The Florida Gators recruiting efforts have pick up some momentum after Friday Night Lights and that momentum looks to continue as the season is getting underway.
With the dead period still going on and fall camp going on, recruiting talk is slow but the Gators are still in good shape for several top targets.
Gator Country’s members have a lot of questions about how the 2019 class will shake out and who are the top prospects that the Gators are still after.
We answer your questions in this week’s Florida Gators recruiting mailbag.
Well let’s dive right in to this week’s recruiting mailbag:
Edwinvincent: How serious is the smoke about Jordan Battle being an option to join the class since there is trouble at OSU?
AS: The two sides are talking a lot and Battle is talking about making a trip to Gainesville this fall. Miami is also very much in the picture and are likely the number two team behind Ohio State at this time. Florida needs to get him on campus this fall.
MrB-Gator: OL…the names on the board now and possibilities for later this year (new names)?
AS: William Harrod, Ira Henry, LaQuinston Sharp and Kamaar Bell are all names on the board that have either visited or plan to visit. JUCO offensive lineman Brandon Jones doesn’t have an offer yet but he’s someone to watch.
Kylerevou: What is the interest level in TJ Jones?
AS: Florida is going to evaluate him this fall and see how he does his senior year but they’re talking to him and recruiting him.
Brainstorm: The TCU committed WR Kennedy Lewis – is he going to visit? Does he have much interest in us?
AS: Right now he has no plans to visit Florida but he says he has some interest in the Gators. Until he sets a visit, I would say slim to no chance at Lewis.
Gator_n_Bmore: Trey Knox and Elijah Higgins. Does the staff take both if they both want in?
AS: Right now, I would say yes but it also depends on other positions and how many they decide to take there.
Tbod41: Can you provide a breakdown of position spots left to fill:
WR-1 or 2
RB-1 or 2
OL-1 or 2
TE-1
SDE-1
DT-1
Buck-1
LB-1
CB-2 or 3
S-1
AS: Those numbers are pretty much spot on. Most likely just one running back in the class but the rest is good. Of course this fall those number could change as the coaches see the current roster.
Irgator12: Do u see the board expanding as high school games start and players stock start to rise? Anyone in particular that could get an offer?
AS: That will definitely happen as a few positions like offensive line and defensive tackle need more names on the board so as guys play games, film will be evaluated and new offers will be handed out. One offensive lineman to watch is JUCO offensive lineman Brandon Jones who camped at Florida but didn’t get the offer. That could happen this fall.
Gatorfan228: What does the safety board look like as far as names and priority?
AS: Lewis Cine, Nick Cross, Cortez Andrews and Ohio State commit Jordan Battle are all names on the safety board. Right now Cine is set to visit for the LSU game and that will be his first visit, Cross looks to be a battle between Florida State and Penn State right now. Battle is looking hard at the Gators with all of the trouble going on at Ohio State.
Nickelgators: Do you think Trey Knox will be a Gator ?
AS: Florida is trending in the right direction for Knox at this time but Arkansas and Tennessee can’t be counted out for the receiver. Official visits are key for Knox.
Jump_pass: The staff surely stumbled in June-July missing on some Out of State recruits. The momentum has seemingly shifted to the good guys with Diwun Black & possibly Mohamoud Diabate, Kaiir Elam, Keon Zipperer, Lloyd Summerall. Is this because of a staff change in tactics or resources? Or just natural progression?
AS: Just guys feeling more comfortable with the staff and building those relationships with the staff. The staff hasn’t changed their strategy much at all but guys are still waiting to see results on the field.
Gatoronenemyturf: Which games have recruits said they will visit ?
AS: The LSU will be the most attended game of the year by far but several guys have said they will be in town for the first two games. I’ll have a visitors list up the week of each game as usual.
Gatorfantm: Are we still looking good for Jaydon Hill? When is he looking at committing?
AS: It’s a tight battle between Florida and Tennessee right now and he has said he wants to commit in September. Depending on who you talk to, will depend on they think is leading for Hill at this time.
Macbgator: Are we looking at adding another quarterback, if so, who are the candidates??
AS: Right now, I would say just one quarterback in the class unless someone else decides to transfer or someone pops on the board that Dan Mullen really likes.