Florida Gators Lose 5-Star WR Prospect Ermon Lane

Just a day after managing to flip top CB recruit Jalen Tabor, the Florida Gators have lost their second-highest prospect on offense, 5-star wideout Ermon Lane (Homestead, Fla./Homestead). Lane made the announcement via Twitter on Friday. 

"

No Hard Feelings But I Just Decommitted From The University Of Florida . Not Because Dalvin Cook. No lie I love gator nation. #OneLove

— Support #⃣5⃣Jwalk (@_MoneyLane) January 10, 2014"

This came as no surprise to those who have been following the situation closely, as Lane's good friend and fellow South Florida prospect Dalvin Cook (Miami, Fla./Central) flipped from Florida to Florida State on New Year's Eve.

Not coincidentally, former Florida State receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who wears No. 1 like Lane, will declare for the NFL draft according to Tom D'Angelo of the Palm Beach Post. Lane said during the Under Armour All-America game last week that he will take an official visit to Florida State this month.

"

Breaking: Source close to Kelvin Benjamin confirms #FSU receiver will enter NFL draft.

— Tom D'Angelo (@tomdangelo44) January 10, 2014"

The date of the official visit has been set for Jan. 31, which is the weekend before national signing day.

Lane was the No. 2-ranked wide receiver on ESPN's recruiting rankings and the No. 28-ranked overall prospect.

Since losing Lane, the Gators have intensified their pursuit of other wide receiver prospects, including extending an offer to Florida State commit C.J. Worton, who is planning to visit Florida this month.

In a bit of more bad news, the Gators lost another South Florida prospect on Thursday, four-star ATH Chris Lammons according to Wes Mitchell of 247 Sports. While the Lammons loss hurts the Gators, it was almost expected after the flip of Tabor to the Gators, creating a crowded defensive backfield.

All recruiting information courtesy of 247 Sports.