Florida has made Orange City (Fla.) University five-star 2018 running back Lorenzo Lingard a major priority early. The explosive 6-foot, 180-pound back will receive a visit from Gators head coach Jim McElwain and Director of Player Personnel on Thursday.

Lingard has offers from across the country with all the big-time programs chasing the talented playmaker. However, many see Lingard's recruitment shaping up as a battle between the Gators and in-state rival Miami.

The 247Sports Composite, an industry generated average, currently ranks Lingard as the nation's No. 16 overall prospect in the 2017 class.