There's still a season left to go

A quick glance at the University of Florida's current football roster reveals 80 scholarship players (not counting the recent additions of walk-ons Mark Herndon and Tim Clark) and 11 seniors. That gives UF room at the moment to sign 16 players in the Class of 2014 (and even that number is in flux with the loss of Andre Debose to a season-ending knee injury -- he could appeal for another year of eligibility.) The Gators can presently count 15 commitments to their credit. In essence, Will Muschamp and his staff have filled all the spots that are guaranteed to come open following the 2013 season. Now, it's only a matter of trying to close on the remaining “elite” prospects on the board (Jamal Adams, Lorenzo Carter, Raekwon McMillan, David Sharpe, etc.) and recruiting to close any holes that come as a result of attrition between now and February.

In other words, despite all the teeth-gnashing from Florida fans over the Gators' supposed “slow start” to the 2014 class, the staff is pretty much right where they want to be heading into the season as it relates to the recruiting trail.

At the end of the day, I expect this class will finish somewhere around 25 members. There will probably be around 10-12 more additions. I expect there will be at least a couple of departures among current pledges as well. In projecting the remaining spots to be fill, there are some obvious spots Florida needs to address. At least one more offensive lineman is a must, as is another defensive tackle; another receiver seems likely; grabbing a linebacker or two would appear to be a high priority as well. However, the roster is fluid. We have to consider the fact that there are players who are currently listed at one position right now, who will not be at that spot at this time next year. Take the running back position, for instance.

In the offseason, we saw linebacker Gideon Ajagbe and safety Rhaheim Ledbetter moved over from defense to get a shot at fullback. Ajagbe has adjusted to his new role rather quickly. Former defensive back Valdez Showers, a star running back at the prep ranks in Michigan, has converted to a hybrid back/receiver on offense. He appears to be making a quick impact at his new spot. At the close of fall camp, sophomore walk-on Mark Herndon earned a highly-celebrated scholarship as well. While he's only assured of receiving aid for the next year, With his athletic profile and ability level – it's not a stretch to think Herndon can stick on scholarship for his remaining three years in Gainesville. Where as many observers believed Florida could take two running backs and possibly a fullback in the 2014 cycle, it now would seem to be a luxury for UF to bring in more than highly-touted burner Dalvin Cook next February.

Meanwhile, on the flip side, these movements have create some space on the depth chart at safety. With the signings of Marcell Harris, Keanu Neal and Nick Washington in February, it was thought the safety position would be okay for a while. Now Showers has moved to offense, Washington is working at corner (and reportedly looking good there as well). Just like that, Jamal Adams moves from a luxury item, to more of a need for the Gators.

While there are some specific needs to be addressed, as mentioned earlier in this peace, it's more important for Florida to maximize the talent of the remaining spots left in this class. Think of it as a pro team drafting to take the best available talent, as opposed to tying themselves to a particular position at a certain spot, and landing an inferior talent as a result. Prospects like Alabama commitment Bo Scarbrough* – who could prove to be an elite player at either running back or linebacker – very much fit in line with what Will Muschamp is searching for as he looks to lock down a third consecutive top-five recruiting class.

* Scarbrough, an incredibly athletic 6-foot-2, 220-pounder, is now enrolled at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, as opposed to spending his senior season the Crimson Tide stronghold of Tuscaloosa. Despite his commitment to Nick Saban, Scarbrough is still a top target of the Gators.