Four-star Pensacola safety Ladarian Clardy is set to announce his college decision on Aug. 3. Clardy is rated the No. 17 safety in the nation, the No. 199 prospect overall in the 2025 class and the No. 28 prospect in Florida, according to On3. 247Sports ranks the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder as the No. 15 safety in the nation, the No. 182 prospect overall and the No. 21 prospect in the state.
Clardy recorded 57 tackles, two tackles for loss, four interceptions and eight pass deflections in his junior season while rushing four times for eleven yards along with a score and catching eight passes for 163 yards with four touchdowns. He also excels in track and field, finishing second in the long jump at the FHSAA meet.
Let's see which programs made it to Clardy's top five schools.
Programs in contention for Ladarian Clardy's pledge
#5. Washington
Safety coach Vinnie Sunsieri and defensive coordinator Steve Belichick are leading the recruitment process for Ladarian Clardy in the Huskies program.
"I love, love, love Washington," Clardy told Dawgman. "Coach (Vinnie) Sunsieri, that's my guy. Him and coach (Steve) Belichick, the way they coach you and the way they talk, I just vibe with them really well."
“Coach Sunseri checks up on me and my family every other day,” Clardy said (via TTJH Sports) back in April. “I told him I’m big on relationships and that’s what stands out to me. He’s been reaching out to me, checking up on me, and just showing me that he wants me.”
Clardy is planning to make a visit to the program again on July 27.
#4. UCF
Ladarian Clardy officially visited UCF on May 31, and according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the program has <1% chance of landing his commitment. Its 2025 recruiting class already features two four-star safeties, Tony Williams and Kendarius Reddick.
#3. Mississippi State
Mississippi State has a 1.2% chance to land Clardy's commitment following his official visit to the program on June 14. The program is headlined by two safety prospects in the 2025 class, three-star prospects Lo'Javion Johnson and Sekou Smith Jr.
#2. Ole Miss
Ladarian Clardy visited Ole Miss on June 21 and was seen riding shotgun with coach Lane Kiffin. The family atmosphere and his priority for the Rebels coaching staff have made them a top contender.
“Their message to me was that I’m a priority,” Clardy said. “They talked about how they could develop me on and the field to help me achieve my goal in the next three years.”
Clardy has a 23.8% chance to commit to the Rebels' 2025 class, which ranks No. 27 nationally and No. 12 in the SEC.
#1. Florida State
The Seminoles emerged as the frontrunner to secure Clardy's pledge following his official visit.
“After this weekend, they most definitely are back at the top of my list,” Clardy told On3 after his visit on June 7. “What pushed them to the top was the love they showed."
The prospect revealed that he and defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain have that kind of uncle-nephew bond. He was even impressed with head coach Mike Norvell's persistent effort for him. Coach Norvell’s message to him is clear:
“I told you, you’re not going anywhere. I’m gonna do everything in my power to make sure you’re here.”
Ladarian Clardy also developed a bond with Keiwan Ratliff, the Seminoles' director of player relations. The program has a 72.1% chance to earn Clardy's commitment for its 2025 class, which already has 11 verbal commitments.
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