ADVERTISEMENT

NM

The Portal's 5 highest rated remaining players:

Should Billy be recruiting, or re-recruiting these 3 in the portal?

1. WR Zakhari Franklin - UTSA
3. OG Ethan White - UF
4. WR Xzavier Henderson - UF -- Disappeared to Cincy

That still leaves WR Franklin and LG White available, so any takers?
 
The 2022 Gators with new HC Napier went 6-7 with an ugly bowl loss, including going 3-5 SEC.

"We’re talking about 61 points," Napier noted, the total point differential in Florida's regular season drubbings. "We’re talking about essentially 5 games that came down to one score."


And he did that with a Top-4 NFL draft pick at QB-dt, along with 5 other players being drafted. (wonder what he does with his Mertz/Miller QB combo?)

WR Shorter - RG Torrence
DT Dexter - MLB Miller - OLB Burney

Plus these 4 NFL F/A signings.

LT Gouraige - DE Cox - S Dean - S Torrence
(and without the 10 that are now receiving NLF paychecks)

So NO, we're not talking about the 61 points Mr. Billy, we're instead talking about 7 losses with a U-glee bowl loss for a rather nasty taste left in our collective mouths during 'Talking Season', and a rather dismal Mertz/Miller QB room for the coming season.... 😣
 

The Gators have secured nine 2024 commitments and rank No. 21 nationally in the cycle.​

Noel Portnjagin, a 6-foot-5, 334-pound offensive lineman from Germany, announced his commitment to Florida on Wednesday afternoon, choosing the Gators over Auburn, Liberty and South Carolina, which made up his list of reported scholarship offers as of June 14.
"I was at the Florida camp," he told Swamp247. "After the great Indies and one-on-ones, I got pulled out to talk with the coaches. First with the [offensive line] coach and the [offensive coordinator, Rob Sale]. After that I had a great conversation with coach [Billy] Napier, and then he offered me."

 
Current Swamp 247 Recruit Class Rankings for the 2024 Class:

21-25
24. Ark - 13
22. aTm - 12

16-20
18. MsSt - 15
17. Miss - 16

11-15
14. SCa - 13
12. Tenn - 14

6-10
9. LSU - 17

1-5
4. UF - 17 - Only 3 are in-state FL products????
1. UGly - 21

SEC = 1-4-9-12-14-17-18-22-24 = 9/25
 
Current Swamp 247 Recruit Class Rankings for the 2024 Class:

21-25
24. Ark - 13
22. aTm - 12

16-20
18. MsSt - 15
17. Miss - 16

11-15
14. SCa - 13
12. Tenn - 14

6-10
9. LSU - 17

1-5
4. UF - 17 - Only 3 are in-state FL products????
1. UGly - 21

SEC = 1-4-9-12-14-17-18-22-24 = 9/25
Where’s bammer?
 
Where’s bammer?

Current 6-30-23 SEC's in the 247 2024 Top 25 Recruit Class Rankings:

1. UGly
3. UF
9. LSU
12. Tenn
14. SCa
15. aTm
18. Miss
19. MsSt
24. Ark
=====
28. UA <<<<<<
33. Vandy
45. AU

Others of some minor interest in the Top 50:


26. FSUcks
30. scUM
32. Choke-la-homo
48. Texass

 
  • Like
Reactions: gatordad3
Recruit rankings from outsiders 'with a camp money stake' are very flexible this early, and of no great importance imo anyway. Good players are always important, but outside rankings,,, not so much.

Just 'talking fodder' during 'talking season' mostly....
 
Gator's 2024 Recruiting Class by Position Rankings: As of '4th of July'

3. UF
- 17 -- 2 - 10 - 5 -- Ave 92.25 - Per 247Sports

Offense - 8

#6 QB-dt DJ Lagway 6-2 225 - Natl. 43 - Willis, TX (5-star)

#15 TE Amir Jackson 6-3 223 - Natl 190 - Portal, GA

#27 RB Kahnen Daniels 5-11 190 - Natl 338 - West Point, MS

#29 WR Jerrae Hawkins 5-9 165 - Natl 175 - Bradenton, FL IMG (+Track)
#50 WR Izaiah Williams 6-0 172 - Natl 325 - Tampa, FL

