Where the fun starts is these kids sign their NIL deals, stay 1-2 years and then hit the portal.....going to be some hurt feelings along with hurt wallets....
Gators to Hire Ron Roberts as LB Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator ?
- Thread starter Jeff from Jax
- Start date
True - some kids are going to get shown the door and/or get renegotiated.
My guess would be it's terminated usually but that big money Miami guy was arguing with some basketball player that he was bound by his deal or something like that
I think these schools will get burned the most by some of these players not cutting it on the field. I hope those schools eventually back off with these unproven players.
GBO & Country,
Agree,
But as you two, Fever & LG89 have noted, it will take time - another 2-3 years ? for NIL to "settle down."
Country, in response to your post, LG89 advises a "Back Loaded" NIL deal with more (70% ?) of the money coming in the last 2 years specifically structured to keep them from jumping ship early.
IMO, there will always be some school/team that will go "all in" on NIL; probably be different teams every year until enough booster eat enough bucks for all of them to back off.
TAMU last year; Tenn & Miami this year ?
Even then, some school/booster will think they have "reinvented the wheel" & found a new way to cheat.
The USA Today article about $8MM to a HS Jr may be that New Way; this one a QB ?
Only problem will be picking the right horse (as a HS Junior) to bet on.
TAMU seemingly laying back this year (#41 Rivals Team Ranking); it will be interesting to see what they do next year.
Fever's suggestion that they will only indulge their appetite & buy a #1 classs every other year may be accurate, - who knows !
It has certainly changed the landscape of college football...guess you're right in we need to see how it settles in over the next couple of years.
Country,
Napier & staff have obviously been working extremely hard.
Rich people stay rich by not throwing their money away. As Paco & others have pointed out, only 1 NC winner every year.
If every team decides to take the easy way out - throw money around & try to buy a title, that will just drive the price up & no one wins.
There is obviously still a huge need to do it the hard way - identify talent in the lower HS grades & start building relationships early.
Easier said than done; I know !
Recruits ALWAYS remember & talk about their 1st commitable offer from a major school; we need to be that 1st offer as often as possible !
I admit, that 2 months ago, with Rashada & Kinsler (Miami !), I was frustrated with recruiting - Gators were always the bridesmaid & never the bride.
I felt that we had a good message - tons of positive feedback - but we were late getting it out to the prospects & weren't handling NIL well.
I believe we have now gotten much better at presentating how we handle NIL to recruits.
Assuming we gain a few & don't lose too many commits, between now & ESD, basically staying at the low top 10 level of new talent acquisition, until NIL settles (if it does), we are in decent shape.
Then, IMO, it comes down to the quality of player development & game day coaching. If we excel here, we can hold our own against just about any team.
I look back at what I just wrote (Gators staying in lower Top 10 Team Ranking) & shake my head !
Two weeks ago I wouldn't have believed it or been able to write it !
After this last weekend, things look a whole lot brighter to me !
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Just give all of the worst WaG's and speculations possible,,, to help the team in every way possible.... 🙄
4* OT Zalance Heard - 6-5, 300 lbs
The 6’5”-300 pound beast out of Monroe, Louisiana is the 7th best OT in the 2023 class, and the 60th ranked player in the nation, per 247 Sports.Heard recently announced that he’d be committing on September 1st, and dropped his top 5 schools: Florida, Houston, LSU, Nebraska, and FSU.
Monroe Freeling
Freeling, out of South Carolina, is ranked as the 8th best OT and 62nd overall player in the class of 2023 by 247 Sports. He has a top 7 of Florida, Michigan, Miami, Ohio St, Notre Dame, Georgia, and Clemson.He’s 6’7”-283, with plenty of room to add muscle to his frame. He’s also got great footwork and athleticism that come from his basketball career.
Hasn't set commit date yet.
https://hailfloridahail.com/2022/08/16/florida-football-ot-2023-class/
Heard is probably going to LSU. It would be great is Napier could flip him though. https://247sports.com/player/zalance-heard-46116355/
Zalance Heard - Tennessee Volunteers - Offensive Tackle
Explore Zalance Heard's athlete profile at On3.com. Get news and insights into his playing career, statistics, and achievements in sports.
