Gators sitting ‘way higher’ with JUCO DL following Saturday’s visit

It’s crunch time for the Gators and programs all across the map, as the Early Signing Period is less than a month away.

Florida holds commitments from 19 prospects and ranks fifth nationally for the 2024 class; however, Billy Napier‘s staff is continuing to put in the work with several targets still on the market.

One of them is Houston (Texas) Blinn Community College defensive lineman Brien Taylor.

The Gators hosted the coveted defender for Saturday’s matchup against Florida State, and although they lost, a strong first impression was definitely made.

“I really liked the atmosphere,” Taylor told Gators Online. “The coaches, I feel like they are genuine. They are really trying to take care of you, look out for you and be there for more than just football.”

Taylor is a need for the Gators, not a want

Those who went out of their way for the 6-foot-5, 290-pound Taylor include the aforementioned Napier, defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong and defensive line coach Sean Spencer.

Spencer, however, is the staff member who made the biggest impact throughout the visit.

“He said I can come in and do all I need to,” Taylor said of Spencer. “I have the opportunity to make an instant impact. I got everything I need. I’ll be practicing against the best players to be able to get to the next level. I would be part of the rebuild, so stuff like that.”

SEC flavor for the Texas native

In addition to the Gators, Taylor is considering offers from Georgia, Tennessee and Auburn among others. Those schools have also played host this fall, with the Dawgs having been on top since Nov. 10.

Luckily for the Gators, however, they are the lone program set to receive multiple visits. That is because Taylor is returning to campus on Dec. 8 for an official visit.

“Florida is coming in way higher than before I came. They connected with me more, like, outside of football,” Taylor said of his recruitment. “It’s the people and atmosphere. The culture is way different. The tailgates, all the fans, everything is just way different.”

With that said, is Georgia still leading the way?

“I don’t have one concrete top school, but they are in the mix,” Taylor said of UGA

Next weekend, Taylor is officially visiting Mississippi State or UCF. He hopes to finalize plans in the coming days.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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