Florida Gators remain in contention for top edge recruit, and are set up to steal him from SEC rival in his home state
The Florida Gators found a way to land two of the more important defenders on their recruiting board over the last two days in four-star defensive lineman Kendall Guervil and four-star cornerback C.J. Hester. Head coach Billy Napier has seen a lot of their defensive line targets come off the board, making each recruitment that […]
The Florida Gators found a way to land two of the more important defenders on their recruiting board over the last two days in four-star defensive lineman Kendall Guervil and four-star cornerback C.J. Hester. Head coach Billy Napier has seen a lot of their defensive line targets come off the board, making each recruitment that much more important.
Luckily for the Gators, they have landed in the top-three of four-star edge rusher K.J. Ford out of Duncanville, Texas with Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Florida Gators land in top 3 of four-star EDGE K.J. Ford
When you play at Duncanville, you understand what it takes to win, as they are in contention for the Texas 6A state title every year. At 6'3 and 245 lbs, Ford is the 116th-ranked overall player and the 18th-ranked edge rusher and recruit in the state of Texas per the On3 Sports Industry Ranking.
The recruitment is interesting for Ford. Early on, it looked like Texas A&M was going to be the team to beat. On3 Sports' Steve Wiltfong logged an expert prediction for the Aggies back in Aprin, and they have a 79.1% chance to go there per the On3 Sports Recruiting Prediction Machine. The Gators currently sit at 2.7% in fifth, but they are in a really good spot to land the talented edge rusher.
His scouting report works really well for the Gators' defense.
Well-rounded, classic defensive end with sneaky size and requisite length. May most appropriately embody a traditional three-point, 4-3 end, primarily aligned as a 7-tech. That said, likely a potentially scheme-versatile edge who could also provide valuable snaps as a hybrid two-point, 3-4 rusher. Uses leverage and sudden point-of-attack strength to affect the run game. Still developing consistent bend-and-dip flexibility, but flashes arc-running ability as a rusher. Also shows some promising stack-and-shed power against larger foes. Under Armour Dallas Regional in Feb. 2025 reinforced belief in POA quickness and speed-to-power abilities that often knocked offensive linemen to their heels in 1-on-1 exposure. Projects to the high-major level as a potential multi-year starter with long-term pro upside.
July 11th is now an important date for the Gators.
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A massive win for Billy Napier and the Gators on Wednesday afternoon
