Yes, I had some spare time, don't judge... List is based primarily on talent level, with slight emphasis on position need and interest level in UF.
Florida Gators 16 for ’16: Pre-Summer
#1 Nate Craig-Myers (WR)
WHY? The type of playmaker UF has been looking for since Percy Harvin. He may be the best receiver prospect in the country.
STANDING: The Gators may not be the favorite currently, but most of that will depend on showing promise on offense this season. If the season is a success, they could become a serious threat to land his signature.
#2 Binjimen Victor (WR)
WHY? Extremely smooth and quick for a 6’4” receiver, Victor should only be trending up in the rankings down the road (I think he should be on the cusp of five-stars). Victor has the frame and skillset to come in and contribute as soon as he steps foot on campus.
STANDING: He may not claim it publicly, but the Gators are currently in the lead early on.
#3 Keion Joyner (LB)
WHY? Joyner is an elite athlete at linebacker who can lay the wood with the best of them. There may not be a more impressive highlight tape at his position out there.
STANDING: Joyner used to be high on UF under the old coaching staff, but have since dropped down his list. He says he wants to visit this summer to give the new coaches a chance, and maybe that can shoot the Gators back up with their lack of underclassmen linebackers on the roster.
#4 Dillon Sterling-Cole (QB)
WHY? Quarterback should be priority number one for UF. Sterling-Cole is the best quarterback prospect UF has offered who is not committed to another school. He may be ranked low currently, but is easily four-star material.
STANDING: Texas A&M and Arizona State will be tough to beat out here, but can the allure of joining a roster with almost zero depth win out? We will know more when he visits this summer.
#5 Trayvon Mullen (CB)
WHY? If the Gators want to keep their argument for being DB U, they need to start getting elite players this class to replace the rising juniors and sophomores. Mullen is the best cornerback in the state, with elite size and athleticism to come in and play right away.
STANDING: He is going to play games all throughout his recruitment, so no one knows the true leader for his services. UF impressed him on a visit during the spring and solidified themselves in his top 5.
#6 Richard Merritt (G)
WHY? The Gators are lacking in some areas on their roster, but perhaps none more so than the interior offensive line. Merritt is the best guard prospect on UF’s board, with the body type that could potentially handle SEC defensive lineman right off the bat.
STANDING: The Gators are rumored to be very high on Merritt’s list after he landed an offer in the spring. He reportedly wants to get away from his home state of Maryland to play in a warmer environment.
#7 Branton Autry (OL) JUCO
WHY? The Gators offensive line is bordering extinction, with very few household names holding down the line for the foreseeable future. Autry could come in immediately and play in Gainesville, as he has the talent, the versatility, and the experience at the junior college level to do so.
STANDING: Florida and Arkansas seem to be at the top for Autry, as the Gators coaching staff made it known how important he is by being the first offensive lineman visited when the dead period ended.
#8 Shavar Manuel (DL)
WHY? A common theme among elite teams in the SEC is they have elite defensive line play. Manuel is the best defensive lineman in the state, and looks capable of playing either strong-side defensive end or defensive tackle at the next level. He has a high motor, and a unique blend of strength and speed.
STANDING: This one was all but destined to Florida State not long ago, but the UF staff has landed two visits from Manuel in a short time frame. That is very telling of how interested he is in UF. FSU still seems to be the lead school, but the longer he goes without committing, the better for UF.
#9 Jeff McCulloch (LB)
WHY? McCulloch is an extremely versatile linebacker prospect that can play inside or outside at the next level. He moves very well for weighing over 230 pounds, and punishes ball carriers if they give him a chance. He is the typical backer that defensive coordinator Geoff Collins covets.
STANDING: Even though Texas is typically a tough pull for the Gators, McCulloch seems to be a legitimate option at ending up in this class. At worst, UF sits second behind Texas, but they may even lead.
#10 Eli Stove (WR)
WHY? Stove is an explosive playmaker who can turn a 5 yard catch into a touchdown in the blink of an eye. With solid size to go with elite speed, Stove can line up at any receiver position and excel at the next level.
STANDING: Auburn seems to be in the lead by a good margin, but UF is within striking distance after the Florida coaches let him know how much of a priority he is. This is another recruit UF hopes to impress with a new and improved offense in the fall.
#11 Parker Boudreaux (OL)
WHY? Boudreaux may be the state’s best offensive line prospect. The most impressive thing is he can play anywhere along the line at an elite level. He is quick enough for tackle, but also strong enough to play guard or center. He has a nasty streak that any team covets.
