Recruiting Mailbag

Q.) Any updates on Denzel Ware? I know we are making sure he is committed before accepting his commitment but how close are we to that?

A.) Florida wants to see Ware camp before going any further with him and right now Ware plans to visit Florida this summer.

Q.) Can you give us a list of who the top LB’s are on the board (and the chances for each)?

A.) Nyles Morgan-decent chance but need him to visit.

Clifton Garrett-he wants to play in the south and right now LSU and Florida are ahead.

Raekwon McMillan-Ohio State, Clemson and Alabama are ahead right now.

Q.) Does the coaching staff have certain criteria by position that determines who gets recruiting priority or just overall talent?

A.) The coaches watch film and go out and evaluate everyone but they do have a certain size or body type for each position.

Q.) Is Will Grier’s commitment having much of an impact on other recruits?

A.) Right now not really but he is out recruiting for Florida.

Q.) Predicted odds of landing Emron Lane?

A.) Less than 50% right now.

Q.) Who would you say, if any, is the #1 must have recruit on the Gators’ board?

A.) A top notch receiver is a huge need for Florida this year and also a top notch tight end.

Q.) Does Alabama’s success impact UF’s recruiting?

A.) Not as much as some would say. Florida is still going to get their guys but when Alabama offers it does get a prospects attention.

Q.) Do you feel there will be any really big surprises coming the Gators way?

A.)I think there very well could be a few guys that surprise a few people this year.

Q.) Are we going to offer Ira Denson?

A.) HAHAHAH our favorite question.

Q.) What’s the wr board look like this year?

A.) Ermon Lane, Travis Rudolph, Artavis Scott, Johnnie Dixon and KD Cannon are all guys to keep an eye on.

Q.) Is there any concern that we not only have fewer recruits than this time last year, but also that the majority we had at this time last year were “bigger” recruits as opposed to this year where the majority seem to be less sought after and unranked?

A.) Dalvin Cook and Will Grier are not big recruits? You have one of the best quarterbacks and running backs in the country committed, i’d say that’s huge. I think Florida is being more selective this year with taking guys but that will pick up more this summer.

Q.) Now Andrew, if you don’t mind I’d like to ask a question, how realistic do you believe it to be that Champ is able to add Bo Scarbrough to this class, along with Cook? Seems everyone has openly said it is a long-shot at best. However, as you’ve commented in the past, the interested in Bo hasn’t been one-way. Naturally, landing his cousin can only help and I hope we are able to maintain C’yontai’s commitment. It worries me a bit to hear him assert that Champ SAID as long as he remains committed we will not pursue any other TEs. What I feel isn’t getting enough attention is the fact rumor has it Bo isn’t being viewed as an every-down RB by Bama but more as an ATH who can be used effectively in certain formations. Have you heard this as well? Do you agree that when assessing both school’s RB depth, including those committed this far for 2014, Champ can sell Bo on a more favorable depth-chart AND more playing time earlier in his career, assuming work ethic & grasping the offense/blocking schemes, etc. match his performance on the practice field after he arrives in Gainesville?

A.) The key is Bo visiting Gainesville multiple times and Florida showing a good offense this year and winning. Florida is going to let Bo be a running back in the offense and not tell him he will be an athlete. Champ can sell that Bo will have a chance to play earlier at Florida than Alabama who is loaded at running back.

Q.) What are our chances with the big DT Brown and DE Hand?

A.) Slim with Andrew Brown and not much better with Da’Shawn Hand right now but Hand does have a good relationship with Brad Lawing and a visit set up for next weekend.

Q.) Who are our top 3 players on the board?? Not counting the commits already.

A.) Ermon Lane, Jalen Tabor, Bo Scarbrough, David Sharpe, Adoree Jackson and Cliffton Garrett are all guys high on the board.

Q.) And when do u think our next will be?

A.) This month

Q.) How are we looking for Artavis Scott? Are we still the leaders for Trent Harris? What position will Torrance Brown play if he comes here? What chances do you think we have to land Adoree Jackson, Richard Yeargin III and Lorenzo Featherston?

A.) Florida is in a battle for Scott with Michigan and Ohio State but Scott’s family likes Florida. Yes Florida still leads for Harris and I think Brown is more of a receiver that could also play safety if needed. Florida is in the mix for Jackson and have the track program that he is looking for. With Yeargin, Florida has a really good chance with him if they decide to go that way.

Q.) This will be a battle throughout the process but does Cook look Solid to the good guys?

A.)Yes, I think Cook is solid to Florida but he will take some visits and it will be a battle until signing day for Dalvin.

Q.) How many OL are we willing to take? Who are the top 3 OL on the board?

A.) 5 is the number Florida would like. David Sharpe, Denzel Ward and Isaiah Wynn are three guys Florida likes.

Q.) Desean Blair is a 4 star receiver out of Jax (Sandlewood High) and is currently a commit to Louisville. He is about the same size as Fullwood, but a little bit lighter.Are there any plans to pursue him?

A.) Right now there is no plans to pursue him but like any other year, that could change in a heartbeat.

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.