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On Monday, the Florida Gators secured their 13th verbal pledge for the Class of 2019 when Chester Kimbrough‍ announced his commitment to the program via Twitter:

The New Orleans (La.) cornerback had named the Gators his leader after the Orange and Blue Spring Game on April 14th, and recently took an unofficial visit to the school for their Friday Night Lights Camp in July.

Kimbrough cited his relationship with Florida’s coaching staff and the program's history of producing great players at his position as a couple of the reasons that he committed.

“Growing up, I watched Florida,” Kimbrough said. “I watched Major Wright. I watched other DB’s that came from Florida and I wanted to be like them. Then, I went to their spring game. I wanted to commit then, but everything was rushed. I just wanted to wait and see how Florida’s communication went. Every day, they were texting and calling me. Asking how my mom’s doing and they called my mom. They really care for me, so I made that decision.”

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Although the LSU Tigers entered picture with an offer in June, that was not enough to keep Kimbrough within the state of Louisiana. The four-star prospect said that Florida’s atmosphere is one that is more suitable for him in college.

“To me, my life growing up in New Orleans, I wanted to get out of Louisiana because of the violence that’s going on here,” Kimbrough said of his decision to leave the state. “I think Florida’s the best option for me. I love Florida and the environment out there. My mom likes it. That’s really it.”

One of the coaches who has maintained a strong relationship with Kimbrough was cornerbacks coach Charlton Warren. While he did applaud Mullen and his assistants for treating him well, Kimbrough said that Warren is someone who could get him to the next level.

“Coach Charlton Warren, that man is something else,” Kimbrough said. “He coached me up a lot [at the FNL camp]. He said he could really make me into a better man and football player. He said he could get me to the draft. All the coaches showed a lot of love. Coach [Dan] Mullen’s been there for me. Coach [Todd] Grantham and all of them have shown a lot of love.”

Kimbrough, who was also a participant at The Opening Finals, said that he wants to make an immediate impact with the Gators. The 6-foot, 170-pounder also believes that he can continue Florida’s tradition of ‘Defensive Back University.’

“All I have to do is ball,” Kimbrough said of solidifying his legacy at Florida. “My freshman year, I’m going to try to come in and make a lot of plays. Ball out and try to fit with the DBU name.”

Although anything can happen until he officially signs his Letter of Intent, Kimbrough said that he is locked in with the Gators.

“I’m shutting down my recruitment,” Kimbrough said. “I’m 100 percent committed.”

Along with taking future visits to UF, Kimbrough said that he will be visiting other schools to take full advantage of his recruiting process. He cited Florida’s home game against LSU on October 6th as a potential official visit he could take to the school.

Overall, Kimbrough wanted to leave Inside the Gators with one final message before concluding his interview:

“All I’ve got to say is Go Gators and go Fighting Eagles,” Kimbrough said. “Right now, I’m committed to the Warren Easton Eagles, my high school team. Trying to get a ring and eat it up.”