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Billy Napier's outside the box recruiting strategy pays off as Florida Gators get expert prediction from European recruit

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated May 14, 2025 9:01 AM ET

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier needs to ramp up recruiting and he's getting players to come to Gainesville for a visit. However, his ability to finish and get them to commit has been lacking.

Right now, the Gators have only one commit in four-star quarterback Will Griffin. Having had three recruits already decommit from the class over since the start of the year has been tough, but there is plenty of time to rectify that.

Florida Gators land expert prediction

The Gators have had a heavy emphasis on finding talented players in the trenches. The defensive line has been one of the best for the Gators over the last 25 years. Napier has continued that with his recruiting, including finding players in places you wouldn't expect.

On Tuesday, the Gators received the second expert prediction to land defensive tackle Valdin Sone from Sweden. It's the second prediction, as Gators Online's Blake Alderman logged one on April 1st, 42 days ahead of his co-worker Corey Bender.

NEWS: Elite 2026 DL Valdin Sone is down to 8 Schools

The 6’4 320 DL from Sweden is one of the Top DL in the ‘26 Class

Where Should He Go?https://t.co/W9nzDB1PcC pic.twitter.com/Y6S3xQzKHv
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 13, 2025

Sone is a massive individual at 320 lbs and a four-star in the 2026 recruiting class after reclassifying from the 2027 class. He is the 13th-ranked defensive lineman in the recruiting class per the On3 Sports' Industry Ranking, but 247 Sports has him as the second-ranked defensive lineman.

There is a lot of potential with Sone, especially since he's only played football for a few years. His scouting report from 247 Sports' Andrew Irvins is intriguing.

Big-framed European transplant that has only played a few years of American football. Initially was viewed as a developmental offensive tackle, but now bills himself as a defensive lineman after impressing on that side of the ball at a well-stocked combine in Germany. Data reads green as he’s verified at over 6-foot-4, 285 pounds with a 4.55-second effort in the short shuttle on file. Still figuring out all the technical aspects that come with high-level trench play, but displays favorable get-off and adequate mobility at this stage. Can unlock a flat back and generate push with leg drive. Must soak up any and all coaching in the coming years, but has the size and athleticism to carve out a role in a rotation on Saturdays.

The Gators are interesting with their recruiting and he would be a great add.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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