BREAKING: Florida Football Surges to Top of List for 4-Star DL Vodney Cleveland After Orange and Blue Weekend Visit

Florida Football Surges to Top of List for 4-Star DL Vodney Cleveland After Orange and Blue Weekend Visit

 

By Gators Wire Staff

 

Florida football may have taken a major step forward in the recruitment of one of the most coveted defensive linemen in the 2025 class. Four-star Parker (Birmingham, Alabama) standout Vodney Cleveland visited Gainesville this past weekend for the Gators’ annual Orange and Blue Game — and he left The Swamp with Florida firmly at the top of his list.

 

“I would probably say Florida is No. 1,” Cleveland told On3’s Gators Online. “Actually being able to get there to kind of get a game-day experience and seeing the guys compete against each other and work stood out.”

 

Cleveland, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive force, is ranked as high as the No. 4 defensive lineman in the nation by 247Sports’ Top247 and holds a consensus four-star rating across all major recruiting services. His athleticism, burst off the snap, and physical presence in the trenches have made him a national priority, with schools across the SEC and beyond vying for his signature.

 

But this latest visit to Gainesville—his third trip to campus—clearly left a lasting impression.

 

A Game-Day Feel That Felt Like Home

 

Although it wasn’t a true SEC Saturday, the spring game atmosphere gave Cleveland and his family a chance to see Florida’s program up close in a competitive setting.

 

“The energy was there,” Cleveland said. “Even though it was a spring game, you could feel the passion from the fans and the intensity from the players. That stood out to me and my family.”

 

Cleveland attended the game with both of his parents, who also came away impressed by the culture and staff. The Swamp, even at half capacity, gave them a glimpse into what a fall Saturday could look like — and it resonated.

 

“The coaches were real with me,” he added. “They weren’t putting on a show. I felt like they cared, and that means something.”

 

Building Relationships in Gainesville

 

Cleveland specifically cited his growing relationship with defensive line coach Gerald Chatman, who has been instrumental in Florida’s recruitment of the Alabama native. The two have built a foundation rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for Cleveland’s development.

 

“Coach Chatman is keeping it real with me,” Cleveland said. “He’s not just telling me what I want to hear. He’s telling me what I need to hear to be great. It’s about how I can grow on and off the field.”

 

Running backs coach Jabbar Juluke is also playing a key role, adding another layer to Cleveland’s comfort level with the Florida staff. That type of all-hands-on-deck approach isn’t going unnoticed by the rising star.

 

Cleveland also mentioned Florida defensive linemen Micah Boireau, Caleb Banks, and D’antre Robinson as players he’s watching closely. Their play during the spring game only reinforced the vision Florida’s staff has for him—plugging in as another disruptive force in the Gators’ defensive front.

 

Official Visits on the Horizon

 

Florida’s edge in Cleveland’s recruitment will soon be tested, as the four-star lineman has six official visits scheduled for the summer. According to Cleveland, he will return to Gainesville for an official visit the weekend of May 30—a key opportunity for the Gators to solidify their lead.

 

His other scheduled visits include Auburn, Georgia, Miami, North Carolina, and Texas, all of which have made him a priority.

 

“Auburn is probably right there, too,” Cleveland noted. “They’re on me hard, and I have a good relationship with their staff as well.”

 

Despite Florida’s current lead, Cleveland’s recruitment appears to be far from over. With the early signing period still months away and multiple officials planned, there’s plenty of time for movement. Still, the Gators have positioned themselves well ahead of what will be a critical summer stretch.

 

Recruiting Rankings Breakdown

 

Cleveland’s national stature is well-reflected in his rankings:

 

His offer list includes nearly every SEC power, as well as top-tier programs from the ACC and Big 12.

 

The Road Ahead

 

While Florida fans have every reason to be optimistic, Cleveland has made it clear that this process will be deliberate. His focus remains on finding the right fit — athletically, academically, and culturally.

 

“I’m going to take my time,” he said. “I want to see how each place feels when I’m there for a few days, not just a game or a visit. I’m looking for a second home.”

 

If Florida continues to build momentum and the May 30 visit goes as planned, the Gators could lock down one of the top defensive linemen in the country — a potential cornerstone for the 2025 class.

 

Stay locked in with Gators Wire for all the latest updates on Vodney Cleveland and the Florida Gators’ recruiting efforts. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, on @GatorsWire, and on Bluesky, and don’t forget to like our page on Facebook for breaking news, recruiting scoops, and insider analysis.