The Gators picked up their fifth oral commitment for the 2010 recruiting class Thursday when cornerback Victor Hampton of Charlotte (N.C.) Independence High told UF coaches he was Gainesville-bound.
Hampton is the third defensive back in the 2010 class.
"He loves to be challenged, so he's one that thinks he can go down to Florida and participate in those guys winning a national championship," Independence assistant coach Aaron Dbrand said. "He really relishes in competition."
The coaching staff at Independence told Hampton declaring early would discourage other coaches from calling him multiple times a night. That way, he could focus on academics and prevent any setbacks next year when he hopes to sign a letter of intent.
Hampton, at 5-foot-10, 170-pounds, has a good frame for a cornerback. He is the same height as current UF starters Janoris Jenkins and Joe Haden and is only about 15 pounds lighter, something one year in Gainesville with strength coach Mickey Marotti can make up for.
The defensive back is a good athlete with a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, and, according to Dbrand, can power-clean 300 pounds. Hampton will try to utilize his uncommon strength next season by becoming a bump and run cornerback.
The Independence coaches have ties to Gainesville. Former star quarterback Chris Leak guided the Gators to the 2006 BCS National Championship.
