Breaking: Gators lands another verbal commitment from elite tight end

Florida has added their second verbal commitment of the week to the 2025 class

Tae’shaun Gelsey, a three-star tight end from Jacksonville (Fla.) Riverside, committed to the University of Florida on Saturday afternoon, after a previous offer in May. He chose UF over a few other candidates, and while 247Sports lists him as a wide receiver, the Gators consider him an athletic tight end. He is the Gators’ second tight end addition this cycle.

“It’s right up the street,” Gelsey told Swamp247 about why the Gators signed him. “My family can see me whenever they wish. This place is fantastic. They are wonderful people to be around, and the atmosphere is fantastic. During my formal visit, I spoke with every coach, and they were involved with each player. It wasn’t simply a position coach. They held various events and demonstrated how they prepare students for college. They geared lessons toward having fun. The players were telling me about the coaches, so I made sure I got the truth.”

Gelsey measured 6-foot-4, 220-pounds during a visit to UF earlier this year, and his build is still capable of adding weight once he is in a college system. The size and length are already there, and he caught 48 catches for 859 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He has a good combination of size and pass-catching ability, which may be useful in 50/50 catch scenarios. Florida needed a tight end with passing game versatility, and Gelsey appears to fit the bill.

“They stated for my size, I can move very well. They stated I was a mismatch for them. I can be a mismatch depending on whether I’m matched up against a linebacker, safety, or cornerback. It does not matter. “They can put me anywhere and expect me to play.”

The Gators were the only school among his finalists who saw Gelsey as a long-term tight end prospect. However, he was not opposed to it, as the Gators did an excellent job of selling him on the possibility to be emphasized when a mismatch versus a defense occurs.

“It’s new for me because I’ve always played receiver,” he said of the tight end chatter. “I’m open to it and will see where it takes me. I just wanted to be open to the possibility and seize the best opportunity for me to advance to the next level, the top level in the professionals.”

Gelsey has had long-term communication with Florida quality control worker Chad Lucas. However, head coach Billy Napier and tight ends coach Russell Callaway have also developed good relationships with him. Callaway will continue to be a key contact as his future position coach.

“He’s really straight up and honest with me,” he remarked about Callaway. “He said he knows I played receiver in high school. He assured me that if I give him the truth, he will consider the tight end. If it wasn’t for me, simply let him know, and I told him straight up that I wasn’t against it. He’s just straightforward and honest. I like it. He won’t lie and keeps things true.”

With Gelsey now in the fold the Gators hold eight commitments in their 2025 recruiting class. He joins Tallahassee (Fla.) James Rickards four-star edge Jalen Wiggins, Tampa (Fla.) Plant four-star running back Waltez Clark, Pembroke Pines (Fla.) West Broward three-star wide receiver Joshua Moore, Havana (Fla.) Gadsden County three-star defensive lineman Jeramiah McCloud, Madison (MS) Central three-star tight end Micah Jones, Fulshear (TX) Katy Jordan three-star running back Chad Gasper, and Bridgton (ME) Academy three-star punter Hayden Craig.