GAINESVILLE, Fla. —Saturday was the first trip to the University of Florida as a Gators commit for Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit running back Malik Davis. The newest Gator was in the stands for Florida’s victory over South Carolina.

“It was very exciting,” Davis said after the game. “There was a lot of people out here, and the crowd was crazy. I love the fans. I can’t wait to get out there.”

Davis landed an offer from Florida in late October and jumped on the tender days later.

“I just always felt this offense fit me well, and it’s not too far from home. My family can come up and visit.”

In fact, Davis was closing in on a commitment even before the Gators joined the mix.

“It was out of Miami and North Carolina,” Davis said of his recruitment before UF’s offer. “I was kind of leaning towards North Carolina a little bit because I had a better relationship I would say with the coaches…Once Florida came, I knew this is where I wanted to come.”

The Gators see Davis as a versatile running back that can stay on the field no matter the down and distance.

“They feel I’m an every down back, and I can just come in and make an impact soon. I don’t have to come out if they want to throw the ball because I can catch. I’m a third and two guy, a second and seven guy.”

247Sports currently ranks Davis as the nation’s No. 36 running back in the 2017 class.