Florida Gators recruiting is doing well and this week’s recruiting mailbag had a lot of great questions about how prospects view the Florida Gators after their loss to Florida State.
As you have noticed Gator Country and Andrew Spivey have mixed things up and we have taken our Florida Gators recruiting mailbag to podcast form, as well as continuing the written version of the mailbag.
Make sure to listen as Andrew answer’s everyone’s questions from this mailbag and don’t forget to get your questions in every week so he can answer your question next time on all things Florida Gators recruiting.
Here’s the written version of this week’s Florida Gators recruiting mailbag:
EDIT: there is no audio version for this week’s mailbag
Jlh6121: With Feleipe Franks officially in the fold what are the Gator’s chances with his teammate Gavin?
AS: Gavin released his top three last week that consisted of Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. Gavin also doesn’t plan to visit Florida so the chances are looking very slim unless those plans change.
Cdeal15: I know if we got Jacob Eason it could have helped with receivers. But does having Feleipe Franks official now make an impact on guys like Nate Craig-Myers??
AS: Receivers were very impressed and happy by getting Franks in the class, at the end of the day I think receivers just want to know who the quarterback is. Jim McElwain and Doug Nussmeier have done a good job of getting guys on board and I think Franks helps with that.
Easypeasey: What’s your take on some of the new offers and new prospects on the board and our chances with them:
Elysee Mbem-Bosse
D’Andre Christmas Giles
Jaleel Laugins
Landen Dickerson
AS: Mbem-Bosse is a big time linebacker that says he will visit Florida in January but it looks like he will make a decision on Thursday and it won’t be the Gators. If Mbem-Bosse stills visit Florida then the Gators have a shot.
Chrismas-Giles looks to be very open in his recruitment but LSU has a leg up due to his location but let’s see if he visits Florida.
Laugins is a linebacker that wants to be at Georgia but Kirby Smart hasn’t made him feel welcomed there and he plans to visit Florida in January. Florida has a shot unless Smart fixes things between the two parties.
Dickerson is a lean to Florida State right now but a visit to Florida would help a ton. The Gators have playing time available on the offensive line.
Ewrivera21: What’s your thoughts on David Reese? If he commits does he start next year?
AS: I don’t think he starts at Florida next year but right now I like the Gators chances of landing him. Nebraska is a big threat to Florida though.
Aaron10121: Are we still looking good with Shavar Manuel? Brian Burns?
Are we definitely going to take 2 more OL?
AS: Yes, Florida is still looking good for defensive tackle Shavar Manuel and defensive end Brian Burns right now and both will take officials to Florida in January. I think Florida adds two more offensive line to the class as well.
Ewrivera21: And what is the most important recruit do the Gators need to get before signing day? Mack Wilson?
AS: Mack Wilson is very important to the class as is adding another big time receiver like Nate Craig-Myers.
Haljordan: Is there any recruit out there not on our radar that we should be paying attention too?
AS: I think we have mentioned about everyone that you should be paying attention too but the board will get bigger as signing day approaches.
Oklahoma Gator: I’ve been following recruiting since the days of the 800 # call in line. I do not recall ever having this many early enrollees. Is this the largest number in Florida history?
AS: This is the largest early enrollee class right now tied with the 2005 class that Urban Meyer signed but if Reese commits then it would pass that number signed in 05’. That was incredible class in 2005 as it had Tim Tebow in that class.
Tbgatorbait: Now with Jacob Eason off the board, are we going to still push hard for Dwayne Haskins?
AS: Florida will still talk to and recruit Haskins but it looks like Haskins will stay closer to home.
FriendlyGator: Looking at our commit list, we’ve got 4 kids on there from Alabama–which has probably never happened you just don’t pull many kids out of Bama if either Bama or Auburn want them–plus a couple of kids from neighboring state Mississippi. Is this a direct result of Mac’s reputation in those areas and his prior relationships with high school coaches? Is it a combination of Mac, Collins, Nuss, and others who have been in that area at times?
It would be great to cherry pick some players from these states. If we can just land our fair share of Florida kids, get some quality Georgia kids as usual, and cherry pick a few from other southern states we are in business.
