This is all solely my opinion here. Weighing in on the rankings include talent, interest in UF, and position of need.
The list is obviously subject to change, but here is my current top 18 for the Gators in the Class of '18.
1. William Barnes (OL) 6’4” , 289-pounds
o REASON: In my opinion, Barnes is the top offensive line prospect in the state and should be pushing five-star status. He is extremely versatile on the line, as he could play tackle or guard at an elite level. He is very strong, shows off excellent footwork and athleticism, and plays with a needed mean streak.
o TRENDING:Florida should feel great about their chances here. North Carolina is a threat, as well as Florida State, but the Gators seem to have a rather large lead.
2. Tyreke Johnson (DB) 6’1” , 177-pounds
o REASON: If Florida wants to continue their reputation for being DBU, Johnson is the type of player they need to reel in. He can play anywhere in the secondary at an elite level, showing off impressive athleticism, great footwork, and elite physicality as a corner or a safety.
o TRENDING:This recruitment is sure to have twist and turns all the way till signing day. As of now it seems Johnson wants to head out of state, with UCLA, USC and Georgia being major threats. But Florida is a school that has come on strong recently.
3. Joe Milton (QB) 6’5” , 210-pounds
o REASON: Although Milton may be raw from a mechanics standpoint, his arm and athletic ability are impossible to ignore. While the staff may want to evaluate Milton further, it seems inevitable he gets an offer sooner rather than later. He has too much potential to pass up on, containing elite throwing power and zip, very good pocket mobility, and solid accuracy.
o TRENDING: If Florida offers, they will likely become huge favorites to land Milton’s commitment. If the staff trusts Milton’s ability to read a defense down the line, this one should be wrapped up in the next few months.
4. Cleveland Reed (OL) 6’4” , 296-pounds
o REASON: Florida is in need of a talent overhaul at the guard position, and Reed would be just that. Reed is nasty on the field, showing a relentless motor when engaging in blocks. He plays very strong on the field, while also looking fluid when he is pulling or getting to the second level. He would be one of the more talented interior lineman on Florida’s roster as soon as he stepped foot on campus.
o TRENDING: UF should feel great about their standing with Reed currently. It helps that he recently transferred to a Gator friendly school in Lakeland High.
5. Jacob Copeland (WR) 6’1” , 188-pounds
o REASON: If there is one recruit for 2018 Jim McElwain has personally taken a liking to, it is Copeland. The Gators staff has been after him hard for a few years now. Copeland is a well put together receiver, with plus athleticism, solid route running ability, and a knack for getting up field in a hurry when he gets the ball in his hands.
o TRENDING: Florida is very high on his list, primarily due to how hard McElwain and staff have recruited him. Clemson, Auburn and Miami will continue to fight UF here, but the Gators have to be the favorite.
6. Amari Burney (S) 6’1” , 201-pounds
o REASON: While Florida signed a solid safety class in 2017, the need for more talent at the position is strong. Burney offers major potential at either safety spot, where he has the size of a strong safety, but the athleticism and instincts of a free safety.
o TRENDING: Florida seems to have a solid lead on Ohio State, but a visit to Ohio State could change things. He is looking to commit early.
7. Mark Pope (WR) 6’1” , 162-pounds
o REASON: Pope looks to be the best receiver in the Sunshine State. Pope is fluid and crisp in his routes, shows elite speed, and also shows elite hands when catching the ball. If he wasn’t heavily leaning towards Miami, Pope would have been in the top 5 on this list.
o TRENDING:Miami seems to be the heavy favorite, with Alabama nudging out Florida for second place currently. The Gators will need to step up their effort if they want this elite receiver.
8. Malcolm Lamar (DE) 6’5” , 256-pounds
o REASON: Lamar’s versatility on the defensive line makes him an intriguing prospect. He has the motor of a defensive end, but his size looks to support 300+ pounds if he wanted to focus on becoming a tackle. That ability to move along the line makes Lamar a big need for this class.
o TRENDING:Florida is in great shape for Lamar, as he has admitted they were his leader in the past. Alabama is coming after him hard, which any program should always be leery of.
9. Warren Thompson (WR) 6’4” , 185-pounds
o REASON: A physical specimen with room to grow, Thompson has major potential at the next level. He moves well for a taller receiver, has solid athleticism, and is sure handed. He would have early impact potential at UF, as not many players on their roster have his size and athletic ability.
o TRENDING:This is an in-state school battle between UF, Miami and Florida State. If history tells you anything, it is that Florida should feel good about an Armwood prospect.
