They’re calling them the “Florida Five” in Austin, and they have Longhorns fans optimistic about the future under head coach Charlie Strong.
Strong bagged his fifth commitment from a Florida-based player in the last four days, giving Texas 27 pledges for the 2015 class. The latest recruit to commit is wide receiver Gilbert Johnson, who attends a prep school because he was not able to academically qualify last year. Originally a Georgia commit, Johnson did not play this season because of a knee injury.
Johnson joins linebacker Cecil Cherry, defensive back Davante Davis, tight end Devonaire Clarington and defensive back Tim Irvin as part of the “Florida Five.” All five players are highly rated by recruiting services.
Welcome to Texas, Florida Five. #LetsRide (@SaluteMe_103 @Johnson__3 @cecil__cherry3 @dev_go_deep @T_irvin2) #HookEm pic.twitter.com/HkzKEu9hlq
— Orangebloods.com (@OBWire) January 4, 2015
Though Texas has traditionally been the powerhouse program in the state and the leading option for hometown youngsters, Strong is venturing beyond the Longhorns’ usual recruiting grounds in landing Florida players. The next step is getting all the players into school and making sure they stick with the program. Then it’s up to Strong to coach up his kids and improve on his 6-7 season.
He’s certainly pumped about his recruiting success:
5 for 5! #LetsRide
— Charlie Strong (@Strong_TexasFB) January 4, 2015
He has plenty of reasons to be excited. In addition to the Florida recruits, Strong also landed a commitment from five-star linebacker Malik Jefferson. It looks like Charlie has plenty of new faces to help him do this after the Longhorns’ next big win.
