Four offers for LB Jakob Johnson

A few weeks ago, we brought you the tale of German transplant Jakob Johnson, whose name was just beginning to generate a buzz in recruiting circles. Johnson, as you may remember, made the decision to come over to the States in the summer to play his senior year of prep football at Ribault High School in Jacksonville.

Well, the story continues to be written. It turns out that, as expected, Johnson's stock continues to rise.

#Wisconsin #Badgers just offered me
— JakobJohnson (@JohnsonJakob) October 7, 2013

It should be noted that Wisconsin already has a commitment from Ribault quarterback D.J. Gillins, also a new addition at Ribault this fall, after previously playing at Eagle's View Academy in Jacksonville.

Justin Barney, a Preps writer for the Florida Times-Union also gave a positive review of Johnson's play in during a 42-29 victory for Bishop Kenny over Ribault on Friday.

@justinlwells He looks good. Definitely passes the eye test. Dropped an INT late in 2nd half; better coming up to play the run.
— Justin Barney (@JustinBarneyTU) October 5, 2013

The offer from Wisconsin gives Johnson four now, as he previously picked up tenders from Idaho, Tennessee and Tulane as well. In addition, Johnson visited Florida State on Saturday for the Seminoles' 63-0 win over Maryland at Doak Campbell Stadium, proving he's on the radar for a whole bunch of schools other than just the four who have throw their hat in the ring so far.

Many schools probably want to see as much tape as possible before offering a prospect who is new to the States, and that makes sense. Still, I'm not sure how long some programs can stand to wait before pulling the trigger on the offer if they are taking a look at Johnson. He does plan to enroll early at the school of his choice, so his time frame on making a decision is obviously a bit more accelerated than some.

Going back to the positives for Johnson here. The size is ideal (6-4, 240). He's comfortable in space, enough so that I don't think it's out of the question he could play the MIKE in a 4-3, although he figures to probably be a better fit at linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He's got a big frame, enough that some more certainly isn't out of the question, meaning a transition to the defensive front is possible too.

Then, throw in the fact that he can be on campus in January. If there's concern about his knowledge of the game or adjusting to playing the ball at this level in America, he will get an entire spring practice under his belt before his freshman season. There are a bunch of positives here. Johnson's best days on the gridiron are clearly way out in front of him.

And with the Big Three schools now apparently moving into the mix as well (Florida State and Miami have expressed interest, still no word on Florida yet), the pursuit of Jakob Johnson could get very intriguing over the next several weeks as he continues to take visits and consider his options at the next level.

What's left for Florida in the Class of 2014?

We're just over five months away from National Signing Day. The Gators presently stand at 15 commitments, with room at the moment to sign 16. As posted in this space last week, I see Florida closing out with somewhere around 25 signatures in the Class of 2014. If you figure there will most likely be a couple of de-commitments, with room to add 10 more players to this class, the magic number to close this group out will be somewhere around a dozen.

With Florida being virtually right at the 85 limit right now if you filter in the commitments to the roster as it's currently constructed, the remaining additions will essentially come from a result of whatever attrition takes place between now and the beginning of February. Players with remaining eligibility left could depart for a number of reasons: early entries to the NFL Draft, transfers, medical disqualifications, whatever. We don't know what the final number will be right now, but expect it to be upwards of 10.

So with that in mind, what positions appear to have the biggest need moving forward for UF? I'm glad you asked ...

Offensive Line: The Gators have four projected offensive line commitments for the Class of 2014 (I'll get into why I don't like distinguishing offensive from defensive linemen right out of the high school ranks in a future post.) The numbers are getting better here, and this group has been bolstered by the recent pledge of Nolan Kelleher. However, getting another difference-maker at tackle is a key (hence, why David Sharpe is such a priority.) Also, with Florida's shakiest current pledge (Benjamin Knox) in this position grouping, I see the most movement happening here, with the Gators likely to add 2-3 more offensive linemen for 2014.

