Defensive Line
The defensive line will suffer only one loss to graduation in Clint McMillian, Derrick Harvey is certainly a possibility to go pro early, leaving the Gators with 11 scholarship players on the defensive line (assuming there is no attrition). Not a bad number of returning players for the position, but one the Gators would certainly like to improve on.
While Michael Pouncey is slated to start for the Gators at Nose Tackle against Vanderbilt, look for this to be a temporary move.
However, with the Pouncey brothers, and Jim Tartt appearing as if they will be manning the interior of the line next year...Ronnie Wilson (if he should return) is definitely an intriguing possibility to move over to play Nose Tackle. He is certainly capable of eating away some space on the inside, at the very least.
In any case, the Gators currently have three players committed on the defensive line, and look to take two more (one end and one tackle) between now and Signing Day.
COMMITTED
Troy Epps (6'1", 280, 5.1) Coffeyville (KS) Coffeville C.C.
Epps is a talented inside player, capable of getting a great push in the middle, and holding up at the point of attack. Like current Gator DT Javier Estopinan, Epps is a former champ at the high school ranks as a wrestler. He should provide immediate help on the interior as a NT, and possibly even as a three-technique.
Earl Okine (6'6.5", 240, 4.8) Gainesville (FL) Gainesville
Okine is a big, rangy defensive line prospect, who appears capable of playing both the strongside end spot, and possibly the three-technique as well. His team has struggled this season, although that is no fault of Okine's.
Chaz Sutton (6'4", 240, 4.7) Savannah (GA) Jenkins
I still think Sutton sticks, although I'm wondering how much his teammate Green waffling is having an effect on him. Regardless, Sutton is a player who could make waves early at almost any position on the defensive line.
ALSO ON THE BOARD
William Green (6'4", 210, 4.6) Hoover (AL) Spain Park
Long believed to be a 'Bama-Florida battle, it will be interesting to see if the whispers that he is high on the Gators prove to be true. He has been to multiple Tide games this year. This one should go down to the bitter end.
Glenn Harbin (6'6", 230, 4.8) Mobile (AL) McGill-Toolen
Florida has recently entered the picture here. I don’t think he's a high priority at this point, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is before February 6th. Big frame, and the fact that he is from Mobile (the best place to pull a kid out of Alabama) help his case. It should be noted, that he goes to the same high school that Sidell Corley attended.
Marty Everett (6'4", 295, 5.2) Bushnell (FL) South Sumter
Most Gators fans would love to see Florida take a flyer on Big Marty. He certainly has the physical attributes to play ball in the SEC, there are some concerns about his motor, and some others as well. It will be interesting to see if Florida turns up the heat here...
THE OTHERS
Chancey Aghayere, Javontae Boyd, Rod Davis, Omar Hunter, Jeremy Lewis, Moses McCray, Micanor Regis, Kyrhi Thornton
THE SLEEPER
Max Holloway (6'3", 245, 4.6) Tampa (FL) Jefferson
Holloway has the size to play DE, or potentially grow into a DT. He has impressed the likes of Coach Mattison, and there is certainly a possibility he ends up a Gator. Holloway is currently committed to Boston College.
Linebacker
The commitment of Brendan Beal was extremely important for Florida. For one, it gives them a top LB prospect-a truly physical presence in the middle who will play early and often. Secondly, Beal is an intelligent young man with a dynamic personality who will pay dividends on the recruiting trail.
Florida could sign just Beal at the position, and really be just fine in regards to depth at LB. With the strength of the position in the state of Florida this year, they will continue to go after as many top prospects as they can, however...
COMMITTED
Brendan Beal (6'4", 240, 4.7) Bethlehem (PA) Liberty
Beal, is big, strong, fast, and has a nasty disposition. These are exactly the traits you look for in a middle linebacker. That he is coming in early, only raises the chances that he will make an impact next year.
ALSO ON THE BOARD
Arthur Brown (6'1", 210, 4.7) Wichita (KS) East
He’s still listing the Gators, and as such, it is imperative to have possibly the #1 LB prospect in the country on the board. Smart money is on Oklahoma, however...
Ramon Buchanan (6'0.5", 190, 4.55) Melbourne (FL) Palm Bay
I keep getting mixed signals here. The longer this one drags on the less confident I have become.
Jerrell Harris (6'2", 215, 4.7) Gadsen (AL) Gadsen City
Harris was very high on the Gators after his trip to FNL over the summer. He seems to keep opening up things more the longer the process drags on. Not only is he an excellent player, but he has two junior teammates who are UF-caliber prospects as well. This will be an interesting one to follow.
Lerentee McCray (6'2.5", 195, 4.55) Dunnellon (FL) Dunnellon
Local-star is still in the mix and seems as shaky on his decision as ever. Momma wants him in Gainesville, and that could be a key in the end.
Marcus Robinson (6'2", 215, 4.5) Homestead (FL) Homestead
He says he will take an official to Gainesville, whether he actually does will be the key. Robinson is a pass-rushing terror who could play OLB or DE in college.
Others
Ryan Baker, Nigel Bradham, Malcolm Munroe, Chase Thomas, and Marlon Walls
THE SLEEPER
E.J. Abrams-Ward (6'5", 210, 4.7) Thomasville (NC) Thomasville
Abrams-Ward primarily plays QB for his high school team, but he is a big, rangy athlete who will have a huge impact on defense at the next level. He is definitely a little light in the pants, but he has a big frame that is clearly conducive to putting on plenty of weight. Strongside 'backer and defensive end would be his two most likely spots at the next level. Florida isn't currently involved...but he’s a guy I could see the staff making a move on before it’s all said and done with.
Defensive Back
At defensive back, the Gators have a strong group currently committed, possibly the best in the country. In Jeremy Brown and Janoris Jenkins, the Gator Staff has two young cover corners who they feel will contribute early. Likewise in the two safeties, Dee Finley and Will Hill.
Now the question is, who will this class close with? Patrick Johnson, D’Anton Lynn, and Spencer Adams seem like the most likely suspects. There are others as well, however.
Regardless, the Gators are positioning themselves to bring in a five-man DB class that should help alleviate some of the problems that have transpired in the secondary this year.
COMMITTED
Jeremy Brown (5'11", 170, 4.4) Orlando (FL) Boone
Brown has helped turned around a floundering program at Boone into a state-power, the true sign of an impact player.
Dee Finley (6'3", 200, 4.5) Auburn (AL) Auburn
Finley is as impressive as they come, physically. While the rumors abound on the level of his commitment, I would be surprised if he doesn’t end up a Gator.
Will Hill (6'3", 205) Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s
Rumors abound here as well. Don't buy them. Hill is as solid as they come.
Janoris Jenkins (5'11", 180, 4.5) Pahokee (FL) Pahokee
Jenkins is an extremely tough corner, who should take the level of physicality in the DB corps up a notch.
THE REST OF THE BOARD
Patrick Johnson (6'1", 195, 4.45) Pompano Beach (FL) Ely
There are all sorts of rumors, innuendo, and smoke here. It will be interesting to see what Johnson does, it seems he is telling an awful lot of people what they want to hear.
D’Anton Lynn (6'1", 175, 4.45) Celina (TX) Celina
Lynn will be a part of a large contingent at the FSU game. Penn State and Oklahoma are squarely in the mix here as well.
Spencer Adams (6'2", 180, 4.4) Matthews (NC) Butler
The hurdle champion has long been thought to be a Clemson lean, but it is my belief that the Gators could pull off the upset the weekend of the FSU game when he makes his long-awaited trip to Gainesville.
Charles Whitlock (5'10", 172, 4.5) Chester (SC) Chester
He will reportedly take a visit the weekend of the FSU game. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact it has for Whitlock, who appears to be leaning toward staying in-state for the time being.
OTHERS IN THE MIX
T.J. Bryant, Adrian Bushell, Brandon Harris, Robby Green, Traye Simmons
THE SLEEPER
Carlton Lewis (6'2", 185, 4.6) St. Augustine (FL) St. Augustine
The rangy safety out of St. Augustine could get a look before it's all said and done with. Darren Sewell out of Palm Bay also falls into this category as well.
Special Teams
COMMITTED
Caleb Sturgis (5'11", 180, 4.9) St. Augustine (FL) St. Augustine
Sturgis will be a day-one starter at Florida. Book it.
This post was edited on 11/1 5:55 PM by j wells
The defensive line will suffer only one loss to graduation in Clint McMillian, Derrick Harvey is certainly a possibility to go pro early, leaving the Gators with 11 scholarship players on the defensive line (assuming there is no attrition). Not a bad number of returning players for the position, but one the Gators would certainly like to improve on.
While Michael Pouncey is slated to start for the Gators at Nose Tackle against Vanderbilt, look for this to be a temporary move.
However, with the Pouncey brothers, and Jim Tartt appearing as if they will be manning the interior of the line next year...Ronnie Wilson (if he should return) is definitely an intriguing possibility to move over to play Nose Tackle. He is certainly capable of eating away some space on the inside, at the very least.
In any case, the Gators currently have three players committed on the defensive line, and look to take two more (one end and one tackle) between now and Signing Day.
COMMITTED
Troy Epps (6'1", 280, 5.1) Coffeyville (KS) Coffeville C.C.
Epps is a talented inside player, capable of getting a great push in the middle, and holding up at the point of attack. Like current Gator DT Javier Estopinan, Epps is a former champ at the high school ranks as a wrestler. He should provide immediate help on the interior as a NT, and possibly even as a three-technique.
Earl Okine (6'6.5", 240, 4.8) Gainesville (FL) Gainesville
Okine is a big, rangy defensive line prospect, who appears capable of playing both the strongside end spot, and possibly the three-technique as well. His team has struggled this season, although that is no fault of Okine's.
Chaz Sutton (6'4", 240, 4.7) Savannah (GA) Jenkins
I still think Sutton sticks, although I'm wondering how much his teammate Green waffling is having an effect on him. Regardless, Sutton is a player who could make waves early at almost any position on the defensive line.
ALSO ON THE BOARD
William Green (6'4", 210, 4.6) Hoover (AL) Spain Park
Long believed to be a 'Bama-Florida battle, it will be interesting to see if the whispers that he is high on the Gators prove to be true. He has been to multiple Tide games this year. This one should go down to the bitter end.
Glenn Harbin (6'6", 230, 4.8) Mobile (AL) McGill-Toolen
Florida has recently entered the picture here. I don’t think he's a high priority at this point, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is before February 6th. Big frame, and the fact that he is from Mobile (the best place to pull a kid out of Alabama) help his case. It should be noted, that he goes to the same high school that Sidell Corley attended.
Marty Everett (6'4", 295, 5.2) Bushnell (FL) South Sumter
Most Gators fans would love to see Florida take a flyer on Big Marty. He certainly has the physical attributes to play ball in the SEC, there are some concerns about his motor, and some others as well. It will be interesting to see if Florida turns up the heat here...
THE OTHERS
Chancey Aghayere, Javontae Boyd, Rod Davis, Omar Hunter, Jeremy Lewis, Moses McCray, Micanor Regis, Kyrhi Thornton
THE SLEEPER
Max Holloway (6'3", 245, 4.6) Tampa (FL) Jefferson
Holloway has the size to play DE, or potentially grow into a DT. He has impressed the likes of Coach Mattison, and there is certainly a possibility he ends up a Gator. Holloway is currently committed to Boston College.
Linebacker
The commitment of Brendan Beal was extremely important for Florida. For one, it gives them a top LB prospect-a truly physical presence in the middle who will play early and often. Secondly, Beal is an intelligent young man with a dynamic personality who will pay dividends on the recruiting trail.
Florida could sign just Beal at the position, and really be just fine in regards to depth at LB. With the strength of the position in the state of Florida this year, they will continue to go after as many top prospects as they can, however...
COMMITTED
Brendan Beal (6'4", 240, 4.7) Bethlehem (PA) Liberty
Beal, is big, strong, fast, and has a nasty disposition. These are exactly the traits you look for in a middle linebacker. That he is coming in early, only raises the chances that he will make an impact next year.
ALSO ON THE BOARD
Arthur Brown (6'1", 210, 4.7) Wichita (KS) East
He’s still listing the Gators, and as such, it is imperative to have possibly the #1 LB prospect in the country on the board. Smart money is on Oklahoma, however...
Ramon Buchanan (6'0.5", 190, 4.55) Melbourne (FL) Palm Bay
I keep getting mixed signals here. The longer this one drags on the less confident I have become.
