Florida makes top-5 of All Pro defender's little brother, highlighting Gators' focus in recruiting

Billy Napier has made the defensive backfield a priority for the Florida Gators in the 2026 recruiting cycle. They are finalists for multiple top defensive backs. Five-star S Jireh EdwardsFour-star CB CJ HesterFour-star CB Chauncey Kennon They aren't done either, as the Gators are in the top five of four-star cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick, the younger […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Dec 2, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and nose tackle Tyson Alualu (94) and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) defend during the second quarter at Heinz Field.
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Billy Napier has made the defensive backfield a priority for the Florida Gators in the 2026 recruiting cycle. They are finalists for multiple top defensive backs.

They aren't done either, as the Gators are in the top five of four-star cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick has the lineage to be a really good player, especially in the secondary, and his recruiting ranking matches the lineage. The St. Thomas Aquinas product is On3 Sports' number four cornerback and 34th overall player. Among those, what's arguably more impressive is Fitzpatrick is the number five player in the state of Florida.

The Gators are working hard on securing Fitzpatrick's commitment for the 2026 class, as they will be fighting with Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, and Miami, four recruiting powerhouses. 

The Hurricanes are the team to beat right now, as they have an 83.6% prediction on On3 Sports' Recruiting Prediction Machine.

Overtaking Miami will be a difficult proposition for the Gators, as Miami is within 30 miles of his hometown of Ft. Lauderdale. However, the Gators have made a lot of progress in a few short months.

The first hosted Fitzpatrick in March of 2025 and have an official visit scheduled on June 7th, two days after he takes an official visit to Coral Gables. He's also set to visit Georgia on May 30th, Miami June 5th, Texas on June 14th, and Ohio State June 20th.

The next month is going to be big for Fitzpatrick, and both Napier and secondary coach Vinnie Sunseri need to step up.

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