#76 OT Marcus Mascoll 6-4.5 292 - Natl 647 - Sneiville, GA
#90 OG Moel Portnjagin 6-5 334 - Natl 926 - Germany
#99 OT Mike Williams 6-7 310 - Natl 1457 - Upper Marlboro, MD

Defense - 9

#2 FS Xavier Filsaime 6-1 180 - Natl 32 - McKinney, TX (5-star)
#31 SS Josiah Davis 6-1 185 - Natl 521 - Nashville, GA

#4 LB Myles Graham 6-1 212 - Natl 55 - Atlanta, GA
#7 LB Adarius Hayes 6-4 210 - Natl 69 - Largo, FL
#11 LB Aaron Chiles 6-3 220 - Natl 118 - Olney, MD

#5 WDE/LB Jamonta Waller 6-2 225 - Natl 29 - Picayune, MS

#14 DT/SDE Amaris Williams 6-2 270 - Natl 85 - Clinton, NC
#25 DT Nasir Johnson 6-4.5 300 - Natl 193 - Dublin, GA
#83 NT Michai Boireau 6-5 390 - Natl 1030 - Hampton, GA
 
BS on anyone crying about the Gators not having good WR's (11) for the QB's to throw to....

Ricky Pearsall 6-1 187 Sr
--
Ja'Quavion Fraziars 6-4 218 Jr
--
Marcus Burke 6-4 195 rsSo
Kahleil Jackson 6-3 216 rsSo
Taylor Spierto 6-0 202 rsSo
--
Caleb Douglas 6-3 203 So
Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman 6-0 198 So
--
Alex Gonzalez 5-10 191 rsFr
Zak Sedaros 5-10 180 rsFr
--
Andy Jean 6-1 195 Fr
Aidan Mizell 6-2 171 Fr

And that's before you add in the 8 TE's and the 6 RB's, (25 possible receivers to chose from).

With Billy-G back coaching the WR's, I see good times coming, if/when they have a competent QB doing the passing, with an OC/QB's / Game Plan that helps get the 25 possible receivers open....

QB Micah Leon 6-5 211 Grad-Sr
QB Graham Mertz 6-3 214 rsJr
QB Jack Miller III 6-3 214 rsSo
QB Max Brown 6-2 215 rsFr
QB Parker Leise 6-2 215 Fr

WR's - Billy Gonzales
TE's - Russ Callaway
RB's - Jabbar Juluke - Assoc-HC / Offense
==========

With more coming in the 2024 class.

#15 TE Amir Jackson 6-3 223 - Natl 190 - Portal, GA

#27 RB Kahnen Daniels 5-11 190 - Natl 338 - West Point, MS

#29 WR Jerrae Hawkins 5-9 165 4.3/40 - 10.45 100M - Bradenton, FL, IMG
(Demps-Rainey-James-Powell type?)

#50 WR Izaiah Williams 6-0 172 - Tampa, FL
 
Last edited:
I thought Xzavier hit the portal.
Correct gd3, my brain-fart on forgetting he's at Cincy now... 😏
Thanks and I'll make the correction/removal from the above...
However, that one small correction doesn't change the theme of the post...
 
  • Like
Reactions: gatordad3
WR group is still pretty average right now but it is about to be a really good unit in a year or two due to the young guys we have coming in. I’m really high on Eugene Wilson and Andy Jean. They just need some experience.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gator Fever
I agree that some of the newbees have a chance to be good, but I haven't lost faith in those already here, now that they have Billy-G back coaching them up.

The OC/QB's and IF they can get a suitable QB in the game is my biggest issue for the moment, not the receiving corp (WR/TE/RB).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nicktheslick
Correct gd3, my brain-fart on forgetting he's at Cincy now... 😏
Thanks and I'll make the correction/removal from the above...
However, that one small correction doesn't change the theme of the post...
I totally lost track of Henderson. He's at Cincinnati now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: instaGATOR
BS on anyone crying about the Gators not having good WR's (11) for the QB's to throw to....

