Florida added a strong defensive piece to its 2022 recruiting class on Tuesday as three-star defensive lineman Jack Pyburn picked the Gators live on CBS Sports HQ. Pyburn picked the in-state Gators over Auburn and Miami.
Pyburn is a solid addition for first-year head coach Billy Napier's inaugural recruiting class at Florida. His commitment gives Napier the nation's No. 19 recruiting class after starting the day outside of the top 25. Pyburn joins four-star prospects Chris McClellan and Jamari Lyons as key defensive linemen in the group.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, Pyburn is rated the No. 437 overall player in the industry-standard 247Sports Composite rankings, and is the No. 36 edge defender.
In addition to starring on defense for his state championship-contending high school, Pyburn ranked among the state's top wrestlers in the 220-pound classification. 247Sports Southeast Recruiting Analyst Andrew Ivins had this scouting report of Pyburn:
A front-seven defender that could be molded into a variety of different things. Measured just over 6-foot-3, 260 pounds at the end of his senior season. Was utilized as both an inside 'backer and a stand-up edge rusher at the prep level. Excelled at both spots as he racked up over 20 sacks and close to 50 tackles for loss his final two years of high school. An effort-based player with a motor that tends to run pretty hot. Thrives in backside pursuit. Can make a difference at the point of attack and understands how to stack and shed as he keeps his eyes in the backfield. Likely to grow into a more traditional defensive end or even an interior defensive lineman given his movement patterns and muscular build, which means that he will need to develop a few go-to pass rushing moves if he's going to be tasked solely with getting to the quarterback on Saturdays.
