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Florida Gators Recruiting: 4-Star DE Atonneous Clayton commits

By Danny Jaillet

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On Wednesday, the Florida Gators secured a commitment from four-star defensive end Atonneous Clayton

The Florida Gators landed a big impact player on Wednesday when 2016 four-star weak-side defensive end Atonneous Clayton (Vienna, Ga. Dooly County) committed to the program. Clayton is the No. 99 player in the ’16 class, the No. 8 weak-side defensive end, and the No. 12 player in the state of Georgia per the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Clayton was a coveted prospect as he notched 39 offers in total. He was recruited to the Gators by defensive line coach Chris Rumph and defensive coordinator Geoff Collins who took on the role of secondary recruiter. Prior to his commitment today, he took an unofficial visit to Gainesville on September 26 as the Gators took on the Volunteers. It was there that he made Florida his leader.

As Clayton told Luke Stampini of 247Sports, the Gators made him feel like a priority, and that was a big reason for his commitment.

“Just the overall feeling when I woke up this morning,” Clayton said as he explained his commitment this morning. “I just felt like a priority, and that deep down inside I really can contribute to the team.”

With seven four-star commitments, the Gators’ 16 class is shaping up to be a great one. With 21 commitments overall, the class ranks No. 12 nationally and No. 5 in the SEC per the 247Sports Team Rankings.

He is quick off the line and uses his speed to make ferocious tackles. Pass rushing is an asset of his and in the pass-happy SEC he should help the Gators be able to stop the opposition’s passing attack.

The Gators seem to be on the rebound after what was a dismal season last year.  Recruiting is more important than people realize, and if done right, it can yield tremendous results.

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