Florida legacy recruit is latest to commit

MORE FLORIDA RECRUITING: Southeast Recruiting Chat: Florida Q&A | Another five-star attending FNL | Five-star set to announce - is it Florida? | Breaking down UF Commits & Targets at The Opening | Insider Report: July 12 | Alley Extra: Wednesday evening updates on Agholor, Bullard and Ledbetter

When former Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes arrived in Gainesville with the rest of the Class of 2006, he was one of the most highly rated prospects in the nation. When his cousin arrives at UF in the Class of 2012, he won't be as highly rated, but he will be every bit as motivated to become the same kind of difference maker.

On Friday afternoon Boiling Springs (N.C.) Crest three-star safety Rhaheim Ledbetter decided to follow a family tradition by pledging his commitment to the Florida Gators.

"I called Coach Muschamp and Coach Durkin this morning to tell them I was committing to Florida," Ledbetter said. "They told me they were fired up and excited that decide to commit today. They told me that Florida got better today by me committing."

This decision wasn't an easy one for the Crest prospect as South Carolina came on strong late.

"South Carolina really came on late and strong trying to get me to commit to them," explained Ledbetter. "It was really tough. One of the toughest decision I have ever had to make."

A couple of things played into this decision for the 5-foot-11, 190 pound Ledbetter.

"Florida just had the best coaching staff and I felt the most comfortable with them. I had to pick a place that would like to live for three to four years and Florida is the place for me. Also with Coach Muschamp being a defensive guy was huge as he will also be one of my position coaches. To have your head coach as your position coach is huge to me."

A lot has been made of the possible package deal involving Ledbetter and his friend and fellow Crest teammate, five-star defensive end Jonathan Bullard, but with Ledbetter's early commitment things are a little unsure at this time.

"We still want to play together, but I was ready to make my decision now and Jonathan was still unsure of where he wanted to go. But we are going to still try to play together. I will definitely be in his ear recruiting him to Florida. It will definitely be a plus for Florida by me already being committed to them."

Now that a decision has been made the Rivals three star says he solid to Florida.

"I'm fully committed to the University of Florida. I will not be taking anymore visits.