Breaking down Florida football’s recruiting class: Gators land commit from legacy WR Vernell Brown III

Florida football landed a commitment from one of the top wide receivers in the country.

And he’s got a familiar name, to boot.

Vernell Brown III announced his pledge to the Florida Gators on Sunday, adding another pass-catching threat to UF’s growing 2025 class.

Brown’s father played wide receiver and defensive back at Florida from 2001-05 and was dubbed “the face of Florida football” by former UF coach Urban Meyer for his leadership intangibles. His grandfather, Vernell Brown Sr., led Gainesville High to a state championship in 1980 as a running back and quarterback with the Hurricanes before going to play at UF in the 1980s.

Per 247 Sports composite, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound Brown is rated as a five-star, the 25th best player and sixth-best wide receiver in the country. At Jones High in Orlando last season, Brown caught 70 passes for 1,363 yards and 10 TD while returning four kicks (three punts and a kickoff) for TDs.

“He’s a difference maker,” in-state recruiting analyst Larry Bluestein said. “He’s an elite kid, one of the top kids in the nation. Gives Florida with Josh Moore two major, major difference makers on offense. Playmaker with speed, extends plays, does everything you want.”

Bluestein said Brown is capable of making plays in the SEC despite his size, comparing him to former Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith, who was 6-0 and 170 pounds won a Heisman Trophy with the Crimson Tide.

“He just has that intangible that he makes plays,” Bluestein said.

Here’s a look at UF’s commitments for the 2025 class:

Florida football 2025 commitments

Jalen Wiggins

Position: Edge rusher

Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 255

School/Hometown: Rickards HS/Tallahassee

Rating: Four-star (per 247 Sports)

The Skinny: Coming off a 2023 HS season that included 31 tackles for loss, 37 QB hurries, 16 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Waltez…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-down-florida-footballs-recruiting-183529870.html

Author : The Gainesville Sun

Publish date : 2024-07-21 18:35:29

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