A look at the Florida Gators’ top remaining targets in the 2023 class
Not sure how many Scholarships we have left. Hoping someone who does know will post it.OT Monroe Freeling-
OT Caden Jones-
DL Kayden McDonald-
DL Jordan Hall-from Jax; McDonald a good player but prefer to keep on signing Florida players
DB Dijon Johnson-
DB Cormani McClain-
https://www.gatorcountry.com/feature/a-look-at-the-florida-gators-top-remaining-targets-in-the-2023-class/
Not listed in the article, but a player I thought would fit in with the Gators -
EDGE Samuel M’Pemba
List keeps expanding -
5* DL Keon Keeley - decommitt from ND-Gators, Bama, tOSU
4* Edge Tomarrion Parker - de-committ from Penn State, top-100 prospect Tomarrion Parker has been feeling like a major priority for the Gators
https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-g...g-the-love-from-florida-they-recruit-me-hard/
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my guess, given I don't honestly give a flip, is a buck two eighty nine......jim
@SoProudNole and all you Hole haters like @TJtheGator and @ih8f$u
Does it get any more embarrassing?
But I'm sure this one is a joke.
Does it get any more embarrassing?
But I'm sure this one is a joke.
Gators In-State Edge Target Keon Keeley Decommits from Notre Dame
The third-ranked prospect in the 2023 cycle, according to SI All-American’s SI99, is back on the open market.
Berkley Prep (Tampa, Fla) edge rusher Keon Keeley announced his decommitment from Notre Dame late Wednesday night after over a year in the class.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...ting-keon-keeley-notre-dame-decommitment-2023
5 star DL Keon Keeley de-committed from Notre Dame last night, and is reportedly considering Florida, Ohio St, and Alabama, with the Tide being the current favorite.
In years past, when Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide where leading in a player’s recruitment, that meant it was over. Now, there’s a new player in town, and he’s turning Florida football into a premier program for recruits.
The whole nation thinks that Keeley is a lock to go to Alabama, but can Blue Chip Billy snag Keon for the Gators?
https://hailfloridahail.com/2022/08/18/florida-football-billy-keon-keeley/
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Country,
I'm sure your right - all three teams-Gators, Bama & Ohio State have 20 commits listed on Rivals; so all of them getting to capacity.
All three teams probably consider him a +1 player - I'm sure he has been told that repeatedly, so doubt he is in any hurry to commit.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they spelled it like Homer Simpson and went with “flor-duh” or whatever it was. And hey, chickens coming gone to roost.
Yes but Saban is pissed so he picked it up a notch with this recruiting class.
The number of recruits expected to visit the swamp for the Utah game, Sept 3rd is increasing.
Highlighting that list for UF’s season opener are 5* CB Cormani McClain & 5* DL Keon Keeley. 4* CB Dijon Johnson & others.
https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/202...ing-dijon-johnson-unofficial-visit-utah-game/
https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-g...lain-set-to-make-another-trip-to-gainesville/
Since no HC wants to bring top recruits to a game he expects to lose; I'm hoping Billy, despite the QB2 situations, is confident.
Line remains very close; I don't expect QB2 to change it or, hopefully, to impact the game's outcome.
Hoping Richardson has a break out 1st game of a successful season.
Highlighting that list for UF’s season opener are 5* CB Cormani McClain & 5* DL Keon Keeley. 4* CB Dijon Johnson & others.
https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/202...ing-dijon-johnson-unofficial-visit-utah-game/
https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-g...lain-set-to-make-another-trip-to-gainesville/
Since no HC wants to bring top recruits to a game he expects to lose; I'm hoping Billy, despite the QB2 situations, is confident.
Line remains very close; I don't expect QB2 to change it or, hopefully, to impact the game's outcome.
Hoping Richardson has a break out 1st game of a successful season.
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4* DL Kayden McDonald 6-3, 310 lbs sets Oct 31 st commit date
According to 247Sports’ Rusty Mansell, Kayden McDonald 6-3, 310 lbs plans on announcing his commitment on October 31,
It is likely that he will squeeze a couple more official visits in before Halloween.
