Florida football recruiting: Gators offer top-20 IOL from IMG Kaden Strayhorn

Florida football recruiting has dipped into IMG a few times over their last few recruiting classes, landing Kamari Wilson in 2022, Knijeah Harris in 2023, and now Jerrae Hawkins in 2024.

The Gators are looking to get a few more guys on the bus from Bradenton in the 2025 class as well, including a top-20 IOL whom they offered a few days ago.

Kaden Strayhorn, a 4-star IOL originally from Novi, Michigan, received an offer from the Gators on Wednesday.

If Billy Napier and Florida are serious about him, they’ll have to make up some ground on a few Big Ten schools.

Florida football recruiting: Keep him down south

As I said Kaden is originally from Michigan, which is reflected in On3’s RPM at this point. Michigan State is the heavy favorite to land him with an 88.3% chance, with Michigan in second at 2.8%. Not to mention that Strayhorn is a legacy to Sparty, adding another level to the challenge.

The Gators will have to work hard if they want to keep Strayhorn in the Sunshine State, but he may be well worth the effort.

At 6’3”-290, Kaden already looks the part to be an interior lineman in the SEC and will put on a little more weight in the two years he has before college ball.

You don’t just stumble your way into the top 20 of your respective position, and Strayhorn is no exception. He’s violent at the line of scrimmage, playing well with his hands and staying strong down low.

He’s also shown solid mobility and flexibility, with an ability to move with the pocket and stay engaged throughout the play.

With Kaden being a heavy lean to the Big Ten, Napier has his work cut out for him. As his recruiting process carries on, we’ll know more about how high on the Gators’ board Strayhorn is, as well as his interest in the Gators.