Caeleb Dressel of the Bolles School Sharks and Clay High School in Jacksonville, Florida has committed to the University of Florida, he told us Tuesday.
Dressel is the best sprint prospect we’ve seen coming out of high school since at least Vlad Morozov, if not ever; he’s the National High School Record holder in the 50 yard free (19.29), and has also been 43.29 in the 100 yard free, 1:34.69 in the 200 yard free, 55.19 in the 100 yard breast, 45.89 in the 100 yard fly, and 1:48.23 in the 200 yard IM. Even with those lofty numbers, based on his long course results it seems like he might have even better in him.
He holds 7 National Age Group Records, including 3 for 17-18’s: a group he only moved into at the end of the summer.
Dressel finished 3rd at this summer’s Junior World Championships in the 50 free and was the Junior World Champion in the 100 free (breaking a new Championship Record in the process). He’s the top recruit in the class overall, and by event ranks first in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, and second in the 100 yard fly. Only his fellow Bolles club swimmer Joe Schooling beats him in that event – they’ve broken the public (Dressel) and private (Schooling) National High School Records this season.
Florida was a bit of a late-comer to the party for Dressel, as they were his final visit this past weekend. He has family ties to the school, as his dad went there. Dressel will be needed to replace the Gators’ outgoing sprint star Brad deBorde; deBorde’s success and improvements in four years there had to have been a factor in Dressel’s decision.
Triple Olympic champion 50/100 free and 100 fly.
I guess this was an ok decision eh
Imagine if Dressel went to Tennessee
If you’re reading this downvote me please
Terrible decision. He will never be a good sprinter training at Florida!!! -sarcasm
47.1 100 free
49.8 100 fly
21.1 50 free
Nah you’re dreaming, A florida recruit can’t go that fast in sprinting. Out of your mind. Greg Troy can’t train sprints.
Was going to say this is scary accurate, then checked that it was two years ago. Oops
now goes 17.71 and 40.00 in the 50 and 100 free
I think if he got the chance he could have gone 42.1 at least in his 100 and if he had better endurance he could go 1:32 in the 2 free
Nice pick up Coach Troy
The bottom line is Dressel will be a great swimmer no matter where he goes. He is a talented young man who has not yet fully developed as a swimmer. He has much potential and competing at the D1 college level brings out the inner beast in such swimmers like Dressel.
However, the debate is how good will be truly be….?
Personally I believe that if he genuinely is excited & 100% set on being a Florida gator and training under WHATEVER conditions the UF regime may bring him, then he will succeed to his full potential. Just keep in mind- just because he isn’t a “distance” swimmer, or technically IMER, does not mean he will be exempt… Read more »