With a flurry of commitments coming out of Florida's biggest recruiting weekend of the year, Florida now stands at 13 pledges for the 2015 recruiting cycle, with the potential to add upwards of about 10 more between now and Wednesday, when those commitments can be put to paper. Potentially a great finish for Jim McElwain and his staff, to be sure.
That said, what is really impressive about this group, is the work being down down the home stretch on both sides of the line-of-scrimmage. All three of the commitments made to Florida this weekend have come from linemen and with less than three days to go until National Signing Day, 8 of the Gators' 13 pledges are from linemen.
There's still work to be done, however. The target number I assigned for this group a couple of weeks ago was 12. That's 12 total linemen in this class, since some of these targets and commitments -- Luc Bequette, G.G. Robinson, and possibly even Andrew Ivie and Luke Ancrum -- could ultimately project on either side of the ball in college.
A weekend visit to Auburn by Florida pledge Mike Horton potentially has his status with UF on shaky ground. So the target number for McElwain and staff to land over the next couple of days is 4-5 linemen -- a number very much attainable considering the number of prospects still on the board for Florida.
TE/OL/DT G.G. Robinson
OT Martez Ivey
OT Tyree St. Louis
OG Nick Buchanan
OG/OC Quarvez Boulware
OC/DT Luc Bequette
DE Byron Cowart
DE Keivonnis Davis
DE/DT CeCe Jefferson
Ultimately Florida may not land four (or five) of the nine prospects listed above, but it's not out of the realm of possibility, especially considering Florida seems to be trending very heavily for several of these prospects.
And the board may be bigger than this. Florida has seemingly been a bit cloak-and-dagger about some of the visits being taken. Is it possible that a player or two snuck in under-the-radar? Is a player like DT Kahlil Welsh, a Wake Forest commitment out of Jacksonville Sandalwood who was scheduled to visit UF this weekend but went to Illinois instead, still a possibility? Could there be others in that vein on the board?
In any case, the late push on both sides of the line of scrimmage has been mighty impressive by McElwain & Co. Even if Florida doesn't get to 12 as I have suggested they aim for, they're going to get awfully close. As much as Muschamp stressed that the SEC was a "line-of-scrimmage league" during his time in Gainesville, the numbers on both sides of the ball were often leaving a bit to be desired during his tenure. While McElwain hasn't stressed those words quite as much when addressing the media, his actions sure are backing that notion up.
Showing posts with label Defensive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Defensive. Show all posts
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Post-UK Recruiting Thoughts
First, a bit of week-in-review before we move on to other items:
– Jacksonville Ribault LB Jakob Johnson continues to establish himself on the recruiting scene during his first season of playing prep football stateside after coming over from Germany.
– Analyzing the trend of power forwards making the transition to tight end in college and the NFL. Could we see Will Yeguete or Patric Young make that move in the near future?
– Season-ending injuries are a fact of life in football. The Gators' recent spell is more the result of a string of bad luck, as opposed to anything Jeff Dillman and the strength & conditioning staff has done.
– How many high school prospects will Florida take in the 2014 cycle? What players are currently in the mix for the Gators? And how does "The Big Board" currently stand for UF?
– Some prep stars are establishing themselves in a big way over the course of their senior seasons in the state of Florida. Here are five names that you should get to know as they emerge on the radar of college recruiters.
Now, on to the new stuff ...
