The Florida Gators may have found their next big-time playmaker-and he’s still a year away from entering his senior season.
Four-star tight end George Lamons Jr. has Florida sitting atop his list after a strong Junior Day visit to Gainesville over the weekend. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound prospect from Brooks County (Ga.) isn’t just another name on the recruiting board-he’s one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the 2027 class, and head coach Jon Sumrall is wasting no time making him a priority.
Lamons, ranked as the No. 10 tight end and No. 155 overall player nationally in the 247Sports Composite, has already locked in an official visit to Florida for May 28. That’s a significant early step in what’s shaping up to be a heated recruiting battle, with programs like Alabama, Georgia, Miami, and Tennessee also in the mix. Lamons originally committed to Texas A&M last April before backing off that pledge, reopening the door for other contenders.
Despite being a Georgia native-and with the Bulldogs typically tough to beat in-state-Florida has surged to the front of the pack. Lamons himself has said the Gators are his top choice, and that carries weight this early in the process.
What makes Lamons such a sought-after target? Production, for starters.
As a sophomore in 2024, he torched defenses for 1,340 yards and 20 touchdowns on 63 catches-video game numbers for a high school underclassman. His junior season saw a dip in volume (30 receptions, 399 yards, three touchdowns), but the talent is still evident.
He’s a mismatch nightmare: too quick for linebackers, too physical for defensive backs, and already showing polish as both a route-runner and pass-catcher.
For Florida, landing Lamons would be a statement-not just about the direction of the program under Sumrall, but about the Gators’ ability to win key recruiting battles in the Southeast. Sumrall, who took over in late November after Billy Napier was let go midseason, has hit the ground running. He’s already convinced key pieces like running back Jadan Baugh and edge rusher Jayden Woods to stick with the program, and he’s been aggressive in the transfer portal as well.
Now, he’s pushing hard on the 2027 trail-and Lamons could be the crown jewel of that class.
It’s worth noting that Lamons also visited Florida State for its Junior Day last week, so the Gators won’t have a clear path to the finish line. But with an official visit already on the books and Florida sitting in pole position, the Gators are in a strong spot.
This pursuit comes at a pivotal moment for Florida football. The Gators are coming off a 4-8 season-their fourth losing campaign in five years-and fans are hungry for signs of a turnaround.
Sumrall’s track record at Tulane, where he led the Green Wave to an 11-3 record and a College Football Playoff appearance, gives reason for optimism. But recruiting wins like Lamons would offer something even more tangible: a glimpse of a brighter future in Gainesville.
The road back to SEC relevance isn’t easy, but if Sumrall can start stacking elite talent like George Lamons Jr., Florida might be closer to turning the corner than most think.