Goldie Lawrence says UCF in lead after decommitment from UF
A day after Sanford Seminole 2023 wide receiver Darren “Goldie” Lawrence decomitted from his pledge to the University of Florida, he has named UCF as his frontrunner.
“Yeah, probably just UCF,” Lawrence told the Sentinel on Monday afternoon.
Lawrence said that shortly after his decommitment from UF went public on Sunday, UCF and Missouri coaches reached out.
With UCF coming at him hard, the possibility looms that he could join former Seminole teammates Demari and Ja’Cari Henderson and Kameron Moore, all seniors who signed in December to play at UCF, which also has former Seminole tight end Jordan Davis on its roster.
“It would be great to be with them, but I’m just trying to go somewhere where I fit,” Lawrence said.
He already has been on two unofficial campus visits to UCF and he will return when the Knights host their Hometown Hero event on Jan. 29.
Lawrence has been a lifelong Gators fan, so his decommitment from UF was difficult.
“The communication ... I wasn’t really talking to any Florida people,” Lawrence said of his communication with Gators coaches since Billy Napier was named head coach Dec. 5. “It’s very disappointing. ... But I know it’s a business. They’re probably still trying to get 22s, but I don’t know.”
Lawrence posted his Florida decision Sunday on his Twitter account.
He wrote: “I would like to thank @gatorsfootball for the opportunity to realize my childhood dreams. At this time though I believe it is in my best interest to reopen my recruitment. I welcome any opportunity to further my academic and athletic career.”
A 6-foot-2, 190-pound pass catcher who is ranked No 8 in the Sentinel’s 2023 Central Florida Super60, Lawrence had a breakout junior season with 54 catches for 782 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Chris Hays covers high school football and college recruiting for the Sentinel. He can be reached at CHays@orlandosentinel.com.
