UF fans went to bed Tuesday night with hopes of the Gators adding to their 2008 recruiting class.
The fans did not wake up disappointed.
Four-star linebacker prospect William Green, from Hoover (Ala.) Spain Park, confirmed late Tuesday night what UF coaches had known for at least a week.
"A guy from [Scout.com] called me [Tuesday night], and I told him that I was [committing to UF]," Green said. "But I had told Coach [Urban] Meyer last weekend."
Scout.com rates Green as the nation's No. 7 strong-side linebacker, but many feel his 6-foot-5, 208-pound frame will be better utilized at defensive end.
Scout.com recruiting analyst Andrew Bone said Green has the potential to be effective at the defensive end position despite being undersized.
"Before he can play defensive end, he's going to need to gain a lot of weight," Bone said. "But he has the potential to be someone like [former UF and current Denver Broncos defensive end] Jarvis Moss."
What Green can't do with his size, he will have to do with his speed.
"He has the quickest step of a recruit that I've ever scouted," Bone said. "His potential is sky high."
Bone said Green may not play a big role next year but should make more of an impact his sophomore year.
Former Spain Park coach John Grass said it's not Green's athletic ability that will set him apart, but his determination to be the best.
"A lot of players go into college football not realizing how hard they'll have to work in order to play," Grass said. "[Green] doesn't have to fix his work ethic."
Besides having the right character to play at the collegiate level, Grass believes Green has the athletic ability to make a real difference on the football field.
"Every game, there was a couple of plays where you just shook your head and went, 'Wow,'" Grass said.
Players coming from the state of Alabama usually feel intense pressure to stay in state to play. Green was no exception, with offers coming from Alabama.
"There was a lot of pressure to stay in state from fans." Green said. "But my family and coaches were really cool about me [going to UF]."
Verbal commitments are non-binding until a letter of intent is signed on or after Feb. 6, National Signing Day.