Skill (WR/DB): With so many guys on the board (namely, Adoree' Jackson, Travis Rudolph, Artavis Scott) who can project on either side of the ball in college. I just decided to throw all of these guys together. The Gators have one big-time receiver in the fold (Ermon Lane) and need to pair him with another good addition. That could be a guy already committed to UF (J.C. Jackson or Chris Lammons) or one of the above listed prospects. In the event both Marcus Roberson and Loucheiz Purifoy go pro, Florida will need at least one other cornerback as well. As I wrote last week, that scenario would also lend itself to checking out the JUCO ranks for a player. With the move of Valdez Showers to offense, and Nick Washington playing well at corner in fall camp, there is a little more room on the depth chart at safety. This opens up an opportunity for Jamal Adams to step right in and make an early contribution in the secondary.

Linebacker: As we covered last week, the Gators still presently lack a true linebacker commit in this class, despite the fact that DE commit Justus Reed could possibly play a hybrid LB/DE role in the mold of Lerentee McCray and Ronald Powell. It is true that Florida signed an excellent group of linebackers last year, but following up with 2-3 good ones should still be a priority. After watching Jacob Pugh this weekend, I'm fairly sure he's a better fit at the BUCK, but could play a hybrid role – similar to Reed. Again, Florida seems to only be seriously targeting three linebackers at this point: Clifton Garrett, Raekwon McMillan and Dwight Williams. And of those three, only Williams seems to be a realistic option right now. I continue to be curious as to the direction UF will take at this position. I fully expect at least a couple of guys to emerge on the radar over the course of the fall.

Defensive Line: With 2½ commitments here (depending on how you classify Justus Reed), there is a need for at least two more pledges. Landing an elite pass-rusher (Lorenzo Carter) is the primary concern. Grabbing another tackle (Thomas Holley, Anthony Moten) or hybrid player (Cory Thomas, Dewayne Hendrix) would close this group out properly. I would not be surprised to see the Gators look to the JUCO route at defensive tackle once again.

There are plenty of lists like this done in a number of ways. Consider this a mix of the top remaining prospects on the board for Florida based on need, priority, likelihood to commit and just good ole-fashioned gut feeling. We'll update this every so often. Remember, other guys will emerge in the coming months, and more than a few of these guys will fall off the list in the meantime.

1. DB Jamal Adams

2. DE Lorenzo Carter 

3. OL David Sharpe

4. DB Adoree' Jackson

5. WR Travis Rudolph

6. LB Dwight Williams

7. RB Joe Mixon

8. DE Lorenzo Featherston

9. RB Bo Scarbrough (Alabama)

10. DE Cory Thomas

11. TE Deandre Goolsby

12. DT Thomas Holley

13. WR Artavis Scott (Clemson)

14. LB Clifton Garrett

15. OL Damien Mama

16. DE Da'Shawn Hand 

17. DE Richard Yeargin (Notre Dame) 

18. LB Nyles Morgan

19. DE Dewayne Hendrix

20. DE Jacob Pugh (Florida State)

21. OL Trevor Darling (Miami)

22. WR Josh Malone 

23. DT Gerald Willis

24. LB: Raekwon McMillan

25. RB Leonard Fournette

26. WR Speedy Noil

27. OL Jordan Sims

28. DT Anthony Moten 

29. WR Johnnie Dixon

30. DB Marlon Humphrey

31. RB Tony James

32. DE Rohan Blackwood

33. TE Ravian Pierce

34. RB Cortavious Givens

35. DT Jeremy Patterson

36. TE Montez Sweat

37. DT Daniel Cage

What's up with the linebacker position?

Heading into the fall, Florida had the makings of what should be at least a pretty group at the linebacker position. My interpretation of the depth chart:

WILL

11 – Neiron Ball (6-3, 235, R-Jr.)

49 – Darrin Kitchens (6-2, 235, Sr.)

28 – Jeremi Powell (6-1, 205, R-Fr.)

MIKE

3 – Antonio Morrison (6-1, 230, So.)

51 – Mike Taylor (6-0, 231, R-Jr.)

34 – Alex Anzalone (6-3, 230, Fr.)

40 – Jarrad Davis (6-2, 225, Fr.)

