Nasir Johnson, a four-star defensive lineman, switched his commitment from Florida football to Georgia on Wednesday.

The Florida Gators have now lost three recruits from the Class of 2024 in the previous five days.

The perception, fair or not, is that recruits are judging their decision based on the current state of the UF program.#.

The Gators are in danger of missing a bowl for the first time since 2017 going into their game against No. 11 Missouri on Saturday at 5-5.

UF’s 2024 recruiting class dropped from third to fourth nationally when defensive lineman Jamonta Waller and defensive back Wardell Mack dec-committed over the weekend. It could take another tumble in the rankings after the Johnson de-commitment.

Line concerns: LT Austin Barber of Florida football is doubtful, and WR Caleb Douglas is still out.

Concerns about recruiting: Can Florida football overcome its recent setbacks to retain its esteemed 2024 class?

When asked how difficult it is to maintain a cohesive class one month ahead of National Signing Day, Napier said, “It is a battle.”

Look, this is not the time of year, in my opinion. It’s every day of the year. It’s part of the job. Look, I would tell you, you win some, you lose some. I think it’s highly competitive. I think it’s good to have some players that everybody wants, truth be known.

“Look, it comes with the territory. I believe that recruiting weakens your resilience.

In the end, I believe it is critical that we get it right from the start. We are looking for players who are adamant about coming to the University of Florida, who have faith in the education they will receive there, in all the perks that come with being an alum, and in the resources our football program has to offer.”

Napier acknowledged that the team might pick up a win or two before the regular season ended, and a bowl trip might help the team gain momentum before a crucial offseason.

We fight this all year long, according to Napier. “We do it every year. We’re right in the middle of some of those.

“I think momentum’s real. Look, I believe that momentum is a crucial element in any profession, so I think anyone would agree. I think ultimately there’s one way to get momentum back, and that’s to go compete. We have discussed that in particular.

“It’s part of the challenge. It’s part of the competition. I think recruiting is highly competitive. I enjoy it. There’s always going to be some of that. It’s not going away. So, you’ve got to get used to it.”