The Gators have added to their impressive 2021 recruiting class by reaching into the state of South Carolina and securing a pledge from one of the top prospects from the Palmetto State.

Florida currently has the SEC’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class for the 2021 recruiting cycle and the class improved Wednesday night as Sumter, South Carolina native Justus Boone announced his commitment to join Dan Mullen’s Gator program. Boone’s lead recruiter at Florida is Gator defensive line coach David Turner.

Here is Boone’s commitment statement:

“First and foremost I would like to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with this opportunity to be in this position. But after talking with my family and the ones close to me, I’ve made my decision.. By any means it wasn’t easy, late nights and early mornings hoping God sends me a sign to find my home for the next few years.. I would like thank everybody that played a crucial part in helping me to where I’m at now, I really appreciate it, especially my mom for keeping me grounded knowing this time would come.. Lastly I would like to thank all the coaches for giving me an opportunity to further my education and athletic career.. But without further ado, I would like to announce my commitment to The University of Florida.”

The 6-foot-5, 250-pound South Carolina native ranks as a three-star prospect, the No. 26 strongside defensive end in the nation and the No. 2 overall prospect from South Carolina in the 2021 recruiting cycle according to 247Sports Composite Rankings. Boone committed to Florida over scholarship offers from Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Penn State, among others.

Following this news, Mullen’s program now holds commitments from 12 total prospects in the 2021 recruiting cycle. The class ranks No. 1 in the SEC and No. 3 nationally heading into the month of March.

Here’s Boone’s latest highlight reel, which features his mid-season highlights from his junior season with Sumter High School.