Along with the OL, IMHO this is the most important position this recruiting cycle. We could lose quite alot of talent on defense, but we've got alot of talent already waiting in the wings so we're really just reloading on that side. On the OL we've got ALOT of talent coming back next year, but we're terribly light on numbers and need to build depth with this class.
The wide receiver position is a different animal all together. We're recruiting right now to fill positions that will need to contribute in their true frosh year. It really boggles my mind how we seem to have been recruiting solidly, but we just don't seem to have any true difference makers at WR. There are opportunities for both slot and outside receivers to come in a contribute in their first year. The top players around the country should be banging down our doors to commit. The only problem is that we haven't shown the ability or desire to throw it much so far this year. And before anyone starts yelling, I know we're doing what we must to win games. It would be stupid to chuck it downfield just to try to impress some 17 year old in the stands.
We've got some really good players already, but could really use one more home run threat before we call it a class. Let's look at our current commits first:
1. Ahmad Fulwood-4 star, 6-4, 200 lbs, 4.7 40: He's definitely the gem so far. Offered by just about everybody imaginable and should be a great outside guy. You can't coach his kind of height and tall receivers seem to be the most dominant in the SEC the past few years.
2. Alvin Bailey-3 star, 5-11, 175 lbs: For some reason I can't see his offer list on the other site and I really don't get why he's rated so low. Defitely a gem. Does just about everything with the ball in his hands and has a nose for the endzone. The perfect slot receiver compliment to Fulwood.
3. Chris Thompson-3 star, 6 ft, 167 lbs, 4.43 40: This is my headscrather for the WR position. We offered early and he's camped, so the coaching staff likes him for a reason. He's also a slot guy though and don't see how he's better than Bailey. But we offered him long before we offered Bailey, so... again, the coaches must see something no other coaches or recruiting analysts see.
So that's what we have so far. If we stop here, we could be trouble in the passing game. Here's the rest of the players that I think we realistically have a shot at. I think the ship has sailed on Foster and Treadwell, so I'm not including them on the list. Everyone of these guys is the difference maker that we need.
1. Stacy Coley-4 star, 6-1, 175 lbs, 4.5 40: Wow is the first word that comes to mind. It seemed like there was alot of interest on both sides early and then he seems to have dropped off the map. I've heard grumblings about horrible grades, so that could explain why he hasn't committed to ANYONE yet. I wonder if we could get him after he goes the JC or prep school route (I'm just speculating about his grades. I don't know anything).
2. Demarcus Robinson-(clemson commit) 4-star, 6-2, 196 lbs, 4.6 40: There's been ALOT of chatter about him recently really making an effort to visit. I think one of the parents likes UF and the other doesn't (can't remember which). IMHO he's our number 1 target and best shot left at the position.
3. Marquez North-4 star, 6-3, 210 lbs, 4.5 40: Another superstar, big receiver. I was reading alot of great things about him earlier, but haven't heard anything recently. Would LOVE to have him and think we could have a shot on NSD.
So this appears to be it. With the way our numbers are shaking out, I think we only will be able to take 1 more. I feel all of our current commits are very strong and the magic number should be 4 at this position. My dream scenario would be to flip Robinson and then somehow catch Coley after a year or two. We REALLY need to get one of these final 3 in the class though and I and VERY confident we will.
What are your thoughts? Regardless of what else we add to our current class, if we can add one of these WR and close out the OL strong, then this class will have accomplished it's goals, damn the rankings.