Gator Country

Many of these prospects not only have attention from schools like Florida, Florida State and Miami, but they are receiving offers from these schools and many others as well.

While many recruiting fans raved about the talent level in Florida for 2010, the propsects heading into their junior seasons of high school are a talented bunch across the board with elite prospects at every position.

QUARTERBACKS

Teddy Bridgewater, 6-2, 175, Miami/Northwestern: Probably the top Florida prospect in 2011 … has a big arm, but athletic ability translates nicely to WR as well … flashed great arm strength and good mobility in the Class 6A title ga,e against Sanford Seminole last fall.

Jacoby Brissett, 6-4, 215, Palm Beach Gardens/Dwyer:Big athlete could easily make the transition to tight end as well.

Rakeem Cato, 6-0, 165, Miami/Miami Springs: Athletic prospect lacks size but is a dangerous playmaker with his legs … Cato has passed for more than 3,000 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns in his first two seasons as a starter at Miami Spring.

Jeff Driskel, 6-4, 223, Oviedo/Hagerty: Earns comparisons to Tim Tebow with his combination of size and athletic ability … timed at 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash … already claims an offer from Auburn ... passed for 1,125 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore.

Phillip Ely, 6-0, 165, Tampa/Plant: The next in a long line of talented quarterbacks at Plant under the tutelage of head coach Robert Weiner … threw for 1,767 yards and 19 touchdowns (10 interceptions) while completing 60 percent of his passes as a sophomore.

RUNNING BACKS

Buck Allen, 6-1, 205, Tallahassee/Lincoln: Big, bullish back helped lead Lincoln to a Class 4A state title appearance in 2008 … elected to the Class 4A all-state team as a utility player.

Mike Bellamy, 5-10, 175, Port Charlotte/Charlotte: State 200-meter sprint champion … rushed for 1,955 yards (7.7 avg.) and 29 touchdowns in 2008 … a second-team all-state pick in Class 5A.

Eric Beverly, 5-11, 210, Jacksonville/First Coast: Physical back comes from a program that churns out a lot of BCS-level talent.

Dee Hart, 5-8, 175, Orlando/Dr. Phillips: Big-play back will be used as a change-of-pace player and returner in college … compiled over 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore.

J.J. Keels, 5-9, 175, Melbourne/Florida Air Academy: At a school more known for its basketball than football, Keels is an elite athlete.

Marlin Lane, 6-0, 195, Daytona Beach/Mainland: Incredible size for a player his age … rushed for over 700 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008 … has given a verbal commitment to Clemson.

Calvin Pryor, 6-0, 190, Port St. Joe/Port St. Joe: Coming off a huge sophomore season, Pryor already has been receiving attention from Florida, among others.

Deaunte “Pop” Saunders, 5-11, 175, DeLand/DeLand: Paired with 2009 UF signee Mike Gillislee in the DeLand backfield last year, Saunders looked to be the more impressive player at times … also an elite point-guard basketball prospect.

Jerron Seymour, 5-7, 170, Hialeah/Hialeah: Smallish back rushed for over 1,200 yards as a sophomore.

Kion Williams, 5-11, 185, Palatka/Palatka: Compiled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2008 … could also project as a slot receiver in college.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Davonte Allen, 6-1, 180, Belle Glade/Glades Day: Very impressive at the Heath Evans 7-on-7 Championship in June … could play wide receiver or defensive back in college.

T.J. Chisholm, 6-5, 200, Orlando/Cypress Creek: Great size makes him a valuable prospect.

Andre Davis, 6-2, 180, Tampa/Jefferson: Rangy receiver has good size and great leaping ability … recorded over 500 yards and 8 touchdowns receiving last year.

Charles Favors, 5-10, 175, Miami/Central: Already a favorite target of star quarterback Jeff Godfrey, Gaines has established himself as one of the top Florida receivers in the class of 2011.

Rashad Greene, 6-0, 165, Ft. Lauderdale/St. Thomas Aquinas: Georgia transfer is a burner with his legit 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash.

Prince Holloway, 5-8, 160, Cape Coral/Cape Coral: Extremely productive receiver with great speed on the high-school level … size is a concern … potential return specialist in college.

Javares McRoy, 5-9, 165, Lakeland/Lakeland: Will battle with Mike Bellamy for fastest prospect in Florida honors … has been consistently timed at under 10.8 seconds in the 100 meters.

Sammy Watkins, 6-1, 180, South Fort Myers/South Fort Myers: Scored three touchdowns in the South Fort Myers spring game … great frame and game could translate to safety as well … averaged over 20 yards a catch with 7 touchdowns last year.

Jessie York, 6-0, 175, Lauderdale Lakes/Boyd Anderson: The name isn’t familiar yet, but York plays in a program simply loaded with BCS-level talent … definitely made an impression at the Heath Evans 7-on-7 Championship.

