The Florida Gators recruiting efforts have been going strong over the last month, as the Gators will take that 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:
Macbgator: What is the latest on Tim Smith??
AS: Florida still trying to flip Smith from Alabama but the Gators have positioned themselves in good shape for the flip. Smith has been on campus multiple times this fall.
Baileyboy1223: After UGA showed there stellar passing game for Henderson surely he must be leaning towards the good guys what say you
AS: It’s still a Florida/Clemson battle but I like Florida’s chances with Henderson right now.
Baileyboy1223: Hightower entered the portal any interest there?
AS: I don’t see Florida going after him as I hear that Hightower wants to get back to the west coast.
Gatorfantone247: Are we still interested in Romello Height?
AS: Height says the Gators keep in touch but aren’t recruiting him that hard.
Atllagator: Do you see us getting Marc Britt or are we just another hat on the table?
AS: I really like Florida’s chances with Britt when he announces on November 1st.
Gatorfantone247: Any news on Brenton Cox? What is the hold up? Any chance he plays against UGA or anytime this season?
AS: I don’t see Cox being cleared this year as he really doesn’t have a strong argument on why he should get a waiver, plus it’s already late in the season so it would be tough for him to even see the field now.
MacDaddyGator: Do you think there is a correlation between having a superior game-day coach and an ability to attract 4* and 5* athletes? Have you seen any change happening in our recruiting, given that Mullen has shown that he is an outstanding game-day coach? Do the recruits actually recognize this?
AS: To be a great head coach you have to be able to do both as sooner or later your game plan will not be able to cover up your lack of roster if you aren’t recruiting top prospects. I do think Mullen made some good changes this offseason in his support staff and that’s paying off already. Mullen still has a few holes that have to be filled or have someone step up and take more of the load for those guys.
Gatordon: Do you feel there will be any big time surprises for the Gators in this class?
AS: Outside of running back, I believe the Gators class will be finished with guys we’re talking about already so I don’t see any surprises right now.
Edwinvincent: If we beat Georgia, who does it affect their recruiting and how will it improve our recruiting
AS: One game usually doesn’t sway anyone but it will help the Gators stay in the national news as more national writers are talking about Florida. The Gators just need to continue winning and recruiting should improve.
Johnagator: Do you think the hay is pretty much in the barn for 2020? Are the coaches spending more time on next yrs recruits
AS: The staff is spending a lot of time on next year’s recruits but that doesn’t mean they aren’t working hard on this year’s class. But they have a good idea on who they can get for 2020 outside of a few positions like running back and receiver.
MrB-Gator: Do you still think Wardrick Wilson enrolls in January?
AS: Yes, I do but there’s nothing new with him at this time but as long as everything is cleared than Wilson will enroll in January.
Graylon: Do we still have a shot at Joel Williams?
AS: Florida isn’t really recruiting Williams as they’re done at corner and Williams doesn’t project to play safety. Kentucky looks to be the school to beat for him right now.
Cbcoakley: Some folks here are saying that 2021 is looking to be a very good class. 247 doesn’t have us in on many of the top 50. Where is the optimism coming from?
AS: Florida has a lot of momentum with several guys in the 2021 class so that’s where the buzz is coming from. The state of Florida is loaded and the Gators have hosted a lot of those guys on campus already.
Jump_pass: What’s the WR board looking like. Manuel & Fraziars committed and Henderson is a top target. Is there any other top targets they have a realistic chance for? Bryan Robinson or Arian Smith?
AS: I don’t see Florida getting either Robinson or Smith but they’re recruiting receiver Marcus Fleming and keeping in touch with Ja’Khi Douglas. Florida has a better chance with both of those guys than they do the previously mentioned two guys. Henderson is the Gators top target at the position and I like Florida’s chances with him.
DC32014: Is Florida now recruiting Ja’Khi Douglas hard? And do you think with FSU struggles Florida can get back In on Toafili?
AS: Florida has kept in touch with Douglas in case they decided to fully push for him and that’s becoming more likely now. Florida is also trying to flip Lawrence Toafili but right now he’s solid to the Noles.
Pan: Who are the (non-commits) coaches visiting this week, indicating the priority for the remaining spots? please advise
AS: Florida will visit several 2021 targets including Palmetto High who is loaded with prospects. Also on Friday the Gators will visit offensive lineman Marcus Dumervil for his game.
Gatorgreg1: Any update on Jahquez Robinson gaining interest in flipping?
AS: Florida is done at cornerback so I don’t see them pushing Robinson to flip.
Gatorgreg1: Who would be our best shot at a third DE?
AS: Right now I don’t see a third defensive end in the class, Florida is after Zykevious Walker but I think he goes to Georgia.
Gatorgreg1: We really need some seniority on the OL. What are your thoughts on Stewart Reese coming to Gainesville for his last year?
AS: Reese had interest in transferring to Florida last year but didn’t have enough done academically to make the move so there’s interest for sure. Reese likes Dan Mullen and John Hevesy so the Gators will have a shot if he decides to move on.
PetrolGator: Have there been any new RB targets for 2020?
AS: Not yet but the staff is watching a few guys closely before they offer them. I expect the board to expand for sure as running back is the one position that is fluid right now.
PetrolGator: Any further buzz from Dumervil?
AS: Still a close race between Florida and LSU and both teams are trying to get him on campus for an unofficial visit. This will be a battle until the end.