Tag: Demetres Samuel

Florida earns RPM pick to flip 4-star LB committed to Syracuse

On3 gave the Gators an RPM pick for blue-chip linebacker Izayia Williams out of Leesburg, who is currently committed to the Syracuse Orange.

Florida football recently completed a flip of four-star defensive back [autotag]Demetres Samuel[/autotag] from an ACC school and appears to be perched to pounce on another from the same program.

Four-star linebacker Izayia Williams out of Leesburg (Florida) Tavares in the 2026 cycle is currently committed to the Syracuse Orange but has still entertained interest from elsewhere. The 6-foot-1-inch, 205-pound defender welcomed inside linebackers coach [autotag]Ron Roberts[/autotag] to his school back in May and came away with a pleasant surprise: an offer from the Orange and Blue.

Since then, the Gators have been pushing for the rising high school junior and their efforts appear to be coming to fruition. On3’s Corey Bender gave [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and Co. a recruiting prediction machine pick for Williams on Thursday.

Justification for RPM pick

“For several months now, Williams has told Gators Online that Florida has the best shot at flipping him,” Bender begins. “That was reiterated again on Thursday and exactly a week after his latest experience in Gainesville.”

The Orange and Blue run deep with the in-state prospect and that has played a large role in favoring Florida for the flip.

“That is largely due to the Gators being Williams’ childhood-favorite program. That love for the SEC school is still very strong, with the defender saying this week he ‘grew up a Florida Gator.’ He also added that his commitment to Syracuse is currently ’50/50,’ so there is optimism in Gainesville right now.”

Florida’s flip outlook

“Going forward, Williams plans on attending Florida’s season opener against Miami,” Bender continues. “That strong level of familiarity definitely plays a factor, but linebackers coaches Ron Roberts and Cannon Gibbs are doing their job here. Williams’ relationship with them is as good as it gets.

“It’s early in the process, but the Gators are generating the most momentum with the 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker. The pieces are in place for a future flip.”

Recruiting Summary

Williams is ranked No. 126 overall and No. 11 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 150 and 13, respectively.

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Florida football’s Grill in the Ville event visitor’s list

Here’s a look at many of the names expected to be in Gainesville on Saturday for Grill in the Ville.

Florida football’s annual summer recruiting event, Grill in the Ville, is set to kick off on Saturday with a plethora of prep prospects from the 2025 and 2025 classes set to arrive in Gainesville.

The function offers an opportunity to spend more time around the coaches and staff while also getting some personal time in a more casual setting in comparison to a typical unofficial visit.

Among the uncommitted names from the 2025 cycle expected to be in attendance are four-star linebacker [autotag]Ty Jackson[/autotag], three-star [autotag]Derry Norris[/autotag], three-star defensive lineman [autotag]Jarquez Carter[/autotag], defensive lineman [autotag]Joseph Mbatchou[/autotag], three-star wide receiver [autotag]Naeshaun Montgomer[/autotag]y. Defensive linemen [autotag]Zavion Hardy[/autotag] and [autotag]Rashod Bradley[/autotag] represent a pair of JUCO prospects who will also be present.

The Gators are also expected to host a handful of 2025 commitments, including four-star [autotag]Vernell Brown III[/autotag], four-star [autotag]Waltez Clark[/autotag], four-star [autotag]Jalen Wiggins[/autotag], four-star [autotag]Myles Johnson[/autotag], three-star [autotag]Chad Gasper[/autotag], three-star [autotag]Tae’shaun Gelsey[/autotag] and three-star [autotag]Jeramiah McCloud[/autotag].

Targets for the 2026 cycle who have submitted an RSVP are tight end [autotag]JC Anderson[/autotag], tight end [autotag]Camden Jensen[/autotag], tight end [autotag]Landen Miree[/autotag], offensive lineman Samuel Roseborough, offensive lineman [autotag]Parker Pritchett[/autotag], offensive lineman [autotag]Chancellor Barclay[/autotag], offensive lineman [autotag]Chancellor Campbell[/autotag], defensive lineman [autotag]Kendall Guervil[/autotag], defensive lineman [autotag]James Johnson[/autotag], safety [autotag]Demetres Samuel[/autotag], defensive back [autotag]J’Zavien Currence[/autotag], defensive back [autotag]Jorden Edmonds[/autotag] and athlete [autotag]Devonte Anderson[/autotag].

One of Florida’s two current commitments in the 2026 class, four-star defensive back [autotag]Jaelen Waters[/autotag], is also expected to be present.

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