BREAKING: FIVE-STAR DEFENSIVE MONSTER  FLIPS COMMITMENT FROM FLORIDA STATE TO FLORIDA GATORS IN MASSIVE SEC RECRUITING SHOCKER…..READ MORE…..

In a stunning twist on the recruiting trail, five-star defensive lineman Armondo Blount has flipped his commitment from Florida State to archrival Florida, delivering a massive win for head coach Billy Napier and the Gators’ 2024 class.

Blount, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound powerhouse from Miami Central High School, is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive defenders in the 2024 class. Ranked as a Top 10 national prospect and the No. 1 defensive lineman in Florida, his decision to choose the Gators over the Seminoles and Hurricanes sets off shockwaves across the Sunshine State and the entire SEC.

“This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but Gainesville just felt right,” Blount said during his announcement on Friday. “The Gators’ vision, the way they want to use me, and the chance to be part of something special — that’s what won me over.”

Blount originally committed to the Miami Hurricanes, then flipped to Florida State in late 2023. But after multiple visits to Gainesville and deep conversations with Napier and defensive line coach Sean Spencer, he shocked the recruiting world again by making the move to the Swamp.

“I had to really think long-term — about development, competition, and who’s going to prepare me for Sundays,” Blount added. “Florida checked every box.”

Blount was dominant as a senior, posting 68 tackles, 17 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles, showcasing his rare mix of speed, power, and technique. Scouts say he could be one of the few freshmen in the country capable of making an immediate SEC impact.

Napier, who has faced scrutiny entering his third year, celebrated the recruiting win as a turning point.

“Armondo is a game-changer — a violent, relentless athlete who fits our culture and our scheme,” Napier said in a statement. “He’s not just a top player, he’s a leader. This is a big step in building the championship roster we’re chasing.”

Blount said two major reasons drove his decision: trust in Florida’s development plan and the opportunity to be the face of a rebuilding defense. “They’re building something in Gainesville, and I want to be one of the guys who brings the Gators back,” he said.

With Blount now on board, Florida’s 2024 recruiting class jumps up the national rankings and reestablishes the Gators as a serious threat on the trail, especially within the state of Florida.

Social media exploded moments after the announcement, with hashtags like #BlountToTheSwamp, #GatorGang24, and #BigFlipSeason dominating X and Instagram.

For a Gators program that’s searching for an identity and a spark — this might just be it.

“I’m home now,” Blount said. “And I’m ready to cause havoc in the Swamp.”