So...What was our best get this season?

[born2beagator]

For someone who isn't a recruiting expert, or doesn't follow it as closely like me, what in your opinion was our best recruit this season and why

[MadduxFanII]

The highest rated recruit is cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, who'd probably get a lot of playing time on a program with less depth at the position. He'll still probably see the field a fair bit, especially on returns.

The name you'll probably recognize instantly is Kelvin Taylor, son of Fred. Early enrollee, very well-regarded at running back.

If you're looking for potential instant impact talent at a position of need, Demarcus Robinson might be the guy at receiver. Decent size, good speed, excellent route runner and an early enrollee.

[ArtDeco]

We'll know in December.

[nwflgator_58]

I hope it's a receiver, Robinson, Fulwood, Bailey?

[rserina]

Hargreaves is the best, but Robinson has to the most important. He can contribute this year and hopefully be very good in 2014.

[hgators]

VHIII, Fulwood/Robinson, Bostick, Taylor, Garcia and Moore.

[gatordee]

VHIII, Fulwood/Robinson, Bostick, Taylor, Garcia and Moore.

Garcia?

[Ahab]

Garcia?

OT transfer from Maryland.

[gatordee]

OT transfer from Maryland.

Thanx!! Forgot all about him. Thought he was talking about our 2014 qb commit.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

While there are plenty of "big names" among the group to get the die-hard types riled up, the reality is that about half of this class will actually do something on the field. Hopefully about 10-12 actually become reliable starters.

So, I look at the numbers we brought in across the line of scrimmage. There are about 13 (if you count Maryland transfer Max Garcia) in this class that will play either across the offensive or defensive line. I've heard that Bostwick may have problems clearing, but we brought in a tremendous amount of talent across the line of scrimmage. And, while many will get fired up about Kelvin Taylor and the five receivers that we brought in, it's the (quality) depth we brought in across the line of scrimmage that will hopefully help us win SEC football games.

I see that as our best get.

[Gatorhall]

IMO VH3 is the best prospect,Robinson the most impact and Neal the most underated.

[fox]

Can't wait to find out!

[garettk]

VHIII, Fulwood/Robinson, Bostick, Taylor, Garcia and Moore.

Agree. And happy with d-line commits. Excited to see OL transfers now that they are eligible.

[Tolbert1906]

Gonna go with Taylor.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Gator Country

[oneatatime]

I am going with Alex Anzalone.

With the loss of Bostic and Jenkins along with our too biggest defensive tackles, Floyd and Hunter, Alex could compete for ILB playing time early, particularly since he as an EE

[g8r925]

I think two kids that will be great for us, that don't get alot of pub are Joey Ivie, and Antonio Riles, those two guys have great size and good speed, and could grow into great DT's. And as for instant impact, I look for Robinson and Bailey to be impact guys, Robinson in the receiving core, and Bailey returning kicks or punts

[NoahBeanBizzel]

I think two kids that will be great for us, that don't get alot of pub are Joey Ivie, and Antonio Riles, those two guys have great size and good speed, and could grow into great DT's. And as for instant impact, I look for Robinson and Bailey to be impact guys, Robinson in the receiving core, and Bailey returning kicks or punts

You know, those two were exactly who I was thinking of across the defensive line when I was talking about how well we did at the LOS. Those two couldn't be anymore Muschamp. They fit the "criteria". Another lineman to keep an eye on, on the offensive side of the ball, would be Rod Johnson.

If you look back at the three national championships we've won, we've had defensive lines made up of blue-collar guys like Steve Harris, Joe Cohen, RayMac, Terron Sanders, Lawrence Marsh, Ed Chester, etc..at tackle. McGrew was really the only first-round talent (we'll never know where Chester would've gone) we had at DT during those three championships. We've had some talented ends (Dunlap, Harvey and Moss), but guys like Will Cohens, Tim Beauchamp and Cunningham were all players who just went to work.

What I like about this group of defensive linemen, is that there isn't that 5-star, "big fish" that Mike Farrell is runnin' his mouth about. They're just seven nasty looking dudes, who are going to come in here with a chip on their shoulders, and they're gonna be the type of players who go out and pick a fight for four quarters.

[oneatatime]

I am going with Alex Anzalone.

With the loss of Bostic and Jenkins along with our too biggest defensive tackles, Floyd and Hunter, Alex could compete for ILB playing time early, particularly since he as an EE

I know the list is alphabetically, but I think given his size and smarts, he may be a starter by year end

http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20130206/ARTICLES/130209733/1189?Title=Florida-football-s-Class-of-2013

[g8r925]

You know, those two were exactly who I was thinking of across the defensive line when I was talking about how well we did at the LOS. Those two couldn't be anymore Muschamp. They fit the "criteria". Another lineman to keep an eye on, on the offensive side of the ball, would be Rod Johnson.

