Adding talented linebackers will be a priority for the Florida Gators during the 2019 recruiting cycle. 5-star linebacker Nakobe Dean (Horn Lake, Miss.) is a prospect Gators fans should keep an eye on. According to 247Sports, Dean ranks as the nation’s No. 1 linebacker and No. 24 overall recruit.

Listed at 6-foot, 215-pounds, Dean has the speed and size to make an immediate impact on defense. Florida didn’t offer until Dan Mullen arrived, making Dean the highest rated linebacker the school has recruited since Alex Anzalone (2013). At the moment, Dean holds 21 scholarship offers, including 10 from the Southeastern Conference.

“I mean I’m located In SEC country, so these were the teams I mainly grew up watching,” Dean said, regarding playing in the SEC.

Florida’s inching their way into the recruitment of Dean since the arrival of Coach Mullen. “When will you com visit?” has been the main inquiry from the Gators head coach. Dean has not previously visited Gainesville, however, the nation’s No. 1 linebacker plans to change that soon.

“I’m planning a visit mostly likely between the 12th and 18th of March,” Dean told Armchair. “I am very interested in the Gators.”

Dean could get a first-hand look at how Mullen operates his practices, as Florida begins spring football on March 16.

The Gators coaching staff is working on building new relationships while donning the orange and blue. While some were skeptical of the young hire of Christian Robinson as the linebacker’s coach, prospects have recognized the fire and energy he brings to the group.

“I love his energy. Sometimes it seems like I can feel the energy through the phone,” Dean joked.

Despite being located in the heart of the South and surrounded by multiple premiere programs, more than two-thirds of the top-10 players from the state of Mississippi in the last four years have decided to stay in state. With Florida being over 10 hours from Dean’s home, Coach Mullen and the Gators staff are attempting to flip the script.

“I’m interested to experience different colleges and distance doesn’t matter to me,” Dean said. “I really didn’t have much of a relationship with him [Mullen] when he was a Mississippi State. However, our relationship is better now with him at Florida,”

At the moment, Dean doesn’t have a top-school of choice. The 5-star linebacker’s exploring all options as his recruiting begins to heat up.