The Florida Gators’ recruiting hot streak continues. After landing elite quarterback Reshard Overeem just days ago, the Gators’ staff added two more prized four-star prospects to their 2027 class—defensive line menace Jesus Silvestro from Hallandale, Florida, and quarterback Khari Callow from Pompano Beach.
This latest haul reinforces what many around the PCFB world have been saying for months: Florida is building a monster in Gainesville.
Jesus Silvestro: The Hallandale Hammer
Standing at 6’5” and 249 pounds, Silvestro looks every bit the part of a future SEC defensive star. Hailing from Hallandale High School, he was the centerpiece of a defense that ranked top 10 in the state of Florida last season.
Silvestro’s versatility is what truly sets him apart—he lined up everywhere from 3-tech defensive tackle to stand-up edge rusher. As a senior, he recorded a jaw-dropping 72 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles, including a game-sealing strip sack in the regional semifinals that became a viral clip on local sports pages.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Silvestro was known for his relentless motor and intimidating physicality. “He doesn’t take plays off. Ever,” said Hallandale defensive coordinator Marcus Reed. “We had to pull him off the field sometimes because he’d go through three linemen just trying to get to the quarterback in practice.”
The Gators envision Silvestro as a hybrid defender—someone who can dominate inside or set the edge depending on the matchup. He enters Gainesville with 91 strength, 85 hit power, and 83 power moves, giving him the raw physical tools to make an impact early. His 73 block shed and 82 tackle ratings show a player who can control the line of scrimmage, while his 73 speed and 77 acceleration are rare for someone his size.
Recruiting insiders say Silvestro could develop into a future All-American if he continues to refine his technique. Florida’s defensive coordinator was reportedly “ecstatic” after watching his tape, calling him “a perfect fit for what we want on our front four.”
Silvestro himself had this to say about his commitment:
“Florida plays defense the way I want to play—fast, physical, and mean. I want to make Gainesville my home and be part of something special.”
Khari Callow: The Calm Commander
While Silvestro brings brute force, Khari Callow delivers finesse and control. The 6’3”, 191-pound quarterback from Pompano Beach High has been turning heads across the state with his combination of arm talent and subtle athleticism.
Callow’s junior year was a coming-out party. He threw for 3,412 yards, 32 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions, adding 412 rushing yards and 5 scores on the ground. Though not the type of dual-threat athlete DJ Lagway is, Callow has enough wiggle to escape pressure and extend plays, often throwing darts on the run.
His calm demeanor under pressure has become his trademark. Nicknamed “Cool Hand Callow” by local media, he engineered four game-winning drives last season, including a clutch 78-yard drive in the final two minutes of the district championship.
Callow comes into Florida with 91 throw power, 77 short, 80 medium, and 68 deep accuracy—numbers that point to a strong-armed passer still refining his touch downfield. His 82 throw on the run and 85 acceleration suggest a player capable of improvising when plays break down, even if his 81 speed and 64 break sack make him more of a pocket mover than a scrambler.
Florida’s staff was drawn to his leadership and poise. Quarterbacks coach Tyler Lawson said,
“Khari’s not flashy, but he’s surgical. He reminds me of a young Dak Prescott—confident, steady, and always in control.”
Callow’s recruitment was a heated battle that came down to Florida, Miami, and Penn State, but the Gators’ offensive vision and quarterback development sealed the deal.
When asked why he chose Florida, Callow was direct:
“They develop quarterbacks, plain and simple. Watching what they’ve done with DJ Lagway showed me I can trust this program to make me the best version of myself.”
A Growing Power in the Swamp
With Silvestro, Callow, and Overeem now in the fold, Florida’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the most complete in the nation—balancing star power on both sides of the ball.
The Gators are prioritizing homegrown Florida talent, and it’s paying off. Silvestro’s raw defensive dominance and Callow’s quiet confidence represent exactly what head coach David Barnes has been preaching since he took over the program—toughness, intelligence, and leadership.
The rest of the PCFB world is taking notice. Florida isn’t just landing top recruits—they’re building a culture.
“We’re not done,” Barnes said after Silvestro and Callow announced their commitments. “We’re just getting started.”
If that’s true, the Swamp might soon be overflowing with championship-caliber talent.
