Post-LSU recruiting thoughts

To start, a recap of the week that was. Some of the posts you might have missed:

– Eight prep receivers from the state of Florida who have shined so far this fall.

– Where is Delray Beach Village Academy defensive lineman Kevin Bronson on the radar for the Gators?

– The Gators have had a strong run of success at the tight end position since 2000. Where does it stack up against other programs in college football?

– Jacksonville Ribault linebacker Jakob Johnson, a German transplant, is now sitting on four offers after Wisconsin extended a tender to him last week.

– Which positions could Florida look to for immediate relief after this season from the JUCO ranks?

– Some late-week Gators-related news and notes.

And now, on to the new stuff ...

– Chewing on Florida's 17-6 loss in Baton Rouge for a couple of days can leave one with the sensation of a mouthful of gristle. This explains why the typical day-after recruiting post comes on Monday instead of Sunday. It's hard to discern at this point whether the offensive struggles are an issue of coaching or an issue of personnel. And that's obviously a dangerous place to be in if you're the coach of the Florida Gators. We'll have to see where the rest of this season goes, but I'm hard-pressed not to think there won't be some coaching turnover on the offensive side of the ball after this season. But that's really not the point of this post, so that topic will have to be saved for another day.

Going into the season, if you asked me to concede one game for Florida this season, the LSU contest in Baton Rouge was the very obvious pick. I'm sure some are disappointed by the manner in which Florida lost on Saturday. Yes, there's some things that have to be corrected on offense (especially up front on the line). We'll see how Florida rebounds from this one, and it will only take a few days to get their response. No rest for the weary (now down another starter in RB Matt Jones) as a tougher-than-originally-expected trip to Missouri looms on the schedule this weekend.

– Florida was originally able to sell Immokalee receiver J.C. Jackson on the idea of dropping his pledge to FSU in favor of a commitment to UF by focusing on the defensive angle, as he preferred playing cornerback to receiver, which is the position Florida State recruited him for. He may want to re-think that stance.

Immokalee defeated Naples 33-27. Immokalee WR JC Jackson had 5 catches for 231 yards and 3 TDs. #npfnf
— David Dorsey (@DavidADorsey) October 12, 2013

On the season, Jackson now has 621 yards receiving and nine scores on just 18 receptions. He's averaging 34.5 yards per catch. These numbers are obviously pretty good.

I always liked the idea of taking J.C. Jackson to go along with Adoree' Jackson and Chris Lammons, because it seemed natural that one of those guys would probably end up on offense as a slot guy. But Florida still has a lot of work to do to make that happen. Lammons is committed, but hasn't completely shut the door. Jackson visited LSU this past weekend and came away singing the praises of the Bayou Bengals after their win over Florida. Now, Jackson is flirting pretty heavily with Miami, and it will certainly be interesting to see what comes of that. The Gators don't need to sign all three of those guys, certainly. But getting at least two would be nice.

The number of skill players (RB, WR and DB types) in this class likely needs to be right around 10 to offset the losses UF will experience after this season, especially in the secondary. The Jacksons, as well as guys like Lammons and some of the other top targets on the board are keys to making sure the Gators restock
with the proper amount of speed and athleticism.

Florida could also use a guy who can take the top off the defense and give them a vertical threat down the field in the passing game. J.C. Jackson may turn out to be exactly that guy.

– At this point, a total overhaul at the tight end position needs to be considered. All four of the scholarship players at that position currently for Florida, have eligibility remaining after this season. That number needs to be cut in half. Deandre Goolsby, who visited Arkansas this past weekend, has to be considered a major priority at this point. If he decides to stick closer to home for college, then the Gators will need to go back to the drawing board and consider other options. With the type of season Jordan Franks is putting together at Crawfordville Wakulla, a scholarship offer for his services no longer seems like such a far-fetched option.

