Florida Gators recruiting mailbag for August 15th

The Florida Gators recruiting efforts have been going strong over the last month, as the Gators will take some big momentum into the 2019 season.

Gator Country’s members have a lot of questions about how the 2020 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:

 

Tbod41: With Huggins gone how is going the defensive back numbers going to shake out?

AS: The staff would still like to add two more guys to the class with one being a corner and the other being a safety. They could look to the JUCO ranks for a guy to help add experience as well.

 

BCNGator99: Can you give us the current OLine board, specifically OT’s?

AS: Issiah Walker and Marcus Dumervil are the two main targets that the staff is talking to right now and both are tackles. If Florida is to miss on one of those guys then I expect the board to expand but right now the focus is on those two guys.

 

OklahomaGator: With Townsend being a senior are we looking at a punter or will that job go to Jack Brady?

AS: The staff doesn’t like to offer scholarships to punters but they have a few guys they’re watching to potentially bring in as preferred walk-ons or a potential scholarship if they have one open. I don’t believe they’re settled on one guy for next year.

 

Baileyboy1223: How do you feel about the two bama commits we’re after jrob and tim Smith?

AS: I still like Florida’s chances with Jahquez Robinson and the fact that Tim Smith visited Florida just days after committing to Alabama tells me he’s still interested in the Gators. Smith continues to talk to the staff and the Gators are a team to watch here. This season will be one that Smith watches closely.

 

Macbgator: Who are we seriously looking at as a running back in this class and who are we most likely to sign???

AS: Florida is still going after Demarkcus Bowman, Keyvone Lee, EJ Smith, Michael Drennen, Don Chaney and Mecose Todd right now. They also continue to talk to Marvin Scott but they haven’t offered yet.

 

Macbgator: In your opinion, who will be the defensive backs in this class??

AS: I believe Florida will keep the guys they have in the class now and add Henry Gray and Jahquez Robinson to finish up the class. I’m not saying Avantae Williams won’t be in the class but right now I’m 50/50 on the Gators chances with him.

 

Liveoak1: Regarding Leonard Manuel, what shape are his grades and classes actually in ? Will it take a exceptionally good year in the classroom to be eligible ?

AS: I know this is going to sound a lot like last year but Manuel has some work to do in the classroom. He needs to buckle down this year but he has a chance to be good. It isn’t out of the question by any means.

 

Gatorzfan: Who are some of the 2021 RB to watch that Gators are interested in?

AS: Still early but guys like Evan pryor, Katravis Geter, Miami commit Thad Franklin and Kelly Loiseau are all names that the Gators have offered already at the position. Brashard Smith is another guy who has an offer and has visited a few times already.

 

Hornet09: What’s the back story on Hova? Why so much angst and is anyone really excited he’s back?

AS: I’m not sure what happened when he left Florida but apparently there’s some beef between him and some guys on Twitter. Hova is in a good connection in South Florida for the Gators so he’s a plus in the recruiting department.

 

Juggernautz: Any areas of concern for the 2020 recruiting class?

AS: Nothing is a concern right now as there’s still time to go in the class but right now, the Gators need tackles in the class but they have two top targets still on the board. Tackles and a running back are the two areas that Florida still needs to add at.

 

Gatorfantone247: Any truth to the rumors of other transfers besides for Cox and Joseph choosing U.F?

AS: I’ve heard the rumors on that and as of right now there’s no traction with those guys. That’s not to say that it can’t happen or won’t happen but right not it isn’t close I’m told.

 

Edwinvincent: Is Jeffery M’BA still a take on the defensive line. I hear he moved back to the Congo in Africa. How does this affect the way he is being recruited?

AS: M’Ba doesn’t have an official offer from Florida yet as he has some academic things to figure out before any school can offer him officially or before he can take official visits. If that happens then Florida will likely offer him.

 

 

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.