Gators Recruiting News & Notes, 10/11

It's been sort of a quiet week on the recruiting trail. Not a whole lot of Florida-related notes to write about, or anything of note from the national perspective that grabbed my attention. However, here's a couple of tidbits to chew on as we head towards an excellent slate of games on Saturday:

– Rivals reported earlier this week that Auburn commit Tre Williams (6-2, 225, Mobile, Ala./St. Paul's) will use an official visit to see check out Florida. Is there anything to see here? Maybe, but it's unlikely. Williams name has been continuously been mentioned in connection with UF for months. But nothing has really came of it. Unless Williams makes more than one visit to Gainesville before National Signing Day, this is likely just a trip to have something to compare Auburn with.

Throw in the fact that Nyles Morgan (6-2, 230, Crete, Ill./Crete-Monee) has expressed interest in taking an official visit to Florida as well, and the linebacker board has expanded a bit for the Gators. Raekwon McMillan and Clifton Garrett remain the top two prospects on the board for Florida. But all four players have to be considered long shots for the Gators at this point. So, this begs the question: assuming the Gators miss on all four of these guys, will they elect to take a guy like Dwight Williams (6-1, 205, Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra)? Or will they make a late run at one of the in-state linebackers instead? There are some impressive looking players from around the Sunshine State. Josh Black, Jakob Johnson, Xavier Preston, Sharieff Rhaheed are among the in-state prospects worthy of an offer, in my view (Johnson could also get a look at defensive end or in a role similar to that of Ronald Powell). It should also be noted that current commitment Justus Reed could also get a look at playing linebacker or a hybrid role not all that dissimilar from current UF player Neiron Ball.

There's still a long ways to go. The need for numbers isn't there after signing four linebackers last year, but I still expect the Gators to add someone to the fold at the position for the Class of 2014. The only question now is, who will it be?

– Five-star WR commit Ermon Lane of Homestead was ejected for reportedly throwing a punch in a 45-0 win over Palmetto on Thursday night.

Ermon Lane talking with #Homestead AD Newsome and HC Coffey after being ejected in the first. pic.twitter.com/vjOMouz2vr
— Chris Green (@cgreensdnl) October 10, 2013

If the ejection is upheld as is, Lane would face a six-week suspension, which is the typical measure handed down by the FHSAA for such an incident. An appeal in the matter is likely, given the circumstances however, as Lane claims he was simply trying to jar the ball loose from an opponent while playing safety on defense. A reasonable argument, I suppose, without having been there to personally witness the incident, myself.

However, if the six-week suspension is upheld, Lane has very possibly played his final game at the high school level.

– The mystery player of Florida's 2014 class to date has been Casper (Wyo.) Natrona County lineman Taven Bryan. This of course, is owed mostly to the fact there have only been a handful of major recruits to come out of Wyoming over the past couple of decades (with Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel likely being the only one you've ever heard of). While stats on Bryan are hard to come across (he mostly plays offensive line at the high school level), there are a few notes to pass along in regards to his team.

A good analogy for the natives here, is that Natrona County would be to Wyoming, what Lake City Columbia is to the state of Florida. The Fillies were the winningest program in state history coming into the season, with an all-time record of 550-271-27 (good for a .665 winning percentage). They are the defending 4A state champions and have won or split 16 titles in their illustrious history.

However, Natrona has lost three games so far this season. All by a single point, and all three in overtime (the season-opener saw the Fillies drop a 42-41 decision to Cheyenne East in triple overtime, in fact). After beginning the season 3-3, they now have a tough road ahead following an early-season slump that has seen the program match their loss total over the previous three seasons in just six games this fall.

Bryan, a first-team Class 4A All-State selection as an offensive lineman a year ago (4A is the largest classification in Wyoming prep football), will be Florida's first ever signee from the state of Wyoming, to my knowledge. While he's projected as a player who could end up on either side of the football, he might just be the guy out of this class who ends up as the prospect who projects best at the center position for the Gators moving forward (a spot offensive line coach Tim Davis has said he wants to address in every recruiting class). Or maybe he does, in fact, end up the second coming of Keisel in the Swamp. Time will tell on that one.

– And if you missed it yesterday, Kevin Bronson has possibly emerged as on the board for Florida as a big end or quick tackle prospect for this recruiting class after the Gators came up short on a few names early on in the process of the Class of 2014.

Kevin Bronson on the radar for UF?

