IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) is one of the premier football programs in the country and features many non-Florida players. One of the top defensive backs on the 2027 roster is a Southern California native Sensei Gaylordwho has been in the program for three years.
“The transition has been smooth,” Gaylord said. “I’m used to it. Competing every day in practice against all the guys who are as good as you.”
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Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, oregonand washington is the four-star cornerback’s unofficial top five, but recent offers Ohio State University (pinned to the top of his X profile) and Louisiana State University Might jump to the front in his pecking order. Pete and Virginia Tech have recently been provided, and tennessee Was announced as one of his top six in early December.
“I would choose LSU,” Gaylord said of the recent offer that surprised him. “Because of the school’s record. They got a first-round DB [Mansoor Delane] Coming this year. I think that’s huge. They have a great database every year. “
Auburn
Gaylord is strengthening relationships with new, former Auburn employees University of South Florida defensive backs coach DeMarcus Van Dyke Former Tennessee co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Tim Banks Join as head coach Alex Goresh On the plains.
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“Our relationship started with Coach DVD at USF. He’s a cool guy, down-to-earth guy, you know. We’re building a great relationship. I went there two or three weeks ago and everything was great. The place feels good. The head coach is cool. Coach T, we had a great relationship at Tennessee and he’s at Auburn now, so that’s another reason.”
Georgia
Bulldogs defensive backs coach Donte Williams Originally from Los Angeles, adding UGA to the roster of blue-chip DBs.
“I got an offer from them when I was a freshman. I’ve been there twice and both times they made the place feel like home. Georgia is a place where you can go to Georgia for three or four years, do your job and be an NFL draft pick.
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Georgia Institute of Technology
former alabama defensive backs coach Bryant JonesNow playing for the Yellow Jackets, he has a long-standing relationship with Gaylord that continues to grow.
“Coach Kobe, I’ve known him since eighth grade, when he was at Alabama. We had a great relationship then and it keeps getting better. I went to their game against Georgia and he just came over recently.”
oregon
ducks cornerbacks coach Rashad Wadud Also in touch with Gaylord, visiting with him several times over the past few weeks.
“I have a great relationship with the coaches. Coach Wadud, he’s from Los Angeles as well. They invited me last spring. He was at my house recently and then came to IMG. So I would say our relationship is going great.”
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washington
Huskies defensive backs coach John RichardsonOriginally from Southern California with ties to Gaylord.
“They always had a DB in the draft. They gave me my first offer when I was in eighth grade. We’ve been cool ever since. He keeps it real.”
Gaylord has yet to visit Seattle.
future visits
LSU and Ohio State both hope to host Gaylord for spring visits, but dates have not yet been set. The blue-chip prospect plans to visit all of the above schools this spring, but no specific date has been set for announcing his commitment.
“Honestly, it depends on how I feel. Obviously the relationship with the coaches is important and whether I can trust them.”