IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), one of the premier football programs in the country, is composed of many players not from Florida. One of the top 2027 defensive backs on the roster is Southern California native Censere Gaylord, who has been at the program for three years.
“The transition has been smooth,” Gaylord said. “I’m used to it already. Competing every day against everybody that’s as good as you in practice.”
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Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Oregon, and Washington are an unofficial top five for the four-star cornerback, but recent offers from Ohio State (pinned to the top of his X profile) and LSU may jump ahead in his pecking order. Pitt and Virginia Tech have both recently offered, and Tennessee was announced as one of his top six in early December.
“I would say LSU,” Gaylord said of the recent offer that created a wow-factor for him. “Because of the track record with the school. They got a first-round DB [Mansoor Delane] coming out this year. I think that’s big. They always have great DBs every year.”
Auburn
Gaylord is strengthening his relationship with the new staff at Auburn, with former USF defensive backs coach Demarcus Van Dyke and former Tennessee co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Tim Banks joining head coach Alex Golesh on the plains.
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“The relationship started with Coach DVD back at USF. He’s a cool person, down to earth guy, you know. We’re building a good relationship. I was up there two/three weeks ago, and everything was good. The place felt good. The head coach is cool. Coach T, we had a great relationship at Tennessee, and he’s now at Auburn, so that’s another reason why.”
Georgia
Bulldogs defensive backs coach Donte Williams originially from Los Angeles, is keeping UGA in the mix for the blue-chip DB.
“I got an offer from them back when I was a freshman. I’ve been up there twice, and both times they made the place feel like home. Georgia is a place you can go to for three to four years, do your job, and be an NFL draft pick.
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Georgia Tech
Former Alabama defensive backs coach Kobie Jones, now with the Yellow Jackets, has a long-standing relationship with Gaylord that continues to grow.
“Coach Kobie, I’ve known him since 8th grade, from when he was at Alabama. We had a great relationship then, and it kept getting better. I visited for their game against Georgia, and he recently just came by.”
Oregon
Ducks cornerbacks coach Rashad Wadood is also connecting with Gaylord, having visited him multiple times in the last few weeks.
“I have a cool relationship with the coaches. Coach Wadood, he’s from LA, also. They offered me last spring. He recently came by my house and then came to IMG. So I would say the relationship is going well.”
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Washington
Huskies defensive backs coach John Richardson, originally from Southern California, connects with Gaylord.
“They always have a DB in the draft. They gave me my first offer in 8th grade. We’ve just been cool ever since. He keeps it real.”
Gaylord has yet to visit Seattle.
Future Visits
Both LSU and Ohio State are looking to host Gaylord for a spring visit, but no dates have been set yet. The blue-chip corner plans to visit all of the aforementioned schools this spring and does not have a set date for announcing his commitment.
“Honestly, it’s going to come down to how I feel. Obviously, the relationship with the coach is important, and if I can trust them.”