– Danielle Hunter showed on Saturday why Florida needs to add some height to the defensive line. Two batted balls on screen passes, one of which was set up to go for a long way to Valdez Showers if it's completed. Hunter is listed at 6-6 by the LSU sports information department. Florida has one 6-6 end in Alex McAllister on the roster, but he's not currently a factor in the defensive line rotation. This is why "the Lorenzos" (6-5 Carter and 6-7 Featherston) are such a priority for the Gators on the recruiting trail in the Class of 2014. Expect Brad Lawing to continue trying to add length and size to the defensive line moving forward, as well.

– I know Florida has an upperclassmen-laden depth chart along the offensive line, with most of those guys returning for next season. But if the LSU game is an example of the best effort this group can muster, Florida has got to consider looking to the JUCO ranks for talent (once again) in order to find a player or two who can come in and compete for playing time right off the bat. There is simply no excuse for the lack of production in the running game for a team built to win by being physical and pounding opposing defenses with a physical ground attack.

Breaking down the UF recruiting board

With the Tennessee game now in the books – one of what figures to be two major recruiting weekends for the Gators this fall (Florida State being the other, although Arkansas could see some big names roll in as well) – here's a look at where the recruiting board stands for the Florida Gators with about 130 days remaining until National Signing Day.

Keep in mind, this is my take on where things stand for Florida at the moment, and my take only. I do not claim to be speaking for the people inside the football offices at UF with this post.

Quarterback: Will Grier is committed an on track to enroll at UF in January. The Gators may look at taking a second quarterback in this class. Tampa Wharton signal caller Chase Litton (6-5, 195) continues to show up on campus, and was in attendance for the Tennessee game last weekend. If Florida elects to take another signal-caller in 2014, he seems as likely as any. However, as of right now, I predict the Gators will take Grier and call it a day. But this could be a position to watch down the line depending on potential attrition. Especially in January.

Running Back: With Dalvin Cook in the fold, a second back seems unlikely. However, Bo Scarbrough (6-1, 225, Tuscaloosa, Ala./IMG Academy [Fla.]) and Joe Mixon (6-1, 210, Oakley, Calif./Freedom) continue to sit out there as possibilities. A scheduled official visit to Florida for Mixon last weekend was nixed, and does bring up the question of whether or not he'll actually make it in to Gainesville at some point. Again, like the quarterback position, I see UF hanging tight with one signee for the 2014 class, but it is something that bears watching over the coming months.

Wide Receiver: Although Ermon Lane is committed, Florida will have to work to keep him in the fold all the way through National Signing Day. There continue to be mixed signals on Travis Rudolph (6-1, 190, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman). Florida appears to be sitting pretty there, but his has been a volatile recruitment to date. Alabama, Ohio State and especially Florida State loom as legitimate threats to the Gators for his signature. The Gators also continue to make overtures to a pair of prospects committed elsewhere in Virginia Tech pledge Ja'Von Harrison (6-1, 185, Lakeland Kathleen) and Clemson verbal Artavis Scott (5-11, 180, Tarpon Springs East Lake). The Gators appear to be making the most headway with Harrison, who visited Gainesville for the Tennessee game last weekend. Both Speedy Noil (5-11, 176, New Orleans, La./Edna Karr) and Josh Malone (6-2, 191, Gallatin, Tenn./Station Camp) have expressed a desire to make official visits to Gainesville during the fall. The Gators have significant ground to make up on each player, however. And while he was originally pegged as a defensive prospect, the general consensus on Adoree' Jackson (5-10, 182, Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra) seems to be trending towards the fact he will likely end up on offense in college, instead. I do not expect Florida to sign less than two receivers in this class. Three would seem to be the preferred number, but don't expect UF to reach too far off this list if they can land a pair of the above listed five.

Tight End: It is hoped that C'yontai Lewis will add another dimension to the passing game at the tight end position. But with Florida's shortcomings at the position, another addition seems likely as well. Deandre Goolsby (6-4, 230, Derby, Kan./Derby) made an official visit over the weekend and Florida appears to be in a good position for his signature with three official visits left to make (Goolsby has already been to Oklahoma as well). However, Florida doesn't appear to be resting with just Goolsby on the board. Garrett Dickerson (6-4, 230, Oradell, N.J./Bergen Catholic) and Bryce Dixon (6-4, 230, Ventura, Calif./St. Bonaventure) have offers from UF as well. Both are major longshots for UF at this time, but remain on the board. I would expect some other names to pop up on the radar as well.

