Breaking down Florida football’s most coveted 2024 5-star recruits
The 2024 recruiting cycle is in full swing as Billy Napier and the Florida football program look to reload the Gators’ roster following the team’s second-straight losing season. With the spring practice season now in the rearview mirror and the official visit phase of the yearly cycle coming up next month, it is time to take a look at which prep prospects are on the staff’s leaderboard.
Currently, the Gators sit outside the 247Sports composite’s and On3 industry ranking’s top 10 schools but are still well within striking distance in both rankings. It is still very early in the game and there are many months ahead until the ink meets the paper, but at the same time, the Orange and Blue have their work cut out for them.
Take a look below at the top eight five-star prep prospects on Florida’s recruiting big board, which features one major name who has already committed. Also included are each player’s respective 247Sports composite and On3 industry ranking data as well as visit dates and a relevant quote.
DJ Lagway - Quarterback
High School: Willis (Texas)
247Sports Composite: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 21
Position: 3
State: 5
On3 Industry Ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 23
Position: 3
State: 4
Commitment: FLORIDA GATORS
Florida Official Visit Date: June 2
Quote: “Lagway is confident in his decision and loves the idea of playing for Billy Napier and Ryan O’Hara.” — Chad Simmons, On3
Jeremiah Smith - Wide Receiver
High School: Hollywood (Florida) Chaminade-Madonna Prep
247Sports Composite: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 2
Position: 1
State: 1
On3 Industry Ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 2
Position: 1
State: 1
Commitment: OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
Florida Official Visit Date: June 2
Quote: “One of the most talented wide receiver prospects to come out of South Florida in the modern recruiting era. The type of wideout that can beat a defense over the top one play and then box defenders out in the corner of the end zone the next. Has a knack for making high-level grabs look extremely routine, like plucking the football out of the air with one hand while in traffic.” — Andrew Ivins, 247Sports Director of Scouting
Colin Simmons - EDGE
High School: Duncanville (Texas)
247Sports Composite: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 3
Position: 1
State: 1
On3 Industry Ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 3
Position: 1
State: 1
Commitment: NONE
Florida Official Visit Date: TBD
Quote: “Not too many Texas people go to Florida. Florida is different. I want to see what Florida is talking about too. I like the coaches at Florida. They’re hard-working, they’re going to push you for real. That’s what I need, someone to push me, get me right for the next level and push me.” — Simmons, per Swamp247
David Stone - Defensive Lineman
High School: Bradenton (Florida) IMG Academy
247Sports Composite: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 8
Position: 2
State: 3
On3 Industry Ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 10
Position: 2
State: 3
Commitment: NONE
Florida Official Visit Date: Expected June 2, no confirmation
Quote: “My film, their practices, and showing me how they would use me in their scheme. They like my versatility. They showed me how they would utilize me in different spots. If they can do that, then that is one of the things I enjoyed. The main position for me there is end, and I think that is the best position for me with how my body is. I feel like I can play pretty well off the edge.” — Stone, per Swamp247
Joshisa Trader - Wide Receiver
High School: Hollywood (Florida) Chaminade-Madonna Prep
247Sports Composite: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 16
Position: 1
State: 5
On3 Industry Ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 22
Position: 6
State: 5
Commitment: NONE
Florida Official Visit Date: TBD
Quote: “I like Florida’s speed and how they play fast. They have produced a lot of top receivers over the years too. It is a good program that is going to produce big-time players at my position.” — Trader, per On3’s Chad Simmons
Elijah Rushing - EDGE
High School: Tucson (Arizona) Salpointe Catholic
247Sports Composite: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 23
Position: 3
State: 2
On3 Industry Ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 24
Position: 3
State: 2
Commitment: NONE
Florida Official Visit Date: TBD
Quote: “Just coming to a place where my dad (tight end George Rushing) played and where there is a legacy, it was truly a blessing. To me the offer shows belief in my abilities and it was just a lot of love coming from everyone we met this weekend on campus.” — Rushing, per 247Sports
Cam Coleman - Wide Receiver
High School: Phenix City (Alabama) Central
247Sports Composite: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 59
Position: 11
State: 5
On3 Industry Ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 25
Position: 7
State: 2
Commitment: NONE
Florida Official Visit Date: TBD
Quote: “I’ve been to Florida one time last year with (cornerback) Jayden Coleman but didn’t get to really experience it. I’m going back next week (for an unofficial visit) to really get a feel for it and the coaching staff.” — Coleman, per 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong
Mylan Graham - Wide Receiver
High School: New Haven (Indiana)
247Sports Composite: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 19
Position: 4
State: 1
On3 Industry Ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 12
Position: 4
State: 1
Commitment: OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
Florida Official Visit Date: TBD
Quote: “His speed, quickness and change of direction is just something that’s different. A coach that used to coach here for 20-something years before I took over told me he’s special. So, you get other people telling you that, it confirms what you already see. He’s so explosive on his change of direction and he knows the game well,” — High school coach Kyle Booher, per ElevenWarriors.com
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