Orange and Blue Game Attracts Star-Studded Recruits

The decision to move this year’s Orange and Blue Spring Game to a Thursday was no accident.

Originally scheduled for Saturday, April 16, the game serves as an opportunity for fans to see the team scrimmage. It also gives the public a chance to attend a game in the Swamp free-of-charge. Especially for out-of-town Gators, the date change was disappointing to say the least.

Billy Napier says moving #Gators’ spring game to Thursday allows them to “corner the market in recruiting” that day, among other reasons for the move pic.twitter.com/0VzHqYEimn

— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) March 17, 2022

But scheduling the Orange and Blue game for a Thursday was a genius move. With nearly every other school in the SEC hosting their spring games this week, pushing the game up a few days eliminated much of the competition recruiting-wise. A number of high school recruits who previously hadn’t planned on attending have announced their plans to be in the Swamp for tonight’s event. Out of the several recruits who will be in attendance this evening, here are three to read up on.

Kendall Jackson

A member of the class of 2024, Jackson still has a while before he can commit anywhere – but he’s already showing promise. Jackson is a Gainesville local. The 15-year-old currently attends Buchholz High School and plays defense for their team. He’s already visited the University of Florida once this month, meeting with Coach Napier as well as defensive line coach Sean Spencer.

https://twitter.com/big_Ken8/status/1514623892459040776

UF is no stranger to Buchholz recruits: current players Trent Whittemore and Mark Pitts graduated from the local high school, among others. The Gators may just have another Buchholz commit within reach if Jackson remains interested in the program.

Brayshon Williams

Another high school sophomore, Williams is a four-star commit from Lakeland. The 6’0 safety has already received an invite to the 2024 Under Armor All-America Game.

I will be in “Gainesville” for the spring game tomorrow!!!!!!!! #gatornation #GoGators

— Brayshon Williams (@Brayshon4) April 13, 2022

Williams is returning to the Swamp tonight after his initial visit back in March. Florida has offered Williams, and according to On3, UF is currently a favorable option for the high schooler.

Sincere Edwards

Edwards is a four-star defensive end at Wekiva High School in Apopka. The lineman has 15 offers so far – but none yet from UF.

https://twitter.com/SincereEdwards0/status/1514638141826617345

Edwards has expressed interest in UCF, due largely in part to its proximity to his home. He missed UCF’s spring game, but he’ll be in attendance tonight at Ben Hill Griffin. Fans will just have to wait to see if Coach Napier and Co. can win him over.

https://twitter.com/GatorsFB/status/1514589538689032203

The Orange and Blue game is scheduled for 7:30 tonight. Coverage of the event starts at kickoff on WRUF.