The Florida Gators coaching staff had a great summer and they’re starting training camp this week as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Billy Napier and the rest of the coaching staff have put together a great class already with 18 commits in the class heading into the fall.
GatorCountry brings you a new recruiting mailbag to get you caught up on things as we head into the football season.
Woollybooger: What is happening with Forkpa, are we still involved? Is there somebody else that we feel is wanted more?
AS: Florida still wants Forkpa badly and are recruiting him hard, Michigan is making this tougher on the Gators but I believe Florida gets this done.
Grouchygator: Is there any 5 star athlete in our sights we have a real chance at landing?
AS: Florida is still recruiting guys like Bralan Womack, Texas athlete commit Jermaine Bishop and LSU defensive line commit Trenton Henderson but right now Florida has a lot of ground to make up for those guys.
Gator_nica: I saw some news about #1QB 2027 Elijah Haven and that we had a good shot here. Anything to get excited about? I simply do not see how he leaves LSU’s grasp.
AS: Haven had a great trip to Gainesville and loved the coaching staff and the offensive scheme while in town but LSU will be tough because of him playing in Baton Rouge. Haven is open to leaving the area and the Gators are a legit threat but I think it will be tough.
Kdm: Who are we still pushing hard for at DT in the 2026 class (including flips)?
AS: Yes, I expect Florida to continue recruiting guys like James Johnson, Vodney Cleveland, Tyson Bacon and Valdin Sone. Those would all take flips to happen but those are guys that Florida isn’t going to just quit on.
StrangeGator: Are we good to go with just two WRs or is a third WR an absolute necessity? I assume we’re only losing Sturdivant and probably Tre Wilson.
AS: Florida is ok with just two receivers in the class, they would like a third guy but will not reach for one at all. They will continue to recruit and monitor guys but it will have to be a top guy for them to take him.
Gatorjack: Is it true that the staff is still working hard on Izayia Williams? A lot of us are fed up with him, but the staff seems to really like him. I saw that a recruiting service guy predicted he would ultimately sign with us.
AS: Yes, Florida never quit on Williams and despite the drama that happened with his recruitment, the staff really likes him. Williams is a good kid and I believe that his family is getting more involved in things to help him smooth things over in his recruitment. I like where Florida stands for him.
G8trJasonB: Does UF still have a legitimate shot to hold onto Chukuyem or do you expect a flip to UGA?
AS: Yes, Chukuyem has been very vocal about his commitment status with Florida and how the Gators were in on him earlier. This is one that I think Florida can hang onto going forward.
Travlingator: Are we still in the hunt for Davian Groce?
AS: They’re still recruiting him but he’s trending away. Groce wants to stay closer to home and that has Oklahoma and Baylor out in front. Florida will continue to recruit him but it will be tough.