Saturday will be a big day in the Swamp not only for the football team and the seniors but also for the Florida Gators recruiting efforts in the south endzone of the stadium.
This being the last home game of the season the Gators staff have built this weekend up to be a big one for recruiting and the visitors list proves just that.
The Gators will host four guys on official visits this weekend, plus several unofficial visitors in the class of 2017, 2018 and even 2019.
Here’s the Florida Gators recruiting visitors list for this weekend
Official visitors
The Gators are expected to play host to four big official visitors on Saturday and with the noon kickoff the staff should get a lot of time around these guys.
Miami offensive line commit Navaughn Donaldson might be the biggest official visitor this week simply because of the position he plays. Donaldson’s pledge to Miami is shaky and the Gators offer immediate playing time for the big prospect out of Miami Central.
Receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones will be taking his third official visit this weekend and it’s to a team he grew up rooting for in the Gators. Peoples-Jones looks to be favoring Florida, Michigan and Ohio State right now and the Gators are hoping to boost their chances this weekend.
Gators JUCO defensive tackle commit Javier Edwards has been picking up a lot of interest lately and the Gators are hoping to put an end to any other teams chances this weekend. This will be Edwards first ever visit to Florida and the Gators are hoping it’s enough to keep his commitment.
Gators linebacker commit James Houston is the last official visitor and he’s coming off of an official visit to Nebraska two weeks ago. Houston looks to be solid commit to Florida but the Gators are hoping to end any flirtation with other schools this weekend.
Commits coming to town
The Gators are expected to host 11 of its commits on unofficial visits this weekend and those guys should be able to help recruit other targets.
Quarterback Jake Allen, cornerback Marco Wilson, 2019 defensive tackle Jaquaze Sorrells and receiver Daquon Green have all been frequent visitors to Gainesville and they’re planning on returning this weekend.
Offensive lineman Kadeem Telfort has been flirting with Miami lately but he’s expected to be in the Swamp on Saturday. The Gators are hoping to sure up his commitment while in town.
Newly committed running back Malik Davis will make his first trip to Gainesville as a commit this weekend. Tight end Zech Byrd and linebacker Ventrell Miller will be in town for their second game of the year as well.
Defensive end Zach Carter, defensive tackle Fred Hansard and defensive back Elijah Blades will all be making their first trip to town this weekend. Blades is hoping to catch his flight in time on Friday night but those plans could change.
Top 2017 targets visiting
The Gators have been trying to get several 2017 targets in town and it looks like a lot of those will be visiting on Saturday. Headlining that will be Alabama offensive line commit Alex Leatherwood who has the Gators in second place right now. Florida is trying to flip the early enrollee who sees early playing time in Gainesville.
Receiver Henry Ruggs will be in town for his first game this year and the Gators are battling Florida State and Alabama for his commitment.
Auburn athlete commit Tray Bishop has become a top target at safety for the Gators and Florida has his attention heading into the visit.
Defensive end Labryan Ray will be making the long drive from Alabama for his first game this year. The Gators are battling Alabama and Auburn for him.
Defensive end Markaviest Bryant has become one of the most sought after end’s in the country and he’s scheduled to be in town. Auburn and Georgia are the Gators toughest competition.
Offensive lineman Tony Gray is one of the linemen that the Gators are hoping to land on the offensive side of the ball and he’s scheduled to be in town for the first time on Saturday.
One of the most talked about prospects for Gators fans is receiver James Robinson and he’s scheduled to be in town on Saturday. The Gators are looking to turn up the heat on him.
Florida State defensive tackle commit Cory Durden will make his second trip to town on Saturday. The Gators are looking to flip the Florida State commit.
Offensive lineman K’Rojhn Calbert (6-6, 290, McMinnville, TN. Warren County) is looking to get an offer on Saturday. Calbert just picked up a Tennessee ofer.
Maybe the guy that is creating the most buzz this week is Louisville quarterback commit Malik Cunningham (6-0, 187, Montgomery, AL. Park Crossing) who will be in the Swamp on Saturday. Cunningham doesn’t have a Florida yet but he hopes to pick one up on Saturday.
2018 targets coming to town
Defensive end Malcolm Lamar (6-5, 250, Seffner, FL. Armwood)
Receiver Warren Thompson (6-4, 185, Seffner, FL. Armwood)
LSU safety commit Nadab Joseph (6-2, 173, Miami, FL. Edison)
Tight end Jarrett Jackson (6-4, 230, Palm Beach, FL. Gardens)
Athlete Amari Burney (6-2, 210, Clearwater, FL. Central Catholic)
Florida State running back commit James Cook (5-11, 190, Miami, FL. Central)
Receiver Jacob Copeland (6-1, 181, Pensacola, FL. Pine Forest)
Miami defensive back commit Gilbert Frierson (6-1, 185, Miami, FL. Coral Gables)
Miami defensive back commit D.J. Ivey (6-1, 180, Homestead, FL. South Dade)
Linebacker Quay Walker (6-3, 215, Cordele, GA. Crisp County)
Athlete K’Vaughan Pope (6-2, 210, Dinwiddie, VA. High)
Defensive end Kayode Oladele (6-3, 235, Miami, FL. Edison)
Offensive lineman Dylan Wonnum (6-5, 279, Tucker, GA. High)
Defensive end Xavier Thomas (6-3, 249, Florence, S.C. Wilson)
Tight end Will Mallory (6-5, 200, Jacksonville, FL. Providence)
2020 quarterback Harrison Bailey (6-3, 195, Marietta, GA. High)