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.

UF Recruiting Roundup, 9/9

The Gators certainly suffered a bit of a setback for the Gators on the recruiting trail, with a 21-16 loss to the 'Canes on Saturday. And this is why:

– According to the Miami Herald, more than 100 recruits, and over 350 high school coaches attended the Florida-Miami game on Saturday. The UM coaching staff certainly put a lot on the line, in terms of this being a statement game. It paid off in spades. And a lot of big-time prospects were there to witness the win for the 'Canes.

– Among the major names in attendance who have not given a college pledge: St. Thomas Aquinas defensive lineman Anthony Moten (a former Florida commitment) and wide receiver Travis Rudolph (who at one time was believed to have Florida at the top of his list of schools.) If the Gators hoped to make an impression on both of those guys, they probably fell a bit flat.

– The outcome of the contest might have a bigger impact among the junior class, for whom there were a bunch of highly-regarded uncommited prospects: A pair of defenders from Trinity Christian in Jacksonville – LB Jeff Holland and DB Kevin Toliver – perhaps the top two prospects in the state for 2015. Coconut Creek Monarch DB Shawn Burgess-Becker, Miramar CB Tyrek Cole, Miami Killian DB Jaquan Johnson and a pair of athletes out of the Westminster Academy (RB Tim Irvin and TE Devonaire Clarington.)

– I wrote last week that the outcome of Saturday's game would have little outcome on the decisions of prospects, whether they were there in person or watching on TV. And I stand by that. For Miami, the benefit is this. They've been down for a couple of years now, and in the grand scheme of things, it's been several years since they have been a factor on the national scene in college football. The win against Florida doesn't bring them all the way back, but it helps. And the victory certainly doesn't hurt as a little selling point for Al Golden and his staff on the recruiting trail as well.

– As expected, things aren't quite settled with Florida WR commit Ermon Lane just yet. Reports have the top-rated athlete out of Homestead planning to make an official visit to Miami before National Signing Day. He will likely make a few official visit before making things official. But in any case, Lane tried to soothe the fears of Florida fans following the post-game developments.

Gator Nation To The Death Of Me !! 🐊🐊
— Support #⃣5⃣Jwalk (@_MoneyLane) September 9, 2013

We'll see if he holds to this train of thought or not over the coming months.

– Jacksonville Providence offensive lineman David Sharpe had some interesting comments to make after taking an unofficial visit to Athens for the Georgia-South Carolina game according to 247Sports ($). He's close to making a decision, but he doesn't know when it will happen. No leader, according to Sharpe.

“No team is out front right now,” Sharpe told Rusty Mansell. "I am just not really sure right now.”

I'm of the belief that Clemson has made a big move here. I wouldn't rule Georgia out, either. Dad is in their corner, and could wind up as a sort of compromise pick. I still think Florida is in the driver's seat, but that lead has really shrunk, if it's not gone outright. Will Muschamp and Tim Davis need to get Sharpe back on campus in two weeks for Tennessee, then put together an impressive showing to get the good vibes back. In any case, Sharpe has certainly become the most critical recruit remaining on the board for the Class of 2014.

– Finally, Big County Preps has a report on how the Tampa area will continue to be a hot spot for Florida on the recruiting trail. A trio of 2015 prospects, QB James Pensyl (6-5, 210, Land O'Lakes), RB T.J. Simmons (6-0, 190, Lakeland Christian) and LB Jaye Miner (6-3, 195, Wiregrass Ranch) are all off to a hot start for this season. Pennsyl is averaging nearly 300 yards a game passing, while Simmons is putting up over 200 yards per game on the ground and Miner has recorded nearly 40 tackles through two contests. All three players are very much on the radar for the Gators in looking ahead to next year.

Jeff Driskel: A Convenient Scapegoat?

After watching all the venom spewed at Jeff Driskel this weekend, I wanted to take a step back from things and try to take a more rational approach to his performance in a 21-16 loss at Miami.

