Florida Gators recruiting mailbag: August 25th edition

Gator Country’s popular Florida Gators recruiting mailbag is back to its weekly spot on Thursday’s as we answer your recruiting questions.

The Gators recruiting class is off to a great start in 2017 and look to be setting their selves up for another top class.

This week members had a lot of questions on the status of the Class of 2017 and we answer your questions here.

Remember to get your questions in on Tuesday for the Florida Gators recruiting mailbag each week.

 

Year_of_the-gator: Is Adarius Lemons, in fact, committed to Florida?

AS: Yes, it was just a big misunderstanding and things are worked out. As has been reported, Lemons got into trouble at school and he needs to get things fixed off the field but he’s a commit.

 

Juggernautz: Following up on year’s post above, are there any good running backs in the junior college ranks that we may look at?

AS: Florida is done at running back with Adarius Lemons in the class, plus Florida doesn’t need a junior college back this year. Florida has Lamical Perine, Jordan Scarlett and Jordan Cronkrite already so they don’t need a JUCO guy.

 

Juggernautz: Which state other than the obvious should we concentrate more on recruiting wise?

AS: Florida has done a good job of recruiting Georgia and Alabama under Jim McElwain so far and I believe that should continue. I do think that Florida will try to get more involved in the Carolina’s again but with Will Muschamp and Clemson there it will be tough.

 

Juggernautz: Do you think Steve Spurrier will dip his hand into our recruiting?

AS: No, Spurrier wasn’t very fond of recruiting much when he was at South Carolina so I don’t think he will do that at Florida. I mean the coaches may introduce kids to him and have him talk to them but that would be about it.

 

Madgator84: What’s really up with Alex Leatherwood? He says all the right things when talking about Florida but do you think we really have a shot here? Looking at the offensive line he’d have to know he could be a difference maker here right away.

AS: I think Florida runs second when he says that but the biggest issue is that he has missed two straight planned visits to Gainesville. Leatherwood sees the need and playing time in Gainesville but also sees that Alabama is promising him to do the same, as they will lose a tackle this year. This recruitment will go until Leatherwood enrolls in school in January.

 

Jacobrenda: Update on receiver recruits?

AS: Florida is still focusing in on Donovan Peoples-Jones right now. Peoples-Jones is scheduled to visit this fall for a game and for an official visit and his recruitment will go down to the wire between Florida and Michigan.

 

Gatorcop: Any offensive lineman that we are overlooking? And do we take 2 JUCO offensive linemen?

AS: I don’t think Florida is really overlooking any linemen right now as they’re keeping an eye on everyone. I expect the staff to watch film of guys after the few games and then decide whether to offer or not. I think Florida only takes one JUCO offensive lineman unless two just really show out. It also depends on whether or not they get Leatherwood. Leatherwood is an instant impact guy.

 

Ufgatordad: I think it’s easy to look at Toryque Bateman’s size and question the staff not offering, but does his lack of an offer simply come down to him not proving be good enough as shown at the camps he has attended?

AS: I think Florida liked what they seen from him but want to see it backed up in game film this fall. Bateman likes Florida a lot so they have to be ready to take him when they offer him. I think the first few games are big for Bateman.

 

Ufgatordad: How do you feel like we are coming with the 2018 class? Any idea when the first recruit may come and who that might be? Can you throw out a few names that we lead for in that class?

AS: The class of 2018 is going well for Florida despite not having a commit yet, they’re in good shape with several guys already. Some names to remember there are quarterback Artur Sitkowski, running back Lorenzo Lingard, offensive lineman Reuben Unije and receiver Warren Thompson.

 

Barberrian: Anyone not being talked about that we are recruiting? Like a surprise on signing day that no one would expect to see in this class possibly?

AS: Those guys usually pop during the season after the staff is able to evaluate senior film so we’re a little early for that. One name that I know who says he talks to Florida that we don’t mention much is linebacker Levi Jones (6-3, 215, Austin, TX. Westlake) who plans to visit Florida this fall. Jones wants to leave the state for school.

 

Gator_nica: Any possibility that Florida goes after a Fullback? Is there a need for one?

AS: Coach Mac uses his h-back in place of the fullback so I don’t see the Gators going after one.

 

Haljordan: Real possibility at getting Aubrey Solomon?

AS: Florida has ground to make up on Solomon and also a decision whether or not to go after him hard with the likes Fred Hansard and Tyrone Truesdell still high on the board. Georgia is a school to watch with Solomon right now.

 

Gators1120001: Do you see Elijah Blades in the class come signing day?

AS: Yes, I do. He has said that Florida was a school he wanted to attend from day one and he also has a great relationship with Tim Skipper and the Gators staff.

 

MrB-Gator: How many defensive tackles do we take?
We have Scott and Edwards and I’m assuming one more?

AS: Right now it seems like the number is going to be four with the loss of Thomas Holley and Andrew Ivie this fall.

 

Msgator1981: Any update on Brad Stewart?

AS: He just decided to push his decision back but the Gators are still right in the mix here. Stewart doesn’t have a decision date in mind at this time.

 

Ufgatordad: What’s your take on Javier Edwards? Seems to be that one guy in the class that is somewhat of an unknown. Do you feel that he is just a filler in the class for now, or does the staff really like his stuff and see him as a contributor right away like you’d expect from a JC DT?

AS: Edwards said that defensive line coach Chris Rumph watched him this spring and then offered him so Rumph had to like what he seen from him. From talking to a few people out in Texas who know him they’ve all told me that his game has never been a question but rather his work ethic and academics. I think Edwards is a guy who can contribute next year in Gainesville but how much is something that is a question mark right now.

 

Macbgator: What does our linebacker recruiting board look like???

AS: As I mentioned above Jones is someone on the board as is Rahyme Johnson who is good friends with Blades. Both prospects say they will visit this fall.

 

Kdm: Are there any recruits scheduled to come to the first game yet , and what do you think will be the first big recruiting weekend?

AS: Defensive tackle Tyrone Truesdell has said he will be at the first game but besides that, I haven’t asked prospects yet. I usually ask prospects on Sunday or Monday if they’re attending the first game so I should have a list up early next week.

 

Bso44: If the Gator’s offense turns a corner this year and shows off a more balanced attack, who are the recruits that you feel are watching us the most this season? As a result, who do you see committing because our offense excels?

AS: The two biggest names here would have to be Alex Leatherwood and Donovan Peoples-Jones. This will really play a role with the class of 2018 if they’re able to show off a good offense in 2018.

 

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.