Breaking: Edge defender committed elsewhere officially joining the Gators
The Gators have secured four transfer commitments in the winter portal period
Wednesday is a big day for the Florida Gators and other teams around the country as they can resume official visits for players in the transfer portal and Gainesville is expected to be busy.
Billy Napier and his staff are expected to host four prospects starting on Wednesday as they look to improve the roster through the portal.
New defensive backs coach Will Harris will also get his first chance to shine as a recruiter as the defensive back position is a big need for the Gators.
GatorCountry brings you a look at the visitors expected in town on Wednesday.
Defensive help on the way?
Bowling Green defensive end Cashius Howell arrived in Gainesville on Tuesday night and will stay through Thursday before he heads to Texas A&M for a visit. Howell is a guy that the Gators have in touch with a lot as Howell was one of the top players in his conference last season. Howell has two years of eligibility left.
Tulane defensive back DJ Douglas is another guy who will visit Gainesville until Thursday before heading to College Station to visit Texas A&M. Douglas started his career at Alabama before moving to Tulane and has one year left to play. Douglas is a versatile defensive back who could fill a big need for the Gators.
UCLA defensive back John Humphrey is currently committed to USC who hired his former position coach from UCLA. Humphrey has one year left to play and is someone who has competed in big games before and could step into a starting role in Gainesville. Humphrey has built a good bond with Harris already.
Offensive lineman to visit
The Gators went into the offseason needing help on the offensive lineman and they’ve already added one transfer lineman but this week they will host Arkansas offensive lineman transfer Devon Manuel. Manuel is someone the staff is familiar with as he’s from the state of Louisiana, but the lineman isn’t someone who would likely jump into a starting role in year one in Gainesville. Manuel does have three years left.
Florida signees earn Gatorade Player of the Year honors
Florida signees were honored for their strong performances on the field
As they do annually, Gatorade named their player of the year candidates following the 2023 football season at the prep level on Wednesday. Each state names a winner from Gatorade for their player of the year award, but there is also an overall winner from a national level selected as well. A trio of Florida signees were named the winners from their respective states, and another was named one of three finalists for the Gatorade National Player of the Year as well.
Florida four-star linebacker signee Aaron Chiles was named the winner from the state of Maryland. This comes after a stellar senior season on the field for Chiles, an Under Armor All-American. According to the Gatorade press release, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior linebacker led the Falcons to a 10-1 record and the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Upper Division Tournament championship this past season. Chiles amassed 122 tackles, including 22 for a loss, along with 15 sacks. A 2023 Under Armour All-American Game selection, he forced two fumbles, blocked two punts and one extra point and anchored a defense that allowed just 9.3 points per game.
Four-star running back signee Kahnen Daniels was named the winner from the state of Mississippi. The talented back has been a workhorse for West Point (MS) over the course of his high school career, and is coming off a state championship winning senior year. According to the Gatorade release, the 6-foot, 200-pound senior running back led the Green Wave to an 11-3 record and the Class 5A state championship this past season. Daniels rushed for 2,730 yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging 9.6 yards per carry. He ran for 253 yards and three scores in West Point’s 35-7 win over Laurel High in the state final. The state’s Class 5A Mr. Football, he was selected to play in December’s U.S. Army Bowl.
Along with winning the Gatorade Player of the Year award for the state of Texas, Lagway was also named one of three finalists for the Gatorade National Player of the Year award as well. Lagway is joined by 2026 USC quarterback commit Julian Lewis and Alabama quarterback signee Julian Sayin as names up for this award.
