RECRUITING: Gators Poised For Fast Finish

The Florida Gators have a commanding lead in the recruiting rankings this recruiting season, but there are still a few stones left to be unturned. The Gators want all their committed players while continuing to pursuer four others. All the remaining questions marks will be signing day decisions and will make signing day as dramatic as any in recent history.

With signing day only one day away, the Gators already know they will be reloading with this signing class. However, a few key pieces of the puzzle remain. There are two Gator commitments that claim to be still considering other options and three other prospects that have the Gators among their favorites. Here is a breakdown on what the Gators hope is a strong finish.

TRYING TO HOLD:

DeMarcus Van Dyke (CB) Miami Monsignor Pace: Van Dyke was a previous commitment to Miami before jumping off the ship there after the season went on the brink. He is currently committed to Florida but has been conspicuously open about his affinity for both the Gators and the Canes.

The ultra-fast and highly skilled cover corner would help finally fill the need at Florida’s thin cornerback position. He is the top rated corner in the state and at the top of the Gators board at the position. Miami has come on strong as of late and this will be a tough one to hold on to, especially with his high school coach letting slip that Dyke will announce for Miami tomorrow.

Jay Howard (DE) Orlando Jones: Howard says he is 95% Gator and I have to believe it is more than that. He may be the most underrated player in Florida or even the entire southeast. He is definitely not afraid of a little competition from other freshmen defensive linemen. There is definitely not another position on the roster with a better depth chart for playing time than defensive end.

TRYING TO REEL IN:

Deonte Thompson (WR) Belle Glade Glades Central: A lot of noise was made over the recent trip to Tallahassee for an unofficial visit. Truth be told, Thompson was quoted many times as saying he might take an unofficial to the state capital. I wouldn’t read much more into than he probably told the coaches there he would visit.

In this man’s opinion the Gators are on top for the services of the 4.28 timed receiver, but USC seems awfully confident and is a team to really reckon with. Miami, Ohio State and FSU have a shot, but I don’t think are much in the picture.

Terrance Toliver (WR) Hempstead (TX): He is the nation’s number one receiver according to Scout.com and it is a two horse race between Florida and LSU. Toliver knows where he is going and it seems like the glow is building in Gainesville and dissipating in Baton Rouge. Like all the other non committed players on the Gator’s board, he will announce his decision on signing day.

There’s also a very good chance the Gators will snag a “Signing Day Surprise” commit from a prospect that’s not projected to come to Florida at this time. I can’t say anything further, but stay tuned on Signing Day with Gator Country!