The Peach State prospect currently has official visits scheduled to see the Michigan Wolverines on September 10 and Ohio State Buckeyes on September 24, while also eyeing a return to the Swamp for the Utah game for an unofficial stop. The Clemson Tigers and Michigan State Spartans are also in the mix for the young athlete’s talents.
https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/202...l-recruiting-kayden-mcdonald-commitment-date/
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Crystal Ball Predictions for 5* CB Cormani McClain
- Josh Newberg 247SportsFSU Insider
7 HIGH
- Blake Alderman Swamp247Florida Insider
4 MED
- Andrew Ivins 247SportsSoutheast Recruiting Analyst
5 MED
https://247sports.com/P layerInstitution/Cormani-McClain-at-Lakeland-282348/CurrentExpertPredictions/
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All of this 24/7/365 constant chatter on recruiting...
The Elephant in the Room.
NR UF - #12 Average calss ranking.
#7 UU - #35 Average class ranking.
So, individual or class rankings don't really mean squat, or do they?
(talk to the elephant)
The Elephant in the Room.
NR UF - #12 Average calss ranking.
#7 UU - #35 Average class ranking.
So, individual or class rankings don't really mean squat, or do they?
(talk to the elephant)
Florida to receive official visit from this five-star Notre Dame decommit
Bama the favorite, but According to On3 National Recruiting Director Chad Simmons, Keon Keeley is “definitely” taking an official visit to Florida over the fall.https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/2022/08/27/florida-football-recruiting-keon-keeley-official-visit/
Gators OT Target Monroe Freeling Releases Top 5; Sets Commitment Date
One of the last high-caliber offensive tackles on Florida's radar will come off the board on Monday. He included the Gators in his top five on Saturday.
On Saturday, Freeling announced that he will be making his awaited commitment decision on Monday (8/29). He included the Florida Gators alongside Georgia, Clemson, Miami and Alabama in the list of schools he will choose from.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...rget-monroe-freeling-top-five-commitment-date
Freeling, the No. 35 prospect in the nation in On3’s rankings, is expected to land with Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Miami or Clemson. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine shows him most likely becoming a Georgia Bulldog.
His commitment date is set for Monday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. CT.
https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/g...-sec-teams-in-his-top-5-sets-commitment-date/
FWIW
Multiple future casts / Crystal Balls for Freeling to UGA
https://247sports.com/college/flori...Freeling-at--245308/CurrentExpertPredictions/
Recruits always remember their first big time offer !
Color him Red & Black.
Billy's charisma & organization got him to final 5, but no real chance with Freeling; timing too much in Dawgs' favor.
“They (UGA) were one of the first schools to offer me back at the beginning of my sophomore year,”
Take it to the bank; from now on Billy & the Gators will be the ones making that 1st big offer; the one that all other offers will be compared to.
Think about your 1st UOV as a recruit; Gainesville, BHG Stadium, the Heavener Center, & Billy & the staff !
Freeling told On3. “Though they have gone through coaching changes, they hired Coach Searels who I had a good relationship with when he was at UNC. Not to mention them being national champions!”
Freeling told On3 he enjoyed his visit to UF on March 19, particularly getting to know assistant coach Rob Sale.
https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/s...of-south-carolina-names-2-sec-teams-in-top-7/
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Wiltfong Whiparound: Crystal Ball Predictions: 4-Star DL Kayden McDonald to Clemson
In this clip from Wiltfong Whiparound, Steve provides insight on 4-star DL Kayden McDonald leaning towards the Clemson Tigers amongst several other top programs in the country.All predictions don't come to pass;
but with this many of them ....
https://247sports.com/college/flori...all-Predictions-4-Star-DL-Kayden-Mc-11265314/
https://247sports.com/PlayerInstitu...rth-Gwinnett-257377/CurrentExpertPredictions/
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As expected, Per 247 Monroe Freeling commits to UGA
EDIT
When I saw Freeling's comment about being offered by UGA when he was a HS sophomore; I knew we had no chance - for this player.
For the future, I am convinced that Billy & his staff army will identify & offer the recruits we want early in the process.
We won't get every recruit, but we will have a legitimate chance to sign the players we want.
Right now, we are getting squeezed out by timing - getting involved too late to the recruiting process.
EDIT
When I saw Freeling's comment about being offered by UGA when he was a HS sophomore; I knew we had no chance - for this player.
For the future, I am convinced that Billy & his staff army will identify & offer the recruits we want early in the process.
We won't get every recruit, but we will have a legitimate chance to sign the players we want.
