Social Media Reactions to the Gators DB Commitments on Thursday

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The Gators earned two important commitments on Thursday when cornerback Dijon Johnson and safety Bryce Thornton pledged themselves to the University of Florida.
In the process, the defensive back duo provided the Gators with arguably the best class at the position at the moment. The big day seemingly orchestrated by the staff and the two commits to create a positive buzz heading into the weekend brought considerable attention to Gainesville on social media.
Following each commitment, Gators head coach Billy Napier responded with his trademark sunglasses emoji.
😎😎
— COACH BILLY NAPIER (@coach_bnapier) October 13, 2022
Linebackers assistant and a major piece to Florida’s recruiting efforts since he returned to Gainesville this offseason, Jamar Chaney, got in on the action by staking a claim for the Gators' status of Defensive Back University.
DBU‼️#UFuture | #D23AMTEAM 🐊 pic.twitter.com/6ed3QvEC3s
— Jamar Chaney (@Jamar51Chaney) October 13, 2022
That narrative is surely trending upward with the class they’re building and the presence of defensive back coach Corey Raymond.
Fellow off-field assistants and recruiting staffers got in on the action as well, showing their excitement for the promising momentum on the trail.
OMG! #D23AMTEAM #GoGators the weekend is just getting started!!! pic.twitter.com/6Qi6YRKCPH
— Joshua Thompson (@JThompsonFB) October 13, 2022
MOOD #D23AMTEAM | #GoGators🐊💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/IFjgGxeeOF
— Katie Turner (@katieturner0087) October 14, 2022
However, due to the effects of game week preparation, the bulk of the social media comments came from the recruits currently in UF’s class. Florida wide receiver commit Aidan Mizell responded to Johnson’s commitment edit as well, saying “back-to-back” and “Practice gon be fun” regarding the two players he will grow very familiar with in practice at the next level.
Back to back 🐊🐊 https://t.co/ISw6kUgJm6
— Aidan “Early” Mizell (@AidanMizell) October 13, 2022
Practice gon be fun 😭😭🐊 https://t.co/r4XOXYvUDm
— Aidan “Early” Mizell (@AidanMizell) October 13, 2022
However, with one remaining piece still on the open market — elite Lakeland cover corner Cormani McClain — Florida’s efforts to solidify the DB room remains a hot topic for fans, fellow recruits and coaches alike moving forward.
Defensive tackle commit Kelby Collins outright pointed toward McClain as the next guy in line to join the talented defensive group Florida is assembling at the point with a simple “We want Cormani McClain” on Twitter.
We want @CormaniMcClain2
— Kelby Collins (@kelby_collins) October 14, 2022
Quarterback commit Marcus Stokes once again acknowledged Florida’s momentum on the trail. He added that the 2023 class is not done yet.
Nah, we lit rn🐊😂
— Marcus Stokes (@marcusstokes06) October 14, 2022
Told y’all, still got sum cookin🤫 https://t.co/etdzEJ31bb
— Marcus Stokes (@marcusstokes06) October 14, 2022
A star-studded of prep athletes will be in attendance for the Gators' week seven bout against LSU under the lights on Saturday, including new commit Bryce Thornton for his official visit. Kickoff for that contest is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook.
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Brandon Carroll is a recent graduate of the University of Florida. He serves as the lead reporter for the Florida Gators FanNation-Sports Illustrated website, covering football, basketball and recruiting. When he isn't hard at work, he enjoys listening to music, playing flag football and basketball, spending time with his friends and family, and watching an array of television shows. Follow him on Twitter @itsbcarroll.
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