1. I've maintained for a few weeks now that Florida will not stop pursuing Jacksonville Providence OL David Sharpe until he commits elsewhere, nor should they. There's a reason for that. You never know what can happen in recruiting to make a kid sour on a school or change his mind in terms of perception as it relates to the decision-making process. That said, Will Muschamp and Tim Davis should probably start getting their back-up options in a row:
That's a tweet from Sharpe during his weekend trip to Athens to take in the LSU-UGA game, which included an overnight stay in Athens on Saturday night. He appears to be having a conversation with himself in which he decides to hold off on making a commitment to Georgia for now. In terms of the big picture for Florida, sure, there are names like Damien Mama and Jordan Sims on the board. Until either of those guys visit Gainesville, however, they should be consider long-shots for Florida to sign. The staff can look elsewhere as well, but with 30-plus offensive linemen in-state claiming at least one offer from a BCS program, I doubt the Gators really have to go too far to fill the remaining 2-3 slots on the offensive line they will likely project to take in this class. The one name I feel closely deserves monitoring is Weeki Wachee offensive tackle Marcus Applefield (6-6, 280). Despite claiming nearly 15 offers from BCS programs, Applefield has been somewhat overlooked in the recruiting landscape of Florida this fall. He currently claims a top-five list of Purdue, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Virginia and West Virginia. He has scheduled official visits to all but West Virginia to date.
2. Florida fans continue to lament the offensive line recruiting under Muschamp and their failures to land elite in-state talent. There was Patrick Miller and Avery Young in 2012 (both of whom signed with Auburn, although Tim Davis can hardly be blamed for either miss) along with John Theus (who was lost long before Muschamp took the head coaching job at Florida). Last year it was Laremy Tunsil who headed off to Ole Miss. Now it appears Kc McDermott and David Sharpe will join that illustrious club. The Gators fortunes should turn around next year with Martez Ivey at Apopka, but of course his signing is still over a year away. Things can always change.
However, if you take a minute to stop and look at the offensive line, it is an upperclassmen-laden group and set up to be a strength of the squad over the course of this season and next. It's the 2015 class, where Florida is really going to have to hit on, in terms of both numbers and quality. Dipping into the JUCO ranks (or finding a talented transfer like Max Garcia and Tyler Moore) will likely be a major priority as well. To be frank, while I understand the frustrations of Florida recruitnik/fans, I would advise just to be patient, as the offensive line doesn't look to be an issue any time in the immediate future.
3. Something that interests me in looking over the stats: right now, only three linebackers on the roster have recorded more than three tackles on the season through four games. Antonio Morrison and Michael Taylor are tied for second on the team with 20 tackles. Then, go down a little further and there's Neiron Ball with six. Next, there's Jeremi Powell (who has mostly played on special teams) who has just three stops on the season. That's it. Darrin Kitchens hasn't recorded any stats on the season to date. The Florida defense has seen the field so little through four games, that some rotational guys aren't even getting on to the field. But in the bigger picture, I think this says something about the state of the linebacker position: it's not as critical in the recruiting process. That's not to say it isn't an important position. The contributions of Morrison, Taylor and Ronald Powell (who as a hybrid player, I don't count in the same vein as the others) clearly show that getting good players at the position remains important. But in terms of depth, the secondary is the position grouping that needs the numbers more than linebacker right now. This also explains why the Gators are being so picky about offering linebackers for 2014. Kitchens is the only expected loss for that unit, so why would there be a need to go out and sign a bunch of linebackers for next year if they frankly aren't playing a lot as it stands?
4. The Gators only have 12 scholarship defensive backs this fall. That's truly a low number in this day and age of spread/up-tempo offense. Even if you look at Urban Meyer's final years, Florida typically tried to carry upwards of 14 players on scholarship in the back end of the defense. Two of the current freshmen – Marcell Harris and Nick Washington – appear likely to redshirt as a result of injuries. In essence, UF is only playing with 10 scholarship guys in the secondary right now. But all 10 of them contribute in some form or fashion. With two seniors (Jeremy Brown and Jaylen Watkins) on the roster, as well as Loucheiz Purifoy and Marcus Roberson continually being mentioned as possibilities to turn pro early, the Gators could be down to just eight scholarship defensive backs after the season. If that scenario plays out, I would expect the Gators to target as many as six athletes in the 2014 class as a counter to the potential numbers issues that could play out. Of course, with four commitments in tow already (Duke Dawson, J.C. Jackson, Chris Lammons, Quincy Wilson) for Travaris Robinson and two more highly-rated prospects looking very possible for Florida in Adoree' Jackson and Jamal Adams, I'd say the Gators are in good shape here moving forward.
