Billy Napier Talks First Tasks as Gators Head Coach
Four-star receiver Chandler Smith de-committed from Florida Tuesday, just two days after officially visiting Tennessee.
“I have been dreaming about being a Gator since I was a kid but I believe it would be in my best interest to shy away from my childhood dream and being a dual sport athlete I need to do what’s best for me,” Smith said in a tweet. “That being said after a long talk with my family I would like to de-commit From the University of Florida at this time. My recruitment is still open and I still plan on signing early but things may change.”
The 6-foot-1, 180 pound receiver ranks as the nation’s No. 225 prospect and the nation’s No. 36 receiver, according to 247sports.
After the NCAA allowed on campus visits this spring, Smith visited Arkansas and South Carolina before committing to Florida in June. From there, Smith didn’t visit any schools besides Florida until Josh Heupel and his staff brought him in for a visit last weekend.
The speedy receiver stuck out his commitment to the Gators throughout the turmoil around the Florida program the last six weeks until finally de-committing this week.
There have been a string of Florida recommits since new head coach Billy Napier officially took over. The Gators have lost five commits in the last five days and only have seven commits in the whole class of 2022. Florida’s recruiting class currently ranks 76th nationally and last in the SEC.
With Smith planning on still signing during next week’s early signing period, all eyes turn on what Smith will do this weekend. The Orlando native was originally planning on visiting Florida and has announced no new visit plans since de-committing.
Tennessee’s weekend of official visits has already been successful with the Vols landing two commits. If Heupel and his staff can reel in Smith, it would make the weekend even sweeter.
