National Signing Day 2017: Lineman Tedarrell “T.J.” Slaton commits to Gators

Fort Lauderdale offensive lineman Tedarrell “T.J.” Slaton committed to Florida on National Signing Day 2017 in an announcement at his high school, choosing the Gators over Georgia.

The four-star Slaton is the nation’s No. 3 ranked offensive guard, according to 247Sports, but wants to play defensive tackle in college. The Gators and the Bulldogs both embraced that position switch and thus emerged as the leading contenders for Slaton’s services.

Slaton officially visited Florida on January 20, in a group that contained six Gator commits and three other uncommitted prospects. He made the trip to Georgia last weekend for an official visit but had been seen as a Florida lean and likely pick-up for the Gators.

Slaton is 6”4.5”, 350 pounds, and was named a U.S. Army All-American after his senior year. He was a part of the American Heritage High School state champion team that also featured Florida commits Marco Wilson and early enrollee James Houston.

Slaton also played basketball in high school, and you will find highlight reels from that sport among his collection of football highlight clips, including one in which you can watch the big man score a receiving touchdown:

Slaton is Florida’s third defensive tackle in its 2017 class, joining early enrollee Kyree Campbell and Elijah Conliffe, who made a delightful commitment announcement yesterday.

Slaton’s commitment gives the Gators 19 players in their 2017 recruiting class and is likely the highest-profile commitment of the Gators’ day.