SAM

7 – Ronald Powell (6-4, 240, R-Jr.) (also BUCK)

13 – Daniel McMillian (6-1, 227, Fr.)

9 – Matt Rolin (6-3, 221, Fr.) (Injured)

The Gators stand to lose one senior (Kitchens) after the season, and with anything resembling a good junior campaign, I expect Powell to move on as well, considering all he's been through at UF. While the number requirements of linebacker units have lessened with the move to a wide-open passing game by many schools, there is still a need for 10 or so players on scholarship at the position. Florida would stand at eight, with the potential loss of Kitchens and Powell.

Curiously, Florida has been rather finicky about the linebackers they've chosen to recruit so far. The board essentially stands as follows:

Clifton Garrett (6-1½ , 224, Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield South)

Raekwon McMillan (6-1½, 243, Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County)

Nyles Morgan (6-1½, 225, Crete, Ill./Crete-Monee)

Dwight Williams (6-1, 201, Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra)

And that's really about it. And of those guys, Florida really should only feel confident about their chances of landing Williams, a West Coast native, at the moment. Garrett is high on LSU, McMillan appears to favor Clemson and Ohio State, while Morgan has been relatively quiet – but appears prefer Ole Miss and Vanderbilt right now. The Gators will likely have a shot to host all three players at least once this fall, but there is a lot to ground to make up in each scenario.

The Gators are also being mentioned in connection with a few committed players as well (most notably, FSU pledge Jacob Pugh), but we'll have to see how things play out in connection with Pugh and others.

I do believe that current pledge Justus Reed (6-2, 220, Clearwater, Fla./Central Catholic) – listed as a defensive end by all of the recruiting services – is very likely to get a look at the SAM linebacker spot. He brings a versatile skill-set to the group, not unlike former UF player Lerentee McCray – who also bounced between end and linebacker during his time at Florida.

Aside from that, I'm as curious as anyone as to which prospects Florida will drum up at the linebacker position, and I do expect there will be a few new additions. Three in-state prospects whom intrigue me greatly are Xavier Preston (6-2, 220, Jensen Beach), Randy Ramsey (6-3, 205, Ft. Lauderdale/Dillard) and Sharieff Rhaheed (6-2, 205, Ft. Pierce/Central). Ramsey camped at Friday Night Lights, and would make a transition from safety to outside linebacker at the next level. Rhaheed as been mostly used as a stand-up end coming off the edge at the high school level, but would appear to have the athleticism and explosiveness to play in space at the college level. Preston is a versatile, all-around threat at the high school level, and would figure to be comfortable wherever he's asked to line up on the field.

In any case, I'm really intrigued to see what develops with this unit over the path from now until February. I expect that the group Florida signs to play linebacker on National Signing Day, will likely continue to bolster a unit that finally played up to expectations last year, and now has raised the bar heading into the fall of 2013.

Where the Gators stand: Linebacker

Last week, we started a position-by-position analysis as to where Florida currently stands in regards to the Class of 2011, and what needs still have to be met across the board. After wrapping up the offense, the defense is now on tap as to where Florida currently stands on the recruiting trail. Today, we focus on the linebackers...

Current Florida depth chart:

WILL
40 - Brandon Hicks (6-2, 228, Sr.)
52 - Jon Bostic (6-1, 238, So.)
49 - Darrin Kitchens (6-2, 218, Fr.)

MIKE
43 - Jelani Jenkins (6-0, 223, R-Fr.)
26 - Lorenzo Edwards (6-1, 240, Sr.)
51 - Michael Taylor (5-11, 218, Fr.)
23 - Chris Martin (6-4, 240, Fr.)**

SAM
16 - A.J. Jones (6-1, 226, R-Sr.)
13 - Dee Finley (6-2, 222, S0.)
48 - Neiron Ball (6-2, 225, Fr.)
25 - Gideon Ajagbe (6-2, 212, Fr.)

