It’s that time of year again when the Friday Night Lights illuminate the field, and prospects across the nation aim to impress college coaches and secure a state championship ring before heading to college.
As in previous years, Gator Country will provide a Thursday preview of all Florida Gators recruiting commits, followed by a full recap on Monday that includes stats and notes from the past week’s games.
This year, we’ll also be introducing a Player of the Week feature based on the commits’ performances.
Week 1 recap
Waltez Clark was the player of the week; he gained 175 yards and two scores on seven carries. In addition, Clark added three receptions for 70 yards and one more touchdown.
2025 commits
Receiver Vernell Brown III (5-11, 170, Orlando, FL. Jones)
Result: Jones doesn’t start its season until Friday night.
Game Stats: N/A
Notes: N/A
Running back Waltez Clark (6-1, 194, Tampa, FL. Plant)
Result: Plant defeated Carrollwood Day 28-14 on Friday night.
Game Stats: Clark had seven carries for 175 yards and two touchdowns. Clark also added three catches for 70 yards and another touchdown.
Notes: Plant is 1-0 on the year.
Punter Hayden Craig (6-2, 180, Bridgton, ME. Academy)
Result: Bridgton Academy hasn’t start its season yet.
Game Stats: N/A
Notes: N/A
Running back Chad Gasper (5-10, 200, Fulshear, TX. Katy)
Result: Katy starts its season on Friday night.
Game Stats: N/A
Notes: N/A
Tight end Tae’shaun Gelsey (6-4, 215, Jacksonville, FL. Riverside)
Result: Riverside lost to Oakleaf 35-7 on Friday night.
Game Stats: Gelsey had a touchdown catch in the loss.
Notes: Riverside is 0-1 on the year.
Defensive back Ben Hanks Jr. (6-1, 170, Miami, FL. Booker T Washington)
Result: Booker T. Washington defeated South Dade 28-6 on Thursday night.
Game Stats: Hanks had two interceptions in the game.
Notes: Booker T. Washington is 1-0 on the year.
Lineacker Myles Johnson (6-1, 220, Brewton, AL. T.R. Miller)
Result: T.R. Miller defeated Reeltown 28-7 on Thursday night.
Game Stats: Johnson had 15 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
Notes: T.R. Miller is 1-0 on the year.
Tight end Micah Jones (6-5, 245, Madison, MS. Central)
Result: Madison Central doesn’t start its season for two weeks.
Game Stats: N/A
Notes: N/A
Defensive lineman Jeramiah McCloud (6-3, 280, Leesburg, GA. Lee County)
Result: Lee County defeated Hapeville Charter 66-6 on Friday night.
Game Stats: McCloud had three tackles and a tackle for a loss in the win. McCloud also had an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
Notes: Lee County is 2-0 on the year.
Defensive lineman Joseph Mbatchou (6-4, 275, Loganville, GA. Grayson)
Result: Grayson defeated Thompson 15-14 on Thursday night.
Game Stats: Mbatchou had a tackle in the win.
Notes: Grayson is 1-1 on the year.
Receiver Naeshaun Montgomery (6-1, 185, Miami, FL. Central)
Result: Central lost to Lakeland 16-8 on Friday night.
Game Stats: Montgomery had a 56-yard touchdown catch in the loss.
Notes: Central is 0-1 on the year.
Receiver Joshua Moore (6-4, 205, Pembroke Pines, FL. West Broward)
Result: West Broward defeated South Broward 57-14 on Friday night.
Game Stats: N/A
Notes: West Broward is 1-0 on the year.
Defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr. (6-0, 185, Palm Bay, FL. Heritage)
Result: Heritage defeated Palm Bay 44-0 Friday night.
Game Stats: N/A
Notes: Heritage is 1-0 on the year.
Defensive lineman Jalen Wiggins (6-4, 255, Tallahassee, FL. Rickards)
Result: Rickards defeated Godby 22-21 on Friday night.
Game Stats:
Notes: Rickards is 2-0 on the year.
2026 commits
Quarterback Will Griffin (6-3, 225, Tampa, FL. Jesuit)
Result: Jesuit lost to Bishop Verot 48-34 on Friday night.
Game Stats: Griffin had a touchdown pass in the loss.
Notes: Jesuit is 0-1 on the year.
Defensive back Devin Jackson (6-1, 195, Orlando, FL. First Academy)
Result: First Academy defeated Lipscomb Academy 28-23 Friday night.
Game Stats: N/A
Notes: First Academy is 1-0 on the year.
Defensive back Jaelen Waters (Seffner, FL. Armwood)
Result: Armwood defeated Gaither 41-19 on Friday night.
Game Stats: N/A
Notes: Armwood is 1-0 on the year.