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.
Ncargat1: Without picking on specific people or creating a “bash thread”, are there things that you have heard that Florida could do more of/better/differently off the field in recruiting in order to attract more elite high school players to Florida?
AS: I think the biggest thing is to push for commitments more but they’re doing it in the right way by trying to build relationships first. It’s a tough balance there and one that I’m sure Mac and his staff are looking at.
Ncargat1: Have you personally heard discussion of how significant the impact is on recruiting that Florida does not have the “facilities” that others have invested in, and what is the most important off-field improvement in that area do you believe Florida must commit to?
AS: Kids want to see all of the shiny stuff that other schools have but it’s getting fixed. It just takes time for Mac to get things built and it all starts with the football stand alone facility.
Thomadm: Now that Fred Hansard and Jordon Scott are out, who do you see us landing at defensive tackle?
AS: Tyrone Truesdell and Cory Durden are the two guys at the top of the board followed by the Gaddy twins who just recently decomitted from Tennessee. I’ll say right now they get Truesdell but that could change if the other guys visit.
Gatorgreg1: 1) with Ed Orgeron at LSU, do you think he keeps the coach that swings the DB that didn’t like the coach, our way? Not exactly sure if it was Grant Delpit or Brad Stewart.
2) any word on Navaughn Donaldson?
3) any new thoughts on our third receiver for this class?
4) Chances to flip Fred Hansard back? Aubrey Solomon?
AS: Brad Stewart was the guy and I don’t see him having much interest in LSU because of them keeping Corey Raymond. Grant Delpit is committed to them and I expect him to stay with the Tigers.
FSU has all of the momentum for Donaldson and I expect that if he flips it will now be to them.
James Robinson or Henry Ruggs are the two most likely guys for the third receiver. Right now I say it’s Robinson but I know Ruggs likes Florida a lot.
I don’t see Hansard flipping back and the Gators have got to find a way to get Solomon on campus for a visit. Nick Saban is going all out for Solomon now.
Bgator21: Is Jerry Jeudy still planning to visit Florida? What are our chances with him? Distance and playing time could be a factor.
AS: At last check Juedy was still planning to visit but I have my doubt that it actually happens. The kid is going to Alabama.
Macbgator: Are we recruiting another quarterback? If so who are the most likely prospects and our chances of getting another!!
AS: Florida is looking at all options at quarterback including guys transferring. We should have a better feel for this next week when the staff gets out on the road to actually recruit.
Juggernautz: 5-star DE Joshua Kaindoh decommitted from Maryland, any chance for us here?
> If we put a good show on in losing to Bama, would that help us in recruiting?
> Will the internet chatter about Oregon wanting Mac hurt us recruiting wise?
AS: Kaindoh isn’t coming to Florida and has never visited before.
A good showing against Alabama will absolutely help Florida because it’s a nationally televised game against the best.
No, Mac is ahead of the game and already telling recruits he isn’t going anywhere.
RVG: Honest opinion on UF’s chances to land Jarrett Stidham or Blake Barnett?
It seems that quarterback is the lynch pen for much of the offensive woes, and there does not seem to be much confidence in Franks or Trask. As @nickdelatorre says, If they were better than the starter, they would play. Which means they can’t beat out LDR /AA who have shown to be a sub-par QBs. That is not encouraging.
AS: I don’t see either one of them coming to Florida to be honest. I think Felipe Franks and Kyle Trask are good quarterbacks but they needed time to learn and grow. It’s tough for a true freshman to play in the SEC.
Mrgator: Why do you think that recruiting seems so more volatile for Florida but not for teams like Tennessee or Ole Miss who have worst records not just this year but consistently. Or is this just a false perception I have?
AS: Tennessee’s class sucks this year so you can’t really compare them and we all know what happens at Ole Miss. Florida is struggling some in recruiting but they still have time to manage a good class in 2017.
Gatorsfn1889: How many guys do we actually have room for? Does the staff expect any attrition? Thanks.
AS: I expect the class to be anywhere from 22-25 this year. Every year someone transfers out so I’m sure that will happen again this year.
McLeanti: Are we going after the Brandon/Breyon Gaddy twins?
AS: Yes, Florida is scheduled to visit them next week in hopes of setting up a visit to Florida in January. There are some grade concerns but the Gators believe they will qualify.
74gator: Any updates on OLs, Saadhid Charles, Stephon Zabie and Cesar Ruiz?
AS: Charles is locked in with LSU now that Ed Oregeon is the coach. Florida is still trying to get Zabie on a visit in January but he has lost a ton of weight since he didn’t play this year. Ruiz is heading to Michigan.