The Florida Gators’ (5-5) may just be out of the muddy waters and breathing some fresh air. Within a fortnight of announcing their decision to keep HC Billy Napier, the Gators have had an upturn. Both on and off the field, things in the swamp are looking rosier. While they beat the LSU Tigers at home this weekend, things were simultaneously brewing on the recruitment front.

Texas Longhorns commit Jamie Ffrench, a 5-star receiver out of Mandarin HS, was visiting Gainesville this Saturday. The Jacksonville native was attending alongside his fellow Mandarin teammate, QB Tramell Jones Jr. In the aftermath of the Gators’ upsetting LSU 28-10, Jamie spoke out regarding his recruitment. 

Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of his official visit, Jamie was asked about his experience and where Florida stood in his recruitment. When asked if the Gators have “got any shot and why”, he said, “ Yeah, definitely. For sure. DJ Lagway, man., I mean with the coaching staff, them having another year. Everything makes sense, you know, with my guy. I can see it’s a place”.

Freshman DJ Lagway has been a revelation in an otherwise poor season for Billy Napier’s outfit. He came back from injury and, although he was visibly not quite 100%, managed to will his team to a win. The prospect of catching darts from Lagway is one that excites Jamie Ffrench. However, he is still unwilling to get his head swayed.

“I’m locked with Texas. I really like Texas. But just [really] checking things with the local school. I feel like [that’s] a need, for sure”, said Jamie, reinstating his commitment to the Longhorns. While he kept reiterating how “locked in” he was with Steve Sarkisian’s program throughout the interview, a glimmer of hope does exist for hopeful Florida fans. “I’d definitely say [there’s] somewhat of a chance. We’re re-evaluating things with my family and stuff”. Interestingly, another bit of news could instigate a domino effect in the Gators’ favor.

Florida Gators gets one up on their fiercest rivals

The aforementioned Tramell Jones was not only accompanying his friend to the game in Gainesville. He took it a step further. The 4-star signal-caller has reportedly flipped to the Florida Gators after initially committing to rivals Florida State. This happened 3 days after he renounced his pledge from the Seminoles.

Florida State HC Mike Norvell last week laid off key members of his staff, including offensive coordinator Alex Atkins. This turnover in personnel may well have caused Jones to have a change of heart. Billy Napier has quickly gone from a man unsure of his job security to potentially having a plethora of talent to work with next season.

Whether Jamie Ffrench gets any shaky feet, watching 2 elite QB talents on the Gators’ depth chart will be fascinating. With signing day around the corner, Florida will have to move quickly. Texas are seemingly primed to land their next superstar receiver. However, CFB dynamics change in a flash. Billy Napier and his Florida Gators stand as a testament.