The Florida Gators coaching staff are off to a 4-3 start to the 2022 football season as they head into the bye week.
Billy Napier and the rest of the coaching staff have put together a great class already with 21 commits in the class and several top targets leaning their way.
GatorCountry brings you a new recruiting mailbag to get you caught up on things as we head into the football season.
Gatordadx2: Andrew any hope of an OL prospect that we may or may not know that we have a shot at ?
AS: Florida is working on several guys that are committed to other programs right now and several of those guys are listening to the staff and saying the right things. I think offensive line recruiting will be just fine at the end of the class.
Polkgator: Is Jakeem Jackson solid after his trip to Kentucky. Do you see him in our class?
AS: I know Jackson had a great visit to Lexington but from everything I’ve heard, I still expect him to stick with the Gators. Florida will get him in for an official visit in December and that should be the last visit for Jackson.
MrB-Gator: Do you think we get some players from the portal and/or Juco?
And, if so, what positions?
AS: I expect Florida to be very active in the portal and I think they could add a lineman on both sides of the ball from the JUCO ranks. In the portal I expect, offensive line, defensive line and linebacker to be the focus this offseason.
Rileyf58: Is Napier a guy willing to go in a different direction staff wise if it isn’t working? Or is he a go down with ship kinda guy?
AS: Napier will address anything that’s stopping the program from succeeding but he’s a guy that looks everything and doesn’t make quick judgement based off small results. Napier sees that the depth and players aren’t where the Gators need it to be and he will keep that in mind when evaluating everything.
Woollybooger: Do you think we have a replacement lined up for Creed, and will he commit if offered?
AS: I don’t think they have already lined up a replacement, but they certainly have some options including receiver Jaren Hamilton who’s teammates with Creed. Hamilton hasn’t been offered yet but he’s someone that the Gators are watching very closely.
Irgator12: With Braun gone can that scholarship be used to add another 23 kid?
AS: It will be used in the transfer portal as it will allow for Napier to add another guy in the offseason.
Jcmiller910: What effect did the loss to LSU do in regards to Cormani McClain? Are we still sitting pretty good with him? In my eyes he is a can’t miss prospect!
AS: It didn’t have any effect on McClain as he sees an opportunity to play early and feels like he can make a difference for the defense next year if he does come to Florida.
Ufgator84: What are the remaining DT targets?
Same for LB.
AS: At defensive tackle, Kayden McDonald, Jordan Hall, John Walker, and James Smith are the focus at the position. Florida would love to add at least two of those guys to the class to add even more depth.
At linebacker, things are a lot tougher as they aren’t as many options. They’re keeping tabs on and working South Carolina commit Grayson Howard, Oklahoma commit Lewis Carter and Michigan State commit Jordan Hall.
Ufgator84: Including the portal, how many roster spots get turned over after this season?
I’m thinking at least 30
AS: I expect Florida to add 30 or very close to that many guys this year between recruits and transfers. I expect several guys to transfer away from Florida which will give Napier the room he needs to overhaul this roster. Part of the rebuilding process is adding guys from the portal and helping to boost the roster as there are several needs that have to be addressed.
Enickelsen: Did Kearney take his official to FSU for the Clemson game? How did the visit go? What are the chances on a flip?
AS: Kearney did take his official visit to Florida State, and I’m told it’s likely he visits Florida for the South Carolina game now. Florida still feels good about where they sit for Kearney after the official visit but they need him to show up for the South Carolina game.
Gator_nica: Whats your call on Cormani on 10/27?
AS: I like where Florida sits with Cormani McClain heading into his decision. It’s unlikely he visits Alabama this weekend which is more good news for the Gators. Napier and his staff have recruited McClain harder than any other program and made it known how much he’s needed in Gainesville.
Arob2827: Will a commitment from Cormani push Jackson away from his commitment?
AS: No, Florida has made it clear that they want both and recruits have watched the Gators this fall and know that the Gators need defensive backs in this class in a bad way.
Gator30339: Can you sell me on Lagway? Is there a better get in that class? I get concerned when I hear “he still needs to work on his passing.” Haven’t we gone through 15 years of this save one actual passer?
AS: DJ Lagway is a leader of the class kind of guy and a guy that’s going to be a good quarterback as he continues to improve his passing game every year. Lagway is a guy that if you land him, he will work hard to get the best players around him and he’s a guy that top players will want to play with.
Gatorconstructor: Is Cedric Baxter in play? Or just taking free trips and watching games.
AS: Baxter is keeping his options open while committed to Texas as he has visited both Florida and Florida State this fall. The Gators are recruiting him hard in case he decides to open his commitment back up.
Singles: I know he is a long shot, but I have not heard any updates on Keon Keeley. Any chance we get him on campus again for a visit?
AS: Right now, it’s looking unlikely as Alabama and Ohio State are trending for Keeley right now. Florida will continue to work on him to get him back on campus for an official visit but I would say it’s a long shot.