DeSoto (Texas) High School cornerback Adrian Bushell joined the Gators' 2008 recruiting class Thursday, giving UF its second verbal commitment in as many days.
Dunnellon High School linebacker Lerentee McCray chose the Gators over Miami on Wednesday.
Bushell had 51 tackles this season for DeSoto, and he joins a recruiting class filled with 10 other defensive players, bringing the total number of commitments to 20.
UF has been in the mix for many of the nation's top corners this recruiting season including Miami Washington High's Brandon Harris and Tallahassee Lincoln High's T.J. Bryant, rated the No. 5 and No. 6 corners in the nation according to Scout.com.
As for whether signing Bushell, a three-star corner, will deter Harris or Bryant from signing with the Gators, Scout.com recruiting analyst Mike Bakas doesn't seem to think so.
"(Bushell)'s commitment might stop UF from going after their plan-B type kids, but not someone like Brandon Harris," Bakas said.
Bakas also believes that at 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, Bushell might have what it takes to get on the field next season, especially since none of the Gators top-five tacklers in 2007 were cornerbacks.
"First of all, Adrian is an athlete," he said. "Someone like (cornerback and UF commit) Janoris Jenkins might have an advantage since he's already enrolled. But it really depends on what happens between now and August."
Bushell transferred to DeSoto for his senior season after previously playing at Miami Pace High. After coaching the corner for one season, DeSoto coach David Meadows has a loftier goal in mind for Bushell.
"When an opponent goes against him, they're done," Meadows said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see him as one of the best corners in the nation in a few years."
Meadows lauded his player's ability to make up for lost ground, saying that when he seemed to be beaten he always managed to come back somehow.
Bushell, like most of the Gators' commits, played both offense and defense in his prep career and becomes yet another player whose athletic abilities allow him to return punts or kickoffs for the Gators.
The news of Bushell's commitment comes just one day before one of the biggest recruiting weekends begins. The Gators are still hoping to secure big name prospects such as four-star linebacker William Green and five-star defensive tackle Omar Hunter.
Bakas believes that even though Bushell will be a significant addition to an already talented recruiting class, his commitment won't have much of an impact on the decisions of the prospects this weekend.
Verbal commitments are non-binding until a letter of intent is signed on or after Feb. 6, National Signing Day.