His stat line was decent. 22-of-33 (66.7%) for 291 yards (a career-high), one touchdown against two interceptions. Granted some of those numbers were padded a bit by Florida's hurry-up offense against a Miami prevent defense which all but conceded a score late in the fourth quarter. Still, Driskel took some huge shots (nine hits, by my count) in this game and hung in there to make some big plays.

For the purposes of this analysis, however, let's focus more on the "mistakes." Driskel made three poor decisions throwing the football, that I saw.

– The interception to Miami safety Rayshawn Jenkins into coverage near the goal line in the second quarter. This play took three points off the board for Florida. It was simply an inexcusable decision by Driskel, especially considering a similar experience that cost the Gators points late in the first half against Georgia last year.

– An incomplete pass over the middle to Quinton Dunbar who was blanketed by three defenders on third-and-nine to end the second drive of the game. Trey Burton appeared to have a step on his man in the flat and was a better option on the play. (6:24, first quarter)

– Another incomplete pass to Dunbar down the right sideline on a third-and-three with just over 12 minutes to go in the game. Dunbar was double-covered, while Burton was running a flat-route in which he appeared to be open and in position to get the first down.

Of his additional eight incompletions, there were the following:

– A missed pass to Quinton Dunbar on the sideline on Florida's second drive. Miami's Tracy Howard was in coverage. A dangerous throw, but Driskel put it where only Dunbar had a chance to get it, and the receiver nearly made the play. (6:08)

– The missed opportunity to a wide-open Dunbar in the end zone on a well-timed play-action call early in the second quarter. This incompletion subsequently led to the Jenkins interception a play later. It's easy to wonder whether Driskel was pressing a bit on the next play because of the overthrow of Dunbar, and forced things a bit as a result. (14:16)

– Later in the second quarter, Driskel threw behind an open Dunbar on a crossing route. (11:48)

– Good play-action design out of a run-heavy formation where Driskel couldn't find an open man and threw it out of bounds late in the first half. (2:17)

– An incomplete pass to Clay Burton late in the third quarter. It was a third-and-four situation where the defender (Perryman) batted the ball away. Credit Perryman, in large part, for Miami's win. He was an animal on Saturday. (0:57)

– Clay Burton dropped a pass on a crossing route on the first offensive play of the fourth quarter (after an 18-yard run by Jones was wiped out because of a holding penalty.) (13:52)

– The interception to Burton. Clearly some timing issues on this play. But from my vantage point, Burton ran a flat route and simply didn't have his head around to catch the football. He ran the same route on a third-and-short the Gators didn't convert on earlier in the fourth quarter as well. (EDIT: Let me add, that's my interpretation ... and obviously we'll know more about what happened on this play soon enough)

– Missed pass to freshman Demarcus Robinson (his only target of the game) on a crossing route which took place on the second touchdown drive. The receiver vacated the middle on the play and moved into the flat. Driskel was hit on the play and threw it low and behind Robinson. Essentially the equivalent of a throw away, as Robinson was unlikely to get loose for much of a gain. (4:42)

That's really it. Three bad decisions and two poor throws. There was the sack/fumble in which Max Garcia (filling in for D.J. Humphries) got beat. You can argue Driskel held on to the ball too long, fine. And then the second sack at the end of the game, which really didn't mean much at that point.

So, seven bad plays you can put on Driskel. In 35 called pass plays. Most coaches will take that from their quarterbacks. Was it a great day by Florida quarterbacking standards? No. But it certainly wasn't the downfall of Florida against an opportunistic Miami bunch.

I like to remind UF fans in times like these, that even the all-time greats weren't infallible. Danny Wuerffel threw a critical interception in the waning stages of the 1994 Auburn debacle at home, which set up the Tigers to go on a game-winning touchdown drive. Fast-forward to 4:39 to see a truly awful decision by one of Florida's best ever.

It happens. We remember Wuerffel for all the good now, because there was a lot of it. But even he went through some growing pains. Unfortunately Jeff Driskel is too, and because he didn't get a redshirt year (like Wuerffel did), he's still experiencing these in his junior year, as opposed to his redshirt sophomore campaign as a result.

