The stars will be shining bright at the University of Florida this weekend as more than 12 big time football prospects make official visits to Gainesville. Athletes from just about every position should be on hand to tour the campus and facilities. There will be some big time players that the Gators are hoping to entice, including handful that are already committed.
Gunslinger and Gatorade National Player of the Year John Brantley brings his big arm and Gator family to Gainesville after many trips to campus this fall. The recent decommit from Texas is a Florida Gator legacy and holds many state records as a quarterback in the prolific Ocala Trinity Catholic offense. The US Army All-American is a huge boon to the Gator recruiting effort this year and looks to compete right away when he shows up on campus in the summer.
The electric Chris Rainey will also be on hand. The five-star water bug is as dynamic a player as there is with the ball in his hands. At Lakeland this year, Rainey ran for more than 2,000 yards while leading his Dreadnaughts to a third straight state title and a second straight National Championship. The US Army All-American is absolutely fun to watch and already committed to the Gators. He has made several trips to Gainesville himself this season.
Army All-American receiver Ahmad Paige will be making a return trip and is actually coming unofficially for a visit along with his parents to Gainesville to check it out. The elusive Paige was a star in the Army Bowl earlier this month and is in a tug of war between Florida and FSU for his services. Previously committed to FSU, the Sterlington (LA) native has always maintained that the Florida offense is one that would suit him the best.
The most recent commitment for the Florida Gators is Army All –American and five-star offensive lineman James Wilson of St Augustine Nease. A former teammate of current Gator quarterback Tim Tebow, Wilson was committed to Southern Cal before changing that commitment as first reported by Gator Country. Wilson brings a mean streak to the offensive line and his athletic ability makes him a difference maker up front.
The most glaring need in the 2007 recruiting class for the Gators is along the defensive line. With four commitments already, two more are needed to offset the departure of five prominent players from the roster following the National Championship season.
Leading off the list of visiting prospects is Gator commitment and five-star defensive tackle Torrey Davis of Seffner Armwood. The Army All-American has the feet of a quick linebacker and the explosion of dynamite. Davis is a freak of nature along the defensive front.
The Gators will also host three more defensive linemen this weekend. North Charleston (SC) defensive end Carlos Dunlap has freakish abilities of his own. The five-star sack master is coming to Gainesville while in a dogfight between Florida and the home state South Carolina Gamecocks for his services. Suwanee (GA) defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is expected to bring his four-star ability to Gainesville and the Gators could use another big body inside on the defensive front. The Gators will also host one more defensive line visitor whose name will be released on our insider boards some time during the weekend, so be sure to stay tuned as it is a doozy.
Two Gator commitments will be in town at the linebacker position. Lakeland athlete Steven Wilks and Sarasota Booker star John Jones should be in attendance for the festivities. Wilks and Jones have been Gator commitments for quite some time and will bring great athleticism to the position this fall.
Wilson’s teammate at Nease, Justin Grant is a Gator commitment at the quarterback position. His eight interceptions as a senior marked a great year for a very unheralded but solid prospect at a much needed position for the Gators.
Scout.com’s number one safety prospect Baton Rouge (LA) Southern Lab’s Chad Jones is also expected to make the weekend visitor list. The do everything Jones is all size and speed and an absolutely phenomenal baseball player to boot. His five-stars are very deserving as he is one of the best athletes in the entire country that could play a myriad of positions.
The nation’s top punting prospect is someone the Gators had their eye on early and cashed in with a commitment over the summer. The Dallas (GA) East Paulding kicker has a booming leg that can not be denied. Chas Henry camped in Gainesville and earned a scholarship to be the punter for the Gators for the next four years.
This may be the Gators best group of visitors this season. The mixture of committed and non-committed prospects should bode well for a good time in Gainesville and the chance to land a few, if no more of the best athletes still available.