The list is obviously subject to change, but here is my current top 18 for the Gators in the Class of '18.
1. William Barnes (OL) 6’4” , 289-pounds
o REASON: In my opinion, Barnes is the top offensive line prospect in the state and should be pushing five-star status. He is extremely versatile on the line, as he could play tackle or guard at an elite level. He is very strong, shows off excellent footwork and athleticism, and plays with a needed mean streak.
o TRENDING:Florida should feel great about their chances here. North Carolina is a threat, as well as Florida State, but the Gators seem to have a rather large lead.
2. Tyreke Johnson (DB) 6’1” , 177-pounds
o REASON: If Florida wants to continue their reputation for being DBU, Johnson is the type of player they need to reel in. He can play anywhere in the secondary at an elite level, showing off impressive athleticism, great footwork, and elite physicality as a corner or a safety.
o TRENDING:This recruitment is sure to have twist and turns all the way till signing day. As of now it seems Johnson wants to head out of state, with UCLA, USC and Georgia being major threats. But Florida is a school that has come on strong recently.
3. Joe Milton (QB) 6’5” , 210-pounds
o REASON: Although Milton may be raw from a mechanics standpoint, his arm and athletic ability are impossible to ignore. While the staff may want to evaluate Milton further, it seems inevitable he gets an offer sooner rather than later. He has too much potential to pass up on, containing elite throwing power and zip, very good pocket mobility, and solid accuracy.
o TRENDING: If Florida offers, they will likely become huge favorites to land Milton’s commitment. If the staff trusts Milton’s ability to read a defense down the line, this one should be wrapped up in the next few months.
4. Cleveland Reed (OL) 6’4” , 296-pounds
o REASON: Florida is in need of a talent overhaul at the guard position, and Reed would be just that. Reed is nasty on the field, showing a relentless motor when engaging in blocks. He plays very strong on the field, while also looking fluid when he is pulling or getting to the second level. He would be one of the more talented interior lineman on Florida’s roster as soon as he stepped foot on campus.
o TRENDING: UF should feel great about their standing with Reed currently. It helps that he recently transferred to a Gator friendly school in Lakeland High.
5. Jacob Copeland (WR) 6’1” , 188-pounds
o REASON: If there is one recruit for 2018 Jim McElwain has personally taken a liking to, it is Copeland. The Gators staff has been after him hard for a few years now. Copeland is a well put together receiver, with plus athleticism, solid route running ability, and a knack for getting up field in a hurry when he gets the ball in his hands.
o TRENDING: Florida is very high on his list, primarily due to how hard McElwain and staff have recruited him. Clemson, Auburn and Miami will continue to fight UF here, but the Gators have to be the favorite.
6. Amari Burney (S) 6’1” , 201-pounds
o REASON: While Florida signed a solid safety class in 2017, the need for more talent at the position is strong. Burney offers major potential at either safety spot, where he has the size of a strong safety, but the athleticism and instincts of a free safety.
o TRENDING: Florida seems to have a solid lead on Ohio State, but a visit to Ohio State could change things. He is looking to commit early.
7. Mark Pope (WR) 6’1” , 162-pounds
o REASON: Pope looks to be the best receiver in the Sunshine State. Pope is fluid and crisp in his routes, shows elite speed, and also shows elite hands when catching the ball. If he wasn’t heavily leaning towards Miami, Pope would have been in the top 5 on this list.
o TRENDING:Miami seems to be the heavy favorite, with Alabama nudging out Florida for second place currently. The Gators will need to step up their effort if they want this elite receiver.
8. Malcolm Lamar (DE) 6’5” , 256-pounds
o REASON: Lamar’s versatility on the defensive line makes him an intriguing prospect. He has the motor of a defensive end, but his size looks to support 300+ pounds if he wanted to focus on becoming a tackle. That ability to move along the line makes Lamar a big need for this class.
o TRENDING:Florida is in great shape for Lamar, as he has admitted they were his leader in the past. Alabama is coming after him hard, which any program should always be leery of.
9. Warren Thompson (WR) 6’4” , 185-pounds
o REASON: A physical specimen with room to grow, Thompson has major potential at the next level. He moves well for a taller receiver, has solid athleticism, and is sure handed. He would have early impact potential at UF, as not many players on their roster have his size and athletic ability.
o TRENDING:This is an in-state school battle between UF, Miami and Florida State. If history tells you anything, it is that Florida should feel good about an Armwood prospect.
Last edited by a moderator:
