One of the nation’s top running backs, [autotag]Cedric Baxter Jr[/autotag] out of Edgewater High in Orlando, Florida, took a major step forward in their recruitment on Tuesday. Baxter named the Gators to his top four along with Miami, Texas and Texas A&M, according to a report from On3’s Hayes Fawcett, and he set a commitment date for August 10.
That’s some significant movement for a player ranked No. 1 among running backs by On3, and he must be close to a decision if he’s setting a five-week timeline for himself. Speaking to Fawcett, Baxter touched on each of his four finalists. Texas is the current leader on the site’s Recruiting Prediction Machine at 75.9%, but that’s likely because it’s the only program to have hosted him on an official visit so far.
“Coach Napier and Juluke want me bad,” Baxter said. “They feel like I can be a program changer. I love how they rotate their backs and don’t put wear and tear on your body. They want to win as well. The whole staff is genuine people and don’t fake it.”
BREAKING: The No. 1 RB in the ‘23 Class, Cedric Baxter Jr., is down to 4️⃣ schools!
The 6’2 215 RB from Orlando, FL will announce his college decision on August 10th.
More Here (FREE): https://t.co/YU37VoMvY1 pic.twitter.com/nWvHfgokBC
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 28, 2022
The Gators have hosted him six times overall and four times since the year began. With recruiting being in a dead period until July 25, Florida will have to do its best to drive home the pitch over the phone. The final week of the month is a quiet period, but recruits in the class of 2023 (Baxter) aren’t able to make official visits at that point.
Fortunately, the Gators have a solid relationship with Baxter and could work out an unofficial visit or plan an official for after his commitment. He’s supposed to visit Miami on Nov. 5, and Billy Napier and Co. have made it clear that they want to get the last word with the blue-chip recruit.
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