Florida Recruiting: Gators Add Strong Defensive Talent with 4-Star DE Verbal

You couldn't ask for a better two days as a Florida Gators fan.

First, 5-star cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III committed to the university Thursday, and now, 4-star defensive-end recruit Anthony Riles gave a solid verbal Friday afternoon. 

With the commitment, the Gators now have 18 recruits that are 4-star or better. Will Muschamp has to be dancing in his office right about now.

ESPN's Derek Tyson reported that Riles made the commitment over the phone.

"

Riles committed to UF despite not being in Gainesville. Called Muschamp on the phone to tell him. Said Muschamp was "fired up". #Gators

— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) July 27, 2012"

Riles told Tyson that he intended on committing face-to-face with Muschamp.

"I wanted to go down there today at Friday Night Lights and make it official to coach [Will] Muschamp face-to-face, but unfortunately I couldn't make it down there," Riles said. "I had to go ahead and call him and tell him. He was real happy. He said he was fired up about it." 

Riles had offers from Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Clemson and Michigan State, among others. Though Riles has yet to say, one has to assume that Hargreaves' commitment Thursday had somewhat of an impact on his decision, especially after his lifelong love for Georgia has been well-documented. 

Now, Muschamp's made his way through the facilities, dancing around with all smiles. No stare of death after nabbing these two great prospects. But hey, this has become commonplace for Muschamp at Florida. 

In fact, ESPN lists his 2013 recruiting class as the third-best class in the nation, Rivals has it third-best and 247 Sports fourth-best. After landing another big-name recruit, Florida could continue to rise in the rankings.

With Riles, the Gators fill a much-needed defensive-end slot and are now basically set defensively. They have one 5-star cornerback in Hargreaves and eight 4-star defensive players.

In a conference where defense is king, the Gators and Muschamp are doing a great job of reeling in prize defensive recruits.

Muschamp and Gator fans are sure to be chomping after these successful past two days in recruiting.