Florida football recruiting: Gators in top eight for 5-star pass rusher

Florida football recruiting is looking to add to its already elite defensive class in the 2024 cycle.

With guys like Xavier Filsaime, Adarius Hayes, and Myles Graham already committed, this class has a chance to be something special.

Last night, the Gators made the top eight schools for Jordan Ross, a 5-star EDGE out of Birmingham, Alabama.

Other schools that made the cut include Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and others.

247 Sports has Ross ranked as the 12th-best player in the country, the 2nd-best EDGE in the class of ’24, and the top player coming out of Alabama.

Jordan currently has three official visits scheduled to Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee, so the Gators and Billy Napier have some ground to make up if they want to land Ross when it’s all set and done.

When watching Ross’ film, it’s easy to see why he’s so highly rated but does still have some aspects he can improve on.

What I found to be his best attribute is his pure athleticism. At 6’5”-215 he moves almost like a wide receiver. He has outstanding speed to track down a running back or a QB on the move and can change direction with the play at ease.

He plays sideline to sideline, which is rare for a guy who lines up on the defensive line. He’s a headhunter with a knack for the ball, and no ball carrier is ever safe from him.

One aspect of his game that can improve is his physicality. He has a great rip-down move he uses on O-linemen, but he doesn’t have many plays where he bullies the blocker into the backfield and overpowers him.

He’ll need that ability when he gets to the college ranks, and that’s something that will come with more size as he gets older.

Ross isn’t flawless but he’s still a top prospect in the ’24 cycle. Snagging him away from these other powerhouses would soldify the Gators’ presence on the recruiting trail.

Keep up with Florida football recruiting at Hail Florida Hail.