In any case, Driskel is catching some heat right now. And that comes with the territory with the position. But it wasn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be. At least, not from my vantage point. Now we have to see if #6, and the team as a whole, can rebound from a stinging defeat against an in-state rival to regroup and make a run at earning an invitation to Atlanta.

How much does the UF-UM game really mean to recruits?

Going into Saturday's in-state showdown between Florida and Miami, there are going to be plenty of predictable storylines over just how much this game means to the two programs as they square off over a number of prospects from around the Sunshine State (many of whom will be in attendance at Sun Life Stadium on Saturday.) But is that really the case? How much does this game ultimately mean in the decision-making prospects of the top seniors who make the trip to Miami Gardens?

The answer, in the big picture, is "probably not much."

I look back to one of the first feature articles I wrote for recruiting, entitled "A Battle for the Hearts and Minds." It's on a site I refuse to link in this blog, but a quick Google search of "battle for the hearts and minds gators" will bring it up if you wish to give it a look.

The piece centers on the Florida-Miami game in 2008, and how many key prospects that both schools were targeting planned to attend the game. Now, keep in mind, there were other recruiting battles that had already concluded (defensive tackle Curtis Porter, for instance, had already picked Miami over Florida. He will compete for the 'Canes on Saturday as a redshirt senior.) I'm also not aware how many of these prospects actually showed up to the Swamp on Sept. 6, 2008, and I have no intention of going back to research it all. However, let's use the 14 prospects featured in the article as a small cross-section of how the recruiting battles between Florida and Miami played out that year.

– Three of the 14 players (DB Ray Ray Armstrong, DE Dyron Dye and OL Jared Wheeler) signed with Miami, although it should be noted that Wheeler didn't have the option to attend UF.

– Three prospects also elected to attend Florida: LB Jon Bostic, WR Andre Debose and OL Xavier Nixon.

– Of the remaining eight players, two went to Georgia (TE Orson Charles and LB Jarvis Jones), and one each went to Alabama (RB Trent Richardson), Michigan (QB Denard Robinson), Minnesota (CB Michael Carter), North Carolina (WR Jheranie Boyd), Rutgers (DL Antwan Lowery) and South Florida (DE Ryne Giddins).

So, despite the big (although far from pretty) win by Florida, the Gators didn't appear to get any major boost from the victory. Bostic had long favored Florida. Nixon was on his official visit that weekend, and the entire experience helped deliver him to Florida, although the Gators had been trending positively before the trip. Andre Debose was sort of all over the map, but his decision seemed to come down to Florida and LSU more than Miami in the end.

A late field goal conversion to cover the spread, ordered by Urban Meyer, didn't help Miami "more than [we] will ever know." However, the loss didn't particularly harm Miami's efforts on the recruiting trail. They signed the No. 15 class in the country according to Rivals, only inking 19 a year after they signed 33. Florida, likewise, was limited on numbers and only brought in 16 that cycle, good for No. 11 in the Rivals team rankings.

In the end, it's relationships that ultimately matter in recruiting. Florida has one of the best assistant coaches in the country as it relates to establishing relationships in Travaris Robinson. The Gators will be fine, regardless of what happens on Saturday. Looking further down the line, winning this game is bigger for the Florida program because they don't want to take a huge step back from 2012. No one expects 11 victories from the Gators again this year. I think most fans would be satisfied with nine wins or more. But this tilt is a key to for Will Muschamp to make that figure happen. Dangerous trips to LSU and South Carolina loom in the distance. Georgia is a tough out in Jacksonville. Florida State will prove a tough test to close out the regular season schedule.

From the Miami perspective, this game is about trying to re-establish themselves on the national scene. A win would potentially provide a huge boost, as the only other marquee game on their slate is an November date in Tallahassee against FSU. If they lose, no big deal. The 'Canes still have a real shot at winning 10 games and competing for the ACC title. But a win ... well, a win could catapult them towards something entirely different.

