Fort Myers High School Star Kendall Guervil Commits to the University of Florida

FORT MYERS, Fla. — In an exciting development for college football, Kendall Guervil, a senior defensive lineman at Fort Myers High School, has declared his commitment to the University of Florida. On Wednesday, the four-star athlete chose the Gators over strong competitors including Texas and Florida State, solidifying his place among the top recruits in the nation.

A Historic Commitment Ceremony

Kendall Guervil, standing tall at 6-foot-4.5 and weighing 315 pounds, made his commitment announcement in a heartfelt gathering with teammates, coaches, and family.

“I’d like to take my commitment to the University of Florida. Go Gators!” Guervil exclaimed from the stage, showcasing his enthusiasm and readiness for college football.

The Right Fit: A Personal Choice

Guervil’s decision came after an intensive recruitment process that included over 30 scholarship offers and official visits to prominent schools across the country. However, his final choice was influenced by the overwhelming sense of belonging he felt in Gainesville.

• Key Factors in Guervil’s Decision:
  • Home Atmosphere: “I knew I wanted to be a Gator just three days after my visit to Texas,” he shared.
  • Academic and Athletic Balance: Guervil emphasized the importance of academics and relationships with the coaching staff in his decision.
  • Game Day Experience: “Playing in The Swamp with 90,000 fans cheering for you is just amazing,” he noted.

Additionally, Guervil underscored the significance of proximity to his hometown, stating that Gainesville’s three-hour distance from Fort Myers allows for close family support during his college career.

A Significant Recruitment Win for the Gators

Guervil’s commitment marks a crucial milestone for Florida’s 2026 recruiting class, making him the second top-100 player to join the Gators this cycle. Ranked No. 77 overall by 247Sports, he is also recognized as the No. 12 defensive lineman in the country.

Florida head coach Billy Napier and his staff prioritized Guervil throughout the recruitment process, a dedication that Guervil appreciated:

“They were checking up on me day and night. They made it clear they wanted me to be a Gator,” he explained.

His timing is pivotal for Florida’s defensive line, particularly with several players moving on to the NFL.

“When I get there, I’ve got some shoes to fill,” Guervil acknowledged candidly.

Coach’s Insight: A Decision Made with Maturity

Sammy Sirianni, head coach at Fort Myers High School, believes Guervil made the right choice.

“The weight of the world was lifted off. That tells me he made this decision for the right reasons,” Sirianni commented.

He praised Guervil’s maturity throughout the recruitment process, highlighting his evaluation of each school’s culture and opportunities:

“He felt at home, and it was the culture. We talk a lot about culture here — and it matters just as much at the next level.”

One Last Season to Shine

Before Guervil dons the Gators’ colors, he has one more mission: to lead the Fort Myers Green Wave in his senior season.

“Just because I committed, I still have to focus on my football season,” he remarked.

Head coach Sirianni anticipates Guervil stepping into a larger leadership role as the team aims for a deep playoff run:

“He’s not the kind of guy that’s going to coast. He knows he has to get better. And he’s ready to lead.”

Throughout his three varsity seasons, Guervil has recorded impressive statistics:

• 165 tackles
• 24 tackles for loss
• 7.5 sacks
• 4 forced fumbles

Future Aspirations Beyond Football

While Kendall Guervil’s football career is on the rise, he also has significant academic and career aspirations.

“I’m planning to major in architecture — I might even get my real estate license. I want to build and sell houses,” he mentioned with a smile, adding, “Maybe one day I’ll come back to Fort Myers and revamp this city.”

As Guervil prepares for Friday night games in Fort Myers, he eagerly anticipates his Saturdays in The Swamp, continuing to make his family proud:

“It makes my family proud, knowing I can pursue my dreams and play the game I love.”

Kendall Guervil’s journey illustrates not only his talent on the field but also his dedication to making a meaningful impact at the University of Florida and beyond.

For more on the Gators’ recruiting class, visit the University of Florida Football website for official updates.