LIVE BLOG: Florida 2017 National Signing Day

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4:25 p.m.: The addition of Adarius Lemons is official. The Clearwater running back gives the Gators their second RB commitment of the 2017 class, and likely moves Florida’s 2017 class into the top 10 rankings.

 

3:40 p.m.: Florida received word in the middle of coach Jim McElwain’s press conference that four-star running back Adarius Lemons had faxed in his LOI.

 

3:10 p.m.: Just when it looked like Florida was rounding out its 2017 class, Gators coach Jim McElwain announced a late addition to the wide receiver corps. And boy, is it a big one.
Four-star WR James Robinson faxed the Gators his National Letter of Intent.

 

1:40 p.m.: Florida’s 2017 class has picked up its sixth commitment from a defensive back. Brian Edwards, a four-star cornerback out of Miramar (Hollywood, Fl.) announced his intention to sign with the Gators. Moments later, coach Jim McElwain confirmed the Gators had signed Edwards.

 

12:31 p.m.: After signing his LOI at a ceremony at Dr. Phillips, three-star linebacker Nick Smith has signed with Florida. Gators coach Jim McElwain welcomed Smith to the team.

Florida remains in the running to sign three-star defensive back Brian Edwards (Miramar) and four-star defensive end LaBryan Ray (James Clemens High). They’re both expected to announce their decisions in the next hour.

The Gators could also end up with three-star JUCO product Malik Young. He will announce his decision today as well.

 

12:11 p.m.: Florida’s 2017 class received a big commitment from ESPN300 defensive back Christopher “C.J.” Henderson. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound athlete announced his intentions at a Signing Day ceremony at his school.

It appears he already informed Gators coach Jim McElwain of the decision, because Florida announced the addition of Henderson moments after the announcement.

 

11:40 a.m.: Less than 24 hours after picking up his commitment, the Gators have added highly coveted defensive tackle Elijah Conliffe.

Conliffe told me earlier today he wasn’t sure of when he would fax in his LOI, but it seems Florida’s coaching staff received it before noon.

 

10:45 a.m.: I reported earlier this week that tight end Zech Byrd might not make it in Florida’s class, and the Montgomery Adviser has indicated Byrd won’t sign on National Signing Day. He does, however, intend on eventually signing with the Gators.

10:10 a.m.: 90 minutes after announcing his commitment to the University of Florida, Tedarrell Slaton has faxed the staff his LOI.

Rated a five-star defensive tackle by Scout, Slaton gives the Gators a big body who can play on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

 

 

10: 02 a.m.: In one of the first mild surprises of the day, Lacedrick Brunson faxed the staff his LOI this morning.

Brunson, a two-star prospect out of Miami (Fl.) Jackson, took an official visit to the Gators last weekend and committed after he left. Florida adds depth at a position that lost starters Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone from last season.

 

 

9:46 a.m.: Florida’s added its second offensive lineman of the day in Mallard Creek standout T.J. Moore.

The Charlotte, North Carolina, product committed to the Gators on Christmas and remained firm in his decision despite Florida’s current lack of offensive line coach.

 

9:34 a.m.: They wrapped him up last weekend, and now it’s official. Four-star defensive back Brad Stewart has joined the Gators.

 

9:18 a.m.: Three announcement in 20 minutes? It must be National Signing Day. Florida’s lone running back — so far — commitment of the 2017 class has faxed in his LOI.

 

9:11 a.m.: Defensive end Zachary Carter has faxed in his National Letter of Intent. Carter was one of Florida’s biggest recruiters on social media heading into National Signing Day.

 

9:03 a.m.: Things keep rolling for the Gators with the addition of four-star linebacker Ventrell Miller. The Kathleen High product faxed his LOI to the staff early this morning.

 

8:55 a.m.: Florida has received a National Letter of Intent from three-star safety Donovan Stiner. The Bellaire, Texas, native flipped to the Gators from Houston on Jan. 29.

8:30 a.m.: The Gators added 5* DT Tedarrell “T.J.” Slaton out of American Heritage in Plantation, Fl. Slaton, seated next to Gators signee Marco Wilson, announced his decision to sign with Florida’s 2017 class.

 

8:25 a.m.: Jake Allen has his four-star wide receiver target locked up. Gators coach Jim McElwain announced the addition of Tampa Bay Tech pass-catcher Daquon Green.

 

8:05 a.m.: American Heritage’s Signing Ceremony is about to get underway, and according to Chad Wilson, father of Quincy and Marco, it’s one of the largest in recent memory. Florida is the favorite to land 4* DT Tedarrell Slaton, so we’ll know momentarily if he’ll be joining the Gators.

 

8:00 a.m.: Florida has its quarterback in the fold. St. Thomas Aquinas pro-style QB Jake Allen has faxed in his letter of intent.

 

7:54 a.m.: Two down, many to go. Florida has announced the addition of Miami Southridge defensive back Shawn Davis. He’ll arrive on campus in May.

 

7:47 a.m.: And so it begins. Florida’s first addition of the day is American Heritage defensive back Marco Wilson. Meanwhile, according to Rivals’ Blake Alderman the Gators are expecting DaQuon Green’s LOI momentarily. QB Jake Allen has sent his in.

7:40 a.m.: Florida coach Jim McElwain kicked things off this morning by announcing the mid-year enrollees as part of Florida’s 2017 class.

National Signing Day has arrived, and it’s likely to be a busy (and exciting) day for the Gators. Follow our running live blog all day as Florida announces its latest additions to the 2017 class.

And if you missed our final predictions for Florida’s 2017 class, it’s right here for your enjoyment. Feel free to let me know your thoughts about NSD17 in the comment section.

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