Ricky Pearsall 6-1 187 Sr
--
Ja'Quavion Fraziars 6-4 218 Jr
--
Marcus Burke 6-4 195 rsSo
Kahleil Jackson 6-3 216 rsSo
Taylor Spierto 6-0 202 rsSo
--
Caleb Douglas 6-3 203 So
Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman 6-0 198 So
--
Alex Gonzalez 5-10 191 rsFr
Zak Sedaros 5-10 180 rsFr
--
Andy Jean 6-1 195 Fr
Aidan Mizell 6-2 171 Fr

And that's before you add in the 8 TE's and the 6 RB's, (25 possible receivers to chose from).

With Billy-G back coaching the WR's, I see good times coming, if/when they have a competent QB doing the passing, with an OC/QB's / Game Plan that helps get the 25 possible receivers open....

QB Micah Leon 6-5 211 Grad-Sr
QB Graham Mertz 6-3 214 rsJr
QB Jack Miller III 6-3 214 rsSo
QB Max Brown 6-2 215 rsFr
QB Parker Leise 6-2 215 Fr

WR's - Billy Gonzales
TE's - Russ Callaway
RB's - Jabbar Juluke - Assoc-HC / Offense
==========

With more coming in the 2024 class.

#15 TE Amir Jackson 6-3 223 - Natl 190 - Portal, GA

#27 RB Kahnen Daniels 5-11 190 - Natl 338 - West Point, MS

#29 WR Jerrae Hawkins 5-9 165 4.3/40 - 10.45 100M - Bradenton, FL, IMG
(Demps-Rainey-James-Powell type?)

#50 WR Izaiah Williams 6-0 172 - Tampa, FL

Where is the backup QB from the bowl game? The only QB on our roster to ever take live game snaps against an SEC opponent? Did he transfer?
 
  • Haha
Reactions: instaGATOR
The Florida Gators have been looking to keep building their offensive line, especially at the tackle position, and pulled off a big win on Monday morning by landing a commitment from Leesburg (VA) Tuscarora four-star offensive lineman Fletcher Westphal.

2024 OL commits so far:

OT Fletcher Westphal 6-8.5 335 - Leesburg, VA
OT Marcus Mascoll 6-4.5 292 - Snellville, GA
IOL Moel Portnjagin 6-5 334 - Germany
OT Mike Williams 6-7 310 - Marlboro, MD

 
As expected, DE/DT (Jack) Kendall Jackson 6-4 250 commits to Gators.
HS Jr season at Buchholtz: (Legacy - WR Aubrey Hill's nephew)
65 Tkls, 22 TFL, 12.5 Sacks, 2 FF's, 3 PBU's, 2 Ints with a pick-6.

Mike Peterson and Kendall are both smiling this afternoon....



The 2024 DL additions/rebuild includes

#5 WDE/OLB Jamonta Waller 6-2 225

#36 SDE/DT Kendall Jackson 6-4 250

#26 DT/SDE 6.4.5 300

#83 NT/DT Michai Boireau 6-5 390
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gator Fever
As expected, DE/DT (Jack) Kendall Jackson 6-4 250 commits to Gators.
HS Jr season at Buchholtz: (Legacy - WR Aubrey Hill's nephew)
65 Tkls, 22 TFL, 12.5 Sacks, 2 FF's, 3 PBU's, 2 Ints with a pick-6.

Mike Peterson and Kendall are both smiling this afternoon....



The 2024 DL additions/rebuild includes

#5 WDE/OLB Jamonta Waller 6-2 225

#36 SDE/DT Kendall Jackson 6-4 250

#26 DT/SDE 6.4.5 300

#83 NT/DT Michai Boireau 6-5 390
Great pick up. Love the local kids.
 
247Swamp's SEC Predicted Order of Finish for 2023

East
1. UGly
2. Tenn
3. SCa
4. UK
5. UF
6. Mizz
7. VU

West
1. UA
2. LSU
3. Miss
4. aTm
5. Ark
6. AU
7. MsSt

Overall
1. UGly
2. UA
3. LSU
4. Tenn
5. SCa
6. Miss
7. UK
8. aTm
9. UF
10. Ark
11. AU
12. Mizz
13. MsSt
14. VU

Florida is projected to struggle again in Billy Napier's second season.
#5 in the SECe and #9 SEC Overall, with W/L somewhere in the 7-5 to 5-7 range.

