The Florida Gators recruiting efforts picked up some major momentum in recruiting with the win over LSU last Saturday.
The Gators had dozens and dozens of prospects on campus for the game in not only the 2019 but the 2020 class.
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:
Ncargat1: Is Jaelin Humphries the only defensive tackle that the Gators are going to end landing? Is one enough given the depth that is coming back at that position?
AS: They would like two in the class but they feel like the depth is good enough that if they only get Humphries that they will be ok. It’s something that will be determined by who wants in and right now there isn’t that any one defensive tackle that is truly leaning towards Florida.
Southcolgator: How would you rank the SDE board today in terms of top targets versus who we have a good shot at landing? I understand that things are subject to change.
AS: Florida is still going after guys like Mississippi State commit Nathan Pickering, Auburn commit Jaren Handy, Alabama commits Byron Young, Justin Eboigbe, Florida State commit Quashon Fuller and Braylon Ingrham. The Gators have work to do with most of those guys but most are expected to visit Florida either this fall or for official visits.
Tonto-86: After the win against LSU this past weekend, are you hearing of any new ripples going through the recruiting world regarding a fresh new take on Florida by other recruits? Do you think this was a statement win that could potentially open the door to more top rated recruits in the 2019 and 2020 classes that may have previously been viewed as uninterested?
AS: Guys are definitely believing that the Gators are back and believe in what Dan Mullen is telling recruits about the program. I think that it definitely opened some eyes to top recruits around the country, it may take until 2020 for it to pay off but it won’t be for a lack of trying.
Macbgator: Looks like the offensive line recruiting board is starting to expand, how many more will we be able to take and who are the likely candidates we will get????
AS: Florida would like between five to six in the class. They’re still recruiting guys like Keiondre Jones, Kamaar Bell, Will Putnam and Deyavie Hammond. The Gators would be ok with adding any of those guys to class.
Macbgator: Who are our top defensive backs targets??
AS: Kaiir Elam, Jalen Perry, LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson, JUCO corner Jamar Richardson, Cortez Andrews, Aaron Bealsey and JUCO safety Fred Peters. I expected the board to expand a little and the Gators are still pursuing Tyrique Stevenson.
Ufgator84: Interesting developments at linebacker, including Antoine Sampah. Can you summarize the 2019 and 2020 linebacker boards right now, plus add your thoughts on Florida’s chances with these guys?
AS: 2019 guys all seem solid with the exception of Tyron Hopper who is still listening to Auburn and South Carolina but this past weekend really helped the Gators with him. Florida may still add JD Bertrand who is a true inside linebacker for the defense. The Gators are in good shape with Bertrand.
For 2020 you have Sampah who the Gators and Virginia Tech will battle for. Sav’ell Smalls visited already but a slim chance. Zykeivous Walker is a guy the Gators are high on as well. Derek Wingo is a guy that is high on the Gators as well.
OaktownGator: What’s the latest on projected class size and position break down?
AS: The Gators will try to get as close to a full class as they can. Right now here’s how I see it breaking down as far as positions go.
QB-1
RB-1
WR-3
TE-1
OL-5-6
DL-3-4
LB-4 (DL/LB are tough to break a part as some guys will be hybrid guys)
DB-3-4
UFMBA14: I know this is further down the road but do you see any possible coaching departures we should worry about being poached by other programs? Do you see any coaches Mullen might replace? I ask in terms of recruiting as I know guys like Robinson for example are loved by recruits. Don’t want to lose him.
AS: Of course you can never say for sure but the staff seems pretty locked in on helping Mullen get the Gators back on top. A guy like Christian Robinson will have offers but he’s been pretty loyal to Todd Grantham so I don’t see him leaving Grantham.
Juggernautz: What’s your vibe on our running back board for 2019 & 2020?
AS: For 2019 the focus is on Nay’Quan Wright and Trey Sanders, the Gators want at least one of those guys. I believe the Gators will get one of those guys with Wright more of a possibility at this time.
In 2020 they have guys like EJ Smith, DeMarkcus Bowman, Don Chaney Jr, JaQuavion Marks and Jordon Simmons. Simmons, Bowman, Marks and Smith have all visited Florida this fall.
Thumper: I’m still getting familiar with this coaching staff and the perception the recruits have from them. What are the positives and key takeaways with this coaching staff from the prior staff? I’m hoping we don’t have a Nord Jr. on our staff. (Zech Byrd’s photo with him… )
AS: The big difference is that the staff as a whole recruits together and all are pretty good recruiters. Most of the staff are strong on social media which is a key. Also you have a mix of young and older guys which is another key on the staff.