Stephone Anthony: 10 Reasons He's a Lock For Florida On National Signing Day

Stephone Anthony has always been a hot commodity on the recruiting scene for quite some time. 

His recent elevation to the elite 5-star status has only increased the interest in the top-ranked outside linebacker. 

At 6'2'', 220 pounds, Anthony is a tackling machine. He brings a host of versatility to the field and is as equally effective against the run as he is against the pass.

Regardless of where he ends up, Anthony is predicted to make an impact immediately. 

Anthony is the toast of many teams' recruiting efforts this month as National Signing Day approaches and considers Virginia Tech, Clemson and Florida finalists. 

Here are 10 reasons Stephone Anthony is a lock for Florida.

1. Past Performance

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Omarius Hines #82 of the Florida Gators celebrates a touchdown catch with center Mike Pouncey #55 against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florid

Since taking an unofficial visit back in October, Anthony has loved Florida. 

When visiting Gainesville for the Gators' loss to LSU earlier this past season, he was quoted as saying, "The (unofficial) visit went good. The best part was just listening to the crowd. 

"Florida is still in the same spot. They are still leading.”

2. Defense, Defense, Defense

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 18: The Florida Gators defense smothers David Oku #27 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Anthony is going to be a key cog in the defense wherever he ends up. 

Florida's ridiculous fourth-ranked defense last season is something worth getting excited about. 

The Gators allowed just 12.4 points per game and Anthony will no doubt add to that at Florida.

3. Recruiting Focus

When Urban Meyer left Florida, the Gators' recruiting efforts went haywire.

Since Will Muschamp took over, the Gators have remained keyed in on their top recruits.

Stephone Anthony is arguably their top recruit and he has remained the focus for Florida throughout this the final week of the recruiting season.

Anthony will see the love and commit.

4. Offensive Talent

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Quarterback Tyler Murphy #11 of the Florida Gators releases a pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2011 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Like any good defensive player, Anthony trusts his defensive prowess.

Therefore, he'll surely be looking for offensive backup in the team he'll ultimately commit to.

Florida has that and more in the 2011 recruiting class.

Led by the nation's top quarterback Jeff Driskel, the Gators also feature 4-star wide receivers Javares McRoy and Ja'Juan Story and 4-star running back Mike Blakely.

5. Good Company

Curtis Grant

Stephone Anthony is just one of the top recruits Florida is hoping to hear good news on National Signing Day.

Florida is also a finalist for the services of top-ranked inside linebacker Tony Steward, No. 2 defensive tackle Tim Jernigan, third-ranked inside linebacker Curtis Grant and third-ranked outside linebacker Curt Maggitt.

Picture that as a defensive front over the next few years.

6. Tradition

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

MIAMI - JANUARY 08: Brandon Frazier #3 and Andrew Blaylock #14of the Florida Gators get ready to enter the field before the FedEx BCS National Championship Game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo

Over the last decade, Florida has been one of the nation's best teams.

With two national championships, competitive seasons in the nation's toughest conference and a host of players off and running in the NFL, the Gators have been a marquee destination for years.

This is not lost on Anthony.

7. Promise

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Quarterback John Brantley #12 of the Florida Gators hands off to running back Chris Rainey #3 against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2011 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al M

Florida went 8-5 last season and compiled just a 4-4 record in the rugged SEC.

And that's considered a down year for the Gators.

Florida is surely expected to make a marked turnaround this season, and Stephone Anthony will likely look at the looming change as a positive.

8. Playing Time

Stephone Anthony said recently that one of the key things he looks for in a school is if he'll be able to get playing time early.

At Florida, Anthony will surely step right in and be a big part of the Gators' vaunted defense.

9. Team Chemistry

Anthony has also said that team chemistry is an important factor in selecting a school.

After the offseason turmoil with the head coaching switch, Florida's team and recruits are united as one and have one goal in mind.

10. Championship Caliber

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 06: Joe Hadan #5 of the Florida Gators celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass in the final minutes of their 31-20 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Championship on December 6, 2008 at the Georgia Dome in Atl

Anthony has mentioned that he, naturally, wants to win a national championship. 

On a campus that has become used to playing in mid-January, a national championship is Florida's main goal every year, too. 

He told ESPN this summer: “I want to surround myself with guys who want to win championships.” 

This is certainly a key factor in his ultimate decision, which will likely be Florida.