Florida 4-star DL commit TJ Searcy shuts down recruitment

Thomaston (Ga.) Upson-Lee four-star defensive lineman and Florida commit T.J. Searcy announced Wednesday that he is shutting down his recruitment. The 6-foot-5.5, 243-pound prospect committed to the Gators on July 4.

“Glory be to god, I am grateful for the opportunity to be recruited by so many elite universities,” Searcy wrote in a statement published to social media. “After giving further consideration to the other schools who continued to recruit me after my UF Commitment, I want everyone to know my recruitment is completely shut down, #Gator4Life.”

Glory be to god, I am grateful for the opportunity to be recruited by so many elite universities. After giving further consideration to the other schools who continued to recruit me after my UF Commitment,I want everyone to know my recruitment is completely shut down, #Gator4Life pic.twitter.com/SSczGnJMwN

— TJ Searcy (@tj_searcy23) November 2, 2022

Searcy is the No. 156 overall prospect and No. 20 defensive lineman in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 12 player in Georgia.

On3 rates Searcy higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2023 On300, he is the No. 97 overall prospect, No. 13 defensive lineman and No. 8 player in Georgia.

For more Florida recruiting intel, check out Gators Online.

Searcy is currently the seventh-highest-ranked prospect in Florida’s 2023 recruiting class. The Gators’ group ranks No. 9 in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 4 in the SEC.

The Georgia native currently holds offers from some of the top programs in college football. That list includes Clemson, Georgia, Michigan and Tennessee.

Searcy has an On3 NIL Valuation of $18.4K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

TJ Searcy On3 Scouting Summary

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for TJ Searcy:

“Physically-gifted defensive lineman with the athletic profile and frame that points to a high upside. One of the more physically impressive defensive line prospects in the 2023 cycle. Checked in at over 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds with a 6-foot-11 wing-span prior to his senior season. Is a highly flexible and functional athlete, particularly in the camp setting. Has quick feet and looks to be coordinated. Shows off his athleticism on the basketball court where he shows above-the-rim bounce. Has also posted strong marks in the shot put (over 47 feet as a sophomore).

“Plays as an outside linebacker for his high school, often playing in space. Does see limited pass rush opportunities. Has advanced on-field movement skills at his size. Also plays as an h-back and blocking tight end on offense. A developmental projection as a line of scrimmage player, given his lack of experience in the trenches. Will need to increase his production as a senior. More of a top physical talent than a dominant player at this juncture. Could end up as an EDGE prospect pending how his body develops.”