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Elite pass rusher sends firm message to Florida Gators regarding his recruitment and next official visit
Matt Pendleton / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Recruiting is booming for the Florida Gators and head coach Billy Napier.

Things didn't start out great, as they exited spring practice with just one commit: four-star quarterback Will Griffin. Since then, the Gators have landed five commitments, with two of them coming this past weekend in three-star OT Chancellor Campbell and four-star WR Justin Williams

Napier and his coaching staff have been on a tear with their big visit weekends over the last two weeks. That momentum is continuing, with the latest big news on the defensive side of the football.

If you've been following this team when it comes to recruiting, you know how much the Gators have been putting into four-star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy. The one time LSU Tigers commit decommitted from Brian Kelly's program and the Gators have been extremely hot on his trail, and it's getting stronger and stronger.

On Monday, news broke that McCoy had cancelled his official visit to the University of Texas and use that time to go back to Gainesville and spend another weekend in Florida.

McCoy taking another visit to Florida is a major step forward toward the Gators securing his commitment. The Tupelo, Mississippi product has been given multiple expert predictions from On3 Sports, which is massive for Napier's staff. We will know what McCoy chooses to do on July 1st.

His scouting report is that of a supremely talented player who can do a little bit of everything on the defensive line for defensive coordinator Ron Roberts.

Physically gifted defensive lineman with a huge frame and plus athleticism as a high school underclassman. has measured in over 6-foot-6.5 and close to 250 pounds prior to his sophomore season. Owns plus length for the position with 34.25-inch arms. Registers as a top athlete, running a 4.89 second 40-yard dash at Student Sports’ All-22 camp. Lines up as a big defensive end for his high school. Physical gifts are readily apparent on Friday nights. Flashes good speed and functional movement skills. Closes to make some impressive plays. Has upside as a run defender, using his big frame to body offensive linemen. Still early in his development. Likely not done growing and could see his frame maxing out at north of 300 pounds. Size and athleticism make him one of the early top defensive linemen in the 2026 cycle.

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

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