"There won't be any change of mind," Elam said. "I'll be in Gainesville in January."
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound safety/running back/receiver said he hopes to play defense for UF. He listed the Gators' tradition, UF's fervent fan base and the city of Gainesville as reasons for selecting Florida, but said his eventual signing primarily will be because of coach Urban Meyer.
"That had a lot to do with it," said Elam, whose family has a relationship with Meyer dating back to his brother Abram's recruitment to Notre Dame when Meyer was a Fighting Irish assistant. "I know what he is about. My brother told me a lot of good things about him. We have conversations. We have a relationship. We have a real good relationship that I don't think any other player and coach have.
"The coaches have shown my family and me lots of love."