Texas LB target David Reese commits to Florida

Less than a week after taking an official visit to Austin, Texas Longhorns linebacker target David Reese announced his commitment to the Florida Gators on Friday in a video hosted by Bleacher Report.

The Farmington (Mich.) native chose the Gators over the Longhorns, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and the TCU Horned Frogs, among others.

Committed to Michigan from April until December 9, the 6'1, 235-pounder decided to open briefly open up his recruitment once again after receiving an in-home visit from Texas head coach Charlie Strong the night before. As Strong does with several important recruitments every year, he's been dealing with Reese directly, but the consensus three-star prospect is also said to have a strong relationship with Florida defensive coordinator Randy Shannon. The one-time Texas defensive coordinator target held his own in-home visit with the Reese family the day after Strong.

Reese took his last official visit to Austin, so his time in the Lone Star State was still fresh in his mind as he mad his final choice. As expected, the trip went well.

"I had a great time, coach (Charlie) Strong is an unbelievable person and I feel like the relationship we built is going to be very strong," Reese told the Detroit Free Press. "He opened up with his arms and welcomed me to his family."

However, it was not enough to overcome the appeal of the SEC and the decision wasn't exactly a surprise, either, as the last six predictions in his 247Sports Crystal Ball were all in favor of the Gators:

Ranked as the No. 399 prospect overall, the No. 12 inside linebacker, and the No. 15 player in the state of Michigan, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Reese will enroll early in Gainesville. The ability to do so was a major factor in his decision to decommit from Michigan, as the Wolverines could not offer him that opportunity.

Texas holds a commitment from Gilmer athlete Demarco Boyd, who could end up playing inside linebacker in college, but is more likely to play fullback, so the position remains one of need with key target Dontavious Jackson of Alief Elsik still uncommitted and now an even bigger priority for Strong and the Longhorns.