Florida Gators recruiting mailbag: October 5th edition

The Florida Gators recruiting efforts have gained momentum with a nice start to the season as they look to build on that in the LSU game this coming Saturday for homecoming.

Prospects have started their season already so they’re in season mode but also continuing through the recruiting process.

Gator Country’s members have a lot of questions about how the 2018 class will shake out and who are the top prospects that the Gators are still after.

We answer your questions in this week’s Florida Gators recruiting mailbag.

Well let’s dive right in to this week’s recruiting mailbag:

 

Diesel350z: How many linebackers are we taking this year and how are the main targets?

AS: One to two more linebackers, plus David Reese has been the plan and I think will remain the plan unless something happens where Ventrell Miller and James Houston do not come back. In that case they could for more bodies there and maybe even a JUCO linebacker. You can’t have the same depth issues next year as you do this year.

 

Mikegator10: Are our linebacker targets good in pass coverage or are they more of the bigger “thumper” guys in the middle?

AS: Reese is a guy that is very athletic who has played safety, defensive end, linebacker so he can cover guys. Channing Tindall is a guy that can do it all and be good at it. Tindall is guy that will play in the NFL and be a three down linebacker.

 

Babablkshp: How do things sit with Jamarr Chase? Does LSU’s trouble push him as a stronger Florida commit?

AS: Florida is in good shape with Chase and that has in large part due to his relationship with Tim Skipper and his relationship with Matt Corral. Skipper has done a great job with him and his family and LSU losing like they’re only helps the Gators.

 

Macbgator: Who are our potential recruits for Place Kicker?

AS: Thomas Burks from Tennessee and Connor Davis are the guys that Florida is focusing on and both will be in Gainesville on Saturday. The big thing is the Gators are waiting to hear what Eddy Pineiro does after this year.

 

Heights112: With the de-commit train rolling in from Tenn, who is a possibility for the Gators?

AS: Right now, it doesn’t look like Florida will go after any of those guys except for JUCO defensive lineman Dorian Gerald. Gerald hasn’t decomitted from Tennessee but is looking at Florida and South Carolina and the Gators will likely get an official visit from him.

 

Kdm: How likely is it that we get a commit at or after the LSU game? Is there anybody that might realistically pop this weekend?

AS: I don’t see a commit happening this weekend but anytime a kid visits, it’s possible. Most of the 2018 guys visiting Florida this weekend are looking to wait awhile to make a decision as well.

 

Southcolgator: Are you concerned about our defensive tackle recruiting? How many do you expect we want and what does our board look like?

AS: Not just defensive tackle recruiting but defensive line recruiting in general is down this year. Florida has just defensive end Taylor Upshaw committed right now but the Gators do have a lot of young depth at defensive tackle so they only need one or two this year. Defensive end on the other hand, the Gators need to add at least one more body there this year.

 

UFsports24_7: Do you see us taking more defensive backs? Not including guys named Surtain/Campbell because they are automatic takes.

AS: Yes, I see Florida taking at least one more defensive back this year but as you say Surtain and Campbell have spots no matter what.

 

UFsports24_7: I know you have said before that you see Randy Russel as a nickel, has your opinion changed after his impressive senior year so far?

AS: I don’t doubt Russell’s ability to play safety at all and I think he very could end up playing there full time at Florida but right now, I see him making an impact at nickel next year. Now if the struggles of the safeties continue than who knows. Russell is a really good player no matter where he plays.

 

UFsports24_7: Do you see us taking 4 or 5 offensive linemen with the possibility of Telfort being booted?

AS: Four is likely the number this year and it should be four really good players with the guys looking hard at Florida. The key is getting at least two tackle prospects in this class and maybe even three because the depth there is low.

 

 

UFsports24_7: Is David Reese a linebacker or defensive end at the college level?

AS: More of a hybrid guy like a Jeremiah Moon who can rush the passer but also play in space.

 

Juggernautz:  Any chance that we’ll offer Matt Corral’s teammate, Jalen Hall?

AS: Right now, I lean towards no for several reasons and I think he’s going to USC.

 

G8trsnapper: The LSU visitor list is impressive but that is primarily because 11 of our current 2018 commits are on the list along with many of our 2019 commits. When you look at recruiting targets for this year there are not many. Outside of LB targets Channing Tindall, Richard Jibunor and Otis Reese we don’t have any real 2018 prospects coming. Pat Surtain and Tyson Campbell are going to the UM/FSU game and I don’t see any Of our offensive line, defensive line or defensive back targets on the list. Will we be able to get our big targets at the game.

AS: You always see the list expand throughout the week and I expect that to happen again this week. Richard Gouraige will likely visit but guys like William Barnes and Ed Montilus have practice so they’re maybe’s right now. It will be a good group of recruits though.

 

Kcflagator: Not including Mac, who is the best recruiter on Florida’s coaching staff in your opinion?

AS: Tim Skipper has been the best since he arrived at Florida and JaJuan Seider has done a great job since he arrived this spring. The two of them have really put Florida recruiting up there with the others. They’re recruiting against tough competition and winning.

 

Coky12: Have commits Corey Gammage or Jalynn Williams visited Florida home games this season? If no, are they scheduled to visit?

AS: Neither have visited this year but Williams says he will visit Florida this weekend.

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.