5. None of Florida's freshmen defensive linemen played against Kentucky. All five of them (Jay-nard Bostwick, Caleb Brantley, Joey Ivie, Antonio Riles and Jordan Sherit) appear to be in line for redshirts this year. Assuming the Gators return both of their of elder defensive tackles with at least a year of eligibility remaining next year (Cummings and Orr), it would seem a JUCO defensive tackle would make a lot of sense in terms of providing a bit of built-in class separation. However, Florida has yet to make a pursuit of any junior college defensive linemen, despite a need for at least one more tackle in the 2014 cycle. Certainly something that bears watching over the coming weeks as college start to hit the JUCO ranks a bit harder for immediate-impact types.
– Jacksonville Ribault LB Jakob Johnson continues to establish himself on the recruiting scene during his first season of playing prep football stateside after coming over from Germany.
– Analyzing the trend of power forwards making the transition to tight end in college and the NFL. Could we see Will Yeguete or Patric Young make that move in the near future?
– Season-ending injuries are a fact of life in football. The Gators' recent spell is more the result of a string of bad luck, as opposed to anything Jeff Dillman and the strength & conditioning staff has done.
– How many high school prospects will Florida take in the 2014 cycle? What players are currently in the mix for the Gators? And how does "The Big Board" currently stand for UF?
– Some prep stars are establishing themselves in a big way over the course of their senior seasons in the state of Florida. Here are five names that you should get to know as they emerge on the radar of college recruiters.
Now, on to the new stuff ...
1. I've maintained for a few weeks now that Florida will not stop pursuing Jacksonville Providence OL David Sharpe until he commits elsewhere, nor should they. There's a reason for that. You never know what can happen in recruiting to make a kid sour on a school or change his mind in terms of perception as it relates to the decision-making process. That said, Will Muschamp and Tim Davis should probably start getting their back-up options in a row:
Don't do it David Just wait until the official(EDIT: The above tweet has since been deleted, it appears.)
— David Sharpe (@SHARPECITYY) September 29, 2013
That's a tweet from Sharpe during his weekend trip to Athens to take in the LSU-UGA game, which included an overnight stay in Athens on Saturday night. He appears to be having a conversation with himself in which he decides to hold off on making a commitment to Georgia for now. In terms of the big picture for Florida, sure, there are names like Damien Mama and Jordan Sims on the board. Until either of those guys visit Gainesville, however, they should be consider long-shots for Florida to sign. The staff can look elsewhere as well, but with 30-plus offensive linemen in-state claiming at least one offer from a BCS program, I doubt the Gators really have to go too far to fill the remaining 2-3 slots on the offensive line they will likely project to take in this class. The one name I feel closely deserves monitoring is Weeki Wachee offensive tackle Marcus Applefield (6-6, 280). Despite claiming nearly 15 offers from BCS programs, Applefield has been somewhat overlooked in the recruiting landscape of Florida this fall. He currently claims a top-five list of Purdue, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Virginia and West Virginia. He has scheduled official visits to all but West Virginia to date.
2. Florida fans continue to lament the offensive line recruiting under Muschamp and their failures to land elite in-state talent. There was Patrick Miller and Avery Young in 2012 (both of whom signed with Auburn, although Tim Davis can hardly be blamed for either miss) along with John Theus (who was lost long before Muschamp took the head coaching job at Florida). Last year it was Laremy Tunsil who headed off to Ole Miss. Now it appears Kc McDermott and David Sharpe will join that illustrious club. The Gators fortunes should turn around next year with Martez Ivey at Apopka, but of course his signing is still over a year away. Things can always change.
However, if you take a minute to stop and look at the offensive line, it is an upperclassmen-laden group and set up to be a strength of the squad over the course of this season and next. It's the 2015 class, where Florida is really going to have to hit on, in terms of both numbers and quality. Dipping into the JUCO ranks (or finding a talented transfer like Max Garcia and Tyler Moore) will likely be a major priority as well. To be frank, while I understand the frustrations of Florida recruitnik/fans, I would advise just to be patient, as the offensive line doesn't look to be an issue any time in the immediate future.