TIGHT ENDS

Kelvin Benjamin, 6-6, 215, Belle Glade/Glades Central: Freakish athlete will end up well over 240 pounds in college … his receiving skills are second to none.

Michael Caldwell, 6-4, 245, Crestview: Traditional tight end prospect who already has great size … some schools may look to turn Caldwell into an offensive lineman in college.

Nick O’Leary, 6-3, 210, Palm Beach Gardens/Dwyer: Great receiver will earn comparisons to Gators’ Aaron Hernandez with his frame and skill set … has great bloodlines: father lettered in football at Georgia, mother lettered in volleyball at Georgia and grandfather won 18 major professional golf championships.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Van Davis, 6-5, 280, Royal Palm Beach/Royal Palm Beach: A project, the combination of size and athletic ability that Davis possesses is rare.

Bobby Hart, 6-4, 260, Fort Lauderdale/Cardinal Gibbons: Just 14 years old heading into his junior year, Hart is a big-time project … state qualifier in wrestling as a sophomore.

Marcus Jackson, 6-3, 280, Vero Beach/Vero Beach: A true road-grader, Jackson is an impressive prospect out of a traditionally strong program.

Alan Johnson, 6-5, 280, Palm Bay/Palm Bay: Palm Bay has been the main hub for college coaches in Brevard County over the past 10-15 years, Johnson will bring them back once again this year.

Tyler Moore, 6-5, 280, Clearwater/Countryside: Generally considered the consensus early pick for top lineman in the state … a Nebraska legacy.

Georgio Newberry, 6-6, 250, Fort Pierce/Central: Along with fellow junior standout Mike Marseille (6-5, 260), both players earned praise from Treasure Coast coaches this spring because of the pair’s size and athletic ability.

Trey Pettis, 6-4, 270, DeLand/DeLand: Son of a coach has good size, intangibles as well … great fit at center.

Jordan Prestwood, 6-6, 250, Plant City/Plant City: Athleticism and size definitely allow Prestwood to stand out in the offensive line class.

Shaman Richardson, 6-0, 270, Citra/North Marion: Height is the only concern for Richardson … he may be the most powerful 2011 football prospect in the state.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Manuel Agaji, 6-6, 235, Deerfield Beach/Zion Lutheran Christian: Canadian import has great upside because of a tremendous frame and impressive athletic ability for his size.

Ryan Bryson, 6-3, 250, St. Augustine/Menendez: Along with junior teammate Tony Steward, Bryson gives the Menendez Falcons an impressive pair of junior prospects on defense.

Clay Burton, 6-4, 225, Venice: Brother of 2010 Florida QB commitment Trey, the younger Burton has incredible size and athletic ability … made 55 tackles and 2 sacks as a sophomore.

Anthony Chickillo, 6-3, 220, Tampa/Alonso: Miami legacy already has an offer from the Hurricanes ... made 80 tackles and 9.5 sacks as a sophomore playing alongside FSU signee Demonte McAllister.

Bryant Dubose, 6-4, 225, Oakland Park/Northeast: Could play inside or outside on the defensive line in college … already claims an offer from Tennessee.

Giovanni Francois, 6-2, 230, Bradenton/Southeast: Francois isn’t the biggest, but he is a force coming off the edge … named third team All-State in Class 4A following the 2008 season.

Brandon Fulse, 6-4, 250, Fort Meade/Fort Meade: Certainly passed the eyeball test at Friday Night Lights ... coached by former Gator WR Jemalle Cornelius.

Lonnie Gosha, 6-3, 260, Lake Butler/Union County: Local prospect was impressive at Friday Night Lights … already receiving interest from Florida.

Arrington Jenkins, 6-2, 215, Miami/Killian: Talented prospect who could play either defensive end or linebacker on the next level.

Chris Jones, 6-4, 265, Jacksonville/Raines: Brandon Spikes look-alike has high upside.

Tim Jernigan, 6-2 270, Lake City/Columbia: Top defensive line prospect in the state is already a beast … completely dominated a June session of camp in Gainesville.

Curt Maggitt, 6-3, 200, Palm Beach Gardens/Dwyer: The size isn’t there quite yet, but Maggitt is simply unstoppable coming off the edge … Brother Roosevelt is a reserve defensive end at Iowa State.

Anthony Rabasa, 6-2, 230, Miami/Columbus: Considered the most complete defensive line prospect in South Florida for the time being.

Tevin Westbrook, 6-5, 240, Fort Lauderdale/Pine Crest: At a school known for its ability on the basketball court, Westbrook is taking lessons learned on the hardwood and applying them to the football field … averaged 7 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks a game in basketball last winter.

LINEBACKERS

Serderius Bryant, 5-10, 200, Sanford/Seminole: Size is a concern, but Bryant makes plays all over the field … made 121 tackles and 10 sacks for the Class 6A state champions in 2008.

Ken Hankerson, 6-1, 205, Fort Lauderdale/St. Thomas Aquinas: Another in a long line of talented prospects from one of the state’s most prolific high school football programs.

