It’s time to turn the page from 2015 to 2016 for the Florida Gators in recruiting and what better way to start the class of 2016 then with an outlook on what head coach Jim McElwain and his staff need in 2016.
This is going to be a two part series as I’ll first start on the offensive side of the ball and then move to the defensive side of the ball.
These are the numbers that I believe Florida needs to hit and are not necessarily reflected of what McElwain and his staff have in mind but usually these number goals translate from one coaching staff to another.
Anyway let’s dive right in.
Quarterback
Number needed: Florida needs one in this class, unless someone transfers, then Florida would need two in this class.
Players to watch out for:
K.J. Costello (6-4, 217, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Santa Margarita Catholic) is considered the Gators top quarterback in the class. Costello has Stanford as his leader but he’s very high on offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.
Dwayne Haskins Jr. (6-2, 188, Potomac, MD Bullis School) has visited Florida twice already but Ohio State seems to be the front runner. Florida needs to get him back down on a visit.
Jack Allison (6-5, 181, Palmetto, FL High) doesn’t have an offer from Florida yet and is committed to Miami. Florida will visit him this spring to evaluate him more.
Instate talent: The instate depth of talent at quarterback is about average compared to most years. There are a lot of good players but not one dominant instate guy in Florida.
Running back
Number needed: one is the number that makes the most sense unless transfers happen or Kelvin Taylor goes pro early.
Players to watch out for:
Elijah Holyfield (5-10, 195, College Park, GA Woodward Academy) is the son of former boxer Evander Holyfield and was just offered by Florida in January. Right now Georgia is in good position for Holyfield but the running back says he will visit Florida.
Robert Washington (5-9, 215, Huntersville, NC Southlake Christian Academy) is good friends with quarterback Will Grier and Washington has already visited Florida once. If Florida pushes hard for Washington then the Gators have a good shot here.
Tony Jones (5-11, 210, Bradenton, FL IMG Academy) Jones is a guy that the past staff slowed play, so it will be interesting to see if Florida pushes hard for Jones because the talented back loves Florida.
Instate talent: The last two years have been loaded in state for running backs but 2016 isn’t as great but there are still a lot good players instate but not one dominant guy so far in Florida.
Wide receiver
Number needed: Florida could use three receivers in the class of 2016 and possibly even four.
Players to watch out for:
Nate Craig-Myers (6-2, 198, Tampa, FL Catholic) is regarded as the number one receiver in the country and he’s also good friends with D’Anfernee McGriff, who just signed with Florida. Myers has also received multiple visits from the new coaching staff this year as he’s a top priority for Florida. Myers is an Auburn commit so it will be a challenge to get him to flip.
Dredrick Snelson (5-11, 194, Plantation, FL American Heritage) has been talking about Florida ever since Jim McElwain arrived and Snelson shows it on Twitter. Snelson has visited Florida in the past so getting back on campus will go along way.
Sam Bruce (5-8, 178, Fort Lauderdale, FL St. Thomas Aquinas) is best friends with Jordan Scarlett, who just signed with Florida, and the two even live with each other a lot. Bruce is committed to Miami but Florida has a fighting chance here.
Instate talent: It’s a toss up between the receiver position and defensive backs as far as which position is best the year but the receiver position is absolutely loaded instate and Florida should have no problem here.
Tight end
Number needed: This isn’t a position where Florida has to have one in this class but they could take one tight end for 2016.
Players to watch out for:
Mark Birmingham (6-3, 230, Ashburn, VA Briar Woods) is committed to Duke but he has visited Florida once last summer. He’s a name to watch moving forward.
Jacob Mathis (6-4, 212, Tampa, FL Berkeley Prep) was a regular at Florida last year but the question is whether or not he can play tight end or if is he a big receiver. That’s a question that has to be answered by the new staff.
Instate talent: Tight end is hardly ever a great position in Florida and 2016 is no different.
Offensive line
Number needed: Florida needs to continue to build up the position so adding 4-5 offensive linemen next year is a must.
Players to watch out for:
E.J. Price (6-6, 290, Lawrenceville, GA Central Gwinnett) has visited Florida multiple times already because he’s friends with Adonis Thomas — his former teammate. Will Price follow Thomas to Alabama? That is the question.
Clark Yarbrough (6-6, 268, Woodberry Forest, VA High) is a Florida legacy as his grandfather graduated at Florida. Yarbrough has a great relationship with offensive line coach Mike Summers.
Parker Boudreaux (6-4, 278, Orlando, FL Bishop Moore) was very excited about his offer to Florida and plans to visit Florida soon. Notre Dame and Clemson are two teams to watch but the Gators will be in this.
Instate talent: Florida has a lot of good offensive linemen for 2016 and it should be a good year for the Gators to pick up a handful of good prospects in state.
Next up on Tuesday will be the defensive side of the ball.
Thanks…Love some of the inroads already developed with coach…a full year to recruit and a decent season will obviously go a long ways with these kids. Already stoked on some of these kids.
Robert Washington (5-19, 215, Huntersville, NC Southlake Christian Academy)
Gotta like a guy that is 5-19.
STPGATOR- Not sure about getting him as a QB. When you do the math it works out to 6’7″, 215…Might want to try him at WR for jump balls in the endzone ;)