Right now, we are getting squeezed out by timing - getting involved too late to the recruiting process.
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I'm a lot more interested in the quality recruits that have committed to the Gators, than I am with the Gator-bait....
Defensive Tackle - Kayden McDonald
Clemson is still in pursuit of 2023 DT Kayden McDonald. With the Tigers already having Peter Woods, Vic Burley and Stephiylan Green on board in this class, McDonald would technically be an over-sign, so if Clemson were to miss, it's extremely possible the staff decides to stick with the three they already have.McDonald will reportedly announce a commitment on October 31, and take September visits to Michigan and Ohio State, along with a late November official to Clemson for the South Carolina game. Florida has already gotten an official back in June and could very likely get another unofficial visit at some point early in the season.
https://www.si.com/college/clemson/...s-for-clemson-as-tigers-look-to-finish-strong
Impressive list of visitors at the game; including some committed elsewhere -
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...itors-list-utah-cedric-baxter-cormani-mcclain
UCF DT commit John Walker (6-3, 310, Kissimmee, FL. Osceola) & FSU OL commit Roderick Kearney (6-4, 300, Orange Park, FL. High) were both in BHG stadium for the game.
Walker possible OV to UF ?
Both of them respected the etiquette of recruit speak & had positive comments about the game & how Katie Turner managed their visits.
https://www.gatorcountry.com/featur...t-to-gainesville-after-saturdays-visit-to-uf/
https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-g...of-top-100-prospect-john-walker-a-ucf-commit/
https://www.gatorcountry.com/feature/kearney-has-a-great-experience-in-the-swamp-on-saturday-night/
Florida Gators Recruiting: Visitors List vs. Utah Utes
40 recruits, and counting, will be in The Swamp this weekend for Florida vs. Utah.https://www.si.com/college/florida/...itors-list-utah-cedric-baxter-cormani-mcclain
UCF DT commit John Walker (6-3, 310, Kissimmee, FL. Osceola) & FSU OL commit Roderick Kearney (6-4, 300, Orange Park, FL. High) were both in BHG stadium for the game.
Walker possible OV to UF ?
Both of them respected the etiquette of recruit speak & had positive comments about the game & how Katie Turner managed their visits.
https://www.gatorcountry.com/featur...t-to-gainesville-after-saturdays-visit-to-uf/
https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-g...of-top-100-prospect-john-walker-a-ucf-commit/
https://www.gatorcountry.com/feature/kearney-has-a-great-experience-in-the-swamp-on-saturday-night/
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The visitor list we had for the Utah game was pretty darn impressive.
And the win against Utah hopefully had some positive results in recruiting them
5-star EDGE Keon Keeley makes change to Florida visit plans
Five-star Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley EDGE Keon Keeley was set to make an official visit to Florida this weekend when the Gators host Kentucky.
But On3 has learned of a change in plans. That visit will be now be an unofficial, with Keeley still expected to stay both Saturday and Sunday in Gainesville, similar to what he would do for an official visit.
Ohio State hosted Keeley and his family over the weekend in Columbus for its top-five showdown with the Fighting Irish, and Alabama is expected to get an official visit on October 7.
The Gators will still look to get him on campus for an official visit later this season, with the Oct. 15 game against LSU in the Swamp as a possibility.
Florida has circled that as its big recruiting weekend of the season, also working to get Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Cormani McClain, among others, back on campus.
https://www.on3.com/college/florida...n-keeley-makes-change-to-florida-visit-plans/
Tampa is close enough to G'ville, that he maybe substituing an unofficial visit for his Gator OV & saving the OV for a school farther away.
Visitors for Kentucky
The Gators will host 2024 tight end and LSU Tigers commit Tayvion Galloway for an unofficial visit on Saturday when they take on the Kentucky Wildcats, the Chillicothe (Ohio) High product told All Gators' Conner Clarke on Tuesday.Galloway (hopefully) will be joined in the recruits section of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium by 2024 Willis (Texas) High quarterback DJ Lagway (3rd visit; made FNL), elite 2023 Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep edge rusher Keon Keeley and priority 2023 Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton safety Bryce Thornton, among others.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...cruiting-jayvion-galloway-lsu-commit-visiting
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT on September 10 in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, streamed on the ESPN app and can be heard on the Gators IMG Sports Network.
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