Sometimes, it’s good to set the record straight, and that’s just what Florida defensive line commit [autotag]TJ Searcy[/autotag] did on Wednesday when he took to Twitter to shut down his recruitment.
Searcy committed to the University of Florida on July 4, but he’s still listened to other programs over the past four months. That’s all changing, though. Searcy “completely shut down” his recruitment and is locking in his commitment to the Gators a month out from the early signing period.
The announcement comes at an important time in the Gators’ 2023 recruiting cycle. While a top-10 class seems like a given, Florida still has to get all 22 commits to put pen to paper. Verbal commitments are just that, verbal. A letter of intent locks things in, but Searcy’s announcement is about as close as you can get to a guarantee until that time comes.
Glory be to god, I am grateful for the opportunity to be recruited by so many elite universities. After giving further consideration to the other schools who continued to recruit me after my UF Commitment,I want everyone to know my recruitment is completely shut down, #Gator4Life pic.twitter.com/SSczGnJMwN
— TJ Searcy (@tj_searcy23) November 2, 2022
Searcy wasn’t the only Gators commit shutting down rumors of him being a flip candidate. [autotag]Aidan Mizell[/autotag], the highest-ranked receiver in Florida’s 2023 class, also took to Twitter to reassure the fans that he is locked in with the Orange and Blue.
Didn’t know it had to be said, I’m locked in 🔒🐊 #GoGators
— Aidan “Early” Mizell (@AidanMizell) November 5, 2022
Offensive lineman [autotag]Roderick Kearney[/autotag], a former FSU commit who flipped to UF in October, also took to social media to confirm his decision as final.
Perhaps more will do the same, but it’s not necessary. Billy Napier has emphasized culture since he took over at Florida, and it seems like the first-year coach is finally making some headway with the current team. Bringing in hand-picked kids that match his style should only speed up that process, and we’re already seeing some high-character moves from a group of high schoolers.
The future is bright, and Florida fans should be excited about this incoming class.
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