AS: It has a lot to do with Coach Mac’s reputation in the state of Alabama and Mississippi plus the assistant coaches and Drew Hughes are respected a ton in those states. It all goes together to helping the Gators out in these two states. Also don’t forget Tim Skipper is loved in New Orleans as well.
Mstepkin: Any chance with Jayvaughn Myers or is he a Nole?
AS: I think there is a great shot at getting cornerback Jayvaughn Myers back in the class. He will visit in January.
Gatorczar1984: What was the back story with Eason and how close were we to landing him?
AS: It was 50/50 throughout the last few days but the back story is simple and that’s that he loved Georgia and his relationship with those commits won out. Florida gave it all they had there.
Mstepkin: Do you still see Eric Mitchell or JaQuan Bailey being in this class?
AS: Bailey decomitted on Wednesday and yes, I think Mitchell goes elsewhere as well.
Kurt_borglum: How many will we have in this class and of those, how many will be EEs who count back to last year?
AS: Seven guys count back to last year and Florida can sign 32 in this class to my knowledge. I don’t think Florida goes to 32 but it very well could happen if the right guys want in.
Gatorntuscaloosa: With 11 EEs ‘in the barn’ and possibly another one come Friday -Reese, and only 7 being able to back count, we are already at 4 and could be at 5 that are counting towards this years class. If we can only take 25 in the ‘current ‘ class, HOW in the world will the coach be able to take the remaining players that could want to be gators? I only see 3 more possible decommits. Who do you think are our highest remaining priority targets now?
AS: Mac will find a way to make the numbers work, he learned from the best in Nick Saban so trust that it will work out. The top guys remaining in no order are Shavar Manuel, Nate Craig-Myers, Mack Wilson, David Reese and Marcus Tatum. There are several other top targets but I just wanted to name five guys that I think Florida needs to land.
Jlh6121: Will EJ Price set up an official visit?
AS: He has mentioned it but the interest has never really been serious by Price toward Florida so I’ll believe it when it happens.
Skipdr: Prediction on Tre Nixon?
AS: My predictions is Florida but the biggest question is when it will happen because he continues to push off his decision. Georgia is in the mix as well.
Dfalco2: AS who do you see in this class as of right now at WR? How many do we take? How about a mock class? Ha ha had to throw that in. Keep up the good work goat
AS: I think Florida closes with Nate Craig-Myers and Tre Nixon at receiver but Binjimen Victor is slowly creeping back up on confidence meter here but he just needs to visit.
Swampie: Mr Andrew please make your answer in the form of a question, oh that’s for another place… OK here is my question – In your opinion what needs to we still have to fill? I’d think DT, OL, and an ILB or two – what do you think?
AS: Florida needs 1-2 defensive tackles and two more offensive linemen plus 1-2 more linebackers in this class. Florida could also benefit from another big time receiver in this class.
Rajingator: Are we planning to redshirt Eddy Pineiro?
AS: Haha, Florida fans would go absolutely crazy if this was to happen. HaHa.
Theeraser: With Bailey gone how many more mutual separations do you expect? If we don’t land any more big time receiver would that staff consider that a letdown? Any more news on Ben Victor ?
AS: The staff would be upset if they didn’t land anymore receivers in this class for sure and things are getting better with Victor but he needs to visit Florida again. To answer your first question I think two more guys leave the class.
Lurkingator1: Rumors about Rick Wells wavering , do you see him the Class?
AS: South Carolina is coming on strong here but Wells didn’t exactly have a great relationship with Kurt Roper and Will Muschamp so I’m not sure he ends up there. I think he sticks with Florida but it wouldn’t surprise me if he left either.
Dhainer24: Mr. GOAT, I know it’s a little early to ask for a mock class, but I am going to try to trick you into one. Right now, if we subtract out McWilliams, Mitchell and possibly Wells (like him but could be bigger fish at WR) that leaves us at 22. Assuming we can go to 32 with 7 counting back…
Realistic possibilities:
WR: NCM and Nixon (could also be Victor, Gavin) but assume 2 more gets us to 24
OL: seems we want 2 more so let’s say Tatum and Simpson (names could change) now up to 26
DL: Burns and at least 1 and hopefully 2 DT (Manuel and ???) up to 28 or 29
LB: Reese and Wilson won’t be turned away, and Uche is still a strong possibility puts us to 31 or 32
DB: no room if we get 3 DL and 3 LB, but maybe a spot if we only take 2 LB or 1 DT. I assume this spot would be if Myers wanted back in or Fulton surprises and chooses us.
