Jon Sumrall isn’t wasting any time building his foundation at Florida. After locking down the Gators’ 2026 recruiting class, he's officially opened the next chapter - and it starts with a big-time commitment. The Gators have landed their first pledge for the 2027 cycle in 4-star cornerback Amare Nugent, a standout junior from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida.
Nugent made the trip to Gainesville for Florida’s Junior Day over the weekend, and by Saturday evening, he’d made it official: he’s staying in-state and committing to the Gators.
This is more than just a symbolic first domino - Nugent is the kind of prospect that can help anchor a class. He’s ranked No. 158 nationally in the 2027 class by 247Sports Composite, the No. 16 cornerback in the country, and the No. 15 player in the state of Florida.
ESPN has him at No. 294 overall with a scouting grade of 79. These are early rankings, of course, but they speak to his upside - and the attention he’s already drawn from major programs across the country.
At 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, Nugent brings a mix of speed, athleticism, and physicality that jumps off the tape. He clocks a 4.9-second shuttle and runs the 100 meters in 11.4 seconds - not blazing track speed, but more than enough to make him dangerous in the open field. And when you combine that with a 365-pound squat, 315-pound deadlift, and 165-pound bench, you’re looking at a young corner who’s already built like a college athlete.
What really sets Nugent apart, though, is his instincts and playmaking ability. He’s not just a cover guy - he’s a tone-setter.
He reads plays well, steps up to make tackles, and when he gets his hands on the ball, he’s a threat to take it the distance. Once he hits the open field, defenders have a hard time catching him.
That blend of anticipation, closing speed, and return ability makes him a weapon on both defense and special teams.
Nugent played a key role in American Heritage’s 2025 state championship run and earned a spot in the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl earlier this month - a stage reserved for elite junior talent. That kind of postseason pedigree only adds to his value.
His recruitment was as competitive as you’d expect for a player of his caliber. Nugent held offers from more than 30 programs, including Florida State, Miami, Georgia, Auburn, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and North Carolina.
But in the end, staying close to home seemed to matter. Instead of heading out of state, he’s moving just a few hours north to Gainesville.
For Sumrall and his staff, this is a strong early win - not just because Nugent is a talented defensive back, but because he represents a key in-state priority. Florida’s ability to keep top-tier talent from leaving the Sunshine State has always been a barometer for its recruiting success. Landing Nugent sends a message: the Gators are serious about locking down their backyard.
It’s early in the 2027 cycle, but this commitment gives Florida some real momentum. Nugent is the kind of player other recruits notice - and potentially want to play alongside. If this is how the class is starting, the future in The Swamp is looking bright.