Dante Stills committing ThursdayFlorida has yet to land its defensive tackle for this class and one name will likely come off the board this week.
Dante Stills, a 4-star DT from Fairmont, W.V., is scheduled to announce his decision Thursday and appears bound for in-state West Virginia. Florida and Oklahoma are his other finalists, but he did not visit either program last month as originally planned.
He made a July 22 visit to WVU, a campus located 15 minutes away from his house. The Stills family has always been diehard Mountaineers.
His father is former NFL linebacker Gary Stills, a 2003 Pro Bowl selection who played at West Virginia in the late 1990s. He ranks third in school history with 26 career sacks.
Stills’ father was college teammates with Gators assistant coach Ja’Juan Seider and the two WVU alums remain friends. Florida hoped that connection could potentially help the Gators pull off a recruiting upset, but Stills admitted to SEC Country that distance could factor into his decision.
“No, but yes at the same time,” Stills said. “If I do go far away, I won’t be able to come back for holidays like Thanksgiving and family events. But I have to handle my business and do what’s best for my future.
“My family is with me no matter what, but we’re all hometown West Virginia fans. I grew up in West Virginia, so if I do leave home, it’s probably going to be one of the hardest decisions of my life.”
Other DT options for FloridaWith Stills seemingly staying home, Florida’s best shot at a top-200 defensive tackle right now is Coynis Miller. Last week the 4-star DT from Birmingham, Ala., told 247Sports’ Keith Niebuhr that UF is his No. 1 school and ahead of Auburn. The other in-state SEC school, Alabama, is also in the mix.
Miller visited Florida last month and has a close relationship with Gators defensive line coach Chris Rumph. Miller told SEC Country’s Chris Kirschner he plans to decide after his senior season.
“After talking to my coach, he’s just telling me to take my time. There’s no need to rush anything,” Miller said. “He did say that if I’m ready to make my decision, then I should do it. If not, then I need to wait it out. I’m still trying to figure this out.”
Miami DT commit Nesta Silvera (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) was scheduled to officially visit Florida on Nov. 25, but recently tweeted he is “1000% committed” to the Hurricanes and has reportedly shut down his recruitment.
However, Rumph and defensive coordinator Randy Shannon will continue pursuing Silvera and they could land a couple of his teammates at American Heritage High School.
If 4-star wide receiver Anthony Schwartz and/or 4-star defensive end Andrew Chatfieldcommit to the Gators, it may help their chances with Silvera and result in some renewed interest or a possible visit from him before National Signing Day.
Dante Stills, a 4-star DT from Fairmont, W.V., is scheduled to announce his decision Thursday and appears bound for in-state West Virginia. Florida and Oklahoma are his other finalists, but he did not visit either program last month as originally planned.
He made a July 22 visit to WVU, a campus located 15 minutes away from his house. The Stills family has always been diehard Mountaineers.
His father is former NFL linebacker Gary Stills, a 2003 Pro Bowl selection who played at West Virginia in the late 1990s. He ranks third in school history with 26 career sacks.
Stills’ father was college teammates with Gators assistant coach Ja’Juan Seider and the two WVU alums remain friends. Florida hoped that connection could potentially help the Gators pull off a recruiting upset, but Stills admitted to SEC Country that distance could factor into his decision.
“No, but yes at the same time,” Stills said. “If I do go far away, I won’t be able to come back for holidays like Thanksgiving and family events. But I have to handle my business and do what’s best for my future.
“My family is with me no matter what, but we’re all hometown West Virginia fans. I grew up in West Virginia, so if I do leave home, it’s probably going to be one of the hardest decisions of my life.”
Other DT options for FloridaWith Stills seemingly staying home, Florida’s best shot at a top-200 defensive tackle right now is Coynis Miller. Last week the 4-star DT from Birmingham, Ala., told 247Sports’ Keith Niebuhr that UF is his No. 1 school and ahead of Auburn. The other in-state SEC school, Alabama, is also in the mix.
Miller visited Florida last month and has a close relationship with Gators defensive line coach Chris Rumph. Miller told SEC Country’s Chris Kirschner he plans to decide after his senior season.
“After talking to my coach, he’s just telling me to take my time. There’s no need to rush anything,” Miller said. “He did say that if I’m ready to make my decision, then I should do it. If not, then I need to wait it out. I’m still trying to figure this out.”
Miami DT commit Nesta Silvera (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) was scheduled to officially visit Florida on Nov. 25, but recently tweeted he is “1000% committed” to the Hurricanes and has reportedly shut down his recruitment.
However, Rumph and defensive coordinator Randy Shannon will continue pursuing Silvera and they could land a couple of his teammates at American Heritage High School.
If 4-star wide receiver Anthony Schwartz and/or 4-star defensive end Andrew Chatfieldcommit to the Gators, it may help their chances with Silvera and result in some renewed interest or a possible visit from him before National Signing Day.