Wayne Lyons, 5-11, 195, Fort Lauderdale/Killian: Plays safety at Killian but could easily make the transition to linebacker in college … currently ranked first in his class at Killian.

Willie Mitchell, 6-1, 220, Deltona/Pine Ridge: Good size and athletic ability, a solid LB prospect who will receive considerable attention … made 162 tackles and 4 sacks as a sophomore.

Jordan Montgomery, 6-1, 195, Groveland/South Lake: Talented rover prospect who will see increased visibility because of his teammates at South Lake … a real sleeper prospect to keep an eye on.

Denzel Perryman, 5-11, 210, Coral Gables/Coral Gables: Being mentioned in the same breath as greats like Vilma, Perryman is undersized but a real playmaker at linebacker ... already incredibly well-developed for a rising junior … recorded 115 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions in 2008.

Tony Steward, 6-1, 220, St. Augustine/Menendez: Took home honors at the Tallahassee Nike Camp for his play … already has good size for the linebacker position.

James Wilder, 6-3, 225, Tampa/Plant: In line to be one of the top prospects in the state, Wilder recorded over 140 tackles and 16 sacks as a sophomore at Chamberlain … could play running back, defensive end or linebacker in college.

Rodney Williams, 6-0, 230, Tampa/Spoto: Physical prospect who is tough against the run and can get after the quarterback as well … had over 100 tackles a year ago and recorded 4 sacks in Spoto’s spring game against Lennard.

Gary Wooten, 6-2, 190, Hialeah/Hialeah: Stood out in a spring contest against Stranahan … impressive combine measurables.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Harmon Brown, 5-9, 160, Lauderdale Lakes/Boyd Anderson: Smallish but a tough player who is superb in coverage.

Lamarcus Brutus, 5-11, 175, Port St. Lucie/Treasure Coast: Talented safety who patterns his game after Reggie Nelson.

Cortez Davis, 6-4, 205, Daytona Beach/Mainland: 14 interceptions in two years of varsity ball … Davis is also a star basketball player.

Jabari Gorman, 5-10, 165, Miami/Monsignor Pace: Gorman is small for the safety spot but a tremendous headhunter in the secondary.

Chris Johnson, 5-10, 185, Ocala/Trinity Catholic: Well-built corner who could also play safety on the next level … great speed.

Wonderful Monds III, 6-3, 185, Fort Pierce/Westwood: Monds family has produced a number of good players over the years at Westwood … “Wonder the Third” could be a rangy wide receiver or defensive back in college.

Jarius Pace, 6-1, 182, Orlando/Olympia: Transfer from Clermont East Ridge is a fantastic high school running back, but projects as a safety or outside linebacker in college.

Jermaine Reve, 5-11, 170, Miami/Northwestern: Style of play is earning comparisons to former star Sean Spence, who now plays with the Miami Hurricanes.

Quayshun Smith, 5-10, 165, Tallahassee/Godby: Considered one of the top rising cover corners in Florida.

Keelin Smith, 6-3, 190, Port St. Lucie/Treasure Coast: Impressive frame, lines up at corner for the Titans but projects as a safety in college.

Nick Waisome, 5-10, 165, Groveland/South Lake: Yet another in a long line of big-time South Lake prospects, Waisome might be the top in-state corner for 2011.

Cedric Walker, 5-8, 170, Miami/Gulliver Prep: Great cover corner, size is the only main concern here.

Karlos Williams, 6-1, 205, Davenport/Ridge Community: Younger brother of Vince is a talented athlete who could play wide receiver or safety in college.

ATHLETES

Chevelle Buie, 5-9, 170, Cocoa/Cocoa: Talented all-purpose player racked up over 2,500 total yards in leading Cocoa to a Class 3A state championship in 2008.

Jeremy Cash, 6-2, 180, Plantation/Plantation: Dominated a camp session at Ohio State this summer … looks to be a talented prospect at either receiver or safety.

A.C. Leonard, 6-3, 215, Jacksonville/Ribault: This is a name to keep an eye on for Gator fans … could project at wide receiver, tight end, safety or linebacker in college … made 48 tackles and 5 interceptions as a sophomore … good basketball prospect as well.

LaQuentin Smith, 6-1, 205 Orlando/Dr. Phillips: Plays a number of positions at Dr. Phillips and could end up at a number of positions in college depending on how much more he grows.

Tacoi Sumler, 5-9, 165, Miami/Gulliver Prep: Phenomenal athlete projects at a number of positions … has been timed as fast as 10.8 seconds in the 100 meters.

KICKERS

Dallas Stubbs, 5-9, 160, Gainesville/Gainesville: Scored 62 points last year on 29 PATs and 11 field goals … earned second-team Class 5A All-State honors as a sophomore.

Mark Sturgis, 6-2, 170, St. Augustine/St. Augustine: Younger brother of Florida placekicker Caleb Sturgis … earned second-team Class 3A All-State honors following the 2008 season.