Florida Football Recruiting: Four-star cornerback locks in Florida visit

Florida will play host to one of the top cornerbacks in the nation
Nov 23, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; A Florida Gators helmet sits on the field before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Nov 23, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; A Florida Gators helmet sits on the field before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Currently ranking 40th nationally in the 247Sports Composite's recruiting ranks, Florida head coach Billy Napier and his staff are looking to make significant additions to their Class of 2026 recruiting class, which as of now holds just three members. The Gators will get a chance at doing just that, as they will play host to a highly-coveted recruit, who is currently verbally committed to a power conference school.

Visit set

According to On3's Steve Wiltfong, Nebraska four-star cornerback commit CJ Bronaugh (2026) will officially visit Florida on May 30th. The seventh-ranked cornerback, according to 247Sports, received an offer from Florida just over twenty days ago. He is being actively pursued by Florida cornerbacks coach Deron Wilson, who is searching for his first commitment while on staff.

Hailing from Winter Garden, Florida, Bronaugh visited Florida's campus earlier this week after making trips to Tallahassee and Chapel Hill. Despite being his most recent offer, the Gators appear to have heavy steam in his recruitment, with rumors of a decomittment from Nebraska very much on the table. The advantages of proximity may give a significant edge to Florida State and Florida, both of which pose legitimate threats.

Within his 24 offers, Bronaugh also scheduled official visits to Nebraska (June 6th), Florida State (June 13th), and Penn State (June 20th).

Ability as a player

Bronaugh's ranking of seventy-second in the nation, regardless of position, reflects his versatility on the field. In his junior season alone, he recorded three pick-sixes, showcasing his playmaking ability even while playing on the defensive side of the ball.

247Sports' Andrew Ivins writes a comprehensible report on Bronaugh's ability:

"Ascending defensive back prospect with some of the best speed markers in the class. Hasn’t faced the stiffest competition to date, but turned heads spring before senior year at an Under Armour Next Camp in Orlando where he not only tested off the charts, but also locked down one side of the field in coverage.

Meets key length thresholds as he has been verified at over 6 feet and is equipped with some additional length in the arms. Straight-line burst and sideline-to-sideline range is optimal for a single or two-high safety role, but warrants a look at corner as he will fight for positioning out on the perimeter and has the agility to mirror most weapons. Not afraid to take risks and jump routes, which led to three pick-sixes as a junior.

Serviceable as an open-field tackler on Fridays, but improved play strength would go a long way on Saturdays, especially if he’s going to be asked to fit corridors. Will need to soak up coaching and keep perfecting his craft, but should be viewed as a traits-heavy secondary player that could emerge as a bonafide playmaker for a Power Four program with his frame and acceleration."

Schedule

Schedule