Florida gaining momentum with 2028 four-star wide receiver

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Florida football is currently high on 2028 four-star wide receiver Derrell Hines Jr.'s list of teams that are recruiting him.

Florida continues to become a program to keep an eye on when it comes to the 6-foot-1, 170-pound wide receiver as they pursue him during the 2028 cycle

"I would say, to me, they're high. I like them. They're different," Hines told Swamp247. "The love, it's like, I don't know how to explain it, it's like the love up there, the energy."

During his recruitment, Hines has been hearing from the staff at Florida almost daily, most notably receivers coach Marcus Davis and head coach Jon Sumrall; however, the position coach has been standing out for him.

"He stands out to me because he shows he actually cares," Hines said. "He's trying to build a relationship with me. He's trying to get me out there, help me as a man, help me be a better player, also."

Florida continues to put distance between the programs vying for Hines, and to help the four-star has some family ties in Gainesville that could help lure him.

"I think it'll go far because it's not too far from Tampa," Hines said of UF and Gainesville.

Florida will remain among Hines' top teams throughout the recruiting trail, expecting him to be back in the Swamp for the Gators' matchup against South Carolina on Oct. 10. He also plans to visit Nebraska, Auburn and USC on game day.

Derrell Hines Jr. Recruiting Summary

Hines is ranked No. 96 overall and No. 15 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite, while the Rivals industry ranking has him at Nos. 97 and 16, respectively. On ESPN, Hines is also ranked No. 100 in the country and is the No. 15 wide receiver.

Rivals' recruiting prediction machine puts Florida in the lead, with the Gators holding a 17.7% chance to land him. Auburn (15.5%), Nebraska (13.3%), Penn State (1.8%), and Notre Dame (1.8%) fill out his projected top five teams.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida gaining momentum with 2028 four-star wide receiver

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