Florida is in position to keep one of the top in-state athletes at home in Gervon Dexter. The Lake Wales (Fla.) standout lineman, who projects on defense at the next level, picked Dan Mullen's program more than one year ago and hasn't looked back.

In the meantime, his transition from basketball to football as a primary sport has been about as seamless as one could as of a 6-foot-7, 290-pound prospect. He's been as disruptive and game-changing as any defender, especially as a senior, while looking the part of a big-time offensive tackle when he plays on that side of the ball.

In leading Lake Wales to an undefeated regular season, the defense held seven opponents to single digits behind the anchor of Dexter up front.

Dexter himself finished his senior season with a staggering 18 sacks and 35 tackles for loss.

Why Dexter is an All-American:

In traveling to high school games throughout the South this fall, Gervon Dexter was the most dominant defender I saw.

Playing on the inside of the defensive line or even out at 6-7, nearly 280 pounds, he faced little resistance and lived in the opposing backfield.

The future Florida Gator did that all season long and helped Lake Wales to an undefeated regular season in the process.

Dexter, who was more focused on the basketball court until fairly recently, plays like a man possessed and hell-bent on collapsing the pocket. He can do it with immense power at the point of attack, along with some very violent hands, but he’s also plenty athletic for his size.

Dexter has developed some inside out moves and can win with speed against bigger blockers as well. Combine it with elite length, a strong motor and a clear chip on his shoulder -- and you could make the case for Dexter as the top defensive recruit in the country.

2019 SI All-American Offensive Team:

QB Bryce Young, Alabama (Why Young? Highlights)

RB Demarckus Bowman, Clemson (Why Bowman? Highlights)

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Georgia Tech (Why Gibbs? Highlights)

WR Julian Fleming, Ohio State (Why Fleming? Highlights)

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State (Why Smith-Njigba? Highlights)

WR Malachi Wideman, FSU (Why Wideman? Highlights)

TE Arik Gilbert, LSU (Why Gilbert? Highlights)

OL Paris Johnson, Ohio State (Why Johnson? Highlights)

OL Tate Ratledge, UGA (Why Ratledge? Highlights)

OL Javion Cohen, Alabama (Why Cohen? Highlights)

OL Issiah Walker, Florida (Why Walker? Highlights)

OL Nate Anderson, Oklahoma (Why Anderson? Highlights)

ATH Kristian Story, Alabama (Why Story? Highlights)

2019 SI All-American Defensive Team:

DL Demonte Capehart, Clemson (Why Capehart? Highlights)

DL Bryan Bresee, Clemson (Why Bresee? Highlights)

DL Gervon Dexter, Florida (Why Dexter? Highlights)

DL Jordan Burch, Uncommitted (Why Burch? Highlights)

LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson (Why Simpson? Highlights)

LB Justin Flowe, Uncommitted (Why Flowe? Highlights)

LB Demouy Kennedy, Alabama (Why Kennedy? Highlights)

DB Elias Ricks, LSU (Why Ricks? Highlights)

DB Kelee Ringo, Uncommitted (Why Ringo? Highlights)

DB Clark Phillips, Ohio State (Why Phillips? Highlights)

DB Enzo Jennings, Penn State (Why Jennings? Highlights)

ATH Avantae Williams, Uncommitted (Why Williams? Highlights)