DL De’Voun Kendrick commits to Florida: ‘This is home’

De'Voun Kendrick (Photo by Chad Simmons)

De’Voun Kendrick is staying home.

The Tampa (Fla.) Carrollwood Day defensive lineman has committed to Florida, giving the new staff a powerful in-state addition at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds. Kendrick chose Florida over a group that included Texas A&M, Georgia Tech and Louisville after a recruitment that brought in close to 30 offers.

Florida entered the picture in March with an offer and quickly took control.

“Before they even offered me, I was like, I can definitely see myself there,” Kendrick told Rivals. “They stayed in contact with me almost every single day after they offered. I knew they really believed in me.”

That consistency made the difference.

“They know what I can do and they know my potential,” he said. “They were ready to execute it fast. The staff came hard, I got back on campus for another visit, and that’s when I knew — this is home.”

Kendrick is excited about who he will play for at Florida

Relationships with the coaching staff played a major role, especially along the defensive line.

“I like everything about Coach Chapman,” Kendrick said. “He coaches old-school football. We attack — we’re not sitting there catching blocks. I like that challenge. He is a great coach, we have had some great talks and I know he will really coach me hard.”