One thing that strikes me when going back to reading my article from five years ago: I was guilty of propagating the exact same storyline I'm now debunking. I guess I was naive back then. There is a lot hanging on the line for what will likely be the last regular season contest in many years between the two programs – especially in terms of bragging rights for the two fanbases. But the point is, if someone tries to sell you on the idea that the decisions of 20 recruits are hanging in the balance, don't buy. In the end, all this game means to high school recruits is the opportunity to watch a big game in person, and the opportunity to check out some hot girls while they're at it.

Central and Booker T. Washington: No. 1 vs. No. 2

The top two teams in the state of Florida will matchup tomorrow night, as Miami powerhouses Booker T. Washington and Central tangle at Traz Powell Stadium. Maxpreps has put together a nice little preview video and story for the upcoming game:



The Miami Herald also has a nice little preview of the game here.

Fans of all three of the state schools have a reason to watch this one with an eye on the future. While the Hurricanes are best represented in this matchup (OL Trevor Darling and RB Joe Yearby of Central, DL Chad Thomas, DL Demetrius Jackson and DB Nigel Bethel of Washington,) both Florida (Central RB Dalvin Cook and junior WR Da'Vante Phillips) and Florida State (Washington QB Treon Harris, Central DT Frederick Jones) also have a rooting interest in this game.

That doesn't even begin to touch on all the future FBS talent in this game, however. Washington WR Lamar Parker is headed for West Virginia. Central DB Deatrick Nichols has already given a pledge to South Florida. There are literally dozens of other players competing in this game, especially among the underclassmen, who will suit up for one of the Big Three schools, or another BCS-caliber program down the road.

In other words, this game is a big deal. In fact, it might be the be the most impressive collection of talent on one field since another matchup between the top two high school teams in the country: Long Beach Poly and Concord De La Salle out of California on Oct. 6, 2001. That game featured future pros Darnell Bing, Winston Justice, Derek Landri, Marcedes Lewis and Maurice Jones-Drew (then just known as Maurice Drew.) Numerous top prospects who went on to attend Michigan, Notre Dame, UCLA and USC, among other top programs also took part in the game. Even Brian Banks, the linebacker who was exonerated on rape charges in 2012 and spent training camp with the Atlanta Falcons this summer, also took part in the game.

Oh, by the way, De La Salle won the game in at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach, 29-15, before an announced crowd of 17,321. Drew accounted for 152 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in a winning effort. The Spartans ran their national-record winning streak to 116 games that night (it would eventually reach 151 before De La Salle finally dropped a contest in Seattle to Bellevue, Wash. in 2004.) The Jackrabbits, it should be noted, had come in to the game having won 57 of their last 59.

In terms of Florida history, the most recent game that comes to mind in the 2006 Class 5A state final between Lakeland and St. Thomas Aquinas. The Dreadnaughts, who won a 45-42 shootout in overtime to clinch the mythical national championship, got a herculean performance from future Florida Gator and Pittsburgh Steeler Chris Rainey, who rushed for 276 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries. Lakeland also featured future NFL offensive linemen Maurkice (Pittsburgh) and Mike Pouncey (Miami). St. Thomas Aquinas could claim eventual Chicago Bears safety Major Wright among it's talented roster, which also featured Leonard Hankerson, now a receiver for the Washington Redskins.

So, will the game live up to the hype? Maybe it will, maybe it won't. But it's No. 1 and No. 2. For fans of college and/or football, it's a game worth watching at 7:30 PM on Friday night. If you don't happen to have a date or something.

Why Luther Campbell is an idiot

Luther Campbell (a.k.a. Luke Skywalker) is still famous nearly 25 years after he burst onto the rap scene as a part of the group 2 Live Crew. He's not making music these days, but Campbell is still active in Miami as a businessman, football coach, one-time mayoral candidate and as a columnist for the Miami New-Times.

Luther Campbell with Miami's favorite son, Nevin Shapiro.

