While Vernell Brown III has considerable family ties and familiarity at the University of Florida, his decision to verbally commit to the program on Sunday was more about the future of Billy Napier's program.
The Orlando (Fla.) Jones star, who picked the Gators over rival Florida State, Miami as well as Ohio State among his finalists, did come to the decision with those closest to him.
"They made their move the other day," Brown told Rivals. "I was in the car with my family and we were just asking a whole bunch of questions...and the school that answered the most amount of those questions was Florida.
"After that, it was kind of a no-brainer."
The blue-chipper and top 10 prospect at the position now sits as the top-ranked recruit in UF's class of 2025.
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Brown took official visits to all four finalists before coming to the commitment. Each trip offered more than the football element of what life on campus would be like, and it became another separating factor for the program located in Gainesville.
"When you look at all aspects -- development on the field as well as off the field as well as in life in that 40-year aspect -- Florida was the best school for my position," he said. "On the field they want to put me in the best position to make plays. Whether that's inside, outside, even out of the backfield some. Put me in position to make plays and help the offense.
"Coach Billy G (Billy Gonzales) did a really good job of showing me the individualized plan he has in store for me. And I'm trusting in that plan enough to want to come play for him."
Napier's staff courted Brown individually despite his considerable ties to the football program, including his father's time in the Gator secondary under Ron Zook and Urban Meyer, something both he and his family appreciated when weighing the final options.
"Everybody was supportive of the decision, but they were going to support me wherever I went," he said. "With their ties to the University, I would assume it hit a little different for them.
"But this was my process and it had nothing to do with what they did before. Ultimately, I'm going to Florida because that's where I wanted to go. To pick one was extremely hard, but there is a relief. You pick one and you roll with it."
With a pledge now behind him, one of the top overall recruits in the Sunshine State will look to help build on the 10-member class of 2025 as a recruiter. After that there is anticipation of an early impact from the confident, soon-to-be freshman.
"A very humble, smart young man," Brown said of what he will bring to UF. "Dedicated. Disciplined. The ultimate competitor, leader and a team player.
"Let's get back to where we were."