With the league tapping heavily into the transfer portal in search for its next star at quarterback, several programs could be plugging in several options following subpar play. Come December, Billy Napier and Lane Kiffin, considered two of the brightest offensive minds in the country, might find that their transfer portal signal-callers did not pan out.
 
247Swamp's SEC Predicted Order of Finish for 2023

East
1. UGly
2. Tenn
3. SCa
4. UK
5. UF
6. Mizz
7. VU

West
1. UA
2. LSU
3. Miss
4. aTm
5. Ark
6. AU
7. MsSt

Overall
1. UGly
2. UA
3. LSU
4. Tenn
5. SCa
6. Miss
7. UK
8. aTm
9. UF
10. Ark
11. AU
12. Mizz
13. MsSt
14. VU

Florida is projected to struggle again in Billy Napier's second season.
#5 in the SECe and #9 SEC Overall, with W/L somewhere in the 7-5 to 5-7 range.

With the league tapping heavily into the transfer portal in search for its next star at quarterback, several programs could be plugging in several options following subpar play. Come December, Billy Napier and Lane Kiffin, considered two of the brightest offensive minds in the country, might find that their transfer portal signal-callers did not pan out.

My guess would be the current QB at Ole Miss will still be the starter. It's crazy that one QB transferred there knowing that.
 
Last edited:
Here's a Swamp247 look at preseason SEC quarterback rankings, with an emphasis on whom we expect to start:


14. GRAHAM MERTZ, FLORIDA​

Right now, the buy-in price is low on Graham Mertz among other SEC projected starting quarterbacks this summer. The question you have to ask yourself is this: Is that a result of Florida's stock taking a nose dive under Billy Napier, who's at 5.5 projected wins this season, or are the jeers primarily aimed at Mertz and some of the inconsistencies as a passer shown at Wisconsin during three seasons as the Badgers' starter? Those at Florida aren't nearly as worried about Mertz and production at the quarterback position as others seem to be because the Gators are going to rely on their offensive line and backfield to handle much of the load. At his best, Mertz could be a 20-touchdown guy. And that would mean Florida gets back to bowl season.

No wonder he's Nappy's 1st choice over 3-30 Miller and the totally unused Brown..... 🙄

 
  • Like
Reactions: Gator Fever
Here's a Swamp247 look at preseason SEC quarterback rankings, with an emphasis on whom we expect to start:


14. GRAHAM MERTZ, FLORIDA​

Right now, the buy-in price is low on Graham Mertz among other SEC projected starting quarterbacks this summer. The question you have to ask yourself is this: Is that a result of Florida's stock taking a nose dive under Billy Napier, who's at 5.5 projected wins this season, or are the jeers primarily aimed at Mertz and some of the inconsistencies as a passer shown at Wisconsin during three seasons as the Badgers' starter? Those at Florida aren't nearly as worried about Mertz and production at the quarterback position as others seem to be because the Gators are going to rely on their offensive line and backfield to handle much of the load. At his best, Mertz could be a 20-touchdown guy. And that would mean Florida gets back to bowl season.

No wonder he's Nappy's 1st choice over 3-30 Miller and the totally unused Brown..... 🙄


Damn he has Mertz dead last in the SEC. Not sure where Mertz falls at the end of the season. My guess is he is from #11 to #14. Not sure if he is better than Vandy's or Missouri's QB or not and I would probably lean to that Auburn transfer being a little better than him but that team may be a mess again.
 
Damn he has Mertz dead last in the SEC. Not sure where Mertz falls at the end of the season. My guess is he is from #11 to #14. Not sure if he is better than Vandy's or Missouri's QB or not and I would probably lean to that Auburn transfer being a little better than him but that team may be a mess again.
I guess I'm the only one not stressing over Mertz being at #14. Like I have said give me 15-22 with 250 yards passing and maybe 2-3 touchdowns with limiting the turnovers. Let the running backs and defense do their jobs. Maybe score 28-31 points and win some ballgames.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nicktheslick
I guess I'm the only one not stressing over Mertz being at #14. Like I have said give me 15-22 with 250 yards passing and maybe 2-3 touchdowns with limiting the turnovers. Let the running backs and defense do their jobs. Maybe score 28-31 points and win some ballgames.

