What we're hearing as Florida football's early signing period nears

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What we're hearing as Florida football's early signing period nears

The early signing period is just a few days away — Dec. 3-5 — and the USA TODAY Florida Network reporters are contacting their sources around the state for latest news.

What players have essentially shut down their recruitment? What schools are making a late pitch to try to flip a player? What players are on the fence about their commitments and are picking up the phone when certain schools call?

How will the recent coaching hires, headlined by Lane Kiffin at LSU and John Sumrall at Florida, impact the recruiting landscape?

Here is what the USA Today Florida Network is hearing heading into the early signing period.

North Carolina making late push for IMG CB AJ Marks

IMG Academy's AJ Marks (1) scampers for a touchdown off a kickoff return during the second quarter of a high school football matchup at Mandarin High School, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The IMG Academy Ascenders defeated the Mandarin Mustangs 57-7.

North Carolina is trying hard to flip IMG cornerback AJ Marks. Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick is personally involved in recruiting Marks.

The 5-foot-9, 160-pound Marks, ranked No. 81 on the USA Today Florida Network top 100, committed to Wake Forest in July.

Marks had an outstanding season in 2025, finishing the season with 26 tackles, three interceptions, a team-best six pass breakups, a sack and three quarterback hurries. Marks also is a solid kick returner.

UF commit Malik Morris shuts down recruitment, Gator class still intact

Lakeland linebacker Malik Morris finds running room against Wesley Chapel to score on a two-point conversion at Bryant Stadium in Lakeland, Fl on Friday November 14, 2025. Lakeland defeated Wesley Chapel 35-0 to advance. Scott Wheeler | PhotoLakeland's Cameron Fuse (1) scores one of his three touchdowns against Wesley Chapel at Bryant Stadium in Lakeland, Fl on Friday November 14, 2025. Lakeland defeated Wesley Chapel 35-0 to advance. Scott Wheeler | Photo

The Gators have impressively not lost a single commitment since firing Billy Napier. Morris is the latest pledge to shut down his recruitment, he confirmed with USA TODAY.

"It's all based off loyalty, man," Morris said after Lakeland's win over Edgewater in the Class 7A-Region 2 final. "…I'm shut down. I'm all the way in. It's the culture, everybody around. I feel the like the people make the college, not the college makes the people."

Morris, the No. 32 player in the USA TODAY Florida Top 100, chose Florida over Texas A&M and Missouri.

FSU commits asking for Mike Norvell clause in NIL deals

Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell walks on the field before a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Multiple FSU commits have requested a clause in their NIL contracts that would release them from their deal if Mike Norvell is fired.

Florida State announced last week that Norvell would be returning for the 2026 season. Florida State finished the season 5-7 and missed a bowl for the second consecutive year.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida football early signing period, latest news and updates

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