Scouting Report and Highlights: Gators LB Commit Aaron Chiles

Florida began its red-hot streak of recruiting on Saturday, adding four commitments to the 2024 class. The final and perhaps highest-upside prospect to announce their intention to join the Gators that day was consensus four-star linebacker Aaron Chiles from Olney (Md.) Our Lady Good Counsel.

Chiles is an uber-athletic second-level defender that can play any position in the linebacking corps due to his unique blend of size, athleticism, and instincts. 

All Gators took a look at Chiles' film to get a more comprehensive look at what exactly the standout 'backer will be bringing to The Swamp.

Scouting Report: Gators LB Commit Aaron Chiles 

Chiles possesses the traits to play anywhere along the second level of the defense but likely projects as an inside linebacker in Florida defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong’s scheme. With the size and athleticism to run with running backs and tight ends alike, Chiles will give the Gators' defense the chance to be creative in its structure because he can do so much at a high level.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and tipping the scales at 220 pounds, he already possesses a college-ready build and has the frame to add further good weight once he gets into the strength and conditioning program at Florida.

Chiles plays a multitude of roles for his high school program, whether it be rushing the quarterback from the edge, dropping into coverage as an overhang defender or playing the more traditional inside position to read, react and fly downhill to meet the ball carrier in the gap.

As an edge rusher, Chiles does a good job of using his speed and athleticism to bend the corner and converge on the ball carrier, frequently resulting in a sack or a tackle for loss. And when he arrives at the quarterback, he delivers a punishing blow that has led to a fair share of strip-sacks. 

There is a lot to like about Chiles' off-ball game as well. In coverage, Chiles routinely gets to his spot while keeping an eye on the passer in order to diagnose the play, and has proven capable of closing on a pass-catcher in his zone and running down a scrambling quarterback. 

Against the run, Chiles recognizes the play quickly and shoots through the gap to make the tackle, often squeezing through the opening so quickly that the offensive line doesn’t have a chance to get a hand on him.

If there is one area in need of improvement in Chiles' game, it is his desire to always deliver the big hit when the easy tackle is available. There isn't anything wrong with trying to deliver a bone-crushing blow as a linebacker, but when Chiles, like many prep defenders, attempts to deliver such a strike, he can forget to wrap up and secure the stop.

With Chiles' size and strength, that won’t be a problem the vast majority of the time. However, when he gets to the SEC level, the bigger and more powerful running backs will be more likely to bounce off hits like that and keep going. 

All in all, Chiles is an outstanding prospect and his commitment marks a huge win for the Gators on the trail, as many believed he was trending toward Michigan prior to his Florida official visit. Inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman and the UF coaching staff have put together an elite linebacker haul and have beaten out some of the nation’s top programs for recruits like Chiles. 

Check out Chiles' junior season highlights via HUDL below. 

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