Offensive Line: Really kind of surprising how few names are on the board with at least one offensive line slot remaining up front (if not more). David Sharpe (6-6, 290, Jacksonville Providence) was the primary target remaining, but Florida is clearly moving in the wrong direction for him. The names Damien Mama (6-4, 370, Bellflower, Calif./St. Bosco Prep) and Jordan Sims (6-4, 335, Birmingham, Ala./Homewood) have kept popping up as a possibility, but both prospects look like longshots for Florida at the moment. Expect some names to re-emerge on the radar that were pursued by Florida earlier in the process, including Alabama verbal Montel McBride (6-4, 350, Plant City), Purdue commitment Denzel Ward (6-8, 305, Chicago, Ill./Simeon) and Indiana pledge Delroy Baker (6-6, 270, St. Petersburg Admiral Farragut). If the Gators elect to go the JUCO route, Jordan Prestwood (6-6, 317, Plant City/Arizona Western C.C.) and Avery Gennesy (6-5, 305, Southaven, Miss./East Mississippi C.C.) are a pair of names to watch.

Defensive End: Lorenzo Carter (6-5, 235, Norcross, Ga./Norcross) and Da'Shawn Hand (6-4, 260, Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge) lead a host of names at the defensive end position. The Gators also appear to be trending up for Cory Thomas (6-6, 270, McCalla, Ala./McAdory) – who, with his frame, could also end up on the offensive line. Lorenzo Featherston (6-7, 220, Greensboro, N.C./Page), Malik McDowell (6-7, 290, Southfield, Mich./Southfield) and Dewayne Hendrix (6-4, 260, O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon) are the other names for whom the Gators still have some level of involvement at the end position. In any case, figure Florida takes at least one more here.

Defensive Tackle: The Gators need at least one more tackle to pair with Khairi Clark in this cycle. Thomas Holley (6-4, 300, Brooklyn, N.Y./Lincoln) and former UF pledge Anthony Moten (6-4, 290, Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) remain on the board, along with Gerald Willis (6-3, 275, New Orleans, La./Edna Karr). A name to keep an eye on for Florida is Jeremy Patterson (6-3, 310, Jesup, Ga./Wayne County). I also would not be surprised to see Florida make a move to bring 2013 signee Jarran Reed (6-4, 305, Goldsboro, N.C./East Mississippi C.C.) back into the fold once again.

Linebacker: Your guess is as good as mine. Clifton Garrett (6-2, 228) and Raekwon McMillan (6-2, 240, Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County) remain the top two targets on the board. But Florida clearly trails LSU for Garrett, as well as Clemson/Ohio State and Alabama for McMillan. There's also Nyles Morgan (6-2, 230, Crete, Ill./Crete-Monee) and Dwight Williams (6-1, 205, Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra). But the Gators have yet to make much of a push for either player. Jakob Johnson (6-4, 240, Jacksonville Ribault) is a player who has emerged in-state, and he's a name we'll be keeping an eye on over the coming weeks. As are Josh Black (6-2, 225, Tampa Sickles), Xavier Preston (6-2, 220, Jensen Beach) and Sharriff Rhaheed (6-3, 205, Ft. Pierce Central).

Defensive Back: As long as Loucheiz Purifoy and Marcus Roberson fail to make much noise this fall, the need for secondary prospects continues to lessen. Keep in mind nearly all the receiver prospects Florida is still recruiting could just as soon get a look on defense if they were to come to UF. However, aside from Jamal Adams (6-0, 205, Carrollton, Tex./Hebron) – about as close as you will find to a Florida lock right now – there really aren't any other major targets on the radar for UF in the back end of the defense. I do expect the Gators to continue recruiting Jalen Tabor (6-1, 185, Washington, D.C./Friendship Academy), but at this point he looks all but headed to Maryland to play his football at the next level.

