Shazier Makes it Number Eight

The Florida Gators have placed a premium on the linebacker position for the recruiting class of 2011. With that in mind, they took a huge step in the right direction by adding one of the nation's best linebackers when he verbally committed to Urban Meyer Monday night. Ryan Shazier is a huge piece of the Gator recruiting puzzle.

One of the top linebackers in the state of Florida and Southeast decided to end the speculation as Plantation (FL) Plantation High School superstar Ryan Shazier made his intentions known to Florida head coach Urban Meyer.

"I just committed today," Shazier said of his desire to be a Florida Gator.

"Coach Meyer was real happy and said they are going to love to coach me. Today's visit was great and my family loved it they are all on board and 100% Gators.

Gator linebacker coach D.J. Durkin made it known to Shazier that he was definitely a valued commodity.

"I talked to Coach Durkin for a long time and he told me it made his day and he loved it. Coach Durkin was telling me he can't wait to see me in a Gator uniform. My whole entire family is just happy we are Gators and I am done with recruiting."

Shazier is the nation's 9th ranked outside linebacker prospect and checks in at 6'2 and 210-pounds. Scout.Com Biography: Ryan Shazier finished his junior season with 87 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, two fumbles caused, two fumbles recovered (one for a touchdown) and one blocked kick. Second Team All State DL for 6A classification. First Team All Broward County DL by Miami Herald. He says he can bench 275-pounds, squat 365 and claims a 38-vertical jump. Shazier plans on majoring in either broadcasting or business management. He reports a 2.4 core GPA and a 19 ACT. Shazier: “I have good speed and I can run down a player anywhere on the field. I’m very quick off the ball too. I’m hard-hitting and very dedicated. I’m always making goals…every game I play I have goals I want to meet. “I want to get stronger. I’m also working on my footwork and I just want to learn more about being a linebacker.”