Florida Gators DL Target Malik Blocton Sets Commitment Date

Pike Road (Ala.) defensive lineman Malik Blocton has an end in sight for his recruitment process, announcing July 8 as his commitment date on Monday afternoon.

He'll choose from a collection of ten teams he compiled in April: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas.

I will be announcing my commitment July 8th🙏🏾 #AGTG pic.twitter.com/O2maj0h7Lb
— THE REAPER⚰️ (@MalikBlocton) June 5, 2023

Set to take two official visits in June — with one to Florida scheduled June 9-11 and the other to Texas June 16-18 — Blocton will take the ensuing two weeks to ponder his options before making his awaited decision.

Blocton is also scheduled for an in-season trek to Auburn in late November. In recent weeks, Hugh Freeze and the Tigers have arisen as considerable favorites to keep the Yellowhammer State product in Alabama.

However, despite having considerable ground to cover, defensive line coach Sean Spencer and the rest of the Gators staff will go down swinging when it comes to a talent they've long sought in the 2024 cycle.

Believed to be an undervalued member of the current recruiting cycle, Blocton's stood as one of the top defensive line prospects for Florida dating back to his offer in September. Accordingly, Spencer's remained in frequent contact with the versatile iDL.

"Our relationship has always been strong," Blocton told All Gators in March. "He's always texting and calling me, checking up on me. When I went up there, he was really just trying to tell me how I would fit into their defense. You know, he could move me around since I'm a very versatile player."

He's made two trips to Gainesville during that time, deeming UF a major contender following the latest two visits to campus this spring.

His impending official visit to Florida this upcoming weekend will be crucial for the Gators' chances, as securing depth in the defensive trenches is paramount.

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