Florida football recruiting: Gators impress top-ten 2024 player on visit

Florida football recruiting has been taking it to another level during the 2024 recruiting cycle when it comes to making pushes for the best players in the country.

After previously visiting the Gators in March, the Gators hosted a 5-star DL for the second time this past weekend, and now have him mulling a potential official visit sometime over the summer.

I’m talking about David Stone, an IMG DL who is one of the most sought-after talents in the country in the ’24 class.

247 Sports has him ranked as the 7th-best player in the country, the 2nd-best DL, and the 3rd-best player coming out of Florida.

Before making the move to Bradenton to play for IMG, Stone was from Del City, Oklahoma, and the Sooners are taking advantage of that as they currently lead his recruitment in crystal ball predictions.

But Billy Napier and the Gators aren’t letting that phase them.

After his visit to Gainesville, David had lots of high praise for Napier.

"“Our conversation was probably one of the best I’ve had with any head coach in awhile. He’s such a great guy.”"

He said this to On3, and you can find their full piece about his visit here.

But this quote is proof that recruits aren’t worried about the on-field production of the Gators as they make their decisions, they’re focused on the Gators’ culture and the program that Billy is building.

That on-field production comes with a strong culture and great players, both of which seem to be on the way for the Gators.

Stone is one of those guys that may be a reach for the Gators at this point in his recruitment. But if they can secure an OV and become a major player in his decision, you never know what could happen.

Keep up with Florida football recruiting at Hail Florida Hail.