UF picks up verbal commit from 2018 safety

Friday Night Lights continues to pay dividends for the Florida Gators and coach Jim McElwain.
After taking an unofficial visit to Gainesville over the weekend, 2018 safety Randy Russell Jr. verbally committed to the Gators over offers from Michigan, Miami and Virginia Tech.
Russell, whose birthday was Friday, de-committed on June 6 from the Hurricanes following an unofficial visit to Florida.
A three-star prospect and the No. 46 safety in the 2018 class by 247Sports, Russell is the fourth defensive back prospect to commit to Florida’s 2018 class.
With Russell’s verbal commitment, which is non-binding until he signs a letter of intent, the Gators have 11 commits in the 2018 class.