3. Something that interests me in looking over the stats: right now, only three linebackers on the roster have recorded more than three tackles on the season through four games. Antonio Morrison and Michael Taylor are tied for second on the team with 20 tackles. Then, go down a little further and there's Neiron Ball with six. Next, there's Jeremi Powell (who has mostly played on special teams) who has just three stops on the season. That's it. Darrin Kitchens hasn't recorded any stats on the season to date. The Florida defense has seen the field so little through four games, that some rotational guys aren't even getting on to the field. But in the bigger picture, I think this says something about the state of the linebacker position: it's not as critical in the recruiting process. That's not to say it isn't an important position. The contributions of Morrison, Taylor and Ronald Powell (who as a hybrid player, I don't count in the same vein as the others) clearly show that getting good players at the position remains important. But in terms of depth, the secondary is the position grouping that needs the numbers more than linebacker right now. This also explains why the Gators are being so picky about offering linebackers for 2014. Kitchens is the only expected loss for that unit, so why would there be a need to go out and sign a bunch of linebackers for next year if they frankly aren't playing a lot as it stands?
4. The Gators only have 12 scholarship defensive backs this fall. That's truly a low number in this day and age of spread/up-tempo offense. Even if you look at Urban Meyer's final years, Florida typically tried to carry upwards of 14 players on scholarship in the back end of the defense. Two of the current freshmen – Marcell Harris and Nick Washington – appear likely to redshirt as a result of injuries. In essence, UF is only playing with 10 scholarship guys in the secondary right now. But all 10 of them contribute in some form or fashion. With two seniors (Jeremy Brown and Jaylen Watkins) on the roster, as well as Loucheiz Purifoy and Marcus Roberson continually being mentioned as possibilities to turn pro early, the Gators could be down to just eight scholarship defensive backs after the season. If that scenario plays out, I would expect the Gators to target as many as six athletes in the 2014 class as a counter to the potential numbers issues that could play out. Of course, with four commitments in tow already (Duke Dawson, J.C. Jackson, Chris Lammons, Quincy Wilson) for Travaris Robinson and two more highly-rated prospects looking very possible for Florida in Adoree' Jackson and Jamal Adams, I'd say the Gators are in good shape here moving forward.
5. None of Florida's freshmen defensive linemen played against Kentucky. All five of them (Jay-nard Bostwick, Caleb Brantley, Joey Ivie, Antonio Riles and Jordan Sherit) appear to be in line for redshirts this year. Assuming the Gators return both of their of elder defensive tackles with at least a year of eligibility remaining next year (Cummings and Orr), it would seem a JUCO defensive tackle would make a lot of sense in terms of providing a bit of built-in class separation. However, Florida has yet to make a pursuit of any junior college defensive linemen, despite a need for at least one more tackle in the 2014 cycle. Certainly something that bears watching over the coming weeks as college start to hit the JUCO ranks a bit harder for immediate-impact types.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Featherston targets UF official visit
The Gators received some more good news on Thursday afternoon with the revelation that Greensboro (N.C.) Page defensive end Lorenzo Featherston is eyeing an official visit to Gainesville for the weekend of the Arkansas game.
Clemson is currently in the driver's seat for Featherston, but Florida has slowly been making some progress ever since they got the national top-100 recruit on campus for an unofficial visit over the summer. The in-state programs (UNC and N.C. State) also will factor heavily into the recruitment of Featherston as well.
Featherston is an intriguing prospect at 6-foot-7, 220 pounds with an incredible wingspan that's reported to be in the neighborhood of 87 inches. Although raw, his length and athleticism are undoubtedly intriguing, although he will obviously need to add a bunch of weight when he gets to the next level.
