Key commit for Florida Football confirms plan to become a Gator

Billy Napier and Florida Football don't have many commitments for their class of 2025. With just five prospects publicly committing to the Gators, Florida will need a wave of commits to start coming soon.

But one of the five commits they do have, four-star running back Waltez Clark from Plant High School in Tampa, has seemingly shut down his recruitment after his official visit to Gainesville, signaling his commitment to the Gators' program.

Clark's declaration to forego any further official visits or contact with other schools is a resounding vote of confidence in the Gators' coaching staff and their vision for the future.

Joining forces with fellow running back commit Chad Gasper, Clark's commitment solidifies the Gators' high school recruiting board at the position, as the coaching staff had expressed their intent to bring in two running backs for the upcoming class. This strategic approach not only improves the team's depth but also encourages a healthy competitive environment within the position group.

Clark's decision was further reinforced by the relationships he has with running backs coach Jabbar Juluke and current starter Montrell Johnson, who served as his player-host during the visit. The camaraderie and sense of belonging during his time on campus played a pivotal role in solidifying his commitment, as he expressed, "All the players just taking me in as one of them, and then I've already been liking the place."

With both Johnson and reserve back Cam Carroll set to exhaust their eligibility after the upcoming season, Clark's commitment takes on added significance. His presence, combined with Gasper's, provides stability and depth in the Gators' backfield for the foreseeable future.

This marks the second consecutive year in which the Gators have signed the first commit of a recruiting class, a feat mirrored by linebacker enrollee Myles Graham in the 2024 class.