Tag: Friday Night Light

WATCH: Gators QB commit Marcus Stokes air it out at Friday Night Lights

Marcus Stokes isn’t officially a Gator yet but the 2023 commit looks pretty good making plays in the Swamp. Check out what he did at Friday Night Lights.

Several commits were in town for Florida’s Friday Night Lights camp this weekend, and recently flipped quarterback [autotag]Marcus Stokes[/autotag] had a chance to show off his arm.

Stokes served as the quarterback for some of the 1-on-1 drills being run by camp attendees. He connected with five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who’s ranked No. 11 on the 247Sports composite for 2024, for a big play and the video quickly made the rounds on social media.

The Gators flipped Stokes on July 7 from Penn State, and it’s easy to see why Billy Napier wanted him so badly. The rising senior launched a ball from the logo around the 50-yard line into the end zone, hitting Smith in stride.

All Gators‘ Zach Goodall had a great view of the pass and shared it on Twitter on Saturday.

Here’s another look at it from a sideline perspective, courtesy of 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins.

There was a point when it seemed Florida might have to pass on a quarterback in the 2023 class. Then, Napier flipped Stokes and he has  impressed since, both on the field and on the recruiting trail. His senior year will be one to monitor, but it’s good to see him making big plays in the Swamp already.

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Florida football set to have two big recruiting events at the end of July

The Gators plan to host Friday Night Lights and the Great Gator Grill Out July 30-31. These events have been home runs for UF in the past.

In past recruiting cycles, Florida holds the Great Gator Grill Out in mid-May and then Friday Night Lights after the NCAA dead period is lifted at the end of July. But this year everything has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Gators plan to hold Friday Night Lights Friday, July 30, and then the Great Gator Grill Out the day after. These recruiting events for Florida have been home runs for the program before. It’s likely they’ll produce more commitments this year, too.

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With the events being 20 days away, here’s a look at who Swamp247 has confirmed for that weekend. Let’s start with the Florida commits who plan to be on hand to help the coaching staff recruit.

Four-star quarterback commit Nick Evers said he plans to be there. He’s the leader of the Gators recruiting class. He is constantly in other top players’ ears on social media. Three-star wide receiver commit Chandler Smith and three-star tight end commit CJ Hawkins also hope to be attendance. Smith recently committed to Florida on June 20.

Transitioning to the defensive side of the ball, four-star linebacker commit Shemar James, four-star cornerback commit Julian Humphrey and three-star athlete Jamarrien Burt have plans to make it to Gainesville for the occasion. Kicker commit Trey Smack will also venture to Florida.

Some major targets have also made reservations. Running back targets Terrance Gibbs and Jaylon Glover have said they are coming. Florida hopes to take two tailbacks this cycle. Four-star wide receiver Jayden Gibson is considered a Florida lean and could pop when he comes to the Swamp that weekend.

The Gators have recently expanded their board of offensive linemen after they have faded for some of their top targets. Recently offered, three-star offensive tackle Leyton Nelson plans to stop by.

Georgia Tech linebacker commit Jaron Wilson reserved his spot for the two events along with three-star linebacker EJ Lightsey. Florida also expects four-star defensive back Azareyeh Thomas and four-star South Carolina safety commit Emory Floyd to visit.

On top of all the class of 2022 visitors, a handful of recruits from the class of 2023 will visit to see the sights and sounds of the Swamp.

Expect this list to grow as the weekend of July 30 gets closer on the calendar.

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