Gators land commit with once-in-a-generation athletic traits

Billy Napier and the Gators continued their excellent summer of recruiting by nabbing a class of 2026 pledge from a truly generational athlete.

Four-star TE/OT Heze Kent from Brunswick High School in Brunswick, Georgia, chose the Gators over his home state Bulldogs, among other SEC rivals.

At 6-foot-6, 320 pounds, Kent is ranked as the 14th best offensive tackle in the nation and the top OT in Georgia, according to On3's Industry rankings. He's a monstrous human being who's size and strength will immediately translate to the Power 4 level.

Yet, he's listed as an athlete, instead of an offensive tackle.

Why? Because he also plays tight end. Kent compiled over 1,100 all-purpose yards as a junior, catching 41 passes for 983 yards and rushing for 211 yards with 16 total touchdowns.

While Kent has put on plenty of weight since the end of his junior campaign, and is likely to play more tackle than tight end as a senior, his pass-catching history makes him a unique prospect.

The athleticism and coordination required to be a high-level receiver and runner isn't something that will be lost as he packs on pounds. He may not be as quick as he was, but it's a safe bet to assume Kent will be one of the most athletic offensive lineman in the program when he arrives in Gainesville.

If he can combine his athleticism with the positional strength necessary for an offensive tackle, Kent would have the opportunity to be a truly dominant lineman -- and give the Gators the chance to add six offensive lineman sets and even some trick plays to the playbook.

For now, it's a massive win for Napier on the recruiting trails, swiping a top 200 prospect from Florida's rivals and adding to an already exceptional 2026 class.

Kent's commitment marks the Gators' 18th pledge of the class and brings their national ranking to 12th.