I can't envision a scenario where Florida would be able to take both Lorenzo Carter and Featherston. Carter is still the clear number-one option on the board for UF, while the Gators will continue to recruit Featherston quite heavily as well. With Brad Lawing's resume and traditional preference for taller defensive ends on the roster, I find it hard to believe the Gators won't be able to eventually reel in one of the two highly-prized pass-rushers before National Signing Day.
#ESPN300 DE Lorenzo Featherston official visit "tentatively" set to #Florida Oct. 4. Top 5: #NCState #TarHeels #Clemson #Georgia #Gators
— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) September 26, 2013
Clemson is currently in the driver's seat for Featherston, but Florida has slowly been making some progress ever since they got the national top-100 recruit on campus for an unofficial visit over the summer. The in-state programs (UNC and N.C. State) also will factor heavily into the recruitment of Featherston as well.
Featherston is an intriguing prospect at 6-foot-7, 220 pounds with an incredible wingspan that's reported to be in the neighborhood of 87 inches. Although raw, his length and athleticism are undoubtedly intriguing, although he will obviously need to add a bunch of weight when he gets to the next level.
I can't envision a scenario where Florida would be able to take both Lorenzo Carter and Featherston. Carter is still the clear number-one option on the board for UF, while the Gators will continue to recruit Featherston quite heavily as well. With Brad Lawing's resume and traditional preference for taller defensive ends on the roster, I find it hard to believe the Gators won't be able to eventually reel in one of the two highly-prized pass-rushers before National Signing Day.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Is this Tampa-area sophomore shaping up to be the next Dante Fowler?
Blake High School in Tampa has not been the most successful football program in recent years. However, they do churn out some talented athletes on the gridiron from time-to-time. Michael "Crow" McFarland signed with Florida in the Class of 2010, and now plays for USF. However, the most talented prospect to come out of Blake in years has already emerged for the Class of 2016 in defensive end Shavar Manuel.
As a freshman, Manuel was credited with 10 sacks. Now bulked up to 235 pounds on a 6-foot-3 frame, Manuel is wreaking havoc at an even more impressive level as a sophomore. Through two games (and a kickoff classic), Manuel has already notched five QB takedowns in 2013, including an impressive four-sack performance against state power Armwood on Sept. 6. One assistant coach who has already faced Manuel said this of his abilities:
"I really like him. He'd start for us right now at multiple spots."
No game film exists of Manuel on the internet. At least, none that I'm presently aware of. But all indications are this kid is absolutely a name to watch for the future. Certainly, his progress will be tracked by a number of colleges over the course of the season, and his two remaining years at the high school level as well.
As a freshman, Manuel was credited with 10 sacks. Now bulked up to 235 pounds on a 6-foot-3 frame, Manuel is wreaking havoc at an even more impressive level as a sophomore. Through two games (and a kickoff classic), Manuel has already notched five QB takedowns in 2013, including an impressive four-sack performance against state power Armwood on Sept. 6. One assistant coach who has already faced Manuel said this of his abilities:
"I really like him. He'd start for us right now at multiple spots."
Keep in mind, the kid still has two years to grow. He may end up a defensive tackle in time, for all we know. But the position versatility and ability to get after the quarterback are the most impressive assets of his still-developing game, to date.
No game film exists of Manuel on the internet. At least, none that I'm presently aware of. But all indications are this kid is absolutely a name to watch for the future. Certainly, his progress will be tracked by a number of colleges over the course of the season, and his two remaining years at the high school level as well.
Friday, September 6, 2013
The Class of 1991: A D-Line haul for the ages
This is the second installment in our running anthology of posts looking back at past recruiting classes for the Florida Gators. Today's entry highlights the Class of 1991.
The first full recruiting class for Steve Spurrier, he left no stone unturned, and brought in the maximum allowed 25 prospects for a recruiting cycle, plus three junior college transfers. This group was ranked well within the top 10 in the country (Max Emfinger had it as the third-best recruiting class for 1991) and considered the top group in the SEC.
