The Florida Gators coaching staff had a great spring and they’re preparing for the summer months as official visits will start in May.
Jon Sumrall and his coaching staff have put together a great start to the class and they’re looking to add several other top targets.
GatorCountry brings you a new recruiting mailbag to get you caught up on things as we head into the summer.
Robertgator: What’s our freshmen recruiting class philosophy in the age of NIL free agency? still seems like we want to continue building from recruiting and transfers for targeted spots?
AS: They would like to take smaller classes in the 18-20 range for high school and then focus on transfers for spots they need. The day and age of being able to recruit and develop everyone isn’t there anymore. Teams are expected to win and compete every year so it’s now important to recruit players who are ready to play day one and contribute.
Singles: What are your thoughts on QB Davin Davidson? Seems like Coach really likes him. I know there were some other options out there. He seems to me climbing the ranks fast. Thanks as always AS!
AS: Big arm, athletic player who’s a winner. I do have a few questions about Davidson’s game, but I do believe he can play in the SEC after a year or so in the system. He has all the tools to be successful and comes from a successful high school program with really good coaches.
Blackbird68: Do you believe there will be much on the recruiting front, i.e. commitments, before the start of the season? Seems a lot of the guys we are recruiting have shown interest but are waiting to see results on the field or is it that the highly rated players are waiting to the end to maximize NIL?
AS: I expect several commitments during official visit season and before the start of the football season. Guys are trying to lock in deals before their senior years and staffs across the country want to try and have as much of the class in the fold as possible.
Asmith1460: It seems like DT is a thin spot for the Gators, you think this position will be filled with recruits or transfers next year?
AS: I believe Florida will sign two high school defensive tackles this year with Tyler Alexander being the most likely but they will look to the portal to add more depth after the season. Defensive tackle is one of the positions that I feel transfers are most likely to come from year in and year out as guys show out at smaller schools.
Kdm: Any word on where Olubobola is leaning?
AS: I really like where Florida has positioned itself for him heading into official visits. Olubobola is looking at several schools but his relationship with Phil Trautwain is what I think wins out for Florida.
Juggernautz: How many recruits are we taking at OL, WR, RB & QB?
AS: OL-4-5 depending on who wants in. QB-1 from high school, portal will depend on who stays. RB-2 is the number they would like. WR-most likely 4.
Ufgator84: Any real chance of getting either WR Royal or Pearl?
AS: I believe Florida lands Elias Pearl at receiver and they’re continuing to work hard on Easton Royal but Texas and LSU seem to be ahead of the Gators for the New Orleans receiver.
Dnaughty23: Are there are big time commitments you’re expecting in the next month or so? Any guys not currently advertised as being on the radar that could be in play?
AS: Stive-Bentley Keumajou just moved up his commitment to May 1st and he’s someone to watch very closely as the Gators are in good shape there. Anthony Jennings is another one to watch closely as he just dropped a top five but Florida leads.
Gatorjack: How do you think we’ll finish with OL recruiting?
AS: I believe they land Oluwasemilore Olubobola, Layton Von Brandt, and Kennedee Jackson right now. Peyton Miller and Terrance Smith are both guys I’m watching closely. But remember offensive linemen are expensive in the NIL era so how many can Florida afford to pay top dollar for?
Rileyf58: Do we have a chance to finish top 5 in recruiting? Its been a long time since we have finished that high.
AS: A chance? Absolutely but I think top 10 is most likely right now in year one but top five next year is something that is very possible. I don’t see anymore years where Florida is in the teens as long as Sumrall and his staff are in charge.
Johnagator: The last staff was in on many top ranked players; very few came our way. I really don’t have that feeling about this staff. Am I being led down another rabbit hole?
AS: Not at all, this staff will close on top players and you’ve seen that already with the addition of Maxwell Hiller.
Supagator: Which of our coaches are hustling the hardest on the recruiting trail?
AS: This staff doesn’t have any dead weight on it as far as recruiting goes, Jon Sumrall isn’t going to let that happen. But to answer your question, it’s hard to say anyone but Phil Trautwein simply because of the guys he has Florida in contention for. Trautwein understands that he has to get more top players on the roster to compete in the SEC.