Florida's 2022 recruiting class picked up a big-time addition on Wednesday when five-star safety Kamari Wilson announced that he will sign with the Gators. Wilson was one of the nation's top uncommitted prospects entering the beginning of the early signing period on Wednesday and chose Florida over rival Georgia.
Wilson is ranked the No. 28 overall player in the class by the 247Sports Composite and considered the No. 2 safety in the class. He began his high school career at Fort Pierce Westwood in Fort Pierce, Florida, before transferring across the state to play at prep powerhouse IMG Academy for his final two seasons.
Florida's ability to snag such a highly-touted defender is a good sign for the program under new coach Billy Napier, especially considering that Georgia was considered the frontrunner entering Wilson's announcement. In an interview with 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong leading up to his decision, Wilson cited Florida's new cornerbacks coach Corey Ramond and new co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney as coaches he liked on the Gators' revamped staff.
"I feel like they're going to bring Florida back," Wilson said. "Coach Napier, he's a real cool guy. He's worked at a lot of places, worked at Bama and the last spot he was at you can tell he's real passionate about what he does. He had a lot of job opportunities but he wasn't going to leave till the job was finished."
Wilson ranks as the No. 5 prospect from the talent-rich state of Florida and projects as a potential future early-round NFL Draft pick. Here is the full scouting report of his game from 247Sports southeast recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins:
A battering ram of a safety that likes contact. Transferred into the national powerhouse that is IMG Academy after a breakout sophomore campaign and left as a two-year starter in the secondary. Thrives in run support, but can also stick with most tight ends and running backs in coverage, at least the ones he saw on Friday nights. Quick to trigger. Takes sharp, clean angles while in pursuit. Knows how to get home on a blitz and always seems to be making stops behind the line of scrimmage. Tends to play faster than he tests and gets downhill with a full head of steam. Could, however, get a little more fluid while in reverse. Should provide immediate special teams value for the school of his choice given his frame (pushing 6-foot-1, 205 pounds), physical play style and win-first mentality. Also seems to own a rather high football IQ, which is a valuable asset these days as most offenses feature RPOs. Will likely need some time on campus to adjust to the ebbs and flows of the college game, but has what it takes to blossom into a difference maker and key contributor at a College Football Playoff contender. Should ultimately be viewed as an in-the-box safety with NFL upside.
