Gators Recruiting Mailbag 1.10.13

In this week’s edition of the Maibag, GC’s Andrew Spivey breaks down what the Gators’ board looks like to close out the 2013 class.

Spivey also answers questions on Florida’s defensive line, DeMarcus Walker’s commitment to FSU and whether the Gators could see any more early enrollee surprises.

Q.) How does the board look like?
A.) It’s getting smaller and smaller every time someone commits that’s for sure. But there is Alex Collins and Ryan Green at running back. There is James Clark at receiver, Durham Smythe and Josh McNeil at tight end. At defensive line, there is Jaynard Bostwick, Jarran Reed, Montravius Adams, Chris Jones and Elijah Daniel.

Q.) How many more transfers?
A.) Maybe one more but after that I think it’s over until at least the summer or after spring.

Q.) How many more commits in this class and what positions?
A.) Four or six more. A receiver, two defensive tackles, 1-2 defensive ends and a cornerback.

Q.) Who do you think will be the final recruits in this class?
A.) I feel good saying Jarran Reed and Elijah Daniel will be in this class right now.

Q.) How do we look for Reed, Daniel, Bostwick, and Jones (MissState
commit)?

A.) Things are good with Elijah Daniel and Jarran Reed heading into their visits. With Jaynard Bostwick things depend on his visit and grades. Chris Jones needs to visit before anything can happen.

Q.) after NSD could you do the following and post—
–reason(s) UF did not offer some of the 4*/5* recruits of Fla. Based on following
—–lower on our board in talent than player we signed
—–grades, legal issues, etc
—–player high on list in terms of talent but coaches got sense real early on that recruit had little or no interest in UF.

A.) Absolutely, just remind me of it after signing day.

Q.) What is the latest on Ramsey, Clark, Swanson, Daniels and Adams?
A.) Jalen Ramsey will still take a few visits including to USC things will go down to the wire on him. James Clark will visit on the 25th and Kennard Swanson is scheduled to visit next weekend.

Q.) Do we have a good shot with Nkemdiche?
A.) Simply put, no.

Q.) Do you see us getting Collins?
A.) Honestly, no. I think he goes to Arkansas or Miami with the Hurricanes leading the way until they find out about the NCAA stuff.

Q.) Do we go after another QB?
A.) No, with Max Staver in the class and Will Grier in for next year, no reason to go after another one.

Q.) I see Jay-nard Bostwick in this class. Do you?
A.) At this point I do, but his grades have to remain good enough.

Q.) How do you think we finish along the D-Line? (Both with DTs and DEs) And how do you think those transferring and/or departing early will affect the remainder of this year’s class?
A.) I think Jarran Reed and Jay-nard Bostwick at defensive tackle and Elijah Daniel at defensive end. And it really didn’t have that much impact at all expect for Easley staying helped with the defensive line.

Q.) Any “back story” you can share about why Walker picked FSU?
A.) Just Jeremy Pruitt was his guy. I honestly was told about DeMarcus Walker about a month ago that he was talking to Will Muschamp and the staff. Walker had personally told me he was going to visit Florida so all that of stuff was legit, but in the end Pruitt was too much to overcome.

Q.) Seeing as there are so many transfers, juniors to NFL, do we try to go after another HS offensive lineman with a lot if upside?
A.) Nope, five offensive linemen are enough unless Laremy Tunsil wants in.

Q.) Any more EEs (any surprises)? When’s the latest they can enroll?
A.) Friday is the latest they can enroll, and no that’s it.

Q.) How does the DLine board look right now?
A.) Bostwick, Reed, Daniel, Adams, Jones and Tashawn Bower.

Q.) Since Daniels isn’t visiting until 2/1 are we going to tell the other DE’s to wait (Bower, Hatcher, Martin) or would we take their commitment before he even visits? Seems risky having him come in so late.
A.) It was Florida asking him to wait until so late and Hatcher and Bower aren’t high on the list anyways.

Q.) Are there any silent commits right now?
A.) No.

Q.) with the recent decommits from USCw, is UF making renewed effort to sign Jalen Ramsey?
A.) They have been talking to Jalen for a while now. This staff doesn’t stop recruiting anyone because they commit elsewhere.

Q.) On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most favorable, rank the following on whether Champ & Co can get them in this class:
A.) E. Daniels—8
A. Collins—3
J. Ramsey—6
C. Jones—3
J. Reed—7
M. Adams—3

Q.) Do we want Ira Denson? Lol jk
A.) For some reasons, Florida fans want him. Lol.

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.