Jacksonville Bolles defensive lineman Jack Pyburn originally had Miami in his top two schools with Auburn, but a late visit to another in-state school swayed his thinking.
The 2022 lineman committed to Florida on Tuesday — the day before National Signing Day — picking the Gators over the Hurricanes and Tigers. He announced his decision on CBS Sports.
“I feel like the vision that coach [Billy] Napier has for the school and the way that I, over my visit, just seeing everything, I really feel like coach Napier is going to return the Gator standard,” Pyburn said on the broadcast. “It’s been my dream forever to play for this school, and it’s going to mean more than anything to put on these colors and just play my heart out every Saturday. I’m just so excited and thrilled and blessed.”
Pyburn said he grew up a Florida fan, which made him more excited to commit to UF.
“[My younger self] wouldn’t believe it,” Pyburn said on the broadcast. “He was a little fan. He’d probably be fanboying right now. It’s awesome, and it’s a dream come true. I’m just ready to get to work.”
Pyburn is rated a three-star prospect in 247Sports’ composite rankings. He is listed as the No. 63 edge rusher in the 2022 class. Pyburn led Bolles with 109 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 14 sacks as a senior.
The Jacksonville defensive lineman was previously committed to Minnesota but backed off his commitment on Jan. 6. After decommitting, he took an official and unofficial visit to Auburn. He also took an official visit to Florida and an unofficial visit to FSU. On Jan. 25, Miami coach Mario Cristobal and assistant coaches Joe Salave’a and Alex Mirabal had an in-home visit with Pyburn.
Entering Wednesday’s National Signing Day, the Hurricanes’ recruiting class is ranked 38th in the nation and fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Miami has signed two defensive linemen: four-star Cyrus Moss and four-star Nyjalik Kelly. UM also added two defensive line transfers: Antonio Moultrie and Jake Lichtenstein.
