Recruiting: A look at the top available 2024 Florida football prospects
When it comes down to pumping out the top talent on the high school gridiron, Florida remains one of the state leaders in that department.
The Class of 2024 has seen a number of athletes making their commitments over the last few weeks as the end of June nears. Now with just over a month remaining before official practices begin, many recruits are taking aim at getting their college decisions out of the way.
There’s still plenty of talent up in the air when it comes to where they’ll be playing on the next level. We highlighted 10 players that stand out among a slew of still uncommitted players from Florida schools and listed 20 others that remain up in the air.
Here's a look at the top uncommitted 2024 prospects in the Sunshine State:
5-star defensive lineman David Stone (IMG Academy) - The defensive lineman remains one of the last remaining 5-star rated prospects of the 2024 class that’s still up for grabs.
The battle to nab Stone’s services on the next level is a heated one between a slew of schools, including Florida, Miami (FL), Michigan State and Oklahoma. With a wingspan that stretches out seven feet, the defensive stalwart is a can’t miss prospect and could be a player we talk about playing on Sunday’s in the future.
4-star defensive back Charles Lester III (Venice) - Just recently Lester III transferred from Sarasota Riverview to Venice in the off-season and that could be in search of winning a state championship in Class 4S.
That definitely helps the Indians’ chances in that regard as Lester III should give John Peacock’s bunch a boost on both sides of the ball. When it comes down to Lester III’s recruiting, many have him heading to Mike Norvell’s Seminoles, but don’t rule out Deion Sanders and Colorado as a team that’s been recruiting him heavily. Alabama and Georgia are also still in the mix, respectively.
4-star defensive lineman Ernest Willor Jr. (IMG Academy) - It was an embarrassment of riches on the defensive line for the Ascenders this past season and Willor Jr. was another player that just made it seem borderline unfair at the line of scrimmage.
Playing at 6-foot-4, around 250 pounds, Willor Jr.’s relentless motor for a defense that forced over 30 turnovers last season, he should be a force once again for IMG Academy. Maryland, Ohio State and Penn State are the primary contenders for his services.
4-star athlete Joshisa Trader (Chaminade-Madonna) - Based on where Trader plays primarily on the high school level, it would seem that the athlete will fit in somewhere as a slot receiver on the college level.
His ability to make nifty catches in traffic has colleges yearning for his commitment to their respective school. Last season, Trader caught 47 passes for 473 yards for the Class 1M state champion Lions. Among his primary suitors are Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami (FL) and Ohio State.
4-star offensive lineman Jason Zandamela (Clearwater Academy International) - An official visit to the USC looks to make Trojans the odds on favorite in landing one of the state’s top remaining offensive lineman still on the board.
Interchangeable across the offensive line, Zandamela played primarily at center for the Knights last season and was stellar for an offense that averaged well over 350 yards per game. At 6-foot-3, 280 pounds, Zandamela would be a huge pickup for whomever nabs his commitment. Florida State is in the mix still for the lineman.
4-star defensive lineman LJ McCray (Mainland) - Could McCray see time on both sides of the ball when he plays in college? At 6-foot-5, over 250 pounds, the physical specimen sees time at tight end and defensive line for Mainland and was a key cog in helping them reach the Class 3S state championship game.
Last season for the Buccaneers, McCray notched 47 tackles and 17.5 of those ended up going for a loss. Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Miami (FL) all remain in the hunt for his services.
4-star defensive back Cai Bates (Edgewater) - The nation's No. 104 overall prospect and No. 9 cornerback is arguably one the top prospects remaining at the defensive back position.
Bates is coming off a season in which he nabbed four interceptions and broke up seven passes. He’s got Florida State, LSU, Tennessee and Kentucky hot on his trail.
4-star running back Jerrick Gibson (IMG Academy) - Regardless of position, Gibson is one of the top players still available and could be coming off the board here soon.
Projections have Gibson heading to Texas to play for the Longhorns, but there’s still a chance he heads elsewhere. Georgia and Miami (FL) are starting to make their respective cases for the highly touted tailback.
4-star offensive lineman Jimothy Lewis (IMG Academy) - Though Lewis, one of the top uncommitted offensive tackles, remains without a decision made, it seems like he may be leaning towards a certain SEC school.
The 6-foot-6, 275-pound lineman is being projected to head to Ole Miss, but has yet to make his commitment to Lane Kiffin and crew. Seeing a lot of time at the right tackle position has Lewis remaining as a hot commodity.
4-star running back Micahi Danzy (Florida State High) - An absolute burner on and off of the gridiron, Danzy remains one of the top running backs still out there and available.
Danzy is coming off a strong 2022 campaign in which the running back rushed for 1,809 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. Though the running back could stand to add some bulk to his frame, make no doubt that he will be a player people are talking about at the next level.
Other notables still uncommitted
Jamari Howard, DB (Miami Central)
Zaquan Patterson, DB (Chaminade-Madonna)
Zavier Mincey, DB (Mainland)
Jordan Seaton, OL (IMG Academy)
Artavius Jones, DL (Blountstown)
Booker Pickett Jr., DE (Wharton)
Jerrae Hawkins, WR (IMG Academy)
T.A. Cunningham, DE (Miami Central)
Brandon Jacob, DB (Evans)
Jameer Grimsley, DB (Tampa Catholic)
Cameron Keys, DB (Mosley)
James Randle, WR (Homestead)
Earl Kulp, DB (St. Thomas Aquinas)
James Madison II, WR (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Jason Patterson, RB (Sneads)
Solomon Williams, DL (Carrollwood Day)
Fred Gaskin, ATH (Vanguard)
Jonathan Daniels, OL (Pine Forest)
Kevin Levy, ATH (Cardinal Newman)
Anthony Carrie, RB (Carrollwood Day)
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.
