Florida’s 2022 recruiting class suffered a huge decommitment on Wednesday when an elite linebacker backed off his pledge to the Gators.

LB Shemar James announced on social media that he was no longer committed to the Gators. He’s a 4-star and 6-foot-2 and 212 pounder out of Mobile, Alabama (Faith Academy). He is rated the No. 4 player in Alabama, and the No. 10 linebacker in this class, according to the 247Sports Composite.

“First I’d like to thank Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior for putting me in this position and the staff at the University of Florida for welcoming me with open arms,” James wrote on Twitter. “This was a tough decision for me and my mom to make, but I will be de-committing from the University of Florida to open my recruitment back up.”

James visited Georgia on Saturday for the Kentucky game, and Alabama continues to recruit him, Swamp247 reported. This was a big blow for the Gators 2022 recruiting class as James as the top pledge in the class. James had reportedly not visited UF’s campus since July. He visited Alabama, Auburn, and Florida in June.

With the loss of James, the Gators class fell to No. 18 in the country according to 247Sports team recruiting rankings.

Here are his highlights from Hudl: