Gator's 2024-25 Recruiting / Portal

[instaGATOR]

Portal Closed on Dec 28th,,, well sorta, cause there are some exceptions....
This article tells you the how, why, and when on the portal.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...his-means-for-the-florida-gators-01jg76tmv62q

Napier - "We want to add a couple more players to our team, some positions in particular."

Since Napier's statement, Florida has added 3 total players thus from the portal, filling positions of need including WR with J. Michael Sturdivant from UCLA, backup QB with Deshawn Purdie from Charlotte and EDGE Kofi Asare from UMASS. The Gators also made an addition to its specialists room with former Michigan punter Tommy Doman committing on Dec. 13.

With the young guys returning, they might also want some veteran portal help with these: RT, NT, S, CB

 

[Gator Fever]

Portal Closed on Dec 28th,,, well sorta, cause there are some exceptions....
This article tells you the how, why, and when on the portal.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...his-means-for-the-florida-gators-01jg76tmv62q

Napier - "We want to add a couple more players to our team, some positions in particular."

Since Napier's statement, Florida has added 3 total players thus from the portal, filling positions of need including WR with J. Michael Sturdivant from UCLA, backup QB with Deshawn Purdie from Charlotte and EDGE Kofi Asare from UMASS. The Gators also made an addition to its specialists room with former Michigan punter Tommy Doman committing on Dec. 13.

With the young guys returning, they might also want some veteran portal help with these: RT, NT, S, CB

We definitely need to pick up an offensive tackle.

 

[gatordad3]

We definitely need to pick up an offensive tackle.

Wishful thinking on my part, but I can't imagine Jordan Seaton being happy put there in that cesspool state of Colorado, especially with a garbage coach like Deion. He'll be in total rebuild mode or leave that cesspool that's Colorado.

 

[instaGATOR]

We definitely need to pick up an offensive tackle.

Bio Ht/Wt/Class from July 2024.

LT Austin Barber 6-6.25 314 rsJr

LG Knijeah Harris 6-3 321 So

C Jake Slaughter 6-4.5 308 rsJr

RG Damieon George 6-6 345 rsJr

RT Kamryn Waites 6-8 343 rsJr
=====

Possible OT's:

Devon Manuel 6-7 319 rsJr
Mark Pitts 6-6 309 rsJr
Caden Jones 6-7.5 327 rsFr
Bryce Lovett 6-5 317 rsFr
Fletcher Westphal 6-8 321 Fr
Noel Portnjagin 6-5 314 Fr
Mark Faircloth 6-4.75 309 Fr
Marcus Mascoll 6-4.76 306 Fr
Enoch Wangoy 6-7 330 Fr

Possible OG's:

Hayden Clem 6-2 286 rsJr
Roderick Kearney 6-4 305 rsFr
Connor Homa 6-2.25 306 rsFr
Bryan Rosenberg 6-3 270 rsFr
Jason Zandamela 6-2.75 313 Fr
Chase Stevens 6-3 302 Fr

EDIT - Forgot to add the recruit class newbees...

OL Travaris Dice 6-4 279 **** - Fairburn, GA
OL Jahari Medlock 6-6 275 *** - Riverdale, GA
OL Daniel Pierre Louis 6-5 314 *** - Loxahatchee, FL

Please feel free to make corrections to that returning roster list.
==========

OL Portal Departures so far:
OT Mike Williams 6-5.75 308 Fr
OG Christian Williams 6-4.25 309 rsSo

 

[instaGATOR]

Evan would be the FIRST NOEL to play for the Gators.

Funny, but NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND!

OL Noel Portnjagin 6-5 314 Fr - Already on the roster....

 

[TEBOW TIME]

Johntay Cook ended up signing with Washington and the reasons from what I read were that he wasnt really a Billy guy and they tried to lowball him.

 

[instaGATOR]

Johntay Cook ended up signing with Washington and the reasons from what I read were that he wasnt really a Billy guy and they tried to lowball him.

More like not a Gator or an SEC kind of guy.
Plus I really don't think that they need him with the current loaded roster...

 

[gatordad3]

More like not a Gator or an SEC kind of guy.
Plus I really don't think that they need him with the current loaded roster...

He's a head case so he's where he belongs. Texas never shedded a tear nor did they lose any sleep over Johntay Cook. It's also unusual for a player to hit the portal long before a CFP game.

Now if he were a head case with Kadarius Toney talent and then some, I'd be disappointed, but he's obviously not.

 

[ocalaman]

Bio Ht/Wt/Class from July 2024.

LT Austin Barber 6-6.25 314 rsJr

LG Knijeah Harris 6-3 321 So

C Jake Slaughter 6-4.5 308 rsJr

RG Damieon George 6-6 345 rsJr

RT Kamryn Waites 6-8 343 rsJr
=====

Possible OT's:

Devon Manuel 6-7 319 rsJr
Mark Pitts 6-6 309 rsJr
Caden Jones 6-7.5 327 rsFr
Bryce Lovett 6-5 317 rsFr
Fletcher Westphal 6-8 321 Fr
Noel Portnjagin 6-5 314 Fr
Mark Faircloth 6-4.75 309 Fr
Marcus Mascoll 6-4.76 306 Fr
Enoch Wangoy 6-7 330 Fr

Possible OG's:

Hayden Clem 6-2 286 rsJr
Roderick Kearney 6-4 305 rsFr
Connor Homa 6-2.25 306 rsFr
Bryan Rosenberg 6-3 270 rsFr
Jason Zandamela 6-2.75 313 Fr
Chase Stevens 6-3 302 Fr

EDIT - Forgot to add the recruit class newbees...

OL Travaris Dice 6-4 279 **** - Fairburn, GA
OL Jahari Medlock 6-6 275 *** - Riverdale, GA
OL Daniel Pierre Louis 6-5 314 *** - Loxahatchee, FL

Please feel free to make corrections to that returning roster list.
==========

OL Portal Departures so far:
OT Mike Williams 6-5.75 308 Fr
OG Christian Williams 6-4.25 309 rsSo

When George pulled his name out of the transfer portal on December 14, an article said that with Crenshaw-Dickson graduating, George could move back to RT, thus allowing Kamryn Waites & Bryce Lovett to get more playing time at guard. It will all work itself out in the spring and fall, but thought I would throw tat out there.

 

[instaGATOR]

Gators Well-Represented at Under Armour All-America Game​

Florida has six signees and one commit representing at the game,
the most out of every program in the country.

On Team Icon:
Five-star receiver Vernell Brown III,
five-star receiver Dallas Wilson,
four-star receiver Naeshaun Montgomery,
four-star linebacker Ty Jackson and
four-star defensive lineman Jalen Wiggins will join
2026 four-star quarterback commit Will Griffin.
The Gators' lone representative on the other team, Team Unstoppable, is
four-star running back signee Byron Louis.

Gators Well-Represented at Under Armour All-America Game

Florida has six signees and one commit representing at the game, the most out of every program in the country.

www.si.com

 

[instaGATOR]

Just a few weeks before starting classes in Gainesville, Florida Gators wide receiver signee Naeshaun Montgomery is already showcasing his potential against some of the nation's top talent. On the first day of practice for the Under Armour All-America Game, Montgomery was reportedly making plays all over the field. (vids in article)

The Under Armour All America Bowl will take place on Jan 2nd, Thursday at 4 p.m. , with national television coverage airing on ESPN.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...ng-under-armour-all-america-game-01jgejk461aa

 

[NorthJerseyGator]

Just a few weeks before starting classes in Gainesville, Florida Gators wide receiver signee Naeshaun Montgomery is already showcasing his potential against some of the nation's top talent. On the first day of practice for the Under Armour All-America Game, Montgomery was reportedly making plays all over the field. (vids in article)

The Under Armour All America Bowl will take place on Jan 2nd, Thursday at 4 p.m. , with national television coverage airing on ESPN.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...ng-under-armour-all-america-game-01jgejk461aa

With NIL, do players technically have to attend class to be on the team? If so, and they're raking in dough, then shouldn't they have to pay for their own tuition, fees, books, room and board? Gators Boosters and sponsors just pay for everything, regardless if they go to any Family, Youth, and Social Services classes? I haven't heard in years of any players being disciplined and suspended game time for missing classes or being late to practices or not doing school work like would happen to players quite a bit years ago.

 

[instaGATOR]

With NIL, do players technically have to attend class to be on the team? If so, and they're raking in dough, then shouldn't they have to pay for their own tuition, fees, books, room and board? Gators Boosters and sponsors just pay for everything, regardless if they go to any Family, Youth, and Social Services classes? I haven't heard in years of any players being disciplined and suspended game time for missing classes or being late to practices or not doing school work like would happen to players quite a bit years ago.

Not every player gets NIL $$$, most are just getting their $hip....

The NCAA rules for eligibility remain as far as I know.
How well each school monitors the rules is the question, but the penalties remain, IF caught.....

 

[nothergator]

Not every player gets NIL $$$, most are just getting their $hip....

The NCAA rules for eligibility remain as far as I know.
How well each school monitors the rules is the question, but the penalties remain, IF caught.....

What is the probability of the NCAA enforcing a violation?

 

[instaGATOR]

What is the probability of the NCAA enforcing a violation?

Unknowable by me.

However, do you KNOW of violations that are being ignored by the NCAA?
If so, post them,,,, or just continue to speculate and offer unsupported opinions....

 

[TEBOW TIME]

Not every player gets NIL $$$, most are just getting their $hip....

I was watching a game with my wife the other night and she asked me if every player gets NIL money and I said probably not. So she said how do other players feel about that or if you are a lineman then how hard are you gonna block when your QB is getting $2 million.

 

[nothergator]

Unknowable by me.

However, do you KNOW of violations that are being ignored by the NCAA?
If so, post them,,,, or just continue to speculate and offer unsupported opinions....

Correct I know nothing. Enforcing any rule is not the concern. We have lost oldtime college football and I miss it.

 

[instaGATOR]

I was watching a game with my wife the other night and she asked me if every player gets NIL money and I said probably not. So she said how do other players feel about that or if you are a lineman then how hard are you gonna block when your QB is getting $2 million.

Supply and Demand is how capitalism works I believe....

The same disparity exists all across Pro sports.
If you want to keep your job, at whatever ruminations is being offered or paid, then you DO your job.

 

[TEBOW TIME]

Supply and Demand is how capitalism works I believe....

The same disparity exists all across Pro sports.
If you want to keep your job, at whatever ruminations is being offered or paid, then you DO your job.

I just know what a college education costs in 2024 and my wife cant fathom they are getting a free education plus a check

 

[bradleygator]

I just know what a college education costs in 2024 and my wife cant fathom they are getting a free education plus a check

How does she fathom coaches making $9 million? Supply and demand like Insta said.

 

[TEBOW TIME]

How does she fathom coaches making $9 million? Supply and demand like Insta said.

That's why we dont get to go to NFL games anymore and only maybe 2 college games a year

 

[Nicktheslick]

That's why we dont get to go to NFL games anymore and only maybe 2 college games a year

Yes the average working class family has been all but eliminated from attending games. That is if they want to feed their families and live indoors.

 

[TEBOW TIME]

Yes the average working class family has been all but eliminated from attending games. That is if the want to feed their families and live indoors.

Ditto

 

[NorthJerseyGator]

I was watching a game with my wife the other night and she asked me if every player gets NIL money and I said probably not. So she said how do other players feel about that or if you are a lineman then how hard are you gonna block when your QB is getting $2 million.

The adult cfb players are in the real world just like most everyone else after high school. In my corporate accounting and financial reporting roles, I would sit in a cubicle on a computer all day "blocking" for the highly compensated executives while receiving a pittance, relatively speaking, for my blood, sweat, and tears, haha.

 

[ocalaman]

Legacy defensive back joins Florida football via transfer portal

Vincent Brown Jr. joins Florida through the transfer portal as a preferred walk-on to become the seventh member of his family to wear the Orange and Blue.

gatorswire.usatoday.com

 

[TEBOW TIME]

Legacy defensive back joins Florida football via transfer portal

Vincent Brown Jr. joins Florida through the transfer portal as a preferred walk-on to become the seventh member of his family to wear the Orange and Blue.

gatorswire.usatoday.com

Southeastern Fire?