Kevin Bronson is now claiming an offer from Florida. This is an interesting one.

Village Academy HC Don Hanna says #Florida has offered DE Kevin Bronson. #Gators
— Wells Dusenbury (@DuseReport1063) October 10, 2013

Of course, we have to keep in mind that in recruiting, these reports are always dubious, since the offer from the school in question can only be confirmed through "unofficial" channels. However, Bronson has been on the radar for UF for some time now. Even if Florida hasn't truly extended a tender to Bronson, there is no doubt at this point that he is a target for the Gators as we continue moving towards National Signing Day.

Now, Bronson is an intriguing prospect to me. He could project all across the board. Possibly as a bigger fullback/H-Back type on offense (think J.C. Copeland of LSU), but also as an offensive lineman. However, his future is most likely on defense. I've posted on here recently that Florida needs to find someone in the Dominique Easley mold moving forward. Obviously, replacing Easley is out of the question, but landing a defensive lineman for the future who has a good first step and quickness while not sacrificing much in terms of size is a must. Bronson is already pushing 250 pounds on a 6-foot-3 frame. He appears to have the build to play in the 280-290 pound range one day as well.

It should be noted that Bronson has a pretty solid offer list to date. N.C. State, Wake Forest and West Virginia were among the other programs to extend tenders to Bronson throughout the recruiting process to date.

Top 5 for Kevin Bronson: #Gators #Arkansas #Rutgers #USF #UCF. Bronson plans on making decision after the season.
— Wells Dusenbury (@DuseReport1063) October 10, 2013

Bronson isn't highly-rated. This development isn't going to move the meter a whole lot in terms of the Florida recruitniks out there. But I like it. These are the type of prospects the Gators prefer to bring in. Football players who can project across multiple spots across both sides of the ball. From looking at the board, it was clear that the Gators need to drum up some additional names at a few spots. We've seen a couple of names emerge at wide receiver in recent weeks in Ja'Von Harrison and Eric Lauderdale. Now Bronson is a name that pops up along the defensive line. I suspect we'll see other names emerge all across the board over the coming weeks as well. History tells us we will and the particular nature of this class for 2014 (which is strong for in-state talent, but lacking the "elite" names at the top) suggests Florida was going to have to be a bit more patient wading through this cycle, as opposed to the last two years.

Here's a highlight video of Bronson that has been posted on YouTube, by the way. Bit of a mess. Good luck trying to watch it, sort through it and figure out where Bronson is on each play:

Breaking down the Class of 2015 (Defense)

This is the conclusion to our first look at the Class of 2015 for the Gators. Yesterday was the offense, today is the defense. The talent for next year is shaping up – on paper, at least – to be a very impressive group overall. Keep in mind, it's very early, so the "needs" could change considerably from position-to-position over the next year. This is just an early projection of what Florida might be looking for, numbers-wise, at each position grouping on the roster.

Defensive End

Needs: 2-3

CeCe Jefferson (6-2, 245, Glen St. Mary Baker County) – Primarily plays defensive tackle at the high school level, but his size suggests that defensive end will be his likely position in college. Phenomenal pass-rusher. Has excelled since his freshman year, when he first emerged on the radar for the Gators. One of the top prospects in the country. Recorded 25 sacks through his first two seasons of varsity football, with two more to go.

Byron Cowart (6-3, 250, Seffner Armwood) – Currently plays nose guard for Armwood. More of a physical freak than a polished product at the moment. Needs some refinement as a player, but possesses all the tools to be a great one. Likely a strong-side end at the next level, but might have the frame to expand into a three-technique or hybrid player. Notched over 40 tackles (11 for loss), four sacks and an interception as a sophomore.

Jashon Cornell (6-3, 245, St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Durham Hall) – Considered the top pass-rushing prospect in the country. Florida on his short list early. Plays at a program that has been Notre Dame-friendly in the past. Would be an ideal fit at the "BUCK" position for Florida. 52 tackles, 16 sacks and three forced fumbles as a sophomore.

George Brown (6-6, 260, Cincinnati, Ohio/Winton Woods) – Two-way lineman that could also excel at offensive tackle. Seems to prefer defense at this point. It should be noted that Brown hails from the same program that produced former UF star defensive back Tony George.

Michael Barnett (6-4, 250, Dorchester, S.C./Woodland) – With Florida's ties to the Palmetto State, the Gators will make a serious run at Barnett, who could project at multiple slots along the defensive line. As a sophomore, he made 63 total tackles (17 for loss), nine sacks and two forced fumbles.