**Martin must redshirt his freshman season after transferring from Cal, where he enrolled in summer courses.

Committed to Florida for 2011:
Ryan Shazier (6-2, 205, Plantation, Fla./Plantation)

Top of the board:
Stephone Anthony (6-3, 224, Wadesboro, N.C./Anson)
Curtis Grant (6-3, 230, Richmond, Va./Hermitage)
Tony Steward (6-1, 225, St. Augustine, Fla./Menendez)
Lamar Dawson (6-2, 235, Danville, Ky./Boyle County)
A.J. Johnson (6-3, 235, Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville)

Others to watch:
Kent Turene (6-2, 230, Lauderdale Lakes, Fla./Boyd Anderson) - Committed to USC
Norkethius Otis (6-3, 205, Gastonia, N.C./Ashbrook)
Dexter Staley (6-2, 225, Williston, S.C./Williston-Elko)
Graham Stewart (6-1, 220, Middletown, Conn./Xavier)
Lateek Townsend (6-2, 205, Bennettsville, S.C./Marlboro County)
Jack Tabb (6-3, 235, Red Bank, N.J./Red Bank Catholic)
Jason Gibson (6-3, 210, Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra)
Anthony Harrell (6-1, 220, Tampa, Fla./Jesuit)
Gionni Paul (6-0, 220 Lakeland, Fla./Kathleen)
Miles Pace (6-1, 240, Miami, Fla./Central)
Anthony Wallace (6-0, 220, Dallas, Tex./Skyline)

Analysis: The transfer of Brendan Beal in the offseason cut into the depth for Florida at linebacker just a bit. However, this is still an extremely talented and fast (albeit young) group at the position. The biggest issue with this bunch is that there simply isn't a lot of leadership. Who will make the line calls? The two players who could do that over the last two years (Brandon Spikes and Ryan Stamper) are both gone. That will be the biggest thing assistant coach D.J. Durkin looks to work on in fall camp. He knows he has an athletic bunch that can run to the football. However, they need to be able to get the defense set, and they need to be able to read and diagnose opposing offenses, and as the spring game showed, the linebackers have a long way to go to get to that point.

Looking ahead, the Gators would clearly like to add some size to this group. Adding a player (or two) who can project in the middle is a key goal. Curtis Grant tops the list of players who can fill that role in the 2011 class. Lamar Dawson is high on the board as well, in addition to USC commitment Kent Turene and Georgia product A.J. Johnson (who could ultimately project as a defensive end in college as well).

On the outside, Florida has already added a superb athlete in Ryan Shazier, who will have to make the transition from defensive end to linebacker on the next level. Perhaps the top linebacker on the board is Stephone Anthony, who has the athleticism to play on the outside, but the size to be a factor in the middle as well. His versatility is extremely intriguing. Tony Steward is considered one of the top linebacker prospects in the entire country, and he resides just an hour up the road from Gainesville in St. Augustine. Currently, he appears to be leaning more towards Florida State or Clemson, however. Norkethius Otis is a hybrid linebacker/defensive end who has the athleticism to contribute in a number of ways at the next level.

Three names to keep a close eye on down the stretch:

- Graham Stewart visited Gainesville twice this summer, and tested extremely well. He is a native of Connecticut, and the Gators have been quite active in the Nutmeg State over the past few years due to the presence of Steve Addazio (a native of the region) on the staff.

- You could call him the "poor man's James Wilder" of this class. Dexter Staley is a two-way star who could be an impact linebacker or big back on the next level a year for now. He has had some academic issues to push through, but the Gators are still a factor in his recruitment. If Florida does not land James Wilder, Staley could be the guy the Gators look to next to play on either side of the ball at the next level.

- The son of former UF and NFL linebacker James Harrell, look out for Tampa native Anthony Harrell. He has a strong interest in the Gators, and an offer down the road (no matter how late) would likely result in Harrell taking a really long look at spending his college years in Gainesville.

In some circles, the Gators are considered the favorite for both Anthony and Grant, which would be a home-run for linebackers coach D.J. Durkin if he can pull it off. Adding another option, such as Dawson, Turene, Johnson, or one of the many other options on the board would only make this group that much better heading into 2011.