Florida football recruiting: Huge OT Adrein Strickland commits to Gators

Football

0

Image Credit: ESPNI

The Florida Gators’ once-hot start to recruiting the Class of 2021 has cooled down substantially during the coronavirus pandemic despite other programs still making major moves in the offseason. Nevertheless, Florida added a key piece to its class on Tuesday as offensive tackle Adrein Strickland (Lynn Haven, FL) committed to the program.

“COMMITTED!!!! to the University of Florida,” he tweeted. “Lets Gooooooo!!”

Strickland (6-foot-6, 330 pounds) is an unrated prospect without a significant offer sheet, but he’s a good fit for what offensive line coach John Hevesy likes out of his tackles due to his frame.

The Gators currently sit No. 6 nationally in the 247Sports Composite team rankings with 13 commitments, including seven four-star prospects. However, back in March, Florida was rated as high as No. 2 nationally. Since then, it has seen decommitments from four-star safety Kamar Wilcoxson (Bradenton, FL) — for the second time — and three-star running back Brashard Smith (Miami, FL).

Among the teams that have passed UF are SEC East-rival Tennessee, which has shockingly launched itself into Florida’s old No. 2 spot out of nowhere with 21 total commitments, including two five-star pledges. Wilcoxson flipped from the Gators to the Volunteers.