The Florida Gators coaching staff has put together a solid 2021 class already and have started to work on the 2022 class now that they’re able to start calling and texting those guys.
Dan Mullen and the coaching staff have a few more spots remaining in the class as they look to finish off on some needs in the class.
GatorCountry brings you a recruiting mailbag to answer your questions on the 2021 class as well as the 2022 class.
Check out the mailbag here to get all the answers to your questions.
601gator: Who are the guys we are after and the chances of getting them right now? I know surprise names always pop close to signing day after they de commit from other schools.
AS: Florida is still recruiting Tunmise Adeleye and the Gators lead Alabama at this time. Bryce Langston is another defensive lineman and Florida leads LSU at this time. Xavian Sorey is a big time athlete and it’s a battle between Florida and Georgia for him at this time. Terrion Arnold is the long defensive back target remaining and Florida currently leads Alabama for him. Those are the four big names remaining on the board.
Liveoak: If the offense and passing game keeps up their current pace will Leary or maybe Brooks look our way again ? What’s the word on Brown the defensive tackle out of Lakeland for 2022 ?
AS: Right now I don’t see Christian Leary or Jacorey Brooks flipping to Florida, they’re locked in at Alabama. And Florida has some work to do on Gabriel-Brownlow-Dindy at this time. Oklahoma has made a big impression on the defensive lineman early on.
Macbgator: Who is the next recruit to commit??
AS: This is probably the toughest question to answer because of the times and also because Florida has so few spots/targets remaining. Right now I would say possibly Bryce Langston but that’s just a guess as he hasn’t announced when he will decide but I do think he’s the closest to deciding. Most guys want to wait until signing day to decide.
Macbgator: Who are we still recruiting for the OL and the most likely to sign!!
AS: Yousef Mugharbil is the guy that Florida has the best chance with but right now I have him going elsewhere but he wants to visit. Florida is still talking to Tristian Leigh and Auburn commit Caleb Johnson but right now both look to be going elsewhere.
Graylon: I know you are tired of this question… But do we have anymore info on Terrion Arnold??… we need more athletically physical type of players in the secondary
AS: Nothing really new here but I still like Florida over Alabama slightly at this time. Florida just has to continue showing him he’s a priority and letting him know the playing time is there if he comes.
Matherly87: Years ago a big part of recruiting success was the long term relationships the position coaches had with the various HS coaches around the state of Florida, helping with the direct contact with the players and parents. What would say is the biggest factor in today’s (non Covid) world with getting the right players and building a successful program? (Obviously not what FSU is doing)
I’m curious how much you think its changed because of bagmen, booster input, paying players for their likeness, digital communications, schools firing and hiring more often, the me me me mentality, and schools and coaches willing to “stretch” the grey areas of recruiting. Its what many Top 100 players portray, Money Talks.
AS: It has definitely changed with the bagmen and such but the key is still getting to know the decision maker or makers in the process. Every player has several people around him but only one or two who will actually help him make the decision so you have to figure out who that is and then work them as much as you work the kid. A lot of times that’s a parent or handler but at times it could be a coach or someone at his school. Having the high school coaches on your side or at least in your good graces is key as well as they’re able to tell you things that the kid may or say or which coaches are coming by.
Bigmike64: If you had to put a percentage on each of the following what are the chances they sign with UF?
Tunmise Adeleya
Xavian Sorey
Bryce Langston
Terrion Arnold
AS: As of today here we go.
Adeleye-65-35 Florida over Alabama at this time.
Sorey-50-50 between Florida and Georgia, his recruitment seems to change by the day.
Langston-80-20 Florida over LSU.
Arnold-60-40 Florida over Alabama.
GatorGuyDallas: Any chance the offensive explosion at Florida gets a guy like Jaylin White interested?
AS: Florida has been talking to White but nothing serious yet, White would still like to visit Florida, however, right now, I don’t have him pinned to Florida. Unless someone leaves unexpectedly then I don’t expect a running back in the class.
1990Gator: Do you think we have a harder time recruiting big time 5 star DB’s when they see our DC dropping our corners back into zone coverages in critical situations all the time?
You would think that the hot shot DB’s would like to show off their talents in man coverages or do they just see our DB draft history?
AS: Most of these defensive backs believe they could be the answer to the problems on defense and help fix what happened on Saturday’s. Guys understand the Gators history with defensive backs and believe they could be the answer. So the short answer is no it isn’t hurting Florida.
OklahomaGator: When players say they are waiting “until signing day”, which signing day are they talking about?
AS: Most guys meant the December signing period but now without the chance to take visits that could easily change. Most guys are still waiting to see if there’s a rule that allows for official visits to potentially take place in December but still several guys will sign in December as they’re early enrollees.