Top DE commits to Gators

Coach Ron Zook continues to prove he can bring in some of the nation's top talent to Gainesville. He didn't have to look far for one of the top defensive line prospects on the Gators' recruiting board.

Defensive end Brandon Daniel, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound recruit from Pompano Beach (Fl.) Ely gave a verbal commitment to Florida recently.

"I'm a Gator," said an excited Daniel. "Florida has taken some criticism the last year or two from some people, but they have a new exciting staff and are going to be one of the top teams in the nation just about every year pretty soon. They have a lot of young talent that they're willing to get on the field, and I really want to be a part of that when they start to win championships.

"I loved the school, the academics, the social life -- everything -- while I was there on a visit," he said. "I looked at some other schools, but in the end decided Florida is right for me."

Daniel had to consider offers from schools like Kansas State, NC State, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh and others. How solid is his commitment?

"I know this is where I want to be," he said. "I'm going to be playing for Florida next season, so nobody has to worry about that."