SAN ANTONIO — There are plenty of story angles that relate to the Florida Gators at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl which kicks off at 1 p.m. EST on NBC. There isn’t a lot of time to waste, so let’s jump right into them:
— I’m still hearing good things on the trio of defensive back Matt Elam (5-10, 200, Palm Beach Gardens, FL/Dwyer), defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (6-3, 315, Philadelphia, PA/George Washington), and defensive end Ronald Powell (6-4, 230, Moreno Valley, CA/Rancho Verde). Elam and Powell can pretty much be written in stone, while the evidence on Floyd is a little less solid. In any case expect a “big day” for Florida (the words of multiple people we have talked with this week) on Saturday afternoon.
— A lot of buzz on USC wide receiver commitments Kyle Prater (6-5, 205, Hillside, IL/Proviso West) and Robert Woods (6-1, 180, Gardena, CA/Junipero Serra) ever since the news broke yesterday that Trojans head coach Pete Carroll appears to be headed to the NFL to take over for the Seattle Seahawks. Look for at least one of those two (likely Woods) to start hearing a lot from the Florida staff in order to try and bring in possibly the top wide receiver in the country on a visit. Woods mentioned location was a big factor in the decision-making process while trying to decide on a school, but maybe things will change in the wake of Carroll’s (apparent) impending departure. In any case, most observers felt that Prater and Woods established themselves as the top two receivers in the country this week with their play in San Antonio.
— Back on the range – really keep an eye on Cincinnati quarterback Andrew Hendrix who is visiting Florida this weekend. There is a lot of buzz that the Gators have made a strong push, and from what I’m hearing here in San Antonio, Florida is the only team in the mix other than Notre Dame (for whom Hendrix has been committed to since June). I would not be surprised to see a commitment happen – and soon.
— Florida made their in-home visit with Jordan Hicks yesterday, with interim head coach Steve Addazio and new linebackers coach D.J. Durkin making the final case for the Gators. Jim Tressel and staff came in earlier this week, while Texas defensive coordinator (and head coach-in-waiting) Will Muschamp lead a group of five coaches who will visit with Hicks today. This one is going to come down to the wire. In Orlando, after watching who Hicks interacted with at the Under Armour All-America Game, I felt the Gators were in the drivers seat. However, the situation with Meyer (who was a huge factor in Hicks liking Florida) and the fact he was not in on the final in-home visit might have hurt Florida’s chance. Ohio State does not appear to figure in here. Kelly Justice, who is Hicks’ Mom, also seems to want Texas here as well. It should be very interesting to see who Hicks picks – it appears Monday could be shaping up as D-Day for his announcement.
— I understand wide receiver commitment Chris Dunkley is still trying to enroll early, and is really racing to get things in order so he can enroll in classes at Florida on Monday. I would put the chances of this situation working out at less than 50 percent, but it is definitely a situation that bares watching. Credit to Laura McKeeman here as well for getting information on this developing story.
— Two top junior prospects who really impressed in San Antonio yesterday were defensive back Wayne Lyons (6-0, 182, Ft. Lauderdale, FL/Dillard) and offensive lineman Bobby Hart (6-4, 285, Ft. Lauderdale/St. Thomas Aquinas). Lyons won defensive MVP honors for his play at both cornerback and safety, while Hart emerged as one of the top offensive lineman in attendance. Both are hearing a lot from new wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, and both prospects feel they should be receiving offers from Florida in the near future. The two are very close, and it would come as no surprise if they end up at the same school. If those offers from the Gators come in soon – Florida has a real shot at landing the incredibly talented pair out of Broward County. More coming on the incredible story of Lyons very shortly.
— Finally, don’t be surprised if some guys who are talking about taking visits this month are basically told to “get on board, or get out.” Pete Carroll’s (possible) departure from USC has really shaken up the recruiting landscape, and you can bet that Florida won’t hesitate to drop one of their wavering commitments in favor of an equally (or perhaps even more) talented prospect who wants to come to Gainesville. Also, watch out for UCLA to really benefit from this move. Rick Neuheisel is a master recruiter, and in fact was putting his face out there yesterday at the Army All-American Bowl combine (his son Jerry is a rising senior quarterback prospect). The Bruins stand to benefit greatly by Carroll’s move. One other note – former NFL head coach Jim Haslett was in attendance yesterday at the combine as well.