Florida football recruiting: Kendall Jackson commits to the Gators

Florida football recruiting may be setting up for a big week on the recruiting trail and may have got it started today.

The Gators added to to their impressive defensive recruiting class in the cycle of 2024 with the addition of an in-state DL target.

Kendall Jackson, out of the Gators’ backyard right in Gainesville, announced his commitment to the Gators this afternoon.

The Gators landed Jackson over Miami, Kentucky, and UCF.

Florida football recruiting: Homegrown talent

As I said Jackson attends F. W. Buchholz in Gainesville. As a GNV native, it just makes sense that he’ll end up a Gator.

Per On3’s RPM, Jackson is a 4-star recruit who ranks as the 369th-best player in the country, the 31st-best DL in the 2024 class, and the 51st-best player coming out of Florida.

In his junior season he totaled 65 tackles, 22 TFL, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a pick-six.

Jackson also racked up 60 hurries last season, which isn’t a surprise when you watch him play. He has a very high motor and never stops running his legs throughout the play.

He’s got a quick first step and is able to bulldoze the blocker in front of him and make his way into the backfield.

Aside from living in Gainesville, Jackson does have a connection to UF. His uncle is Aubrey Hill, who played wide receiver for the Gators from 1991-1994.

Throughout his recruiting process Jackson made 13 visits to Gainesville, and was in town the weekend of June second for his official visit.

The school with the next highest visit total is Miami with four. Clearly Kendall has always liked being in The Swamp.

Jackson is yet another addition to the Gators top three class. He may also be the first domino to fall this week as the Gators have a few more top targets announcing their commitments in a few days.