Gators QB pledge headlines MaxPreps team

With Florida putting the finishing touches on the Class of 2013, the coaches have turned some of their attention to the Class of 2014.

One of the Gators’ three commitments and several of their top targets were named on Monday to the MaxPreps 2012 Junior All-American team.

First team All-Americans:

Davidson (N.C.) Day quarterback Will Grier was Florida’s lone commitment on the team, but he represents one of the two quarterbacks on the first team.

Grier on the year completed 324 of 414 pass attempts for 5,785 yards including 69 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Grier showed that he can run as well. He rushed for 813 rushing yards and another eight touchdowns on the ground.

Wellington (Fla.) Palm Beach Central offensive KC McDermott was a first time offensive lineman this year as he graded out at 94 percent.

McDermott is a Miami legacy but has visited Florida and is expected to return this spring, possibly even for a junior day.

Hendersonville (Tenn.) Beech running back Jalen Hurd is one of three running backs to make the first team as he had impressive 3,357 rushing yards on 317 attempts and 43 touchdowns.

Hurd is one of Florida’s top running back targets and has a top 2 of Florida and Ohio State.

New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr defensive lineman Gerald Willis is one of three defensive lineman on the first team as he was named Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year in Louisiana while racking up 110 tackles and 13 sacks.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Willis has said Florida and LSU were his top 2 and there are some rumors that the Gators are the leader early on for him.

Norcross (Ga.) High defensive lineman Lorenzo Carter joins Willis as a first team defensive lineman. This year Carter had 136 tackles and 18 sacks for the state champion Norcross team.

Carter a 6-foot-6, 230-pound defensive end grew up a Florida fan and will visit Gainesville this spring, but others such as Georgia and Ohio State are in the race for him.

Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood linebacker Kain Daub finished this year with 74 tackles, 7 sacks, and five forced fumbles while being named a first team All-Jacksonville selection.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Daub was once committed to LSU but has recently backed off of that commitment and told Gator Country that he is considering Florida along with Alabama and others now.

Hinesville (Ga.) Liberty County linebacker Raekwon McMillan joined Daub as the other linebacker on the first team as this season McMillan had 155 tackles, seven sacks and five forced fumbles.

McMillan has Ohio State as his leader, but he did visit Florida this fall. However, the Gators are in a uphill battle for him.

Arlington (Texas) Mansfield Timberview safety Edward Paris was an All-Texas selection after having seven interceptions and returning two for touchdowns this season.

Paris recently picked up a Florida offer during the evaluation period and named Florida in his top 10 that was just recently released.

Hoover (Ala.) High defensive back Marlon Humphrey was named all-state in Alabama for the state champion Hoover Buccaneers.

The 6-foot, 180-pound Humphrey has a top 3 of Alabama, Florida and South Carolina, but he is a Crimson Tide legacy and is expected to join Alabama.

Second team All-Americans:

St. Louis (Mo.) DeSmet Jesuit offensive lineman Andy Bauer recently picked up a Florida offer and will visit in January.

Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake offensive lineman Mason Cole visited the Gators for a bowl practice, but he is likely to leave the state of Florida.

Washington D.C. Friendship Collegiate Academy defensive back Jalen Tabor has Florida in his top 10 and the 6-foot, 182-pound Tabor visited the Gators this past summer.

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.