 

[instaGATOR]

#58 RB Chad Gasper 5-10 200 *** - Fulshear, TX​

2023 - 99 for 488 Yds, 4.9 ypc, 11 TD's, Rec 15 for 136 yds, 1 TD

#19 RB Waltez Clark 6-2 194 **** 5.8 - Tampa, FL - 10.82 100M
Played RB, WR and LB. Ran for 476 yards and 15 TD on 77 carries (6.2 YPC) while also catching 22 passes for 358 yards and 4 TD. Added 23 tackles (2 TFL) and a sack on defense to go along with a KOR TD on special teams.

#9 RB Byron Lewis 6-1 205 **** 5.9 - Plantation, FL - UA-AA - FSU flip​

A potential workhorse between the tackles with a downhill run style that will break through the first sign of contact. Quick to pick a lane and will attack holes with vigor. Has a few long house calls on the highlight reel and can certainly find a top gear, but isn’t the most elusive runner when he reaches the second level and has more success powering through defenders then he does trying to get around them. Got more and more involved in the passing attack as a senior and should be able to offer some three-down value on Saturdays as he has the build to chip large edge rushers. Effective in short-yardage situations and finds ways to get into the end zone when down in the red zone, scoring 18 touchdowns as a junior while facing stout South Florida-based competition

https://www.si.com/college/florida/...-most-important-incoming-recruit-01jgp4b35qh0
==========

27 WR J.Michael Sturdivant 6-3 205 **** - Flower Mound, TX - Cal/UCLA xfer​

Big-framed wideout with good height and frame length. Lean build but frame potential to eclipse 200-pound plateau. Produces big numbers against Texas 6A competition. Adequate tester with strong track profile. Competes in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and triple jump. Knows how to run to find open space. Height and frame help with encouraging high-pointing ability. Dangerous run-after-catch playmaker. Tracks the deep ball well. Long stride that builds speed downfield.

WR Muizz Tounkara 6-4 195 *** 5.6 - League City, TX
Crystal Ball - 60% AZ, 40% Kan, but then signed with UF.
A project maybe, but with all of the necessary ingredients imo.

#11 WR Naeshaun Montgomery 6-1 175 **** 5.9 - Miami, FL - UA-AA
In the second quarter of Thursday’s Under Armour All-America Game, Montgomery snuck past a man-coverage defender while running a corner route to haul in a goal-line touchdown. The touchdown catch wasn’t Montgomery’s only notable play of the night. The 6-foot-1 wide receiver made several impressive catches throughout the first half of the game, including a timely reception on 3rd and 10, and a two-point conversion.

#5 WR Vernell Brown III 5-11 170 **** 6.0 - Orlando, FL - UA-AA
Brown led all Team Icon players in receiving yards (3 catches, 58 yards), including a 19-yard catch thrown by 2026 Gator QB commit Will Griffin (Tampa Jesuit).

#6 WR Dallas Wilson 6-3 200 **** 6.0 - Tampa, FL - Oregon flip​

One of the most physically gifted pass-catchers in the class of 2025, Wilson is built like a classic X -- or WR 1. But don't let the size fool, he is primarily a big-play threat on the outside. He has several samples of taking the top off of the defense with speed, but there is also a physicality he plays with once the football is in his hands.
Wilson rounds out an elite wide receiver haul for Billy Napier and company, joining legacy recruit Vernell Brown III, speedy south Floridian Naeshaun Montgomery and the towering Muizz Tounkara to form one of America's top wide receiver hauls.

With the returning WR roster, they are now Lay-O-Ded in the WR room!
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...ee-under-armour-all-america-game-01jgmrmggy5d

Two more future Gators (Ben Hanks Jr, Hylton Stubbs) will be participating in the Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 11. The game will be broadcast live on NBC at 1 p.m. ET.

The Gators have signed 4 of the Top 10 2025 recruits in Florida, more than any other program in the country.
The remaining questions for the Gator's 2025 offense imo, are the continued development of the OL, and getting a top quality OC....