Florida football’s first edition of its midsummer Grill in the Ville event is just a day away as the program prepares to host a plethora of prep prospects from a range of recruiting classes into the Swamp in an effort to build a closer relationship with Billy Napier and the Gators’ staff.
The 2025 class will have a handful of members despite the overwhelming number of the 2024 recruiting cycle, with four-star linebacker [autotag]Tarvos Alford[/autotag] out of Vero Beach (Florida) joining in on the festivities this weekend along with the rest of the gang. The 6-foot-2-inch, 210-pound defender has made numerous trips to Hogtown prior and has maintained an open line of communication with Napier’s staff.
“The recent talks have been great,” Alford told Gators Online. “We already built that strong relationship, so we really just catch up and maintain the relationship. They always make sure I know they want me.”
In particular, inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman has been putting in the extra effort to woo the high school junior into the Swamp.
“We talk at least once a week,” he offered. “(Bateman) always asks about my family and is always wanting me to come up and keep that family feel.”
Outside of the Orange and Blue, the Ohio State Buckeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions, Tennessee Volunteers, Miami Hurricanes, Florida State Seminoles and Louisville Cardinals are the schools that covet his talents the most. The blue-chip prospect plans on making his final decision in early December.
Alford is ranked No. 97 overall and No. 12 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 95 and 9, respectively. He holds one crystal ball prediction for Florida from 237Sports and On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine agrees, giving the Gators an overwhelming 91.5% chance of signing the talented defensive back.
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