Four-star TE Eric Karner includes Florida Gators in final five
Former Purdue commit Eric Karner has taken another step toward the finish line, as the four-star tight end dished out his top-five schools on Thursday.
Karner, who straps up the pads for Itasca (Ill.) Immaculate Conception, says Florida, Alabama, Texas A&M, Michigan State and Iowa are out front in his recruitment. The Hawkeyes, according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, are trending with odds of 31.5 percent.
As Gators Online first reported earlier this week, Karner is making his way down to Gainesville on June 9. That will be for an official visit, while Iowa and Michigan State have secured multi-day visits as well.
Since the start of the month, multiple Gators coaches have made an appearance at Immaculate Conception. Defensive line coach Sean Spencer was first to stop by Karner’s school, while tight ends coach Russ Callaway stopped by on Monday and watched the 2024 prospect work out as well.
Also, when speaking with GO after landing the offer, Karner said Florida is a top-five option along with the four additional programs. Today, the Midwest native went to Twitter to label those handful of schools as his finalists.
“What caught my attention about Florida is their ability to produce loads of NFL talent each year. They are also in the SEC. That gives me a chance to compete at the highest level while also getting a great education. I could see myself becoming more attracted towards Florida if me and coach Callaway build up our relationship,” Karner previously told GO.
“Their message to me was how they liked my versatility and my athleticism. They have a lot of emotion coming into this season, and I can tell just by speaking with the coaches.”
During the 2022 season, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Karner reeled in 12 receptions for 196 yards and three touchdowns.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
