Gators Recruiting Mailbag: 1.17.13

In this week’s edition of the Maibag, GC’s Andrew Spivey breaks down the Gators’ final official visitors and in-home recruiting trips for the 2013 class.

Spivey also answers questions on Florida’s pursuit of 2013’s top defensive linemen, class size issues and potential late flips.

Q.) Now that Nkemdiche is visiting do we have a shot?
A.) Anytime you get a prospect on campus there is a shot, but I think it’s very slim with Robert Nkemdiche.

Q.) How many more spots do we have in this class?
A.) Six more is the limit the Gators can take in this class.

Q.) I know you stated that the staff is waiting to make a decision on Elijah Daniel later this week. Is this solely based on his school grades? ACT?
A.) It looks like Daniel will not be a part of the class due to grades.

Q.) Who would you predict fills the last few spots of this class? (Just list off names).
A.) I think James Clark, Jarran Reed and Jalen Ramsey all have the best shots to be in the class.

Q.) How is the DT board looking?
A.) Jarran Reed, Jaynard Bostwick and Montravius Adams. Of course Adams is the top guy there.

Q.) What the f is going on?? Recruiting is crazy
A.) With Will Muschamp you can’t cross anyone of the recruiting board, that’s for sure.

Q.) Has a Gator football team EVER had so many NEW names on the roster as this team will have in the Fall?
A.) If so, it has been a long time. But the eight early enrollees will help them.

Q.) I have heard one ESPN analyst pronounced Linebacker commitment Alex Anzalone’s last name Ann Zah lone- ee and another one pronounced it Ann- zah- lone how does he say it should be pronounced?
A.) Ann-Zah-Lone.

Q.) How do we look for Reed, Daniel, and Bostwick?
A.) Daniel can pretty much be crossed off of the board. Florida gets the last visit for Bostwick, and Reed had a great trip to Florida this past week.

Q.) Is Jalen Ramsey a yes or no?
A.) IMO, yes he is.

Q.) Is fb Swanson a yes this weekend?
A.) Yes, I believe he will commit on Sunday.

Q.) How many more could we add? In your opinion, should we keep some schollys for next year?
A.) I think Florida will take up to six more players. But it will have to be guys they want, not just someone to fill a spot.

Q.) See any of our current committs being soft or flipping?
A.) There was some concerns with James Hearns and Antonio Riles, but neither have visited another school so I don’t think so.

Q.) While of these two running backs (Collins and Green) do we have the best shot at getting?
A.) Collins because he is uncommitted, but Florida isn’t going to give up on Ryan Green either.

Q.) Is there a defensive lineman prospect that we have not mentioned frequently on our “radar” that could visit in the next 3 weeks?
A.) No, I think all of the prospects that could be in the class have been talked about and offered.

Q.) Any more surprises like Anzalone on the horizon?
A.) Very possible.

Q.) Are there any concerns about any possible lingering injuries for any of our recruits?
A.) No, I think everyone should recover fine.

Q.) What positions do the coaching staff consider priorities for remaining slots?
A.) Another defensive tackle and another cornerback.

Q.) Will they hold any slots open right up to NSD for big name recruits they hope to land?
A.) Guys like Laremy Tunsil and Montravius Adams are plus ones so they will have a spot.

Q.) Can you give us an update on Daniel’s academic situation.
A.) Not looking good right now.

Q.) Do you think James Clark is in this class?!?!??
A.) Yes, I do think so.

Q.) And is Ira Denson your favorite player? Jk
A.) LOL.

Q.) Lets say a school fills its 25 this year and used up all its carrybacks to the prior year with early enrolls. so this year is a full class. next year they can only take 25 right? what if one of next years kids is an early grad and wants to enroll in jan. he can’t be counted back to 2013 but can he early enroll (and sign his loi in feb)?
A.) Yes, as long as there is room on the 85-man scholarship board. So if Dominique Easley graduates in December like he should, then there will be a scholarship open. So as long as the seniors graduate in time, then they can bring them in.

Q.) Who do you think will have a better chance at understanding/picking up the offensive playbook, Kelvin Taylor or Adam Lane?
A.) Taylor because he has a 5 month head start on Adam Lane due to enrolling early.

Q.) With all the recent decommitments are we reaching out to any players like for example Vanderdoes or Liner at postions of need?
A.) Not at this time. Dee Liner has some off the field issues that Florida doesn’t want to touch.

Q.) Is there a surprise out there that is not mentioned on these boards much who is committed to another school? What % chance do we have with him?
A.) Yes, there is a possible one. Right now I don’t have a good feel for it to put a percentage out there.

Q.) Chris Jones, how interested is he in Florida? How has been recruiting him? Did out players talk to him much?
A.) He is trending upwards for sure, and Florida will visit him tomorrow at his home. They hope to secure the last visit for him. Yes, some of the recruits reached out to him, and guys like Taylor and Neal talked with him at the Under Armour game.

Q.) Is Bower a good settle if we miss on Jones?
A.) Yes, he had a really good year this year and isn’t a bad player at all.

Q.) What position do you think we will sell to Robert Nkemdiche? Buck, DE, Maybe a lil DT?
A.) DE and DT just like Easley plays. I think that’s what he fits at best.

Q.) How fast do you think the 14 class will get rolling after NSD this time?
A.) They have a junior day this weekend and will have a few more in the coming weeks, so I think you will see guys start to fall in the class.

Q.) Who is Grier recruiting at WR for 14?
A.) He is really after Trevion Thompson from North Carolina.

Q.) Will NSD be better this year than last or will we only be waiting on a +1 players by then?
A.) You may be waiting on guys like Jay-nard Bostwick and Chris Jones and the plus-one players.

Q.) chance that Kennard Swanson commits this weekend?
A.) Very good chance.

Q.) Collins update. Chances of him being in this class.
A.) Less than 40 percent, right now. I think Miami or Arkansas personally.

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.