Shameik Blackshear (6-5, 235, Bluffton, S.C./Bluffton) – South Carolina commitment was credited with 97 tackles and five sacks as a sophomore. Widely considered one of the top defensive ends in the country for 2015. Will be hard to flip from the Gamecocks, but Brad Lawing and D.J. Durkin will likely get that opportunity as Blackshear has expressed a desire to take some visits.

Others to watch: Austin Bryant (Thomasville, Ga./Thomas County Central), Jalen Dalton (Clemmons, N.C./West Forsyth), Natrez Patrick (Atlanta, Ga./Mays), Russell Ude (Atlanta, Ga./Westminster), D'Andre Walker (Fairburn, Ga./Langston Hughes)

Analysis: Really quality group for whom Florida should be able to grab two or three good ones. A couple of these guys could very well project as defensive tackles at the next level. In any case, the Gators should be able to upgrade their pass rush in the 2015 cycle.

Defensive Tackle

Needs: 2-3

Kendrick Norton (6-2, 290, Jacksonville Trinity Christian) – Two-way player could really project on either side of the ball for the Gators. Has primarily played on offense at the prep level. Strong, powerfully-built lineman who has already picked up a ton of offers from schools across the South.

Trent Thompson (6-4, 290, Albany, Ga./Westover) – One of the top defensive tackle prospects in the country. UGA in good shape here, but Florida is working an "in" they have through Thompson in junior offensive lineman Trenton Brown. Excellent player who could plug in at either defensive tackle position. Over 60 tackles and five sacks for Thompson as a sophomore at Westover.

Albert Huggins (6-2, 280, Orangeburg, S.C./Orangeburg-Wilkinson) – Georgia is in a strong position here early, as they are for Thompson, but Florida is poised to make a run at both players. Huggins was credited with 70 tackles and seven sacks in 2012.

Rasheem Green (6-5, 270, Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra) – One of the top prospects in the country for 2015. Could really project at either offensive tackle or defensive tackle. Through three games, Green already has 21 tackles and 5.5 sacks for Serra. The Gators' recruitment of senior linebacker Dwight Williams could very much have an impact on Green, and fellow junior prospect John Houston.

Tim Settle (6-3, 310, Manassas, Va./Stonewall Jackson) – Widely considered the top defensive tackle in the country for 2015. Very early, and the Gators aren't in a great position early on, but they should get at least an opportunity (or two) to sway this massive building block. Credited with over 70 tackles and three sacks as a sophomore.

Others to watch: Terry Beckner, Jr. (East St. Louis, Ill./East. St. Louis), Darian Roseboro (Lincolnton, N.C./Linconton), Shy Tuttle (Lexington, N.C./North Davidson), Christian Wilkins (Suffield, Conn./Suffield Academy)

Analysis: It's early, but Florida's two best bets at the defensive tackle position appear to be Norton and Thompson, followed by Green and Huggins. Sort of a strange position from a national perspective for 2015. Plenty of prospects out there, but not a lot with in-state or UF ties. Brad Lawing and the rest of the Florida staff will have to do some work to get these guys in the fold, although there will be plenty of other names who emerge over the coming months.

Linebacker

Needs: 3

Jeffery Holland (6-2, 225, Jacksonville Trinity Christian) – Quite simply, an all-around playmaker. Excellent pass-rusher, and could really fit at three or four positions on defense. May even grow into a part-time (or even full-time) BUCK on the next level. He's one of the top three to five prospects in the state for 2015. Holland already has four sacks through two games for the Conquerors.

Jaye Miner (6-3, 195, Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Ranch) – A player who has really emerged over the last year, Miner plays all over the back end of the defense for Wiregrass Ranch, but projects as an ideal outside linebacker in college. Miner has stuffed the stat sheet through three games – an incredible 50 tackles, two forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks for a 2-1 squad.

Ricky DeBerry (6-2, 230, Richmond, Va./St. Christopher's) – Already has an offer from the Gators, and there is some interest by the Gators in giving him a look at tight end. Notched 55 tackles, 7.5 sacks and an interception in 2012. Presumably, DeBerry would be a better fit at linebacker, but it is interesting to note Florida's expressed interest in trying DeBerry at tight end as well.

John Houston (6-3, 210, Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra) – Talented, versatile linebacker could play inside or out at the college level. Has recorded 34 tackles through three games in 2013. Of note, Florida is heavily recruiting his linebacker running mate (Dwight Williams) as a part of the Class of 2014.

