Official visitors:
– DB Jamal Adams (6-0, 205, Carrollton, Tex./Hebron): Once thought to be a luxury item in this class for Florida, the need for Adams has risen slightly in recent weeks with the move of Valdez Showers to safety (along with the Gators' spotty play at the position against Miami.) Florida still appears to be in the driver's seat for Adams heading into this week.
– DE Lorenzo Carter (6-5, 235, Norcross, Ga./Norcross): As expected, Florida's summer lead for Carter appears to have evaporated. But that was to be expected as Alabama and Georgia turn up the heat for the five-star pass-rusher. Florida gets a chance to draw first blood in terms of the official visits. The UF staff has to hope they can "wow" Carter big time on the trip – certainly enough to make him want to come back for that home finale against FSU in November.
– TE Deandre Goolsby (6-4, 235, Derby, Kan./Derby): It goes without saying that the tight end position has been an issue through two games for the Gators. Although Florida has a commitment from C'yontai Lewis, UF needs an upgrade here. Goolsby would presumably provide that.
– WR Speedy Noil (5-10½, 180, New Orleans, La./Edna Karr): Top-flight athlete has excelled as a QB on the prep level but will transition to the slot in college. Noil and his teammate Willis are trying to get people to buy into the notion that LSU is slipping for their services on Twitter. We'll see if there's any truth to that notion when they visit Gainesville this weekend.
– DE Gerald Willis (6-3, 275, New Orleans, La./Edna Karr): There really aren't many prospects out there better suited to replace Dominique Easley than Willis. Very similar players and skill-sets (even though Willis doesn't seem nearly as deranged.) Florida has been involved with Willis for two years now. If any team can pry him out of the Pelican State, UF figures to be the school.
Unofficial visitors:
Among the prospects originally expected in Gainesville this weekend was offensive lineman David Sharpe (6-6, 290, Jacksonville Providence). There now seems to be some debate over whether or not Sharpe will be at the SEC opener for Florida this weekend. If he doesn't show up, there may be a reasonable explanation. But for UF, they can't like the direction this one seems to be heading in. As Clemson and Georgia seem to have all the momentum at this point. What is stranger to me, and this is entirely an outsider perspective, I may be completely wrong here – but I just don't see the sense of urgency in Florida's pursuit of Sharpe. Obviously they want him, they are recruiting him. But I just don't see the same amount of gusto from the Florida staff in going after Sharpe as I do, say, Lorenzo Carter. Clemson and Georgia have built the in-roads with Sharpe's family. Florida hasn't. Florida gets a bye week last week, they don't send a coach to Sharpe's game (although Nick Washington was there, so I guess that counts for something.) Florida has all the momentum in the world coming out of the spring with Sharpe. Now it's all heading the other way, and I can't help but wonder if Florida has played a hand in that as well. I guess we'll see.
Bo Scarbrough says he will unofficially visit Florida for the Tennessee game next week. #Gators #Bama
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) September 14, 2013
For now, Scarbrough remains a major luxury item for the Gators. The numbers really don't suggest Florida needs a second back in this class, but UF will continue to recruit Scarbrough because, a.) He's that good, and b.) Why not?
Harrison's coach, Irving Strickland, indicated to the Lakeland Ledger that he and Harrison were simply coming up to "watch a game," and that there wasn't anything else to be read into this visit aside from that. Certainly, I can understand coach and prospect having that mindset going in. But it doesn't take much to get the wheels turning in recruiting. Getting Harrison on campus is a win for the UF staff, as it potentially gives them another skill option on the board for 2014.
As for Thomas, Mississippi State continues to lead Florida and others. But this is a recruitment where Florida appears to be quickly gaining some footing as UF commitment C'yontai Lewis is leading the charge to help deliver Thomas to Gainesville.
RT "@idunklewis: Cory gone be a Gator🐊 w/m watch.." #Gators TE commit C'yontai Lewis talking about DE Cory Thomas. Both will visit for Tenn.
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) September 16, 2013
Two other names that have been thrown around as potential visitors for this weekend include Clemson receiver commit Artavis Scott (5-10½, 180, Tarpon Springs East Lake) and Alabama lineman Jordan Sims (6-4, 335, Homewood, Ala./Homewood).
Homewood (Ala.) OL Jordan Sims planning a decision soon, says #Auburn and #Florida are recruiting him the hardest http://t.co/W4BhIPKL1P
— Justin Hokanson (@JHokanson) September 17, 2013
Sims, in particular, could be rising in terms of importance with Florida apparently sliding for David Sharpe. But, of course, it's always tough to be one of the Alabama powers for an in-state.
At any rate, this is a big weekend for the Gators. Both on the field as they look to rebound from the Miami game, and in recruiting as they will look to impress a host of recruits in attendance. We'll keep an eye on all of these guys and the wire as the weekend draws nearer.
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