If you look back at the three national championships we've won, we've had defensive lines made up of blue-collar guys like Steve Harris, Joe Cohen, RayMac, Terron Sanders, Lawrence Marsh, Ed Chester, etc..at tackle. McGrew was really the only first-round talent (we'll never know where Chester would've gone) we had at DT during those three championships. We've had some talented ends (Dunlap, Harvey and Moss), but guys like Will Cohens, Tim Beauchamp and Cunningham were all players who just went to work.

What I like about this group of defensive linemen, is that there isn't that 5-star, "big fish" that Mike Farrell is runnin' his mouth about. They're just seven nasty looking dudes, who are going to come in here with a chip on their shoulders, and they're gonna be the type of players who go out and pick a fight for four quarters.

You got it, that why Im so excited to see them grow into Oline eaters. And I was really gad to get Rod Johnson back with us, he is going to be a good one.

[The_Graygator]

For someone who isn't a recruiting expert, or doesn't follow it as closely like me, what in your opinion was our best recruit this season and why



It's hard to say since this was such a balanced class throughout, but just IMO, I'd have to say that the absolute most crucial need was WR, and when we got Robinson to finish off that group, we were able to take a step in the direction of being able to actually spread our offense out against opposing defenses.

After that, I'd have to say the four DT's were a huge addition too.

[GATORAZ]

It's hard to say since this was such a balanced class throughout, but just IMO, I'd have to say that the absolute most crucial need was WR, and when we got Robinson to finish off that group, we were able to take a step in the direction of being able to actually spread our offense out against opposing defenses.

After that, I'd have to say the four DT's were a huge addition too.

I agree with this....The class has so many good players we wont know until they actually play who was the best get. That being said the two biggest needs were WR & DT. Beating out Clemson for Robinson was huge especially since he was an EE. Also beating out Miami for Bostwick was a huge win.

Robinson has all the makings of an All SEC WR.

Bostwick is just a special football player on the DL

[TnCamoGator]

Here's how I see it, this years class is loaded in talent across the board. Each guy is gonna do special things as individuals, but I believe they are the foundation for a few crystal balls coming our way.

[g8r925]

Our class is loaded across the board at every position, and then I looked at Bama's class and still don't see how they are ahead of us, not that it matters to me. I wouldn't trade our class for theirs I can tell you that.

[bposs]

The highest rated recruit is cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, who'd probably get a lot of playing time on a program with less depth at the position. He'll still probably see the field a fair bit, especially on returns.

The name you'll probably recognize instantly is Kelvin Taylor, son of Fred. Early enrollee, very well-regarded at running back.

If you're looking for potential instant impact talent at a position of need, Demarcus Robinson might be the guy at receiver. Decent size, good speed, excellent route runner and an early enrollee.

Just think how much better these two players will make each other? Hargreaves vs Robinson each day in practice!

[GatorJaws]

If I had to pick one. It would be Hargreaves without a doubt. That talent is Percy like but on defense.

[DieAGator]

no good way to pick a single player, should best 3-5.

[medigator]

Marcell Harris may surprise some people !

[Go2gtr]

Hargreaves, without a doubt IMO.

[UFreak]

Big man crush on Adam Lane. Love his film, love his running style. I think he is going to prove to be our best back, maybe as soon as next year.

[GATORAZ]

Big man crush on Adam Lane. Love his film, love his running style. I think he is going to prove to be our best back, maybe as soon as next year.

that would shock me

[UFreak]

that would shock me

It would be shocking

[born2beagator]

that would shock me

Better than Kelvin Taylor?

[Pieisyummy]

Anzalone.

[AFCyberGator]

Punter Johnny Townsend. Take that, Urban Meyer and Nick Saban!

[lurkingator1]

We really addressed Depth at every postion, but the question is if I understand Correctly is what was our best get, I equate that with need and we really needed some play makers at reciever so I will go with that group. If you asked me who I thought is the best player and will see the field first VH3 Is in a class by himself and the number one ranked at his postion.

[GATORAZ]

Better than Kelvin Taylor?

I think Matt Jones is going to be up there with Yeldon Gurley & Hill next year.

