but that should have him on the field sooner rather than later. Overall, projects as an all-around defensive playmaker that can make an impact on Saturdays and then possibly Sundays with his physicality and athleticism. Likely to keep the tag of safety, but should really be viewed as a chess piece that can be moved all around in an era where position lines continue to blur.

Securing his commitment will be a challenge, but one that the Gators can make happen, especially with Sunseri's relationship with Edwards. The Gators will know on July 5th whether or not Edwards will play football in Gainesville.