Gator Country

In this week's edition of the Maibag, GC's Andrew Spivey provides the latest on where the Florida Gators stand with several top defensive linemen in this year's class.

Spivey also answers questions on incoming playmakers and whether the Gators need to be worried about any potential de-commitments.

Q.) Our oline and our WR positions need an upgrade for sure as has been shown vs the better teams we play. we lose a number of players at both positions and patchen will never play a down. So why is it so hard for us to recruit game changer WRs and solid Oline? guys like Tunsil ought to jump at the opportunity for early pt. same for WRs.
A.) New offense coordinators hurt, because players want to see the product on the field. I think you are seeing more guys jump on board, though. Ahmad Fulwood is a game changer.

Q.) Do you think we will need to go Juco for DT’s this year?
A.) Yes, I think Florida will look at several JUCO defensive tackles, because they can play from Day 1.

Q.) Can you give us an update on who you think fills the remaining spots?
A.) Very tough to say right now, because a lot of things can happen. I feel good saying Trenton Brown, Marcell Harris and Elijah Daniel will be in this class, though.

Q.) Who is left on the LB board?
A.) Trey Johnson but the staff will be looking at more options now that Alex Anzalone is off the board.

Q.) Since Anzalone is coming, who is next on our TE board?
A.) Next tight end? Alex Anzalone wasn’t being recruited for tight end. But right now the tight end board is being evaluated.

Q.) Any chance of signing a RB or TE in this class? Who are our options left for LB, OL and DT?
A.) No, I don’t think you will see another running back or a tight end in this class. Defensive tackle right now is Montravius Adams, Jaynard Bostwick and Greg Gilmore. At offensive line it’s Laremy Tunsil, Trenton Brown and Rod Johnson right now.

Q.) Which defensive tackles remaining on the board would make the most significant impact on our team next year? Which is most likely to be a Gator on signing day?
A.) Montravius Adams or Greg Gilmore I believe both could start from Day 1 at Florida. I don’t see either one being a Gator though.

Q.) Are landing either Gilmore or Daniel wishful thinking?
A.) No, Greg Gilmore is torn between LSU and Florida and Elijah Daniel wants to be a Gator if his grades are right.

Q.) Will Gilmore be a Gator on Thursday?
A.) I don’t think so. Florida fought hard for him, but he was just closer with the LSU staff.

Q.) We need DTs and it’s looking like we’ll have to go JuCo. What names have you heard?
A.) Darious Cummings is a name to keep an eye on. Marcus Hardison is another to watch.

Q.) Do you expect any good news in the next few weeks?
A.) Yes, I do. Marcell Harris announces next week.



Q.) Andrew, please list who you think are the last recruits in this class.
A.) Right now, I feel good saying Marcell Harris, Elijah Daniel and Trenton Brown will be the class.

Q.) Is Quinton Powell a shaky commit?
A.) No, I don’t think so. He just wants a little attention that’s all.



Q.) How much of a role does the coaching staff’s assessment of which players will leave early for the NFL play in how they approach recruitment? Do they share that assessment with recruits?
A. ) Absolutely, they share that with recruits. For example, the staff has told defensive tackles that it believes Sharrif Floyd is going pro.



Q.) Do you think we will have more talented offensive linemen next year and beyond? Or just more depth?
A.) Yes, definitely a more talented one and a lot more depth.



Q.) Which positions are we in danger of not reaching our goals for this recruit class?
A.) The staff really wanted two corners at the beginning of the process but it looks like now they will settle for one.



Q.) Does USC’s recent decommits and shaky D help us out with Ramsey?
A.) I think it helps some, and it certainly doesn’t hurt anything. But I truly think Jalen Ramsey sticks with USC.

Q.) What is the latest on Jalen Ramsey db from Tenn.?
A.) Nothing new, he will visit Alabama and USC after the season.

Q.) Can you expound on what it takes on getting recruiting info from recruits and what you have to go thru on determining how accurate it is or not?
A.) Calling and texting is the only way to get info from the players. But I also check with several sources close to the prospects to find out how accurate stuff is.

Q.) You might not want to drop names, but any potential decommits?
A.) I really don’t see anymore de-commitments right now.



Q.) Any super surprise commits this year? Someone that we haven’t really heard about at all?
A.) Not right now. You may see some names pop up over the next few months.

About the author

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.

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