Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star cornerback Censere Gaylord has committed to Washington over Georgia and Georgia Tech.
After taking official visits to all three programs, and taking a few weeks to deliberate over this decision, Gaylord picked the Huskies.
“I have a good relationship with the coaching staff,” Gaylord said of why Washington won out. “Known the coaching staff since I was in eighth grade. DBs always coming from up there. Two DBs just went in the draft last year. Love the people up there, love the place.”
He announced the news live on the CBS Sports College Football Youtube Channel.
Gaylord immediately becomes the highest ranked commitment in Washington’s 2027 recruiting class, marking a huge win for head coach Jedd Fisch and his staff.
“They were hyped for sure,” he said. “I talked to like everybody on the staff. They were hyped for sure.”
While he plays his high school football in Southwest Florida now, Gaylord is originally from Los Angeles, California. Getting back to the West Coast wasn’t a dealbreaker in his recruitment, but it certainly didn’t hurt the Huskies chances.
“I wouldn’t say it was [that] important. Obviously, it’s a plus. I have a lot of family. I’m from [Los Angeles] — Washington is close to LA, too. Not as far as all the other places.”
He outlined what Washington fans can expect from him both on and off the field.
“They’re getting a great player, a great attitude, a great work ethic,” he said. “I’m going to do it all for the team, no matter what happens. No matter where it’s all at. You can depend on me. Person — you’re getting a great person, too. Same thing: a great person, a great attitude.”
247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins says Gaylord reminds him of San Fransisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green. Ivins delivered the following scouting report on the Under Armour All-American:
– Smooth cover corner that’s tracking to exit IMG Academy as a rare three-year contributor.
– Can mirror from both press-man and off-man alignments with his slick transitions.
– Quick to turn his head and locate the football in the deeper third.
– Confident in run support and will look to sweep legs on the perimeter.=
– Not only generates takeaways on Friday nights (7 INT in last 16 games), but has held a number of blue-chip pass catchers in check during offseason 1-on-1 sessions.
– Will eventually need to add some mass to a slender frame that has been verified at just over 6 feet, but should be viewed as a potential glove at the Power Four level that could see the field early with his polish.
– Testing profile (4.48 in the 40) signals legitimate NFL upside.
