Gators add JUCO WR Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman to their 2022 class

Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman is the latest addition to the Gators’ 2022 class and their second signee from the JUCO ranks. He announced his commitment to Florida on Sunday but has already inked with the school and will be on scholarship.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Chiaokhiao-Bowman attended Independence Community College last year and was ranked the No. 2 overall prep school prospect by 247Sports. Prior to Florida, he earned offers in recent weeks from Ole Miss, Illinois and Nebraska.

Chiaokhiao-Bowman has five years to play four.

“Thank you everyone who’s continued to support me on this journey. I’m grateful for this special opportunity. Let’s Work!!” Chiaokhiao-Bowman tweeted Sunday.

With Chiaokhiao-Bowman on board, the Gators have a total of 26 signees in their 2022 class. He joins fellow JUCO transfer Jordan Herman, six transfer portal players and 18 high school recruits.

Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman joins WR room

Florida receivers coach Keary Colbert served as the primary recruiter for the Chiaokhiao-Bowman, who gives the Gators another option at wideout.

Colbert also landed Arizona State transfer Ricky Pearsall, who is expected to be provide an immediate impact in the slot this fall.

During spring camp, UF coach Billy Napier made it clear that his staff would target transfer receivers this offseason.

“I think we have a group of (receivers) that can play winning football. We need more, does that make sense? But I do think overall we have some guys who can execute and do their job. How many? I think that’s where we’re at and I think that’s a reflection of the entire team,” Napier said of his WR group. “I think the team has a whole lacks depth. We need more players as a whole that do their job consistently and play winning football. The receiver position is much like every position on the team.”