Four-star linebacker flips to Florida
Florida had been a threat throughout Graham Stewart's recruitment and on the final weekend before National Signing Day, the four-star inside linebacker who committed to Boston College in the summer finally decided to make the switch.
According to multiple reports, the Middletown (Conn.) Xavier prospect made the change on Friday soon after Florida mailed a letter of intent.
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Stewart is expected to play in the Team USA vs. The World all-star event in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday - National Signing Day - and he's expected to sign with Florida a couple days later.
Stewart confirmed with the Orlando Sentinel that he had de-committed from Boston College and picked the Gators.
Middletown Xavier coach Sean Marinan talked to the New Haven Register about Stewart's decision and said it has always been one of Stewart's dreams to play football at Florida.
"I did verbally commit tonight," Stewart told the Orlando Sentinel on Friday. "It was always my dream school, but with the coaching change, that had deterred me a bit.
"But just the overall energy of the place and, of course, it being Florida, it just seemed to be the best place for me to be to become a better student and a better athlete."
Florida's gain is a big loss for Boston College. Rivals.com rates Stewart as the No. 16 inside linebacker nationally and the top-rated player in the Connecticut state rankings. Syracuse was also being seriously considered throughout his recruitment.
Stewart was supposed to have an in-home visit with Florida earlier this week but it was cancelled because of bad weather. Once the Gators sent their letter of intent, though, it seemed Stewart had made up his mind to switch to the SEC.