Adarius Lemons to Florida: Gators Land 4-Star RB Prospect

The Florida Gators reportedly added some firepower to their future backfield on Sunday when running back recruit Adarius Lemons joined their 2017 class.     

Derek Tyson of ESPN and Blake Alderman of Rivals reported the news.

Lemons is a 4-star prospect, per 247Sports’ composite rankings, and the No. 139 overall player, No. 8 running back and No. 27 recruit from the state of Florida in the 2017 class.

The 6’0 ½” and 195-pound back hails from Clearwater, Florida, and mentioned playing close to home as one reason he chose the Gators, per Tyson: “I want them to see me, and the transportation, with the condition my family is now, it would probably be hard for them to come out and watch me perform if I am far away.”

Lemons committed to the North Carolina Tar Heels in March, but he flipped to the SEC’s Florida a mere two days after he visited the program for its Friday Night Lights camp, per Tyson.

Lemons took to Twitter to discuss his decision:

Florida wasn’t the only blue-chip program interested in Lemons. Schools such as Ohio State, Michigan, Miami (Florida), Tennessee, LSU and Auburn were all on 247Sports' college list for the youngster, and Hudl.com shared some highlights that captured why so many top-notch teams were pursuing him:

Lemons’ speed will help him make a difference at the next level. Scout.com said observers “see a track guy playing football” when the running back is streaking downfield, and that acceleration will allow him to burst through openings up front and turn small gains into game-changing plays. He is also physical enough to run through arm tackles. 

As of Sunday, there are no other running backs in Florida’s 2017 class on 247Sports. That means Lemons could have the opportunity to use that speed to challenge for early playing time once he arrives on campus.