4-star DL Kamran James chooses to stay home at Florida

Orlando (Fla.) Olympia four-star defensive lineman Kamran James was sought after by some of the top programs in the country. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Miami were all interested in landing a commitment from the 6-foot-5, 265 pound prospect.

But something stood out about the Gators, located just over 100 miles from James’ high school. He made multiple trips to Gainesville, including an official visit on June 17 and an unofficial visit on July 29. He felt connections with the staff, led by first-year Florida head coach Billy Napier.

Most importantly, James believed that the Gators made him a priority to their 2023 recruiting class. That’s one of the reasons why he committed to Florida on Sunday.

“Florida has done so much right with the way they have recruited me,” James told On3. “Florida is a local school that really did a great job recruiting me and getting to know me.”

Florida’s coaching staff is a difference maker for James

One thing that stood out to James about Florida was its coaching staff. He feels a connection to the group and has found that their love for the Gators stood out.

James said he has met with Napier “more times than I can count” and that the two have grown close. The defensive lineman added that he likes Napier “a lot” as a coach and is impressed with the work he is doing to turn Florida’s program around.

As big of a person as he is, he has talked a lot to me,” James said about Napier. “Coach Napier has put a lot of time into me and getting to know me and that means something. I see coach Napier as a genuine guy. He is always smiling, not fake. He is 100% real. He is a smart coach has is putting a lot of energy and work into Florida.”

The four-star recruit has also built connections with other members of Florida’s staff. They include co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Sean Spencer and defensive graduate assistant Kali James Jr.

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“Coach Sean Spencer and the guys that help him on the defensive line are great guys,” James said. “I talk to coach Kali James a lot too and he is is easy to relate to. They are all so genuine and that stands out to me.”

James marks another in-state recruiting win for the Gators

Napier is on an impressive recruiting streak in the Gators’ home state. He now has 16 commitments from the Sunshine State following a pledge from James, the No. 213 overall player and No. 26 defensive lineman in the 2023 On3 Consensus. James is rated even higher by On3 as the No. 23 overall prospect and No. 3 defensive lineman in the 2023 On300.

The defensive lineman is also the 10th-highest-rated prospect in Florida’s 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus. The only recruits ranked ahead of him are Gardendale (Ala.) four-star defensive lineman Kelby Collins, Orlando (Fla.) Boone four-star wide receiver Aidan Mizell, Tampa (Fla.) Gaither four-star wide receiver Eugene Wilson III, Thomaston (Ga.) Upson-Lee four-star defensive lineman T.J. Searcy, Camden (N.J.) IMG Academy four-star defensive lineman Will Norman, Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola four-star cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson, Saint Petersburg (Fla.) Lakewood four-star EDGE Isaiah Nixon, Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian Academy four-star running back Treyaun Webb and Jacksonville (Fla.) Bartram Trail four-star cornerback Sharif Denson.

All 10 Gators commitments are ranked in the top-300 of the On3 Consensus, in addition to Winter Garden (Fla.) West Orange four-star safety Jordan Castell and Gainesville (Fla.) F. W. Buchholz four-star defensive lineman Gavin Hill. James is looking forward to the opportunity of playing alongside these prospects at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

“I have taken numerous visits to Florida,” James said. “It has always been fun there for me. I like being around the players. The energy is good. Overall, every time I have visited has been good times there. I saw spring practice, I took an official visit… I always have a good feeling at Florida.”