Gator Country

Going solo in recruiting and not relying on a network’s recruiting rankings means that Gator Country will have to try new things to give you, our loyal members, a view at how well the Florida football staff is recruiting these days. With that in mind, our famous “Hollywood” Bob of Private Screenings lore will use his pearls of wisdom and whatever sources he has to try and provide a running list of the top 50 prospects on the Gators’ recruiting board.

This is strictly from information gathered from Hollywood Bob and should not be considered cast in stone.  However, outside of the hallowed halls of the Gator football complex, we believe you will not find a better list anywhere.

There will likely be some names that are left off of the list hat should not be.  Still, we will press forward and try and keep up with the list as the recruiting season runs along.

The parameters of the list are simple.  This is Hollywood Bob’s version of the top 50 prospects regardless of position that the Gators are recruiting.  Any prospects that are committed to other schools, but still being recruited by Florida will be listed, but they will not be counted in the fifty.  We will announce the top 50 daily all this week in positional groups. Also, these will be listed alphabetically by position and not in any particular order of relevance.

On to the list and we start with the back field. 

Quarterback (1)

1. Terrelle Pryor

The Gators are not in need of a quarterback.  With two freshmen a sophomore and a junior on campus already, it is likely two years before the Gators feel they really need to seek help from a signal caller.  Regardless, there are always prospects that you absolutely cannot turn away and this year at the position there is just one.

Quarterback Terrelle Pryor (6-6, 210) of Jeanette (PA) is a big time prospect and two sport star where he shines in basketball also.  Pryor is no doubt the top signal caller in the land in 2008 with the athletic ability and throwing mechanics of the best out there.  There is no way the Gators would turn Pryor down and without knowing too much about the basketball recruiting, I would imagine Billy Donovan wouldn’t turn down a kid of his stature either.

Almost on the List…

• D.C. Jefferson (6-6, 241) Winter Haven (FL)
• Troy Dannehower (6-1, 216) Daytona Beach (FL) Seabreeze
• Justin Tuggle (6-3, 200) Duluth (GA) Northview

Running Back (5):

1. Covaughn Deboskie
2. British Footman
3. Josh Haden
4. Sam McGuffie
5. Eric Smith

The Gators would like to sign at least one big back in this class. Depending on how injuries and transfers work out, there could be a second back in the class of 2008.  Here are Hollywood’s top four for now.

Covaughn Deboskie (6-0, 192) of Chandler (AZ) Hamilton is new to the board as one might expect from a prospect in Arizona.  The size and speed are what the staff is looking for in an every down type of back. At 192 and on a 6 foot frame and only a junior in high school he has room to grow when he weight trains in college. 

British Footman (5-11, 178) of Tallahassee (FL) Godby is probably the shiftiest running back in the state of Florida and his play making ability puts him high on the board of prospects.  With the local Noles receiving a recent commitment from a running back this week, either they aren’t sure of getting Footman, or they plan on taking omore than one back and he will look into that situation.

Josh Haden (5-8, 190) of Fort Washington (MD) Friendly and is the younger brother of current Gator cornerback / athlete Joe Haden.  The younger Haden is a physical freak much like his brother and he works out religiously.  Josh is a bowling ball and his only limitation about future projections is his height.  He is a big time prospect.

Sam McGuffie (6-0, 190) of Cypress (TX) Cy-Fair is already one of the most talked about prospects in the class of 2008.  His highlight film is unreal and he seemingly scores a touchdown every time he touches the ball.  With good size and a great work ethic, he will remain high on a lot of recruiting boards throughout this recruiting season.

Eric Smith (6-0, 227) of Seffner (FL) Armwood will be scrutinized early in 2007.  He missed a lot of last season due to injury, but when he was on the field he was an absolute beast.  He has great size and although he is great at eluding tackles he can also run over people.  He has soft hands and at a recent south Florida combine he was very adept at catching the ball.

Almost on the List…

• A.J. Alexander (5-10, 184) Altoona (PA)
• Jeff Demps (5-10, 180) Groveland (FL) South Lake
• Jonas Gray (5-11, 214) Beverly Hills (MI) Detroit Country Day
• Darrel Scott (6-1, 205) Ventura (CA) St. Bonaventure
• Sausan Shakerin (6-3, 200) Sandy (UT) Alta

FB (1):

1. Jonathan Meyers

The Gators will be looking to replace Eric Rutledge and his role this year in trying to replace Billy Latsko.  The fullback role in the offense will expand with the abilities of the person in that role.  Jonathan Meyers (6-1, 220) of Greenwich (CT) plays offense and defense and is the Latsko mold of player that Meyer loves.  He also has outstanding athletic ability which makes him somewhat of a premium for the position.

Tomorrow we will take a look at the receivers and tight ends on the board.  It is another outstanding year for quality wide receivers.

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