The losses keep piling up for the Gators.
After losing to rival Florida State for the first time in seven years and reportedly losing defensive line coach Dan McCarney to North Texas, Florida took a hit in recruiting Monday.
Asheville (N.C.) High four-star defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan decommitted from the Gators.
“I felt like I was missing out on some stuff and wanted to get back into everything so I’m not missing out on anything,” Pagan told Rivals.com.
Pagan had been orally committed to the Gators since April 11. He was the second commitment in UF’s 2011 recruiting class.
McCarney, who is expected to be officially named the head coach at North Texas today, was responsible for the recruitment of Pagan and several other prospects, including four-star UF cornerback commit Nick Waisome. The 6-foot-4, 272-pound Pagan told Rivals that McCarney’s departure played a role in his decision to decommit.
Pagan, the No. 3 strongside defensive end in the nation according to Rivals, wavered on his commitment in June. But following UF’s annual Friday Night Lights camp in July, Pagan said he spoke with coach Urban Meyer and would not be taking any official visits during the season out of respect for Meyer.
That has changed, though, as Pagan opened it up to Clemson, Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Oregon and Southern California.
“Everyone’s in the game now,” Pagan said. “I’m going to keep it a secret and decide on signing day.”
Following the loss to Florida State, Meyer emphasized recruiting as a remedy following the team’s five-loss regular season.
“Recruit our butt off is what we’re going to do, and that starts (Saturday night),” Meyer said. “Coaches are all on the road (Sunday), so we’re going to recruit our butt off and build this thing back up.”
UF coaches are expected to meet with Pagan today. But he isn’t the only four-star defensive end recruit they will be going after aggressively.
Sunday morning, following the firing of Miami coach Randy Shannon, Meyer called Hurricanes commit Anthony Chickillo, who listed UF among his finalists before choosing to become a third-generation Hurricane.
McCarney was also responsible for Chickillo’s recruitment, but Meyer told Chickillo he will be taking over his recruitment for McCarney.
Oral commitments are non-binding until a national letter of intent is signed on or after National Signing Day on Feb. 2.
