Gator Country

Now that Vernon Macklin has transferred from Georgetown to Florida, the Gators will have to re-evaluate their recruiting priorities for 2009, the year that Macklin becomes eligible after sitting the mandatory year required by the NCAA. With Macklin (6-9, 230) and 2009 commit Erik Murphy (6-11, 220, Southborough, MA St. Mark's School) adding to an already impressive roster of bigs, the Gators are likely to be focus in on pure points or combo guards that are as comfortable on the wing as they are the point.

With the transfer of Jonathan Mitchell and Marreese Speights going to the NBA, the Gators will have 13 on the scholarship roster for 2008-09 although only 12 will suit up for games. Walter Hodge will graduate and that opens up the scholarship for Murphy in 2009. Figure there will be attrition of some sorts --- transfer or early entry to the NBA --- and at least one more spot will open up for 2009. No one would be surprised if an additional spot opens up, however, meaning that the Gators could end up with three freshman recruits for 2009.

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About the author

Franz Beard

Franz has been writing sports for 42 years in various outposts like Gainesville, Jacksonville, Savannah, Richmond and Miami. He's been writing for Gator Country since 1999 and has served as the site's managing editor since 2004. He is also a contributing writer to Gator Country Magazine.

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