Here are On3’s 5 ‘hidden gems’ among Florida’s 2023 recruiting class
The 2023 recruiting cycle is over, and after the dust settled, Florida football found itself just outside of the top 10 programs in the country in a majority of the class rankings. A tumultuous two months dealing with constant drama at the quarterback position left the Gators a bit short of their lofty expectations, but Billy Napier’s first full recruiting class can still be considered a success.
The Orange and Blue failed to sign a consensus five-star prospect out of the prep ranks this time around but made up for it with a bumper crop of four-star standouts. Of course, everyone wants their team to get a top prospect to lead the way, but there is something to be said for acquiring quality across the board.
Below is a look at the five incoming freshmen that On3’s Nick del la Torre feels will be big-time contributors despite being overlooked by many. Included in the list are each player’s physical attributes as well as their high school rankings according to both the 247Sports composite and On3 consensus.
WR Eugene Wilson III
Height: 5’10”
Weight:165 lbs
School: Tampa (Florida) Gaither
On3 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wilson is ranked No. 106 overall and No. 21 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 consensus ranks him at Nos. 106 and 20, respectively. Both rate the young wide receiver at four stars.
CB Ja’Keem Jackson
Height: 6’0.5”
Weight: 185 lbs
School: Kissimmee (Florida) Osceola
On3 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jackson is ranked No. 55 overall and No. 7 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 consensus ranks him at Nos. 55 and 6, respectively.
DL Kamran James
Height: 6’0.5”
Weight: 258 lbs
School: Orlando (Florida) Olympia
On3 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
James is ranked No. 164 overall and No. 17 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 consensus ranks him at Nos. 147 and 16, respectively.
DL Kelby Collins
Height: 6’3.75”
Weight: 259 lbs
School: Gardendale (Alabama)
On3 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Collins is ranked No. 42 overall and No. 5 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 consensus ranks him at Nos. 46 and 6, respectively.
OT Roderick Kearney
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 292 lbs
School: Orange Park (Florida)
On3 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kearney is ranked No. 113 overall and No. 4 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 consensus ranks him at Nos. 122 and 6, respectively.
Read more
[lawrence-related id=100945,100864,100816,100805,100794]
[listicle id=100824]
[listicle id=100739]
[listicle id=100205]
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
