Florida Gators Earn Bid into Elite ATH Terry Bussey's Top 11

Photo: Billy Napier; Credit: Alex Shepherd

Terry Bussey has cut an extensive list of 30 potential contenders to 11, he announced on Wednesday.

As a result, the Timpson (Texas) High product will move forward with the following schools vying for the high-caliber athlete prospect: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, TCU, Tennessee, Texas and Texas A&M.

#AGTG

Where’s Home?👀 @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/7txZ3Ncb2F
— Terry Bussey (@Terrybussey12) May 3, 2023

Bussey's built an impressively diverse resume over three seasons at the prep level.

Spending time as a versatile asset for Timpson — occupying roles at quarterback, running back and defensive back — the 5-foot-101/2, 180-pound athlete accounted for 7,926 all-purpose yards and 122 touchdowns on the ground and through the air offensively. He's added 270 tackles, three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, 24 interceptions and four pick-sixes on defense with four special teams scores.

Collegiately, due to his makeup and well-versed skillset — highlighted by his ball skills — the top 50 nationally ranked recruit is expected to assume a role at either wide receiver or cornerback.

The Gators are believed to be targeting him to occupy a slot receiver role, where he can use his verified 4.42 speed to provide the explosiveness the team notably lacked in their previous two campaigns.

Florida is the most recent team to jump into the pool of contenders for Bussey after assistant Joe Hamilton extended the offer to the Texas-area talent on April 15. Despite the late entry, Bussey claimed it did not affect UF's standing as his process is still in the earlier stages.

"I was excited about getting the offer," Bussey told All Gators on April 17. "Them coming later doesn't knock them down. I'm still super early in my recruitment."

The Gators quickly made up ground to remain in the hunt for one of the most dynamic athletes the 2024 class has to offer despite their late entry to his recruitment party.

His existing relationship with quarterback pledge DJ Lagway as 7-on-7 teammates could play a role in luring Bussey into the program.

"We talk about it every time we play or see each other," he said when asked about the thought of him and Lagway suiting up together at the next level.

"The relationship with him could potentially help."

The Gators will try to get the high-ceiling pass catcher on campus this summer for the first time, attempting to pluck him away from some of the other squads that have begun to win him over since his recruitment started to surge in September 2022.

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