[StrangeGator]

I know the list is alphabetically, but I think given his size and smarts, he may be a starter by year end

http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20130206/ARTICLES/130209733/1189?Title=Florida-football-s-Class-of-2013

Ahead of Morrison? Doubt that. Makes more sense to move Morrison inside and Anzalone outside to replace Jenkins. Jelani was also an honor student and a high football IQ kind of guy. That definitely paid off with his coverage skills. He's probably not as fast, but Alex has very good length and seems to be a good coverage guy. I like him at Will and that's one of the biggest losses. I see very little drop off from Bostic to Morrison.

Any chance Anzalone gets some reps on offense? He'd be a heck of an H-Back.

Don't count out McMillan, since he's also going to be playing in the spring. Very physical and versatile LB.

[GATORAZ]

Ahead of Morrison? Doubt that. Makes more sense to move Morrison inside and Anzalone outside to replace Jenkins. Jelani was also an honor student and a high football IQ kind of guy. That definitely paid off with his coverage skills. He's probably not as fast, but Alex has very good length and seems to be a good coverage guy. I like him at Will and that's one of the biggest losses. I see very little drop off from Bostic to Morrison.

Any chance Anzalone gets some reps on offense? He'd be a heck of an H-Back.

Don't count out McMillan, since he's also going to be playing in the spring. Very physical and versatile LB.
Morrison is going to the middle but he has to gain weight this off season

I think Anzalone's best position is H-back but he wants to play LB and we have a real need for LB depth. Staff really likes Ball so it looks like Morrison and Ball will start. It will be an interesting battle between Anzaolone McMcMillan & J Powell

[StrangeGator]

There's another thread somewhere about who is likely to make the earliest impact. Let's make sure we made a distinction here.

There's no question that VH3 is the best athlete and the best player at his position in this class. He has the highest ceiling and may make the biggest long term impact. He gets lost in the shuffle because we are so often focused on replacing important players or shoring up areas of weakness. We have great CBs and didn't lose any, but getting VH allows us to move one or more of our current CBs to other positions. It's also possible that he makes an immediate impact as a return specialist.

Kelvin Taylor is a huge get by any definition. He's one of the best RB prospects in the country, he fits our offense perfectly, he replaces the most prolific player on our offense and he's an EE. He could start from the get-go and could become the focal point of our offense for years to come.

Robinson is next in my book, for most of the reasons Taylor is, but also because of his catching radius, strength and advanced development. Biggest thing for Robinson is the fact that we don't have a playmaker at WR. We don't even have a reliable possession WR. He could turn out to be both.

I can't single out any other players. There are lots of great ones, but the true success of this class is the aggregate recruiting at multiple positions of need, especially OL, WR, DL, LB and safety. Quantity and quality abound. Competition at those positions will be intense for years.

[GATORAZ]

I am not ready to say VH3 has the highest ceiling we have some special athletes in this class

[wesstump]

I don't think it was any one person but a group of people. That would be the OL and The DL. If our QB doesn't have time to pick out his recievers or the RB have holes to run through, we could lose. What good is a WR reciever who doesn't have the ball in his hands or RB who is trying to run through a brick wall. Lets face it....all of the kids are the most important or someone else would have signed them. Now that's what I believe, what about you!

[LAGatorDoc]

Morrison is going to the middle but he has to gain weight this off season

I think Anzalone's best position is H-back but he wants to play LB and we have a real need for LB depth. Staff really likes Ball so it looks like Morrison and Ball will start. It will be an interesting battle between Anzaolone McMcMillan & J Powell

I wish Ball could improve his coverage skills. He seems to be 2 steps behind any RB, TE, or WR he covers. He's great against the run and is often in the right place to make plays, but his coverage skills leave a lot to be desired at this point. Louisville exploited this big time against us, by lining up a small quick WR against him, and subsequently leaving Ball in the dust on several plays.

[Juggernautz]

All of them are equally important because they all wanted to be Gators!

[Pieisyummy]

no good way to pick a single player, should best 3-5.

That would make things a bit easier.

Then, imo

Anzalone
Hargreaves
Robinson
Taylor
McMillian

Honorable mention:
Neal
Fullwood

Underrated:
Sherit

Position wise, the safeties, linebackers, and receivers were really nice. After the past few years of lackluster receiver play for the Gators, Robinson, Fullwood, Bailey, and Hawkins could be one hell of a receiving corps. Three legitimate 4-star safeties cannot hurt, and if either one of the linebackers Anzalone or McMillan lives up to the hype that would be fantastic.

A few more corners, and a few good gets on the OL and at DT in 2014 could put the mind at ease.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

I wish Ball could improve his coverage skills. He seems to be 2 steps behind any RB, TE, or WR he covers. He's great against the run and is often in the right place to make plays, but his coverage skills leave a lot to be desired at this point. Louisville exploited this big time against us, by lining up a small quick WR against him, and subsequently leaving Ball in the dust on several plays.