You really think Mertz can give us an average of 250 yards a game with 2+ passing TDs in our non joke games? I kind of doubt it myself and think teams might have it a little easier defending the run not having to worry about a real mobile QB. I hope Mertz surprises me though.
 
I guess I'm the only one not stressing over Mertz being at #14. Like I have said give me 15-22 with 250 yards passing and maybe 2-3 touchdowns with limiting the turnovers. Let the running backs and defense do their jobs. Maybe score 28-31 points and win some ballgames.

TT, that's about as likely as the Gators winning the NC in 2023 imoho.....

Mertz career
= 38 TDs, 7.0 Yds/Att, 26 INTs, 49 sacks for - 322 Yds - Career QB Rate 127.7
Rushing - Att 125 -21 Yds, -0.17 YPC, 8 rushing TDs, Fum ???

2022 - 164 of 286 57.3% for 2,136 Yds, (178 Yd/Gm) 19 TD's (1.6 TD/Gm), 10 Ints, QBR 52.9
Rushing - 50 for -40 Yds, -0.8 ypc, 2 TD's, LPF's ???

And he didn't put up even those below average stats vs SEC Defenses.....
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Gator Fever
TT, that's about as likely as the Gators winning the NC in 2023 imoho.....

Mertz career
= 38 TDs, 7.0 Yds/Att, 26 INTs, 49 sacks for - 322 Yds - Career QB Rate 127.7
Rushing - Att 125 -21 Yds, -0.17 YPC, 8 rushing TDs, Fum ???

2022 - 164 of 286 57.3% for 2,136 Yds, (178 Yd/Gm) 19 TD's (1.6 TD/Gm), 10 Ints, QBR 52.9
Rushing - 50 for -40 Yds, -0.8 ypc, 2 TD's, LPF's ???

And he didn't put up even those below average stats vs SEC Defenses.....
I'm not sold on Mertz either. But in his defense Wisky had 0 receivers and 0 running backs drafted from those 3 years he was starting QB. They did have 1 TE drafted and 3 offensive lineman during his 3 years as starter. Heck, Wisky didn't even have a player drafted in the first round the past 3 years. Again, I do not think he's the answer, but he will be surrounded by much better talent.
 
The Gator RB's had the advantage of a running QB in 2022 to keep the opposing defenses wary of keying on the RB's, which they won't have with Mertz or Miller in 2023.

2021-22 QB-dt Max Brown - OK 3A 13-1 Runner Up and voted the 3A MVP over the State Champ QB.

Passing 167 of 235, 71.1% for 2,750 yds, 16.5 Yds/Att, 196.4 Gm, 41 TD's, 4 Ints, Rate 142.6

Rushing 173 for 1,342 yds, 7.8 ypc, 95.9 Yds/Gm, 20 TD's, Zero Fumbles. (those are 5-star RB numbers)

Combined = 71.1% passing, 7.8 ypc running, with 61 TD's to 4 TO's.....


But Billy thinks that Mertz is the better choice, because he sucked for 3 years at Wis.
While 3-30 Miller is his experienced choice for the backup.

WTF-over???? 🙄
 
TT, that's about as likely as the Gators winning the NC in 2023 imoho.....

Mertz career
= 38 TDs, 7.0 Yds/Att, 26 INTs, 49 sacks for - 322 Yds - Career QB Rate 127.7
Rushing - Att 125 -21 Yds, -0.17 YPC, 8 rushing TDs, Fum ???

2022 - 164 of 286 57.3% for 2,136 Yds, (178 Yd/Gm) 19 TD's (1.6 TD/Gm), 10 Ints, QBR 52.9
Rushing - 50 for -40 Yds, -0.8 ypc, 2 TD's, LPF's ???

And he didn't put up even those below average stats vs SEC Defenses.....
I'm just trying to stay positive and not a negative Nancy.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: instaGATOR
You really think Mertz can give us an average of 250 yards a game with 2+ passing TDs in our non joke games? I kind of doubt it myself and think teams might have it a little easier defending the run not having to worry about a real mobile QB. I hope Mertz surprises me though.

I wield shout this until you actually look up the real numbers.

Anthony Richardson wasn't a running QB.

You know why, you pessimistic weirdo? Because he didn't ACTUALLY run.

