Florida HC Billy Napier building recruiting momentum in trenches with DL commitment, emerging contender for elite offensive tackle
Recruiting is finally going well for Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier. After having a rough stretch from the beginning of March through April, official visit season has brought the Gators some good news. That news comes in two packages for Napier, with one on each side of the football. Florida Gators recruiting well in […]
Recruiting is finally going well for Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier.
After having a rough stretch from the beginning of March through April, official visit season has brought the Gators some good news. That news comes in two packages for Napier, with one on each side of the football.
Florida Gators recruiting well in the trenches
The first piece of good news comes on the defensive side of the football, as Napier received a commitment from three-star defensive lineman Jamir Perez. The Gators beat out Ohio State and Wisconsin for the Cleveland, Ohio product.
He isn't the highest profile recruit in the country, as Perez is currently the 56th-ranked defensive line recruit in the country and the 25th-ranked player in the state of Ohio, but he's got great size, as he's listed at 6'4, 330 lbs. Anytime you can beat out Ohio State for a recruit, it's a good thing.
The second piece of news might not be a commitment, but it's a great sign for the 2026 recruiting class nonetheless. Five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo visited Gainesville on an official visit this past weekend, joining both Perez and four-star edge rusher Luke Wafle among many others. It was his second time on campus after an unofficial visit on April 12th.
The visit apparently went really well for the nation's ninth-ranked recruit and number three offensive tackle, as the biggest quote of his visit gives the Gators a real chance to land Ojo.
"If anyone thought they didn't (have a chance), they most definitely do now."
Ojo is an insanely athletic specimen, who fits the Gators' profile of targeting very tall, athletic offensive tackles as of late. His scouting report from On3 Sports highlights not just a great potential college football player, but one who can also thrive at the next level.
Developmental offensive tackle with the frame, length, and physicality to develop into a top prospect at the position. Measured in at around 6-foot-6, 275 pounds with plus length before his senior season. Has a lean, long frame and should be able to add considerable mass once in a college strength program. Pairs his long arms with outstanding hand strength to stun defenders on contact. Punch is palpable, both on film and in the camp setting. Latches onto defensive linemen and manipulates them to his will. Plays with a nasty edge, working to finish blocks. Flashes dominance as a run blocker. Play strength, length, and solid athleticism point to upside in pass protection. Showed considerable growth in his game from his sophomore to junior seasons. Will need to improve his lower body flexibility as he can play high and displays some hip stiffness. The youngest top offensive tackle prospect in the cycle, turning 18 years old in July prior to his freshman season of college football. Rapid rate of improvement and notable strengths give him one of the higher upsides among 2026 offensive tackles.
Things are starting to look up for Napier and the Gators when it comes to recruiting, and finding a way to land Ojo could be huge in maximizing the 2026 class.
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