Others to watch: Montavious Atkinson (Fairburn, Ga./Langston Hughes), De'Amontae Jackson (Citra North Marion), Sherrod Pittman (Jacksonville First Coast), Dominic Sheppard (Miami Gulliver Prep), Roquan Smith (Montezuma, Ga./Macon County), Danny Thomas (Weston Cypress Bay)

Analysis: There is some good talent at the top, but this is one position that doesn't appear to have a lot of depth early on – one of the few in the Class of 2015. The Gators will likely have a much stronger need at the linebacker position next year after being relatively selective about extending offers to linebackers in the present recruiting cycle.

Cornerback

Needs: 2-3

Kevin Toliver (6-2, 185, Jacksonville Trinity Christian) – Big corner has earned comparisons to former Pompano Beach Ely cornerback Patrick Peterson (nee Johnson) with his combination of size and athleticism. Considered one of the top overall prospects in the country for the Class of 2015. LSU commitment, but will have attended each of Florida's first three games if he makes it to Gainesville for the Tennessee contest, as expected.

Tyrek Cole (5-11, 170, Miramar) – Highly-skilled and developed cornerback prospect. Considered one of the best in the country for 2015. Will Muschamp has already checked in with the talented prospect this season. Recorded nearly 30 tackles and a pair of interceptions as a sophomore.

Mike Hughes (5-10, 170, New Bern, N.C./New Bern) – The top out-of-state option for Florida, early on. Visited Gainesville for Friday Night Lights. Accounted for over 500 yards of offense and four touchdowns through his team's first two games. Also averages over 36 yards a punt. Very skilled, versatile athlete who could add a strong dose of speed to the secondary of his choice.

Jamel Dean (6-1, 175, Cocoa) – Another long, fast corner, although not as technically sound as Toliver. One of the fastest sprinters in the state among the junior class. Ohio State is high on his list, although Dean is from a UF-friendly area of Florida. Recorded 29 tackles and three interceptions as a sophomore.

Others to watch: Rashard Causey (Ft. Lauderdale University School), Von Davis (Mt. Dora), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Jersey City, N.J./St. Peter's Prep), Devin Munnerlyn (Citra North Marion), Kendall Sheffield (Missouri City, Tex./Fort Bend Marshall), Marcus Walker (Lake Wales)

Analysis: Certainly shaping up to be a strong year in Florida for corners in 2015. In fact, it's a shame UF doesn't have this group available to them in 2014, the year they really need to load up on numbers at the position. In any case, despite signing a big group in this recruiting cycle, I'd still be surprised if Travaris Robinson takes less than three corners next year, considering the quality available to them in the 2015 class.

Safety

Needs: 1

Shawn Burgess-Becker (6-2, 185, Coconut Creek Monarch) – Long, lean defensive back who could play all over the secondary at the next level, and possibly on offense as well. Recorded over 60 tackles and five interceptions during his sophomore campaign at Monarch. Projected as one of the top players in the state for 2015, regardless of position.

Kendrell McFadden (6-3, 175, Hollywood McArthur) – Highly-regarded defensive back. Really hasn't shown a ton of interest in Florida to date, but has to be considered one of the top players on the board at the position.

Jordan Cronkite (5-11, 195, Miami Westminster Christian) – Gifted two-way athlete that is averaging nearly 13 yards a carry on 36 rushing attempts, three games into the 2013 season. Could also certainly project to either side of the football at the next level.

Others to watch: Calvin Brewton (Miami Central), Jonathan Crawford (Largo), Hunter Dale (New Orleans, La./John Curtis), Ben Edwards (Jacksonville Trinity Christian), Jaquan Johnson (Miami Killian), Tavares McFadden (American Heritage-Plantation), Vernon Walker (Orlando Dr. Phillips)

Analysis: For the second year in a row, safety is not shaping up to be a major need area, especially if Florida locks down Jamal Adams in the Class of 2014. However, with the talent available at this position, it would be surprising if the Gators didn't grab at least one player. Among the "others to watch," Edwards could also get a look at linebacker, and would be a part of a strong contingent from Trinity Christian that UF may choose to pursue en masse. McFadden could get a look at corner as well.

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.

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, 14^th overall). McMillian went in the sixth round to Seattle (180^th overall) that year, and Mark Campbell (78^th 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.

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.