Kamar Wilcoxson flips to Florida

Kamar Wilcoxson, a four-star defensive back from IMG Academy in Florida, committed to Florida again Friday evening. This makes his third commitment to the Gators since November 2018. It also clearly makes for a de-commitment from Tennessee — despite Wilcoxson not mentioning Tennessee, the Vols or Coach Pruitt anywhere during his seven-paragraph long Twitter post.

** But, um, Mr. Wilcoxson, sir! — there’s a character limit for a reason. This sort of side-step to authority doesn’t bode well for Wilcoxson’s future. ** ( Issa joke don’t freak out.)

Here’s a rundown of Wilcoxson’s Vols/ Gators back-and-forth during the last year-plus. I’d tell you the outline is brief, but that would be just plain untrue.

• Nov. 3, 2018 — UF commit
• Dec. 5, 2018 — Vols offer
• March 9, 2019 — Vols visit
• April 27, 2019 — UF decommit
• July 26, 2019 — UF visit
• July 27, 2019 — UF commit
• Feb 1, 2020 — UF Jr. Day
• March 7, 2020 — UF Jr. Day
• March 26, 2020 — UF decommit
• April 27, 2020 — Vols commit
• June 19, 202 — UF commit/ Vols decommit

Perhaps the most notable tidbit in this process was the exchange between a Florida staff member and Wilcoxson via Twitter dot com.

After Wilcoxson’s pro-Vol deke in April, Gators’ Assistant Director of Player Personnel John Herron (EDIT: assistant to the director of player personnel) sent some very relevant, not-at-all outdated Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-themed shade in the high-school player’s direction.

Kids today would maybe say Herron’s jab at a high schooler for changing his mind, is “beta af, bro.”

Some notes for John Herron, known beta:

1.) Your “adversary,” in this instance was somebody you likely put at least some effort into creating a relationship with. You probably told his parents they should trust you to help mold him into a man. But then things get rocky, and you dust off your angsty, petty teenager archetype. Do better.

2.) Realize that if something like this happens again, things could go way worse. Read the room. Or, next time, at least pretend like you glanced at it. Maybe he’s difficult; maybe he’s fickle. I’m surprised the Wilcoxson/ UF relationship was salvageable after this. But maybe I’m blowing this out of proportion. I’m known to do that from time to time.

3.) As bad as no. 1 and no. 2 are, no. 3 might be the worst because the joke was weeeeeak. But a lame clap-back attempt is so very on-brand for Florida. The Gators have the only coach in the world who makes wearing Jordan look whack.

Most rational Vol fans will wish Wilcoxson nothing but the best. He was and still would be a nice addition to this recruiting class, plus, initially, he was active on social media and seemed to be trying to help sell Tennessee to other high-level propsects. The recruiting class is worse without him in it.

Lately, though, his tweets indicated that the Gainesville grass was once again looking greener. Whatever happened between Tennessee and Wilcoxson, it appears like the ship had sailed. I guess you never really know, though, do you?

The world turns on, and Tennessee dropped to third in the 247Sports team rankings. One number to keep an eye on — the Vols have 259. 34 points with 23 commitments, while Ohio State sits at no. 1 with 301. 15 points/ 19 commitments and Clemson sits at no. 2 with 260 points/ 14 players.