Tan Cleeland Brings Elite Upside to the Swamp
The Florida Gators are officially on the board for the 2026 recruiting cycle, landing their first commitment of the season in Week 4 with the addition of Taj Cleeland, a four-star outside linebacker from Clearwater, Florida. While the calendar may still read early fall, Florida wasted no time locking down one of the state’s most intriguing defensive prospects — and in doing so, sent a message that the Gators intend to keep elite in-state talent home.
Cleeland, a top-25 linebacker nationally, brings an ideal blend of size, athleticism, and instincts that fits perfectly within Florida’s defensive identity. Standing 6’4” and weighing 218 pounds, he already looks the part of an SEC linebacker before ever stepping foot on campus.
A Gem Hidden in Plain Sight
Coming out of Clearwater High School, Cleeland’s rise was anything but accidental. A multi-sport athlete early in his prep career, Cleeland didn’t fully focus on football until his sophomore season — a decision that immediately paid dividends. Once he committed himself to the weight room and defensive film study, his trajectory skyrocketed.
By his junior year, Cleeland had become the heartbeat of Clearwater’s defense, lining up primarily as an outside linebacker while also kicking inside on passing downs. His length allowed him to disrupt passing lanes, while his closing speed made him a constant presence in the backfield.
High School Career Stats (3 Years Varsity):
- 286 total tackles
- 41 tackles for loss
- 22.5 sacks
- 6 forced fumbles
- 3 interceptions
- 12 pass breakups
As a Junior, Cleeland posted his most dominant season:
- 102 tackles
- 18 TFLs
- 10 sacks
- 2 forced fumbles
Those numbers turned him from a regional standout into a national name — and soon after, scholarship offers followed.
The Recruitment Battle
Florida was far from alone in its pursuit. Cleeland quickly became a priority target for several Power Five programs, with Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Wake Forest, and Indiana all pushing hard down the stretch.
Florida State sold immediate playing time. Georgia pitched development in a championship-caliber defense. Miami emphasized staying close to home. Wake Forest and Indiana made strong academic and leadership cases.
But ultimately, Cleeland chose The Swamp.
Sources close to the recruitment cite Florida’s defensive vision and the opportunity to be developed into a true three-down linebacker as deciding factors. The Gators’ staff made it clear they viewed Cleeland as more than just depth — they see him as a future cornerstone.
Starter-Caliber Traits From Day One
What separates Cleeland from many freshmen is how game-ready his skill set already is. His PCFB ratings paint the picture of a defender who could contribute immediately in rotational packages — and potentially compete for a starting role early in his career.
Player Ratings Snapshot:
- 87 Speed
- 85 Acceleration
- 79 Strength
- 70 Play Recognition
- 75 Zone Coverage
- 80 Pursuit
- 73 Awareness
- 81 Tackle
- 82 Hit Power
His speed and acceleration allow him to chase plays sideline to sideline, while his hit power and tackling ability make him a reliable finisher. Though his awareness and play recognition are still developing — expected for a young linebacker — those traits often grow quickly with SEC-level coaching.
A Defensive Building Block
Landing Cleeland as the first commit of the season sets a strong foundation for Florida’s class. Not only does it address a critical position of need, but it reinforces Florida’s ability to win recruiting battles in-state, especially against traditional rivals.
For the Gators, Taj Cleeland represents more than just a four-star prospect — he’s a high-ceiling defender with the tools to make an impact early and grow into a leader on defense over time.
Week 4 may have just begun, but Florida’s future on the defensive side of the ball already looks a lot brighter in Gainesville.
