Dillan Lawson Decommits, What Does It Mean?

Last night, OLB Dillan Lawson announced at a Florida State football camp that he was back on the market.  There have been rumors of this eventual split for a while and it seemed almost inevitable that it would happen.

247Sports grade Lawson as a 3-star prospect and rank him 29th at his position (OLB).

Zach Abolverdi, of Gatorsports.com's Gator Prospectus, described the situation as a "mutual decision" between Lawson and Florida's coaching staff.  Here is an excerpt from the article:

In late May, Crestview coach Kevin Pettis said the UF coaches told Lawson they would honor his commitment as he tried to get back on track academically.
But this week, Muschamp & Co. came to the conclusion that Lawson hadn’t shown enough improvement and the two parties decided it was best to split.

According to sources, Lawson still would like to go to Florida if he can get his schooling straight.  Lawson's coach believe there is a 70% chance that Lawson ends up in Gainesville.  Personally, I don't think it is that high.

So what does this all mean for Will Muschamp and the Florida Gators?

First, this isn't even close to the end of the world for the Gators.  If Muschamp had to lose one commitment, Dillan Lawson would be somewhere at the top of the list (if not first).  The Gators already have three other linebackers that are all 4-star recruits according to Rivals.  Lawson, according to the recruiting services, was the least talented.

I don't see the Gators getting another outside linebacker.  According to Rivals, there are only five OLBs left on the board for Florida and none of them look like they will be committing to Florida.  It really isn't that big of a deal and could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.  Florida didn't really need Lawson (unless he turns out to be a star) and it just opens up another scholarship for somebody in a position of more need.

Overall, not a big loss and Gator fans shouldn't lose sleep over it (you shouldn't lose sleep over any recruit, really).  I mean the guy does have a tattoo of Alabama's logo and called Florida fans "obnoxious".  This decommittment may end up as addition by subtraction.  He is saying that he wants to end back up at Florida but I think it is somewhat clear that Muschamp wants to part ways with Lawson.

Do you want Lawson back with Florida?  Leave a comment below.

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