But after that ESD fiasco Billy was able to recover pretty well with the Transfer Portal keeping the core together (yes there were losses) and overall talent acquisition. UF was ranked #7 when considering both HS and Transfer Portal additions.. What's so amazing is the recruiting recovery starting with Scott's announcement to retain Billy and the two wins. NO, it's not great (15th) by normal standards, but considering UF has signed 10 in two weeks, and NSD is just a few days away, it's a remarkable recovery, from 52nd to 15th in a short time. Sure as heck beats bleeding recuits like last cycle, around this time. I think more is to come, beat FSU, flip a couple more, just maybe get close to a top 10 or 12 class. Skillful of the Portal gives UF a great shot to slip inside the top 10 Overall. We shall see.
Yes, the "rankings" dropped after Williams, Johnson and Filsaime decommited. It's still a highly ranked class, but I'm talking about how good the class actually is at this time. I'd love to see a re-ranking for Decemeber 1st. Graham may be a 5*. Baugh and Boireau sure wouldn't be those dreaded 3* guys anymore, lol. A lot of other guys would be higher ranked, too. For those three decommits that torpedoed the "rankings". When looking how CBN replaced them, UF didn't suffer. Gumbs replaced Williams and has been a stud. The entire edge/DE room is in great shape. Boireau recommitted and replaced Johnson. Boireau has been a productive true Fr. DT, so far so good. There's more work to do at DT. I feel good about the situation. Greory Smith replaced the very talented Filsaime. Smith played a lot yesterday because of injuries, but I believe both are redshirting, so we'll see. Regardless, UFs safety/DB room is loaded with young talent. So far, no long term pain from the decommits.
It seems Billy can recruit, but, a lot went wrong for the Gators right before signing day. I expect the opposite to happen this time around. Coach Lazarus shall lead us to the mountain top! Any mortal who can defeat death is surely a champion through and through.
Just continuing movement of recruits toward UF, wow, thank you DJL, CBN, Staff, Gator Nation. The next three days could be historic for the Gators.