![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier claps during Gator Walk before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 19, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4844,h_2724/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/213/01jvpsp0cgyrtxym6h00.jpg "Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier claps during Gator Walk before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 19, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]")
Billy Napier and the Florida Gators got good news over the weekend by securing the commitment of defensive lineman Jamir Perez.
The 6’4”, 360lb lineman posted his commitment on X on Sunday and told members of the media, “It’s [his recruitment] shut down. I committed today. So, therefore, it’s Gator time,” he said.
Perez is a three-star recruit, per 247Sports Composite, On3 Industry Rankings, Top247, On300, and Rivals.
Florida Gators Land Jamir Perez
He is the No. 28 overall defensive lineman in his recruiting class. He is known for being a “dominant run-stopper” and for his rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He is the total package and will be a strong addition to the Gators' defensive line.
The Glenville High School junior (class of 2026 recruit) and Cleveland, Ohio native was a heavy favorite to stay in his hometown and go to Ohio State. He had college visits planned with Vanderbilt (May 30), Wisconsin (June 6), Cincinnati (June 13), and Ohio State (June 20), but after flying down to Florida to visit the Swamp from May 16-May 18, the decision was made and Perez told Napier, Florida was it.
“For me, see, I’m from Ohio. So I had Ohio State. Being an Ohio kid, that’s usually the dream,” he explained to Swamp247. “For me, I always dreamed myself of playing in the SEC. I’m an SEC type of body. I’m an SEC type of player,” he said. “Florida just made it home. You know, Gators boys stay hot.”
During his visit at Florida, Perez met with Napier, along with defensive line coach Gerald Chatman and quality control specialist Jeremy Patterson. He explained that Florida views him as a defensive lineman who can both at nose tackle and at the three-tech end position.
“I feel like I could be a pillar in helping this class build up,” said Perez. “I’m just ready. I’m here.” He said he told coaches and players on Sunday that Florida was it and that he was going to commit and make the decision to call the University of Florida his home beginning in 2026.
Perez also had offers from Alabama, Iowa, Iowa State, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Miami (OH), Michigan State, Purdue, Syracuse, Toledo, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.