The recruitment of Florida four-star wide receiver Naeshaun Montgomery continues to heat up, as the highly touted prospect has locked in an official visit (OV) with the University of Louisville. This development comes just days after Montgomery completed a highly anticipated and reportedly successful visit to Alabama. Currently committed to the Florida Gators, Montgomery’s decision to keep his options open has sparked significant attention in the recruiting world.
Montgomery, a 6’3″, 185-pound wide receiver from West Palm Beach, Florida, is one of the top pass-catching talents in the 2024 recruiting class. Known for his exceptional route-running, impressive catch radius, and ability to make plays in traffic, Montgomery has drawn comparisons to some of the best receivers in recent college football history.
Rated as a four-star recruit and ranked among the top 15 wide receivers nationally, Montgomery has been a cornerstone of Florida’s 2024 recruiting class since his commitment earlier this year. However, his recent activity on the recruiting trail suggests he is keeping his options open as National Signing Day approaches.
Montgomery’s official visit to Alabama last weekend reportedly left a strong impression. The Crimson Tide, led by head coach Nick Saban, have long been known for their ability to attract and develop elite talent at every position, including wide receiver. With Alabama boasting a lineage of NFL-caliber receivers such as DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Jerry Jeudy, it’s no surprise that Montgomery’s visit garnered significant attention.
Sources close to Montgomery’s recruitment noted that he was impressed by Alabama’s facilities, coaching staff, and championship culture. In particular, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins reportedly highlighted how Montgomery could thrive in their offensive scheme.
While Alabama’s receiver room remains competitive, the staff made it clear that Montgomery would have an opportunity to contribute early, particularly with the program’s emphasis on explosive plays and vertical passing.
Now, Montgomery turns his attention to Louisville, locking in an official visit to the Cardinals. Under first-year head coach Jeff Brohm, Louisville has emerged as a dark horse in Montgomery’s recruitment. Brohm’s offensive philosophy, which prioritizes dynamic passing attacks, has already begun to attract top-tier talent.
Louisville has seen a resurgence on the recruiting trail, and landing a player of Montgomery’s caliber would be a major statement for the program. The Cardinals have pitched Montgomery on being a centerpiece of their offense, with a clear path to early playing time and the opportunity to shine in a high-octane system.
Louisville’s facilities, fan support, and the chance to be part of a building program have reportedly piqued Montgomery’s interest. With the Cardinals poised to make a strong push, this official visit could play a pivotal role in his recruitment.
While Montgomery remains committed to the Gators, his visits to Alabama and Louisville raise questions about the stability of his pledge. Florida’s coaching staff, led by Billy Napier, has emphasized their commitment to keeping Montgomery in the fold, but the wide receiver’s continued exploration of other options suggests he may be wavering.
Florida’s ability to hold onto Montgomery will likely hinge on their performance during the remainder of the 2024 recruiting cycle and their ability to demonstrate a clear plan for his development and utilization in their offense.
As National Signing Day approaches, Naeshaun Montgomery’s recruitment will remain a storyline to watch. With official visits to Alabama and Louisville in the books, and potentially more on the horizon, the four-star receiver is clearly weighing all of his options.
For now, Montgomery’s commitment to Florida remains intact, but the interest from Alabama and Louisville underscores the value he brings as a game-changing playmaker. Whether he ultimately sticks with the Gators or opts for another program, Montgomery’s decision will have significant implications for whichever team lands him.
One thing is certain: Naeshaun Montgomery’s journey to the next level is far from over, and the final chapter promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines in the 2024 recruiting cycle.