The first full recruiting class for Steve Spurrier, he left no stone unturned, and brought in the maximum allowed 25 prospects for a recruiting cycle, plus three junior college transfers. This group was ranked well within the top 10 in the country (Max Emfinger had it as the third-best recruiting class for 1991) and considered the top group in the SEC.
Although many point to the 1992 class
as the impetus to the four year reign over the SEC from 1993-96 (as
well as the National Championship to cap off that run), this group
had a big hand in that succcess as well. In fact, it could be argued
that this group is one of the more underrated classes in UF history.
Steve Spurrier announced a batch of 27 new Gators on Feb. 7, 1991. Two signees (Mark Campbell and Mark Grimes) came in after National Signing Day.
Darwin Anderson, Back, (6-0, 197),
Winter Park
Jason Bartley, Back (6-0, 208),
Jacksonville (Fletcher)
Luke Bencie, Quarterback (6-4, 201),
Sarasota (Riverview)
Mark Campbell, Line (6-3, 275), Miami
(Sunset)
Kevin Carter, Line (6-5, 235),
Tallahassee (Lincoln)
Antwan Chiles, Quarterback (6-3, 235),
Lauderdale Lakes (Cardinal Gibbons)
Marion Dixon, Line (6-5, 240), Largo
Shayne Edge, Kicker (6-1, 185), Lake
City (Columbia)
McDonald Ferguson, Line (6-2, 235),
Miami (North Miami)
Mark Grimes, Line (6-3, 230),
Cookeville, Tenn. (Cookeville)
Ben Hanks, Back (6-2, 190), Miami
(North Miami)
Lawrence Hatch (6-1, 190), Long Beach,
Calif. (Costa Mesa C.C.)
Jack Jackson, Back (5-11, 175), Moss
Point, Ms. (Moss Point)
Scott Joslyn, Line (6-4, 295), Orlando
(Evans)
Ellis Johnson, Line (6-3, 275),
Wildwood
Kevin Johnson, Line (6-3, 250), Vero
Beach
Jeremy Kennedy, Back (6-4, 230),
Oklahoma City, Okla. (Westmoore)
Larry Kennedy, Back (5-11, 185),
Sarasota (Riverview)
Henry McMillian, Line (6-4, 270),
Folkston, Ga. (Charlton County)
Jimmy Owens, (5-9,
170), (San Bernandino Valley College)
Sorola Palmer, Back (5-10, 170),
Lacome, La. (Manderville)
Carlton Pouncy, Back (5-11, 185),
Kissimmee (Osceola)
Matt Pearson, Back (6-1, 223), Mayo
(Lafayette)
Anthony Riggins, Line (6-4, 215), Ft.
Pierce (Central)
Alfred Smith, Back
(6-3, 225), Brandon (Coffeyville C.C.)
Craig Weaver, Line (6-3, 304), Miami
(Central)
Ed West, Back (5-10, 178), Miami (Carol
City)
– The Gators led all teams with 12
signings among the state's Top 50 prospects. Florida State landed
nine, despite being touted as having the better class. Miami nabbed six.
Auburn was the most successful out-of-state program, with four top-50
prospects from the state of Florida. The Tigers dipped into their
pipeline at Ft. Lauderdale Dillard for three of those players, with
running back James Bostic (6-2, 215) and wide receiver Frank Sanders
(6-3, 195) carving out big roles during their time on the Plains.
– Although Kevin Carter was generally
considered to be the jewel of Florida's 1991 class, it was Scott Joslyn
who earned the highest honors by being named first team All-American according to the USA Today.
– Three-quarters of Florida's recruiting class (75%) were native to the state of Florida (21 of 28).
Biggest hits: This was probably
the best defensive line class recruited in the history of the
University of Florida. Carter lived up to the hype as the top recruit
in this class by earning All-SEC and All-American honors and being
one of the highest-ever drafted Gators when he went sixth overall to
the St. Louis Rams in 1995. Johnson was also an All-SEC honoree and
first round NFL Draft pick in 1995 (Indianpolis Colts, 14th
overall). McMillian went in the sixth round to Seattle (180th
overall) that year, and Mark Campbell (78th overall) would
be Florida's top pick a year later by the Denver Broncos after
earning All-SEC honors that year as well.
