Shemar James was a major target for teams looking to add talent to their linebacking corps. Eventually, his finalists ended up being an all-SEC group: Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

During a signing ceremony at his high school, Faith Academy in Mobile, Ala., James announced that he would sign with Florida. He is the first player in the history of the Faith Academy football program to sign with an SEC team.

James originally pledged to the Gators but ended up de-committing from the program in October. However, after connecting with Billy Napier and the new staff in Gainesville, he has re-affirmed his pledge and will sign with them after all.

The 6-foot-2, 212-pounder is ranked as the No. 7 linebacker recruit in the country and the No. 3 player in Alabama, according to 247Sports. He is also ranked No. 64 nationally among all players in the class of 2022.