STANDING: Clemson was reported to be the team to beat early on, but Boudreaux seems to be rather open at this point. UF stands a great chance with their offer of early playing time and Gainesville’s proximity to his hometown.
#12 Dexter Lawrence (DT)
WHY? Although the Gators have good depth in the interior of their defensive line, they failed to sign a standout tackle in the 2015 class. Lawrence is a monster prospect with size and athleticism to spare. He is undoubtedly the most talented defensive lineman UF is in the running for.
STANDING: The elite big man was an admitted Gator fan when he was younger. UF led in his recruitment before Will Muschamp was fired as well. He hasn’t been to Gainesville since the new staff arrived, but he is certain to take a summer visit. UF will be in it until the end for Lawrence.
#13 Tre Lamar (LB)
WHY? A defensive unit is only as good as its anchor, and Lamar is certain to be the anchor in the middle at whichever school he attends. Lamar has the size and strength of a prototypical SEC inside backer. His fluidity at the position is what sets him apart from the rest.
STANDING: UF sits easily in his top 5, but has some stiff competition in the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Florida State. The Gators look to be in a prime position to land an official visit at some point.
#14 Jauan Williams (T)
WHY? Williams is a raw prospect currently, but his size, strength and athleticism are undeniable. He has as much potential as any recruit the Gators have offered.
STANDING: UF has a lot of ground to make up on Williams, who was once high on them under Will Muschamp. If they can get him down for a visit, the Gators could be a dark horse contender in his recruitment.
#15 Sam Bruce (WR)
WHY? Explosive. Quick. Smooth. These are the words that describe Sam Bruce when watching him on tape. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in athleticism. This is a kid that will immediately impact a team on kick and punt return early on, and will eventually work himself into a slot receiver role.
STANDING: Although committed to Miami, it almost seems as if UF leads in this recruitment. His good friend is about to be on campus in Jordan Scarlett, and he has taken a liking to the new coaching staff.
#16 Feleipe Franks (QB)
WHY? A raw prospect, but his arm and his measurables are undeniable. Franks has the frame of an NFL sized quarterback already, and he has athleticism to go with it. This is the best quarterback left on Florida’s board they actually have a slight chance of signing.
STANDING: He remains solidly committed to LSU. He has, however, been in talks with the UF staff. As long as he keeps the door open to UF, he will be one of the most important recruits this cycle.
Florida Gators 16 for ’16: Pre-Summer
#1 Nate Craig-Myers (WR)
WHY? The type of playmaker UF has been looking for since Percy Harvin. He may be the best receiver prospect in the country.
STANDING: The Gators may not be the favorite currently, but most of that will depend on showing promise on offense this season. If the season is a success, they could become a serious threat to land his signature.
#2 Binjimen Victor (WR)
WHY? Extremely smooth and quick for a 6’4” receiver, Victor should only be trending up in the rankings down the road (I think he should be on the cusp of five-stars). Victor has the frame and skillset to come in and contribute as soon as he steps foot on campus.
STANDING: He may not claim it publicly, but the Gators are currently in the lead early on.
#3 Keion Joyner (LB)
WHY? Joyner is an elite athlete at linebacker who can lay the wood with the best of them. There may not be a more impressive highlight tape at his position out there.
STANDING: Joyner used to be high on UF under the old coaching staff, but have since dropped down his list. He says he wants to visit this summer to give the new coaches a chance, and maybe that can shoot the Gators back up with their lack of underclassmen linebackers on the roster.
#4 Dillon Sterling-Cole (QB)
WHY? Quarterback should be priority number one for UF. Sterling-Cole is the best quarterback prospect UF has offered who is not committed to another school. He may be ranked low currently, but is easily four-star material.
STANDING: Texas A&M and Arizona State will be tough to beat out here, but can the allure of joining a roster with almost zero depth win out? We will know more when he visits this summer.
#5 Trayvon Mullen (CB)
WHY? If the Gators want to keep their argument for being DB U, they need to start getting elite players this class to replace the rising juniors and sophomores. Mullen is the best cornerback in the state, with elite size and athleticism to come in and play right away.
STANDING: He is going to play games all throughout his recruitment, so no one knows the true leader for his services. UF impressed him on a visit during the spring and solidified themselves in his top 5.
#6 Richard Merritt (G)
WHY? The Gators are lacking in some areas on their roster, but perhaps none more so than the interior offensive line. Merritt is the best guard prospect on UF’s board, with the body type that could potentially handle SEC defensive lineman right off the bat.