I don't remember Ball being the liability in coverage that Taylor was, but NB was more of a pass rushing prospect coming out of high school. Naturally it might take some time to develop the skill of being effective in pass coverage. He's a good athlete, though, so the good news is that he can get better there.

He looks to be our best option at the SAM position, which is usually the LB they keep on the field in nickel situations, a defense we were in 70% of the time last season. At 6'3, 231 (with room to grow), he's a great option against the run-like you said. A lot of scouts feel he was at his best, though, rushing the passer in high school. You had expressed concern about not getting an elite pass rusher, and Ball can do that.

[PSGator66]

It is hard to predict since we have a bunch of potentially great players.

[StrangeGator]

I've seen clips of all the skill position players and most of the others. Saw some of our guys in all star games. VH3 seemed to stand out the most, especially in the all star game. Also so an extended clip of him doing agility drills. Absolutely mind blowing. You can't predict who will turn out the best, but to me "best get" means the guy whose athleticism and position skills stand out the most. Hands down, VH3.

[The_Graygator]

I think Matt Jones is going to be up there with Yeldon Gurley & Hill next year.

I do too.

When I was at the UF - FSU game last season, you could just tell the light had come on for Jones against FSU. I mean, when Gilly hurt his ribs, Jones stepped in and just took over.

The way he read his blocks and followed his blockers to find gaps shows he's really had a good freshman season and learned a lot, especially adjusting to the speed of the college game.

[The_Graygator]

I wish Ball could improve his coverage skills. He seems to be 2 steps behind any RB, TE, or WR he covers. He's great against the run and is often in the right place to make plays, but his coverage skills leave a lot to be desired at this point. Louisville exploited this big time against us, by lining up a small quick WR against him, and subsequently leaving Ball in the dust on several plays.


I believe he will. Remember, last season was basically his rookie year after that brain surgery. No doubt he had some rookie rust to shake off, but as an athlete and pure football player? He's one of the best on the team.

[g8r925]

Good Lord is the Spring game here yet, this season went by way to fast, and these new recruits make it exciting to see our next team hit the field.

[themistocles]

This is, of course, an impossible question to answer.

A specific recruit's value relates to the following several factors, all of which could change, depending on injury, at any time. These are listed in order of importance. Note that Hargreaves is apparently the "Best" from the perspective of all-star performance, relative national ranking.

1 - Football is, first of all, a TEAM sport, thus, one doesn't recruit a single player, but components of s cohesive team. Therefore, the original question may be considered misstated.

2 - A position of Need - or of limited depth. Obviously, DB is not that, being the deepest position on the team, whereas RB (Taylor, Lane), DT (Brantley, Bostwick, Ivy, Reed, & Cummings), WR (Robinson, Fullwood, Bailey, etc.), and LB (Anzalone, McMillan, Rolin & Davis) are to a greater or lesser extent.

3 - Immediate versus long-term impact - Some players develop very quickly, like Tebow & Harvin, whereas others take a while to reach their potential. Because of the 3-year playing requirement, early contributors usually also provide longer-term contributions. This year's group includes several who might have immediate impact, including, but not limited to both RBs (Taylor & Lane), perhaps 3 of the WRs, likely one or both the the JC DTs, one or two of the LBs, and perhaps all four of the DBs (all of whom appear very likely prospects).

So, really, it is a simply impossible question to answer.

[ofmgator]

No way to predict who is going to be productive. Lous Oliver was a walk on and an All American. Debose was a "can't miss" who hasn't done anything. The woods are filled with guys who were highly rated and didn't even play very much. The WR who wasn't rated set the record for TD catches. Way too early and potentially harmful to discuss this!

[RayGator]

All of them are equally important because they all wanted to be Gators!

Exactly right!

Go Gators!

[themistocles]

No way to predict who is going to be productive. Lous Oliver was a walk on and an All American. Debose was a "can't miss" who hasn't done anything. The woods are filled with guys who were highly rated and didn't even play very much. The WR who wasn't rated set the record for TD catches. Way too early and potentially harmful to discuss this!

Well stated OFM.

[UFreak]

I don't think it's potentially harmful to discuss this on a message board. This is the type of stuff we do.

No one is saying it's an exact science. We're just having fun with it. Let's not forget, we are talking about a game here. It's supposed to be fun and fun to talk about.

I really like what I see on film of Adam Lane. That guy has a burst and he is tough to tackle. I think he has a shot to be special.