Report: Former Gators RB Commit Plans to Attend Florida vs. Georgia

Florida expects to "host" a former commitment and one of its longest-recruited targets in the class of 2024 for its matchup with Georgia on Saturday, running back Jerrick Gibson.

Photo: IMG Academy running back Jerrick Gibson; Credit: Alex Shepherd 

Florida anticipates a "good group" of recruits to attend its matchup with No. 1 Georgia in Jacksonville this weekend, according to head coach Billy Napier, set to make use of a recent NCAA rule change that allows the designated home team of neutral site games to provide tickets to prospective student-athletes. 

According to reporting from Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, that contingent of recruits is expected to include a former Gators commitment and one of the most coveted prospects in the class of 2024, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy running back and current Texas pledge Jerrick Gibson. 

An Alachua County product who attended Gainesville High before transferring to Jonesboro (Ga.) Mundy's Mill then IMG Academy, Gibson pledged to Florida at the team's Friday Night Lights camp in 2021 when it was led by former head coach Dan Mullen. 

Gibson stepped back from that commitment in Feb. 2022 following Billy Napier's hiring as Mullen's replacement, although he maintained an interest in UF, proceeding to visit the program at least six times since re-opening his recruitment. 

Despite his continued intrigue in the Gators, Gibson committed to Texas this past June. 

The Florida-Georgia game is believed to be the first "visit" Gibson has made to observe another program since his pledge to the Longhorns, though it should be noted that in a neutral game setting, contact between prospects and coaching staff is prohibited. 

Gibson is considered the No. 2 running back and No. 68 overall prospect in the class of 2024, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Leading IMG Academy's committee approach to the ground game, Gibson has rushed 181 times for 1,234 yards and 16 touchdowns over two seasons with the squad, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. 

Florida holds a commitment at the running back position in the class of 2024 already, from West Point (Miss.) High's Kahnen Daniels. 

The team has made its intention to sign two players at the position in this cycle clear, though. It previously held a second running back pledge, from Chauncey Bowens of North Palm Beach (Fla.) The Benjamin School, and continues to pursue prospects such as Gibson. 

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