In-state DB: Florida is ‘definitely’ the leader

A front runner has emerged for Winter Garden (Fla.) West Orange athlete Devonte Anderson .

The 2026 prospect attended the Florida Gators’ Grill in the ‘Ville cookout on Saturday and now says the SEC program holds the early advantage in his recruitment.

“They’re definitely No. 1 (for me),” Anderson told Gators Online. “I’m waiting it out for a little while, but Florida is definitely No. 1 right now.”

Much of that can be credited to Saturday’s hospitality in Gainesville. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Anderson has visited the Gators before, including last month when they offered, but there was a different energy this time around as an offered target.

“It was great. We had fun and did everything out there,” said Anderson. “We got to talk to all the coaches, like, coach (Billy) Napier and my (secondary) position coaches in coach (Beyah) Rasool and coach (Will) Harris . They really talked to me and let me know what’s up. They told me I can come back and had a talk with my mom, so they are building a relationship with her too.

“They’ve told me to give them one call if I need anything. Also, they said I can come up there any time. I’m only an hour and 30 minutes away, so that’s close to home already. I can come to any home game too. They really want me to go to Florida.”

Devonte Anderson has a familiar face on UF’s roster

All in all, Anderson views the SEC program as the total package. He possesses several additional offers and is giving all schools a fair shot, but Florida might be difficult to overtake at the top.

“I love how Napier takes over as a head coach.” Anderson said. “He does good handling all the guys and they go get it in the weight room. My former teammate, Jordan Castell , goes there. He went to my high school and I played with him his last year before he went off to Florida.

‘It’s a good program and they have good facilities. They have a good fan base, an awesome base, and they are just a good school all around.”

Another trip to Gainesville is on the calendar

If all goes as planned, Anderson will be returning to the Swamp on Aug. 31 for the season opener.

According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine , the Gators’ odds are currently at 75.9 percent.

Additional offers include Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa State, UMass and Western Michigan.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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