Spivey Sense: edition 4

In part III of this three-part series, Gator Country takes a look at five prospects who are definitely on Florida’s recruiting board for the Class of 2014, but there is lots of work to do to bring them into the fold. Therefore, these five are classified as longshots. They are longshots for various reasons, among them the Gators sit behind one or more teams in the effort to bring them to Gainesville for their college football careers.

Another consideration is a prospect who might wish to commit to Florida but does have a committable offer at this time.

THE LONGSHOTS

Tight end Bryce Dixon (6-4, 230, Ventura, CA St. Bonaventure)

Stats: Dixon has 23 catches for 330 yards and five touchdowns.

SPIVEY SENSE: Dixon came away from his official visit saying Florida was his leader but I honestly don’t buy that. I believe he’s trying to get USC’s and UCLA’s attention but with the mess out in LA anything can happen. The one thing that’s for sure is if the Gators land Dixon he could very well play from day one at Florida as his skill set is very good for a high school senior and he’s exactly what the Gators are looking for in a tight end both blocking and receiving.

Offensive lineman Jordan Sims (6-4, 348, Homewood, AL Homewood High)

I really want to visit Florida for an official,” Sims said. “Florida has been recruiting me hard lately.”

SPIVEY SENSE: Florida is sitting behind Auburn and Alabama right now but the Crimson Tide isn’t ready to take Sims yet. Right now Auburn is the team to beat but if Florida is able to get him in on a visit things could change. Sims is a good fit for Florida as a guard prospect and he could compete for playing time early at Florida.

Offensive lineman Damian Prince (6-5, 292, Foresteville, MD Bishop McNamara)

SPIVEY SENSE: Prince has said he will officially Florida when the Gators play Florida State, right now Florida is sitting behind Maryland and Ohio State right now but the Buckeyes are filling their slots fast. Prince is a prospect that Florida desperately needs to land to help boost an offensive line that is struggling.

Defensive end Lorenzo Featherston (6-7, 215, Greensboro, NC Page)

SPIVEY SENSE: Featherston officially visited Florida for the Arkansas game and right now the Gators are battling with Clemson but the Gators aren’t quite ready to take him in the class as Lorenzo Carter is the top BUCK prospect on the board. Featherston is a long athletic athlete but he needs a few years to grow in order to play in the SEC.

Cornerback Jalen Tabor (6-1, 186, Washington D.C. Friendship Collegiate Academy)

SPIVEY SENSE: Maryland is the team to beat for the talented cornerback right now but the Gators and Alabama are still in the mix. Tabor is scheduled to visit Florida for the Florida State game and the Gators need a big visit. Tabor is an athletic cornerback who could play from day one at Florida if he chooses the Gators.

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.