Commitment analysis: Florida lands four-star Kaiir Elam

Signing day saw Florida land Rivals100 defensive back Kaiir Elam, and the four-star prospect’s decision is just the latest sign of progress in Gainesville. UF fans have every reason to feel good about the future of the program, and an offseason victory such as this will only add to that momentum. Below, Rivals.com has a look at how Elam’s choice to sign with Florida helps the Gators and hurts Georgia, which finished second in the sweepstakes.

HOW IT HELPS FLORIDA: Elam was the top uncommitted prospect in Florida headed into signing day, so it’s only fitting that he’s now a member of the state’s top class. The Dan Mullen Era in Gainesville feels like it’s gaining momentum with each passing week, and a recruiting victory over SEC power Georgia is yet another signpost. Defeating the Bulldogs on the trail is no easy task these days, so UF fans have every reason to celebrate this win.

A long athletic corner, Elam has yet to reach his full potential. His combination of size and speed is rare, and the four-star prospect seems to improve with each passing month. He’ll become more physical as he adds size, which, when added to his elite coverage skills, should give him an NFL future.

HOW IT HURTS GEORGIA : Georgia was in this until the end, but Elam wasn’t a must-get for the Bulldogs by any stretch. Would it have been nice to have Elam, a probable future pro, in this class? Sure, but missing out won’t cause a riot in Athens. It certainly stings to miss out on a talented prospect on signing day, but Kirby Smart’s 2019 class may finish first in the country and includes three defensive backs, all of which are rated as four-star prospects.

All’s well that ends well, and UGA’s 2019 recruiting cycle fits that bill.