Some random Gators recruiting/team thoughts

I received a question the other day from someone on Twitter as it relates to Derby (Kan.) tight end prospect Deandre Goolsby, and why Florida would continue to recruit him with a commitment in hand from talented pledge C'yontai Lewis. Why risk losing Lewis for Goolsby?

The answer is simple. Goolsby is one of the more talented prospects left on the board, and a commitment from him makes the Gators better as a team. Furthermore, with Lewis living right in the heart of Crimson Tide country, there has to be a little bit of concern with what a potential Alabama offer down the road would mean for where he signs on the dotted line.

 Aside from all of that, there's three other points I want to make in regards to Florida's current tight end quandry:

– This is arguably the worst position on the roster right now. Clay Burton and Tevin Westbrook came to UF as defensive ends, and both have since moved over to offense. They have a combined career offensive output of two receptions for 12 yards. Kent Taylor arrived at UF as a highly-touted recruit. But he's looked more like a bust so far. I actually have some hope for Colin Thompson's future, as a foot injury knocked him out last year and forced him to redshirt. But consider what he is. A great blocker, solid receiver. He will never put up elite numbers (which for a SEC tight end, I consider a benchmark of 45/600/7) for the position. He's solid #2 guy. The type Alabama has made a living on in recent years. This group has to get better.

– It shouldn't be this bad. A.C. Leonard should still be in Gainesville. He could have put up Aaron Hernandez-like numbers (yes, I hate to mention the name, but he is the standard for which all other future tight ends will be measured by at UF) but it wasn't in the cards. And does anyone think Gerald Christian couldn't help out right now? Sure, he wasn't quite the naturally-gifted pass-catcher Leonard was. But he was a versatile and talented player. Christian could contribute at fullback, H-Back, and probably put up a line of 35/450/5 in the passing game. Those guys are missed

– Look at the example Stanford has set. Since Harbaugh arrived on campus in 2007, to be followed by David Shaw, the Cardinal have recruited tight ends like it's going out of style. And I don't blame them. If a program can recruit 15 guys in a given year who can play, are 6-5 (or taller) and in the 220-250 pounds range, I'll take it every time. Those types of prospects are so versatile. On defense, they can play DE, DT, occasionally OLB. On offense they can play H-Back, fullback, tight end, and the bigger ones can grow into offensive linemen who can fill any of the roles up front. Will Muschamp loves to talk about how the SEC is a line-of-scrimmage league. Well, those guys can always fill a number of roles in and right around the line-of-scrimmage.

The Cardinal signed three more last year – Eric Cotton, Austin Hooper and Greg Taboada (a prospect out of Atlanta I personally hoped Florida would get involved with) – and they could very well sign three more this year. Who knows? I look back to the Class of 2012 for UF. The Gators landed two highly-touted guys at the position in Taylor and Thompson, but could have easily added at least one other in-state option. Sean Culkin was begging for a UF offer. Sean Price was a player who was very much attainable for the Gators. I'm curious to watch those two guys over the next 2-3 years to see if they make Florida regret not trying to bring them in.

In any case, I got a little long-winded there. But for all these reasons, UF should continue recruiting tight ends like Goolsby and others for 2014. Sure, it is a bit of a down year for the position currently, but names will keep emerging. Just look at how the NFL has resorted to finding talent at the position – they won't hesitate to look to the hardwood, if need be. Hopefully the Gators will continue to be creative on the recruiting trail as well.

Travis Rudolph

Alright, so one more top five update for today. West Palm Beach (Fla.) Cardinal Newman wide receiver Travis Rudolph has narrowed his list to five, according to Rivals ($): Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State and Vanderbilt.

The Gators have long been considered the top dog in the race for Rudolph (6-0½, 188.) However, Alabama and Florida State have been making up ground with the Gators. I wouldn't count out Vanderbilt, and their pitch of immediate playing time for the Under Armour All-American, either. It seems like the opportunity to come in and contribute immediately could be a driving influence on his decision. Ultimately, I don't see the Buckeyes as a major player for his services.



Rudolph has accounted for more than 3,100 all-purpose yards and 43 touchdowns in three seasons at Cardinal Newman. A phenomenal athlete as well, there has been considerable debate as to whether or not Rudolph could develop into a top-flight cornerback at the next level . In fact, Rudolph withdrew his original commitment to Miami as a result of the fact the 'Canes coaching staff seemed to prefer him as a defensive player.

To date, Will Muschamp has done an excellent job loading up his 2014 class with skill athletes who are true football players. At least two – J.C. Jackson (Immokalee) and Chris Lammons (Plantation) – could project on either side of the ball at next level, along with targets Rudolph, Adoree' Jackson (Gardena, Calif.) and Artavis Scott (Tarpon Springs/East Lake), among others. The Gators probably need at least two more skill guys in this class, and Rudolph is clearly one of the prospects for whom they sit prettiest with at the moment.

However, Florida State is making a move following a July summer camp visit to Tallahassee by Rudolph. The Seminoles presently have five receivers committed, but at least two of those prospects are believed to be wavering behind closed doors. Jimbo Fisher is clearly in the market for some more talent at the position. With Ermon Lane's commitment to Florida, Alabama may make Rudolph more of a priority as well, giving the Crimson Tide a chance to dip into the South Florida talent pool for a speedy and athletic receiver once again.

Regardless, the real race for the signature of Travis Rudolph appears to have only begun.