Predictably, the notorious Miami fan (yes, he reportedly threw down "bounties" for big plays and injuring opposing players, an NCAA violation I might add) offered his commentary heading into a noon showdown between Florida and Miami at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens on Saturday. Campbell decided to focus the majority of his vitriol towards UF in regards to its history as a "bastion of southern racism." Interestingly enough, Campbell forgot to check the records for "his school's" role in denying equal opportunity to African-Americans.

– In 1940, Miami cancelled a scheduled contest with UCLA because of the presence of four African-Americans on the Bruins' roster. In a twist of fate, one of the UCLA players that caused Miami to rescind their offer to play was Jackie Robinson, the man who would later break baseball's color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

– In 1946, Penn State elected to eliminate a scheduled contest at Miami due to the same policy that forced UCLA to withdraw from the 'Canes 1940 slate of games. Halfback Wally Tripplett was one of two African-American players on the 1946 roster for the Nittany Lions. Selected 182nd overall by the Detroit Lions in 1949, he would go on to be the first African-American player to be drafted by and play in the NFL.

– Campbell points out that the University of Florida did not admit African-American students until 1962. Well, he's wrong. George Starke was the first African-American admitted to the College of Law on Sept. 15, 1958. Despite receiving police protection, Starke withdrew from the school shortly after beginning classes. W. George Allen became the first person of African-American descent to graduate from the College of Law in 1962. At the same time, the first seven UF undergraduates are admitted to UF. Campbell also conventionally forgets to leave out that the University of Miami only began the process of admitting African-American students a year earlier than that, with the Board of Trustees voting to de-segregate on January 31, 1961. This after the school was able to avoid compliance with the Brown v. Board of Education ruling for several years, due to the University of Miami being a private institution.

– Another allegation made by Campbell points out that former UF quarterback Derrick Crudup, Sr., was denied the opportunity to play quarterback at Florida because of his race. Crudup, who enrolled at UF in 1983, later transferred to Oklahoma (where he also didn't play quarterback.) Years later, his son, also a highly-touted signal-caller out of South Florida (Senior starred at Boca Raton, Derrick Crudup, Jr. played at Deerfield Beach). The younger Crudup wound up at Miami where he would himself MAKE CLAIMS OF RACISM after losing a battle for the starting job in 2003 to Brock Berlin. Shocking, right? The elder Crudup was to be passed over for the position by Wayne Peace and Kerwin Bell, two of the best quarterbacks in Florida history. Junior lost out to Brock Berlin. At least the son had a legitimate argument.

– Then of course, there was the Ryan Clement-Ryan Collins racism imbroglio that Campbell HIMSELF started in 1995. Collins, an African-American quarterback who shared the starting job with Frank Costa in 1993, was demoted to second-string in 1994 and lost the job to Clement in 1995 after getting hurt in an early-season loss to Virginia Tech, never made claims of racism against the Miami staff. But after Campbell's comments, he did seem to give off a sense of having never gotten a fair shake at the job during spring practice in 1995.

"He's one of my biggest fans, I guess," Collins said of Campbell in the above-linked article by Randall Mell of what was at the time, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. "For once, somebody's supporting me. That's unusual."

– Finally, there's the assertion that Charlie Strong was passed over for the Florida head coaching job because of his race. This one is a little trickier to navigate. Florida had two opportunities to hire Strong as the head coach. The first in 2001, when Steve Spurrier stepped down. The second, in 2004, after Ron Zook was fired. Strong served as interim coach for Florida in the Peach Bowl, where they were trounced by Miami. At neither point was Strong considered a "hot" head coaching candidate.

