Seven years ago, when Nick Alajajian's father told Naples High offensive line coach Paul Horne that his youngest son had what it took to play college football, he was a little skeptical.
"Nick's older brother was on the team, and he used to hang around all the time - come to all the games," Horne said. "His dad use to tell us all the time how good his little brother was. I thought he was nuts."
But after capturing the Class 3A State Championship last season and offers from some of the nation's biggest college football programs, Alajajian has proven his father right.
Alajajian, the No.1 ranked offensive guard prospect according to Scout.com, pledged his commitment to the Gators during his official visit to Gainesville last week.
The 6-4, 280-pound lineman was accompanied by his parents on the visit.
"Florida was the best fit for Nick," Horne said. "I think that it's a place where Nick will be able to grow as a football player and as a man."
The youngest of three sons, Alajajian had visited Florida State and Miami earlier this year but settled on staying closer to home and playing in Gainesville.
His brother Joe is a junior offensive lineman at Florida International.
Horne said that it was Alajajian's relationship with Urban Meyer and offensive line coach Steve Addazio that set UF apart from the other schools he was interested in.
He also pointed to UF's recent National Championship and the chance to play in the Southeastern Conference as factors in the decision.
Horne said that he expects Alajajian to have a chance to contribute early once he arrives in Gainesville.
"Nick is as good at run blocking as he is at pass blocking," Horne said. "The way that they run their offense really fits his style of play. He's relentless when it comes to his blocking."
Horne is confidant that Alajajian will be ready to compete when he finally steps foot on campus.
"Nick will work his tail off to make sure that he is ready when his time comes," Horne said. "That's just the type of kid that he is. His work ethic is incredible."
As a junior, Alajajian became the leader of a Naples team that boasted 31 seniors.
He led the Golden Eagles to a 17-10 state title win over St. Augustine last year, a game in which it was later discovered he played with a broken ankle.
"He's as tough as they come," Horne said. "The other guys look up to him."
Recruiting Update
According to multiple media sources, the Gators received a commitment Monday from South Lake Offensive Lineman Jonotthan Harrison.
Harrison is rated as the No. 5 offensive guard prospect in the nation by Scout.com.
