Florida lands commitment from 2027 blue-chip defensive back
By David Wasson
Published:
New Florida coach Jon Sumrall landed a strong start to the 2027 signing class Saturday, reportedly earning a commitment from Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage defensive back Amare Nugent.
On3 reported that the 5-foot-11, 178-pound Nugent chose Florida over offers from Auburn and Florida State, among others. Nugent was in Gainesville for a junior day event, his third trip to Gainesville but first where he could meet Sumrall and the new Gators coaching staff.
A 4-star recruit, Nugent played 14 games for the Patriots as a junior – recording 27 tackles (10 solo) with a sack and two interceptions.
Sumrall was hired by Florida to replace Billy Napier, who was fired midway through the 2025 season with a 22-23 overall record and 12-16 SEC mark. The Gators posted only one winning season under Napier, going 8-5 in 2024, and were 3-4 when Napier was dismissed.
Sumrall led Tulane to its first College Football Playoff berth in 2025, as the Green Wave went 11-3 and won the American Conference. Sumrall was 20-8 in two seasons at Tulane and went 23-4 with back-to-back Sun Belt Conference crowns at Troy in 2022 and 2023.
Florida opens the 2026 season Sept. 5 at home against Florida Atlantic and begins SEC play on the road Sept. 19 at Auburn.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