P Shayne Edge, LB Ben Hanks, WR Jack Jackson and DB
Larry Kennedy also earned All-SEC honors during their stay in
Gainesville, and were key contributors to SEC Championships in 1993
and 1994 (as well as 1995 for Hanks.) Kennedy, it should be noted, originally signed with Ohio State in 1990, but academic issues prevented him from enrolling in Columbus. He eventually ended up in Gainesville, and wound up a major factor in the secondary for the Gators from 1991-94.
Although he didn't sign with Florida in 1991, Chris Doering of P.K. Yonge would walk-on at UF and eventually develop into one of the top receivers in school history.
Although he didn't sign with Florida in 1991, Chris Doering of P.K. Yonge would walk-on at UF and eventually develop into one of the top receivers in school history.
Biggest misses: Despite coming
in with a massive hype, Scott Joslyn turned out to be a huge
bust at Florida, making close to no impact on the UF line-up.
Antwan Chiles got lost in the shuffle at quarterback, and when he was
asked to move to linebacker (the position most recruiting services
projected to be his best coming out of the high school ranks) Chiles
elected to transfer to Liberty instead.
Derwin Anderson didn't qualify and eventually wound up at Kansas,
where knee injuries derailed his
career. Luke Bencie transferred to Michigan State after one season in
Gainesville. Ed West left football to focus on track. Late signee
Mark Grimes lasted one year in the program before moving on. Craig
Weaver was an academic casualty and never suited up for the Gators. Owens was expected to have an immediate impact, but was quickly passed over by better players at UF.
The ones who got away: It's not
hard to spot the two biggest misses for Florida in the Class of 1991.
Derrick Brooks (6-1, 205) and Warren Sapp (6-3, 232) were two
highly-regarded prospects who had Florida on their short lists, only
to end up at Florida State and Miami, respectively. Brooks was the
USA Today Defensive Player of the Year out of Pensacola Washington,
and was sold on the idea of playing safety in Tallahassee. Brooks was
subsequently moved to linebacker where he excelled at Florida State,
and played out a Hall-of-Fame caliber career in Tampa Bay for the
Buccaneers as well.
Sapp took a visit to Florida where he
reportedly weighed in at close to 260 pounds, and was already growing
out of the tight end position he was projected at by most services.
Miami sold him on leaving the central Florida region to play for the
'Canes instead, and the rest is history.
The USA Today Offensive Player of the
Year, Marquette Smith, also signed with Florida State out of Lake
Howell in Winter Park. Smith got caught in a crowded backfield in
Tallahassee and wound up transferring to UCF, where he finished his
brief career in Orlando as the third all-time leading rusher in
school history. He was a fifth-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in
1996, but never saw action in a regular season game as knee injuries
prematurely ended his career. Ironically, Florida signed another
2,000-yard rusher from the Winter Park area to replace Smith in
Darwin Anderson, but he never suited up for the Gators either.
Finally, the Gators landed a commitment
at one point in the process from Jesse Mitchell (6-3, 217) out of Key
West, widely regarded as the No. 2 defensive end prospect in-state.
However, he elected to sign with Miami on National Signing Day
instead. Still UF would seemingly get the last laugh, trading Mitchell for Mark Campbell, a one-time Miami commitment who signed with the Gators nearly a week after National Signing Day.
Michigan and Penn State shared the
disputed crown for National Signing Day. Florida State, with a haul
of 19 players, also landed a top-five class. DE Derrick Alexander, DB
Devin Bush, OL Forrest Conoly (a former Gainesville resident), OL
Greg Frey, OL Juan Laureano and OL Clay Shiver were among the major
pick-ups for FSU in the 1991 class.
Have some other thoughts on this group?
Add them in the comments below.
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