Florida has lost a number of commitments after replacing former coach Dan Mullen with Billy Napier. Perhaps the most notable name to say goodbye to Gator Nation in the last week has been 4-star QB Nick Evers.
The eighth-best quarterback in the class of 2022, according to 247Sports, met with the new Florida coach on Monday and decommitted the next day. The announcement came on social media, leaving fans to wonder what led to one of the team’s most dedicated commits backing out. Less than 48 hours after the shocking news came in, Evers’ father posted a thoughtful explanation and thank you to the Florida faithful.
Thank you GatorNation…🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/VcZp2fs2dt
— Derrick Evers (@dallas_evers) December 9, 2021
Evers didn’t decommit because he was scared to compete with others, and Napier’s plan did involve him. It simply wasn’t the right fit anymore with no one left from the group that originally offered him.
It’s not every day that a thank you letter is penned to a fan base after a recruit backs off a commitment. Typically, young men are eager to avoid the drama and ask fans to respect their privacy after an abrupt announcement. The explanation and humility make a tough pill easier to swallow in a way, and it can’t hurt when other programs are deciding whether or not to offer Evers.
đź–¤ pic.twitter.com/tcm2vti4H3
— nicco (@NickEvers12) December 8, 2021
Evers leaving is a big blow to Florida’s recruiting class, and hearing that Napier didn’t click with one of the team’s most important commits is understandably concerning to some. But even Evers’ father noted that Napier is committed to creating a championship culture at Florida.
Napier said in his introductory press conference that the staff would be slow and methodical in preparation for the transfer portal and those left unsinged after early signing day. He now needs to find his quarterback for the class of 2022 after losing Evers.
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