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I've long held that I expected Florida to sign a full allotment of about 25 players in this class, as UF currently has room to sign 16 in the 2014 cycle, and attrition of nine players to the NFL Draft, injury and transfer doesn't seem totally out of the question. This could still prove to be the case. But as time goes on, and I watch the board shrink for Will Muschamp and his staff, I'm beginning to change my tune. Now I'm projecting 23 as the target number for Florida in this class.

Tight end is still a major need, and I expect the Gators to grab a second prospect there, in addition to C'yontai Lewis. There is still a need for skill prospects, and I would expect Florida to grab three more of those types for 2014. Again, with so much versatility in the prospects remaining on the board, I think the Gators will simply look to sign the three best they can get and let the positions sort themselves out later.

Florida currently has a total of six linemen in the fold, and I expect that number to get to 10 when all is said and done. As much importance as Will Muschamp places on the line-of-scrimmage, more than 10 would not surprise me. However, that is my projection for now, and figures to be a baseline projection for the number of linemen UF will aim for in most recruiting classes.

The numbers don't look bad for UF at linebacker. There is a loss of one scholarship player after this year as Darrin Kitchens exhausts his eligibility. I do ultimately expect Florida to grab a true linebacker in this class, and that is where the ninth signee would come from in my projection.

This, of course, assumes that Florida will hold on to their other 14 commitments in this class to date. That seems like a rather unlikely scenario. But in lieu of the fact there is no really strong evidence to support any of the current pledges are wavering, we'll just go for now on the notion that UF will keep the guys they have for now, moving forward.

The Big Board, 9/23 Edition

I still don't know exactly what to call this feature. So for now, we'll just call label it "The Big Board."

As for what this list entails, it's really a combination of multiple factors: 1.) The likelihood of the prospect coming to UF. 2.) How high the prospect is on Florida's board. 3. The need for Florida at the given position each prospect plays. AND 4.) What my gut instincts tell me. But in the end, it's a sort of ranking system for the remaining prospects on the board for the Gators.

I've dropped this in a few updates over the last couple of weeks, but this is the first time the big board has earned solo treatment. The biggest movers have been David Sharpe (who started out at No. 2, but has slid all the way down to No. 9 after he failed to make it in for the Tennessee game over the weekend), as well as Javon Harrison (who makes a big leap onto the list at No. 10). Harrison appears to be trending up for UF after the Gators were able to get him on campus for the Florida-Tennessee game. Now, the key is if they can keep him coming back to Gainesville to keep the momentum going.

1. DB Jamal Adams

2. DE Lorenzo Carter 

3. DB Adoree' Jackson
4. WR Travis Rudolph
5. TE Deandre Goolsby

6. DE Cory Thomas
7. DE Lorenzo Featherston

8. OL David Sharpe
9. RB Bo Scarbrough (Alabama)

10. WR Javon Harrison (Virginia Tech)
11. LB Dwight Williams

12. DB Jalen Tabor
13. RB Joe Mixon
14. OL Jordan Sims
15. WR Artavis Scott (Clemson)
16. DT Thomas Holley  

17. OL Damien Mama
18. LB: Raekwon McMillan

19. DE Da'Shawn Hand 

20. LB Clifton Garrett
21 WR Josh Malone
22. DE Dewayne Hendrix
23. DT Gerald Willis
24. WR Speedy Noil
25. DE Richard Yeargin (Notre Dame)

26. DE Jacob Pugh (Florida State)

27. OL Trevor Darling (Miami)
28. DT Davon Godchaux
29. LB Nyles Morgan
30. DE Malik McDowell   

31. RB Leonard Fournette

32. DT Anthony Moten 

33. LB Kenny Young
34. DT Zaycoven Henderson
35. WR Johnnie Dixon

36. DB Marlon Humphrey
37. OL Denzel Ward (Purdue)
38. DT Jarran Reed
39. QB Chase Litton

40. RB Tony James

41. DE Rohan Blackwood (Wisconsin)

42. TE Ravian Pierce

43. RB Cortavious Givens

44. DT Jeremy Patterson

45. TE Montez Sweat

Trending up: Javon Harrison, Cory Thomas
Trending down: David Sharpe