Alabama and Louisville Make Strong Impressions on Florida 4-Star WR Commit Naeshaun Montgomery: “I Am Going to Use This Week to Think”
The college football recruiting landscape is always evolving, with top prospects often being courted by powerhouse programs from around the country. One such prospect, Naeshaun Montgomery, a highly sought-after four-star wide receiver from Florida, has found himself at the center of intense recruitment discussions. Montgomery, who had previously committed to the University of Florida, recently shared that two schools, Alabama and Louisville, have made strong impressions on him as his recruitment continues to unfold.
Montgomery’s commitment to Florida had seemed to solidify his future in Gainesville, but the recent attention from Alabama and Louisville has caused him to take a step back and evaluate his options more carefully. In a conversation with Chad Simmons of On3, Montgomery revealed that he is using the week ahead to reflect on his recruitment and consider the potential paths that lie before him. “I am going to use this week to think,” Montgomery told Simmons, indicating that he has not yet made any final decisions, and the recruiting process remains fluid.
Naeshaun Montgomery, who hails from the state of Florida, is a talented wide receiver with an impressive skill set that has caught the eyes of multiple top-tier programs. Standing at 6’2″ and possessing exceptional speed, Montgomery is a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and make plays in a variety of offensive schemes. As a four-star prospect, he is ranked among the top wide receivers in the country and has earned a reputation for his ability to make contested catches, break tackles, and create separation from defenders.
Montgomery’s recruitment took off early in his high school career, and by the time he committed to Florida, many saw him as one of the top local prospects in the state. However, in the world of college football recruiting, commitments are not always set in stone, and Montgomery’s decision to take a step back and evaluate his future suggests that other schools are making a serious push for his services.
One of the schools that has caught Montgomery’s attention is the University of Alabama, a program with a rich tradition of developing elite wide receivers. Under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has become a juggernaut in college football, consistently competing for national championships. The program has also built a reputation for producing top-tier NFL talent, particularly at the wide receiver position.
Montgomery has made no secret of his admiration for Alabama’s program, which is known for its disciplined approach to player development and its ability to put wide receivers in a position to succeed. With the likes of Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, and Henry Ruggs III recently making major impacts in the NFL, Montgomery is well aware of Alabama’s ability to elevate wide receiver prospects to the next level. The opportunity to play for a national title contender while being coached by Saban’s staff, which has an impeccable track record of developing talent, is undoubtedly appealing to the young wideout.
Another program that has made a strong impression on Montgomery is the University of Louisville, which has experienced a resurgence under head coach Jeff Brohm. Brohm, a former quarterback who has gained recognition for his offensive acumen, took over as Louisville’s head coach in 2023, bringing with him a high-powered offensive system that could help Montgomery showcase his skills.
Louisville has had its ups and downs in recent years, but Brohm’s arrival has reinvigorated the program’s recruiting efforts. The school’s offensive-minded approach has drawn attention from top recruits, and Montgomery is among those who are taking notice. Brohm’s ability to develop offensive playmakers and his track record of turning talented players into NFL prospects make Louisville a compelling option for Montgomery. Additionally, Brohm’s high-energy, fast-paced offense could provide Montgomery with the opportunity to play in an up-tempo system that would allow him to showcase his talents on a weekly basis.
Montgomery’s decision to take a step back and reflect on his options speaks volumes about the intensity of the recruiting process. While he has already made a commitment to Florida, the allure of schools like Alabama and Louisville has caused him to reassess his decision. It is not uncommon for recruits to receive attention from multiple schools after committing to one program, and in Montgomery’s case, the interest from Alabama and Louisville has opened the door for further exploration.
Montgomery’s next steps will likely include more visits to these programs, where he will continue to evaluate the fit between his playing style and the systems employed by each coaching staff. Additionally, he will need to weigh the potential for early playing time, the development of his skills, and the overall culture of the programs vying for his services. As he processes all of this information, Montgomery’s ultimate decision will be a reflection of what he values most in his college experience and his long-term football aspirations.
As Naeshaun Montgomery takes this week to reflect on his future, Alabama and Louisville have firmly placed themselves in the conversation for his commitment. Both programs offer unique opportunities for Montgomery to develop as a wide receiver and compete at the highest level of college football. Whether he ultimately decides to stick with Florida, join the Crimson Tide, or play for Jeff Brohm at Louisville, Montgomery’s decision will be a significant one in the 2024 recruiting class. For now, Montgomery’s thoughtful approach to his recruitment underscores the importance of finding the right fit both on and off the field, and it will be fascinating to see where his decision lands in the coming weeks.