That would come later, when his defenses under Urban Meyer were among the best in the country and helped lead the Gators to two national championships. Timing is everything. Had Strong remained on Meyer's staff in 2010, it's entirely possible he would be the head coach at Florida right now. There are lots of theories about that abortion of a season. Some believed it was an audition of sorts for Steve Addazio. But that obviously didn't work out, and he's now at Boston College. I doubt ol' Charlie has too many regrets with the way things turned out for him at Louisville. And, yes, that does include the good old-fashioned butt-whipping he handed the Gators back in January at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

In any case, Strong's career is forever entwined with Florida. He served four stints as a coach at UF, as a graduate assistant from 1983-84 under Charley Pell (the same racist who didn't allow Derrick Crudup, Sr. to take the QB job, mind you), 1988-89 as an outside linebackers coach for Galen Hall, 1991-94 as a defensive line coach for Steve Spurrier, and finally as the defensive coordinator from 2002-09 under Ron Zook and Urban Meyer. UF fans will always have a soft spot for the guy.

**********

It should be noted that Miami was one of the first programs in the South to integrate their football program, when wide receiver Ray Bellamy joined the varsity football side in 1968 as a sophomore (freshmen weren't allowed to play in those days.) Nat Northington at Kentucky, who began his varsity career for the Wildcats a year earlier, was the only player in the so-called "Deep South" to help integrate a squad before Bellamy.

The University of Miami does have a great track record of helping to advance race relations since the mid-60's in many aspects. But the University of Florida has made considerable progress in those areas as well. To try and argue otherwise is foolish, and Campbell's commentary proves to be nothing more than that. Foolish.

UF Recruiting Roundup

Hope everybody is enjoying their Labor Day weekend. Here's a trio of Florida-related recruiting notes for your perusal:

– Florida State lost a commitment in Orlando Timber Creek wide receiver Javonte Seabury this weekend.  Seabury (5-9, 170) is an ultra-quick option as a slot option, return man and/or potential defensive back at the next level. He has not been all that productive at the prep level to date, but his level of speed obviously cannot be coached. Seabury turned around gave another pledge to FIU, within 24 hours of dropping FSU, although his recruitment may not be completely over. Time will tell.

How does this affect Florida? Well, his brother is teammate and highly-regarded 2015 RB prospect Jacques Patrick. The big back is one of the early targets that has emerged for UF on the board at the position along with Lakeland Christian speedster T.J. Simmons, University School star Jordan Scarlett, James Allen out of Citra North Marion and Kieran Higdon of Sarasota Riverview. Many observers figured that with Seabury poised to go to Florida State, that the Seminoles figured to be the odds-on favorite to land Patrick as well. Now that the recruitment of both players no longer appear tied to one another, the race for Patrick is wide-open once again. It's still early, and the Gators still appear to be evaluating their 2015 options, but Patrick figures to be a name floating around near the top of the board as it stands.

– Nothing particularly new here, but Top-100 safety Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Tex./Hebron) once again reaffirmed his intention to make a decision by the end of the season:

I will officially make my College decision in November 😁
— Jamal Adams (@ThaJudgeKO) September 2, 2013

As noted last week, the move of Valdez Showers to offense has gives the Florida defense one less body to work with at the safety position. Adams is still a bit of a luxury item in this recruiting cycle for UF, but one for whom there might be a bit more urgency to land at this point. The Gators still appear to be in good shape here, as they tussle with Ole Miss, Texas and A&M for the signature of Adams.

– Five-star OL David Sharpe (Jacksonville/Providence) visited Clemson this past weekend for a classic between the Tigers and border rival Georgia, a Saturday night showdown on ABC. Now Sharpe will see UGA once again, as he heads to Athens this weekend to watch the 'Dawgs host South Carolina in one of this weekend's key matchups.

Georgia and Sc Next week maybe?? :)
— David Sharpe (@SHARPECITYY) September 2, 2013

The Gators have positioned themselves well early for Sharpe, but we're only about halfway through the race to land his signature. As of now, I think Clemson and Georgia have primed themselves to be the other major contenders. Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and USC are in the mix as well, although to a lesser extent from where I'm standing.

