Florida Football had one last flurry of recruits on campus this weekend ahead of the NCAA dead period. As we have chronicled, the Gators are hoping for a better jump on their class of 2026 compared to how the class of 2025 went.
One of the prospects who visited was a defensive tackle out of Alabama who straight-up bullies the interior of opposing offensive lines.
Florida Football: Bully Ball
Vodney Cleveland is a DT from Birmingham, AL. Listed at 6'3" and 305 pounds, Cleveland is a consensus four-star prospect, with 247 having him ranked 43rd overall, while ESPN has him the lowest at 182nd overall.
On film, there is enough there to justify a top 100 ranking as he is an absolute menace along the interior of the defensive line. Cleveland just straight overpowers the opposing linemen and has the ability to push them five yards into the backfield and virtually sack their own QB.
But he also has a great swim move, and even when teams try to double-team him, he is able to break free. Cleveland has an explosive first step, and if the protection isn't perfect, the play is dead on arrival.
Cleveland initially committed to Alabama, but he backed off that commitment in December. The Crimson Tide is still in the picture, as is Auburn, but Florida seems to be making gains with him.
He was on campus earlier in January for a Junior Day, and he came back this weekend for another visit. He would be a huge get for Florida as the Gators just had three defensive tackles graduate and the depth at defensive tackle right now is a concern.
Had a great time getting back on campus and conversating with @coach_bnapier today in gainsville🐊❗️@gatorsszn @GatorsFB pic.twitter.com/yxHVXeWSLu
— Vodney Cleveland (@Vodney_Clev) February 2, 2025
The Gators currently have three verbal commits in their class of 2026: QB Will Griffin, who was also in Gainesville this weekend, DB Jaelen Waters, who continues to have Miami push to get him to flip, and S Devin Jackson.