Darren “Goldie” Lawrence, a three-star receiver in the class of 2023, announced his commitment to the University of Florida on Saturday.
Lawrence called coach Dan Mullen on Tuesday and committed, according to the Orlando Sentinel. He tweeted out the news on Saturday hours ahead of Florida’s game with Tennessee after initially waiting for an announcement video to go with it.
After the Gators offered Lawrence in June, Ole Miss, Michigan State and Miami began to take interest in him. Florida stayed at the top of his list and he only needed to convince his mother before making the call to Mullen. A coach’s blessing later and mom got on board.
COMMITED @CoachDanMullen @CoachBillyG @KeiwanRatliff https://t.co/zoiZ3jzB0S
— Darren (Goldie) Lawrence (@1goneScore) September 25, 2021
Lawrence joins Raymond Cottrell, Mac Markway, and Aaron Gates in the Gators’ recruiting class of 2023. Florida already sat at sixth on 247Sports’ team rankings for 2023, and Florida State is only about seven points ahead of UF. Lawrence could put the Gators over the top.
Both Rivals and 247Sports rate Lawrence as a three-star receiver. 247Sports has him the No. 63 receiver in the country and the No. 79 prospect out of Florida.
The Seminole High receiver has played limited minutes in his junior year due to his team’s consistent dominance, but he’s managed 15 receptions for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Lawrence has three rushing touchdowns on just eight carries this year as well.
It’s typical for Mullen to target an in-state receiver who runs a 4.47 40-yard dash early, but getting the commitment this soon is truly impressive. Lawrence’s recent visit to the Swamp for the Alabama game may have put Florida over the edge.
“You couldn’t even hear anything in the stadium because it was so loud,” Lawrence said according to the Sentinel. “The place was on fire and it made me want to come there even more.”
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