2014 OT Benjamin Knox decommits from Florida

By Adam Silverstein
September 10, 2013

In a move that seemed to be in the works for months, three-star 2014 offensive tackle Benjamin Knox (Deland, FL) officially announced Tuesday evening that he has decommitted from the Florida Gators.

A three-star prospect according to Rivals who is listed as a four-star player and the No. 269 player in the country by ESPN, Knox originally committed to Florida during the program’s first Junior Day of 2013 on Feb. 16.

“At this very moment I am decommitting,” he told InsidetheGators.com’s Blake Alderman ($) in a text message. “Reason why [is] because I haven’t heard from them in a month.”

Knox is the fifth 2014 prospect to pledge and decommit from the Gators this recruiting cycle and the second who originally committed on Feb. 16. Florida also lost a pledge from four-star linebacker Christian Miller (Columbia, SC), the 58th ranked player in the nation, on May 17.

The other three former commitments no longer a part of UF’s 2014 recruiting class include the program’s first pledge of the cycle – Ryeshene Bronson (Fort Myers, FL) – and a pair of four-star defensive tackles in Anthony Moten (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and Travonte Valentine (Palm Bay, FL).

Knox says Louisville leads for his services. Miller (Alabama), Bronson (South Florida) and Valentine (Miami) have since committed elsewhere while Moten remain undecided.

The Gators are down to 14 commitments for 2014 including seven members of the Rivals250 and nine four-star prospects. Check out the updated class by clicking here.

11 Comments

  1. Michael Jones says:

    These kids are too much, man. Our society places such a low priority on character, sets such a low bar for youth, and gives everybody a pass on accountability. So, naturally, the word “commit” has essentially become meaningless.

    For any of you who will come charging to their defense with the “they’re just 18 year old kids” response, you are a part of the problem. A big part. Why would 18 be too young to keep your word? To honor your commitment?

    This kid committed and apparently felt like he still needed to continue to be coddled, babied, and recruited by the school he committed to. Why would that be? Why wouldn’t the coaching staff be allowed to assume that he was a Gator now, let him focus on athletics and studies, and direct their energies towards recruiting other prospects? Why did this kid feel like the coaching staff needed to continue to kiss his a– to keep him a Gator?

    Good riddance.

    • gatorboi352 says:

      Michael Jones, everybody. Tip your waitresses, he’ll be here all week.

      Seriously what are you some grad assistant on staff? Who comments with something like that?

      • Daniel M. says:

        I agree. He has no idea what the back story is yet posts a rambling diatribe about maturity. Then, Adam mentions that UF didn’t want him. D’ohh!

        Open mouth insert foot.

      • Frank Fagan says:

        Who comments with something like that? Someone who expects a young man to grow into someone with ethics, a sense of responsibility, and character. Michael’s correct… “commit” means nothing anymore. Committing to a program used to mean a true INTENT to attend a school and become a member of a team. Now, it’s nothing more than a placeholder. Look up the definition of “commit” and you’ll get it. Until then, Michael’s right… guys like you are the problem.

  2. Joe says:

    If you saw how our O line played Sat you would know we are in desperate need of tackles. I can’t believe our recruiting coordinator doesn’t at least touch base with each recruit monthly if not weekly, a text, email, phone call, anything. Somehow I think the coaching staff lost this kids number on purpose.

    • gatorboi352 says:

      “I can’t believe our recruiting coordinator doesn’t at least touch base with each recruit monthly if not weekly, a text, email, phone call, anything.”

      Who knows Joe, maybe that’s _exactly_ what happened here?

      • Florida didn’t want him.

        • Ken (CA) says:

          If Florida didn’t want him after offering, then that must be one of two things: either he has shown to have a whole lot of personal baggage or there is someone really sweet in the pipeline that just hasn’t announced publicly yet that they think is better fit.

          Either way it sounds like not a bad thing.

  3. Mr2Bits says:

    No call for over a month sounds like an intentional separation, plan perfectly executed.

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