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Cain Van Norden is a three-star defensive lineman from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. He stands at an impressive 6-foot-7, 265 pounds and earned the nickname “Big Sandwich”. Norden committed to the Gators on May 15th, 2026. He took an official visit to Florida from June 4th-6th. Norden is the No. 626 ranked prospect in the nation according to the Rivals Industry Composite.
Learn more about his recruiting process, personal life, and why he ultimately chose the Gators in this edition of Getting to Know.
FOOTBALL/RECRUITING
Take us through the commitment process. What was that experience like for you?
“It was a stressful process. A lot of schools came in a short period of time. My family and I set up spring visits with my top schools, and it really just came down to who I liked the most. My relationships with the coaches at Florida really stood out to me. I like the family atmosphere and the culture of Florida. After my visit, all the defensive line coaches and defensive coordinators came to see me at my school. I feel like I learned a lot during my workout with the defensive coordinator in a short amount of time. I can imagine what it would be like when I get there.”
Which school came in second for you?
“Georgia came in second for me because of the expectations they have for their players, and the culture and history of the school. When I went down there for my visit, I knew that Georgia produces great defensive linemen and has one of the best coaches in college football.”
What is the strangest thing that happened during your recruitment process?
“The strangest thing is how most of the coaches had a different philosophy when we were sitting down 1-on-1.”
What inspired you to start playing football?
“I was forced by my parents.”
What would you say are some of your greatest strengths as a football player?
“I’m a fast learner. I’m good at reading offenses. I do a lot of studying before the game. I’m a very competitive football player who wants to win and is very passionate. As a defensive lineman, I’m versatile and can play anywhere on the line. My go-to move is a bullrush.”
What is the most appealing part of the University of Florida to you?
“The family atmosphere combined with the competitive nature.”
What is your favorite football memory?
“When I transferred to my new school, Gonzaga was a team that we never beat before, and that season we beat them; I had a really good game. 4 tackles for loss. Nobody thought we could beat them.”
Who have you spoken to the most from your recruiting class?
“Cahron Wheeler, he lives close to me.”
Which current Gators have you spoken with the most?
“Joe Mbatchou.”
Who are you looking forward to playing with or maybe going against in practice?
“All my defensive line teammates. We gonna be the best freshman defensive line class in the country.”
What is your favorite professional football team?
“The Saints.”
Who is your favorite player of all time?
“Drew Brees.”
What did Coach Gerald Chatman tell you that stuck with you the most?
“I believe in you. You will be one of the Gator Greats. Keep working.”
What kind of player do the coaches believe you can become?
“A versatile and dominant force in the SEC, an NFL prospect.”
What are your goals as a freshman?
“Earn significant time on the field.”
What part of your game are you working on the most?
“My pass rush.”
What should fans expect from you when you arrive on campus?
“Hard worker. Fast learner. Someone who is gonna be invested in the team’s success on and off the field.”
Do you have any funny stories/moments with Coach Jon Sumrall or Coach Gerald Chatman?
“I was gonna commit when Coach Chatman came up to my school earlier in the process in the spring, but my parents didn’t let me. When he had my brand ‘Still Learning’ in my official visit photos.”
PERSONAL
What is your major?
“Business law.”
If you could play a sport outside of football, which sport would it be?
“Basketball, I played it my whole life.”
What is one thing that Gator Nation doesn’t know about you?
“I’m unnecessarily good at video games. I have my own clothing brand called Still Learning.”
What would be your first purchase if you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft?
“Buy mom a house.”
What is one thing you can’t live without?
“Good food.”
You’re given the AUX in the locker room before a big game. What is your go-to song?
“DMV crank music or NBA YoungBoy.”
What is your favorite movie?
“I’m a TV show guy, but if I had to pick a movie it would be Thunderstruck.”
What is your favorite TV show?
“Naruto.”
What are you binge-watching at the moment?
“Animal Kingdom.”
Do you play any video games, which ones?
“Warzone, College Football, Fortnite, Fall Guys, Apex Legends.”
What wild animal would you be, and why?
“A snuggly bear, but aggressive when necessary, and they eat a lot.”
What are you looking forward to the most in college outside of football?
“The people I’m gonna meet.”
What do you want people to think when they hear the name Cain Van Norden five years from now?
“Know my nickname ‘Big Sandwich’ based on my performance, an all-time great that played at Florida, and that I’m a great guy.”
What advice do you have for young players dreaming of going to college?
“Keep working. Opportunities come out of nowhere; if you do the right thing.”
What is your favorite quality in a teammate?
“When they want it as much as me and are unselfish.”
What is your favorite meal to cook?
“Rotel.”
If you could have dinner with three people from any point in history, who would they be, and why?
“My grandpa, he passed away before I was born. Lebron [James] because he’s Lebron, and Martin Luther King Jr, he’s an inspiration and a game changer.”
What three things are on your bucket list?
“Go to the NFL, travel the world, have kids.”
Apple Music or Spotify?
“Apple Music.”
Early bird or night owl?
“Night owl.”
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
“When people don’t answer my questions.”
Cats or dogs?
“Dogs.”
Quiet or outgoing?
“Depends on the day.”
What’s your hidden talent?
“I’m very funny.”
What is your message to Gator nation?
“We winning a natty. Go Gators.”
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