Jerrell Harris (6'2", 215, 4.7) Gadsen (AL) Gadsen City
Harris was very high on the Gators after his trip to FNL over the summer. He seems to keep opening up things more the longer the process drags on. Not only is he an excellent player, but he has two junior teammates who are UF-caliber prospects as well. This will be an interesting one to follow.
Lerentee McCray (6'2.5", 195, 4.55) Dunnellon (FL) Dunnellon
Local-star is still in the mix and seems as shaky on his decision as ever. Momma wants him in Gainesville, and that could be a key in the end.
Marcus Robinson (6'2", 215, 4.5) Homestead (FL) Homestead
He says he will take an official to Gainesville, whether he actually does will be the key. Robinson is a pass-rushing terror who could play OLB or DE in college.
Others
Ryan Baker, Nigel Bradham, Malcolm Munroe, Chase Thomas, and Marlon Walls
THE SLEEPER
E.J. Abrams-Ward (6'5", 210, 4.7) Thomasville (NC) Thomasville
Abrams-Ward primarily plays QB for his high school team, but he is a big, rangy athlete who will have a huge impact on defense at the next level. He is definitely a little light in the pants, but he has a big frame that is clearly conducive to putting on plenty of weight. Strongside 'backer and defensive end would be his two most likely spots at the next level. Florida isn't currently involved...but he’s a guy I could see the staff making a move on before it’s all said and done with.
Defensive Back
At defensive back, the Gators have a strong group currently committed, possibly the best in the country. In Jeremy Brown and Janoris Jenkins, the Gator Staff has two young cover corners who they feel will contribute early. Likewise in the two safeties, Dee Finley and Will Hill.
Now the question is, who will this class close with? Patrick Johnson, D’Anton Lynn, and Spencer Adams seem like the most likely suspects. There are others as well, however.
Regardless, the Gators are positioning themselves to bring in a five-man DB class that should help alleviate some of the problems that have transpired in the secondary this year.
COMMITTED
Jeremy Brown (5'11", 170, 4.4) Orlando (FL) Boone
Brown has helped turned around a floundering program at Boone into a state-power, the true sign of an impact player.
Dee Finley (6'3", 200, 4.5) Auburn (AL) Auburn
Finley is as impressive as they come, physically. While the rumors abound on the level of his commitment, I would be surprised if he doesn’t end up a Gator.
Will Hill (6'3", 205) Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s
Rumors abound here as well. Don't buy them. Hill is as solid as they come.
Janoris Jenkins (5'11", 180, 4.5) Pahokee (FL) Pahokee
Jenkins is an extremely tough corner, who should take the level of physicality in the DB corps up a notch.
THE REST OF THE BOARD
Patrick Johnson (6'1", 195, 4.45) Pompano Beach (FL) Ely
There are all sorts of rumors, innuendo, and smoke here. It will be interesting to see what Johnson does, it seems he is telling an awful lot of people what they want to hear.
D’Anton Lynn (6'1", 175, 4.45) Celina (TX) Celina
Lynn will be a part of a large contingent at the FSU game. Penn State and Oklahoma are squarely in the mix here as well.
Spencer Adams (6'2", 180, 4.4) Matthews (NC) Butler
The hurdle champion has long been thought to be a Clemson lean, but it is my belief that the Gators could pull off the upset the weekend of the FSU game when he makes his long-awaited trip to Gainesville.
Charles Whitlock (5'10", 172, 4.5) Chester (SC) Chester
He will reportedly take a visit the weekend of the FSU game. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact it has for Whitlock, who appears to be leaning toward staying in-state for the time being.
OTHERS IN THE MIX
T.J. Bryant, Adrian Bushell, Brandon Harris, Robby Green, Traye Simmons
THE SLEEPER
Carlton Lewis (6'2", 185, 4.6) St. Augustine (FL) St. Augustine
The rangy safety out of St. Augustine could get a look before it's all said and done with. Darren Sewell out of Palm Bay also falls into this category as well.
Special Teams
COMMITTED
Caleb Sturgis (5'11", 180, 4.9) St. Augustine (FL) St. Augustine
Sturgis will be a day-one starter at Florida. Book it.
This post was edited on 11/1 5:55 PM by j wells
