Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators
- 10 Most Wanted
- Redshirt Report: High football IQ will serve Kearney well
- 20 Pre-Spring Class of 2025 In-State Names to Know
- Ranking Florida’s 11 Transfer Portal additions
- Great Eight Signees
- Anonymous Player Q&A I: Thoughts on the state of Florida football
- O&B Board: Uninformed Thoughts on Florida’s NIL
- Under Napier, Florida has a clear recruiting footprint
If you go by the recruiting calendar, we’re square in the middle of the 2025 recruiting cycle, but Florida has continued to add to what was already an impressive Class of 2024 haul by adding Southern Cal offensive line transfer Jason Zandamela, the No. 118 ranked prospect in the nation according to the On3 Industry Consensus.
IN HIS WORDS
“Having two offensive line coaches is great. It means I get more attention which means more development. It’s also a system I’m familiar with since we have two offensive line coaches at CAI.” – Zandamela shares his thoughts on Florida being one of the few college football programs with two offensive line assistant coaches
“My relationship with all of the staff. The education and support system in place for it. And just feeling comfortable. Wherever I go is going to be home for 4-5 years so I want to make sure it’s somewhere I would want to be even if there wasn’t football.” – Zandamela on what would be important to him when making his college choice
COMMITMENT IMPACT
Much like with Jameer Grimsley, because he enrolled and spent time on campus, even though he was a member of the Class of 2024, he is considered a transfer rather than a signee. Had he counted in UF’s class ranking, they would have solidly finished in the Top 10. Either way, not only does this more than make up for Peyton Joseph decommitting last month, but this is unquestionably an upgrade. Missing spring ball hurts some, but other than maybe Knijeah Harris if you’re being generous, none of Florida’s guards have shown to be world beaters to this point – which leaves an opening for him to possibly be on the two deep this fall.
RANKING REVIEW
Industry Comparison Ranking via On3
THE BOTTOM LINE
Normally, news that Florida beat out Central Florida for a target wouldn’t be cause for celebration, but the Knights have upped their recruiting game since joining the Big 12. Plus, to be honest, over the last 6-7 years, Florida signing any four-star offensive lineman to add talent to what has been an underperforming group of offensive linemen is cause for celebration. To add the highest rated (93.88 On3 Industry Consensus rating) lineman of the Billy Napier era calls for a parade.
Who are the 4?