He would break some big rubs, but in the context of the offense? Didn't run.

Read option? Nah let my RB deal with it.

He wasn't a good passer either.

But you can't fathom that because stat-wise, sure, he had rushing yards. Look them up.

It's pathetic. If Mertz at some point had the passing stats of Richardson you'd lose your mind, but break a random 80 yard run, then average it out, you think he actually made the run game better.

You, insta, and Jeff either didn't watch the games or you legitimately have no idea what you're watching.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PacoGator19
I wield shout this until you actually look up the real numbers.

Anthony Richardson wasn't a running QB.

You know why, you pessimistic weirdo? Because he didn't ACTUALLY run.

He would break some big rubs, but in the context of the offense? Didn't run.

Read option? Nah let my RB deal with it.

He wasn't a good passer either.

But you can't fathom that because stat-wise, sure, he had rushing yards. Look them up.

It's pathetic. If Mertz at some point had the passing stats of Richardson you'd lose your mind, but break a random 80 yard run, then average it out, you think he actually made the run game better.

You, insta, and Jeff either didn't watch the games or you legitimately have no idea what you're watching.

Name me all the SEC QBs that had an average of around 55 yards a game rushing. I might be forgetting someone but would be surprised if more than 2 other SEC QBs had that many yards or more and Kiffin runs his QB a lot. I know he was purposely not running to keep the hits down apparently. Hopefully Mertz surprises but nothing in his past points to him stepping up and giving us the 265 yards a game we got from Richardson. I doubt we get a 250+ passing game average out of him in our non-joke games. I doubt our rushing game gets much more than last year in those games either though it was a decent rushing game from the RBs last year. I don't see Mertz passing game making the defense have to respect it enough to make it adjust their rushing defense and now they don't have to worry about the QB getting loose for a huge gain.
 
I wield shout this until you actually look up the real numbers.

Anthony Richardson wasn't a running QB.

You know why, you pessimistic weirdo? Because he didn't ACTUALLY run.

He would break some big rubs, but in the context of the offense? Didn't run.

Read option? Nah let my RB deal with it.

He wasn't a good passer either.

But you can't fathom that because stat-wise, sure, he had rushing yards. Look them up.

It's pathetic. If Mertz at some point had the passing stats of Richardson you'd lose your mind, but break a random 80 yard run, then average it out, you think he actually made the run game better.

You, insta, and Jeff either didn't watch the games or you legitimately have no idea what you're watching.
Agree with this completely. He was a running QB that didn't like to run.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PacoGator19
Agree with this completely. He was a running QB that didn't like to run.

Yep it hurt us a few games. If he was an aggressive runner he probably has close to a 1,000 yards. The RBs would have got a little less but we would have had more overall. Miller can actually run a little bit but he is a bigger liability passing wise than Mertz it appears.
 
Yep it hurt us a few games. If he was an aggressive runner he probably has close to a 1,000 yards. The RBs would have got a little less but we would have had more overall. Miller can actually run a little bit but he is a bigger liability passing wise than Mertz it appears.
I got bored watching him almost always hand off to the running back on the zone reads. His rushing average was inflated by some long broken runs. Great athlete for sure.
 
I got bored watching him almost always hand off to the running back on the zone reads. His rushing average was inflated by some long broken runs. Great athlete for sure.

I just think our good talent is too young this year to see any offensive improvement. Even with a defense that should move up a lot from that # 100 area I don't think the offense will translate that to more wins. Mertz is likely to have more than 210 yards passing a game but not enough to improve the offense much imo. We have to hope the O line stays mostly injury free or things could possibly get pretty ugly. Napier and Mertz can make believers out of me if they can go 8-4 somehow.
 
I just think our good talent is too young this year to see any offensive improvement. Even with a defense that should move up a lot from that # 100 area I don't think the offense will translate that to more wins. Mertz is likely to have more than 210 yards passing a game but not enough to improve the offense much imo. We have to hope the O line stays mostly injury free or things could possibly get pretty ugly. Napier and Mertz can make believers out of me if they can go 8-4 somehow.
Could be a long season for sure. As tough as our schedule is, there is only one team that has us majorly outgunned and that is GA.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gator Fever
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest posts

ADVERTISEMENT