Florida Gators recruiting mailbag: September 7th edition

The Florida Gators recruiting efforts will start to gain momentum now that the Gators have started their season and players are able to watch Florida.

Most prospects have started their season already so they’re in season mode but also continuing through the recruiting process.

Gator Country’s members have a lot of questions about how the 2018 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:

 

90Gator: How are the recruits reacting to the poor offensive performance displayed against Michigan?

AS: All of the guys who I have spoken to say that Florida will get it fixed and that believe in Jim McElwain. Recruits typically do let one game affect their mindset on a team. Also most recruits believe that can be the answer the problem and that’s what I’m hearing a lot of as well.

 

Trader5ji: When do the 3 big offensive linemen commit thinking they have a good shot at playing as freshmen..

AS: I’ve said that I don’t think they commit until after the season and that’s what I continue to believe. I believe that all three of Richard Gouraige, William Barnes and Nick Petit-Frere will take official visits before making a decision. Those three guys do see the chance to come in and play early. Also remember that Florida has already landed transfer Jean Delance who will see playing time next year at tackle so he’s basically a recruit in 2018.

 

Thumper: Who are we targeting as the 2nd linebacker in this class? Is Matt Corral helping with the offensive line recruitment? Which guys will be a battle to secure until NSD?

AS: Channing Tindall is the Gators top target at linebacker and right now it’s a South Carolina/Florida battle for him. Tindall has said he may announce in September but it also looks like there’s a good chance he pushes that decision back until after the season.

As far as Corral goes, yes he’s working on the offensive line and really everyone in the 2018 and 2018 classes. I know that he has a group text going with those guys and is telling them that Florida needs them.

 

Gatorteachuf: Before Saturday, lots of talk of all the buzz surrounding the program. Has it really changed? Are these guys seeing it as a coordinator/play calling issues or that we are simply missing them as the necessary pieces for success.

AS: The strong buzz that Florida had after landing Corral and the other big name guys has died down for the most part. That has to do with it being football season and also Saturday’s performance didn’t help things. Guys see it as a chance to play early for the most part but you can bet that will continue to watch things closely.

 

ChrisNabors4: What are the chances we land all four American Heritage kids we want?

AS: Florida is in good shape with Anthony Schwarz and Andrew Chatfield right now and are the favorites with them. Nesta Silvera continues to say he’s solid to Miami but he’s still talking to Florida and the Gators will have a chance late in the season. Tyson Campbell is the guy that Florida has the most ground to make up on. The Gators are trying to get him campus this fall but right now Miami and Ohio State are the favorites.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.