So I guess my question, without asking for a mock this early, is how accurate does this look?
Edit: oh crap I forgot TE. Eubanks. That adds 1 more onto those totals.
AS: That looks very accurate honestly. Of course a few names could change like at offensive line but the breakdown is very accurate. Lol don’t try stealing my name because you were right. Great work sir.
RVG: When are Victor, NCM, and Stove announcing; are they all on NSD?
AS: Nixon is at any day and Nate Craig-Myers and Binjimen Victor are national signing day.
Bhs11: Where do things stand with Marcus Tatum?
AS: Still a strong lean towards Florida but Tennessee is still in the mix.
Genesis: Any chance Eason changes his mind?! I kid I kid. On a serious note, do we plan on trying to get Mack Wilson to come on his official at the same time as the rest of the Bama boys in late January.
AS: Lol on Eason. Florida is trying to get Mack on campus the last weekend of January with the rest of the Alabama boys so that Florida gets the last word and he’s with all of his friends that weekend too.
Jmike131014: I think all the EE have been announced except Jordan Smith. Any problems that you are hearing?
AS: No problems, just waiting on him to sign his paper of admission. He has to get admitted to Florida first plus he has to get his class schedule before he signs that paper so it could be another few days before that happens.
Andrew, I didn’t find this recruiting mailbag to be very encouraging. I’d like to know, in particular, what consensus 4 & 5*s we are looking good to land. For example, Shavar Manuel, NCM, Benjamin Victor, Tre Nixon, Mac Wilson, and Brian Burns. How about OLinemen like Simpson, Prigeon, and Tatum. CBs like J. Myers and Kristian Fulton. Also, is there any truth to the rumor that if we were to land NCM that Victor would choose to go elsewhere? In short, I’d like to read an update with a lot more meat on the bone, so-to-speak.
You are a tough man to please. I feel they touched on everyone Macs currently recruiting and is currently consider UF. Including some of those blue chippers you spoke of.
Lol, oops. I’m gunna change that “touched on” to “included.” Sounds a little less molesty
WR-NCM&Nixon, TE-Eubanks, OL-Tatum, DE-Burns, DT-Manuel, LB-WIlson,CB-either Fulton/Myers.That makes 8,so they would have to loose 1 player. Most likely a CB since there’s 5 commits currently, or a WR . If Maryland QB Haskins flips to FLORIDA, there’s a chance a couple other on the fence recruits might follow and flip.
Also, can you give us a accurate update on where we stand with Texas graduate transfer Jake Raulerson?
with Grier transferring and McCallister being booted off the team, does that free up 2 more scholarships for the 2016 class? or counting against the 2015 class for early enrollees this year? just wondering how it all works out. thanks
Yeah how does it work.
Recruits left on the board in order of importance (my opinion).
WR-NCM,DT-Manuel,LB-Wilson,TE-Eubanks,QB-Haskins,OL-Tatum,DE-Burns,WR-Nixon,CB-Myers or Fulton. I think NCM,Manuel,and Wilson are must haves though. Top 5 commits so far(my opinion) QB-Franks,K-Peirino,RB-Thompson,CB-Gardner,DE-Smith/ LB-Reese tied for 5th.
Any chace the Gators pick up one of the QB transfers? Allen,Murray,or Knight. I think Knight would be good because he 1 year left, so they can RS Franks and he can take over next year. Why would Grier transfer, if he goes to a NCAA school he has to sit out a year for transferring before he serves the last 6 games of his suspension. That would be 2 year off the field, unless he transfers to a JUCO school. It makes no sense unless he thinks Del Rio or Franks are going to win the starting job and he won’t be able to win his job back. Too bad I think he’s the best QB prospect the Gators have had since Tebow(because Muschamp destroyed. Driskeland any potential he had).