The Gators got off to a fast start to this year’s early signing period with a rash of signatures from a few of Florida’s blue-chip commitments. Among them was four-star edge defender [autotag]Jalen Wiggins[/autotag], who put the ink on the paper at 7:20 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-5-inch, 235-pound recruit out of Tallahassee (Florida) James Rickards committed to Florida last January and remained firm in his pledge to the Orange and Blue throughout the calendar year. After a brief courtship with the Stanford Cardinals and Florida State Seminoles, he shut down his recruitment back on July 1.
“I just think going through that process helped me figure out all the facts,” Wiggins offered. “I just know after going through these visits, you figure out that you can get success wherever as long as you push yourself to get success.
“I knew Florida was the places I could get that success, but from seeing it all, I know that Florida is a place that I have still have that same success in whatever I want to do years down the road. I can make success for myself even in my years after playing.”
Recruiting Summary
Wiggins is ranked No. 142 overall and No. 18 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 165 and 16, respectively.
247Sports provided the following scouting report.
“Lanky, front-line defender with what appears to be plenty of growth potential given his favorable features,” it begins. “More of a straight-line rusher at this stage that builds momentum as he pushes forward and tries to wear down opponents.
“Tends to play on the higher side, but has displayed the ability to bend and redirect on occasion, and has tested favorably in a combine setting for someone carrying close to 255 pounds,” it continues. “Longer arms give him a natural advantage at the point of attack, but must get better at engaging his lower half and holding up traffic.
“Has been positioned primarily as a 5-technique at the prep level while also doubling as a tight end on offense. Should offer some position and scheme flexibility at the next level and could end up sliding closer to the ball as the body continues to mature.
“Projects as a developmental defensive lineman with a higher ceiling given the athletic clay. Likely will need a few semesters to hone technique and adjust to the physicality of the college game, but has a chance to be a difference-maker if he can keep evolving,” it concludes.
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