STANDING: The Gators are rumored to be very high on Merritt’s list after he landed an offer in the spring. He reportedly wants to get away from his home state of Maryland to play in a warmer environment.
#7 Branton Autry (OL) JUCO
WHY? The Gators offensive line is bordering extinction, with very few household names holding down the line for the foreseeable future. Autry could come in immediately and play in Gainesville, as he has the talent, the versatility, and the experience at the junior college level to do so.
STANDING: Florida and Arkansas seem to be at the top for Autry, as the Gators coaching staff made it known how important he is by being the first offensive lineman visited when the dead period ended.
#8 Shavar Manuel (DL)
WHY? A common theme among elite teams in the SEC is they have elite defensive line play. Manuel is the best defensive lineman in the state, and looks capable of playing either strong-side defensive end or defensive tackle at the next level. He has a high motor, and a unique blend of strength and speed.
STANDING: This one was all but destined to Florida State not long ago, but the UF staff has landed two visits from Manuel in a short time frame. That is very telling of how interested he is in UF. FSU still seems to be the lead school, but the longer he goes without committing, the better for UF.
#9 Jeff McCulloch (LB)
WHY? McCulloch is an extremely versatile linebacker prospect that can play inside or outside at the next level. He moves very well for weighing over 230 pounds, and punishes ball carriers if they give him a chance. He is the typical backer that defensive coordinator Geoff Collins covets.
STANDING: Even though Texas is typically a tough pull for the Gators, McCulloch seems to be a legitimate option at ending up in this class. At worst, UF sits second behind Texas, but they may even lead.
#10 Eli Stove (WR)
WHY? Stove is an explosive playmaker who can turn a 5 yard catch into a touchdown in the blink of an eye. With solid size to go with elite speed, Stove can line up at any receiver position and excel at the next level.
STANDING: Auburn seems to be in the lead by a good margin, but UF is within striking distance after the Florida coaches let him know how much of a priority he is. This is another recruit UF hopes to impress with a new and improved offense in the fall.
#11 Parker Boudreaux (OL)
WHY? Boudreaux may be the state’s best offensive line prospect. The most impressive thing is he can play anywhere along the line at an elite level. He is quick enough for tackle, but also strong enough to play guard or center. He has a nasty streak that any team covets.
STANDING: Clemson was reported to be the team to beat early on, but Boudreaux seems to be rather open at this point. UF stands a great chance with their offer of early playing time and Gainesville’s proximity to his hometown.
#12 Dexter Lawrence (DT)
WHY? Although the Gators have good depth in the interior of their defensive line, they failed to sign a standout tackle in the 2015 class. Lawrence is a monster prospect with size and athleticism to spare. He is undoubtedly the most talented defensive lineman UF is in the running for.
STANDING: The elite big man was an admitted Gator fan when he was younger. UF led in his recruitment before Will Muschamp was fired as well. He hasn’t been to Gainesville since the new staff arrived, but he is certain to take a summer visit. UF will be in it until the end for Lawrence.
#13 Tre Lamar (LB)
WHY? A defensive unit is only as good as its anchor, and Lamar is certain to be the anchor in the middle at whichever school he attends. Lamar has the size and strength of a prototypical SEC inside backer. His fluidity at the position is what sets him apart from the rest.
STANDING: UF sits easily in his top 5, but has some stiff competition in the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Florida State. The Gators look to be in a prime position to land an official visit at some point.
#14 Jauan Williams (T)
WHY? Williams is a raw prospect currently, but his size, strength and athleticism are undeniable. He has as much potential as any recruit the Gators have offered.
STANDING: UF has a lot of ground to make up on Williams, who was once high on them under Will Muschamp. If they can get him down for a visit, the Gators could be a dark horse contender in his recruitment.
#15 Sam Bruce (WR)
WHY? Explosive. Quick. Smooth. These are the words that describe Sam Bruce when watching him on tape. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in athleticism. This is a kid that will immediately impact a team on kick and punt return early on, and will eventually work himself into a slot receiver role.
STANDING: Although committed to Miami, it almost seems as if UF leads in this recruitment. His good friend is about to be on campus in Jordan Scarlett, and he has taken a liking to the new coaching staff.
#16 Feleipe Franks (QB)
WHY? A raw prospect, but his arm and his measurables are undeniable. Franks has the frame of an NFL sized quarterback already, and he has athleticism to go with it. This is the best quarterback left on Florida’s board they actually have a slight chance of signing.
STANDING: He remains solidly committed to LSU. He has, however, been in talks with the UF staff. As long as he keeps the door open to UF, he will be one of the most important recruits this cycle.