Although Florida has already received several visits from Sharpe since the beginning of the year, they need to get him on campus as much as possible this fall, in light of the fact he's said he doesn't plan to use an official visit to UF since he's so familiar with the campus already. After going to Clemson and UGA in back-to-back weeks, I expect the Gators to make a real push to get Sharpe on campus for the SEC opener against Tennessee on Sept. 21 to keep pace with the two teams that presently seem to have the most momentum going for them with the 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive tackle prospect.

2013 Preseason Florida All-State Team (All Classes)

Just a fun little exercise here with the first full weekend of real games coming up for Florida high schools. This is the my humble little submission for a preseason All-State team. This is an all-classification team, with only seniors being eligible for inclusion. 24 members total – 12 each on offense and defense. We'll revisit this group in December once all the games have been played.

Offense

QB Treon Harris (5-11, 185, Ft. Lauderdale/University School) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– Alright, so I cheated. Originally my pick was slated to be Sean White. But after watching both guys this weekend, I switched my pick to Harris. Yes, I realize that Harris will very likely play another position in college. But, hey, if Russell Wilson can succeed at less-than-ideal size in the NFL, why can't Harris at the college level? Son of a coach, will put up big numbers and is very likely to lead his team to a second-consecutive state title. This is not a bad pick here. But then again, White wouldn't be either.

RB Dalvin Cook (5-11, 196, Miami/Central) – Committed to FLORIDA

– I decided to go with the more explosive of the Central duo. Barring injury, the presence of both Cook and Yearby will limit the amount of carries each back gets. Regardless, they will still put up big numbers on the way to what should amount to be yet another season which ends at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

RB Sony Michel (5-11, 205, American Heritage-Plantation) – Committed to GEORGIA

– Now a full two years removed from reconstructive knee surgery, I expect Michel to put on a show this fall. When he's fully healthy and on, Michel is the best back in the state of Florida. That ability should be on full display in 2013.

WR Ermon Lane (6-2, 196, Homestead) – Committed to FLORIDA

– A year after nearly putting up a 1,000-yard season for Homestead, Lane will now have Georgia commitment Gilbert Johnson on the other side to help loosen up the defensive focus on his abilities as a big-play receiver.

WR Travis Rudolph (6-1, 190, West Palm Beach/Cardinal Newman)

– Over the last three years, Rudolph has amassed over 3,100 yards and 43 touchdowns from scrimmage. He should prove to be a threat on the ground and through the air once again for Cardinal Newman.

WR Artavis Scott (5-11, 180, Tarpon Springs/East Lake) – Committed to CLEMSON

– The numbers are going to be ridiculous once again. Scott should end his career as one of the most prolific receivers in the history of Florida high school football. Having a nice running-mate like George Campbell will also keep defenses from focusing too many double teams on Scott.

OL David Sharpe (6-7, 280, Jacksonville/Providence)

– This is more of an upside pick than anything. But even with so much development ahead of him, I can't imagine there wouldn't be too many coaches around the state of Florida that would turn down the opportunity to have this guy protecting their quarterback's blind side.

OL Trevor Darling (6-5, 330, Miami/Central) – Committed to MIAMI

– Although he can do it all at the high school level, expect Darling to excel at guard on the next level for the 'Canes. It will be another ho-hum season for the big man, as he helps pave the way for a pair of 1,000-yard backs at Central.

OL Isaiah Wynn (6-2, 275, St. Petersburg/Lakewood) – Committed to GEORGIA

– He's a little undersized, which has to be a slight concern in looking ahead to the next level. But Wynn is a dominant offensive lineman at the prep level who deserves mention here. Although he plays tackle for Lakewood, Wynn represents the pivot for this line, as he is likely to kick inside to guard or center at Georgia. Wynn's long arms do compensate for his lack of ideal height, but Wynn needs to add a few pounds once he arrives in Athens as well.

OL Montel McBride (6-4, 350, Plant City) – Committed to ALABAMA

– Yeah, he needs to drop some weight. But McBride is a force on both sides of the ball for Plant City. Perhaps the most destructive force at the guard position in the state this fall. Think a (slightly bigger) Ira Denson.

OL Kc McDermott (6-7, 300, Wellington/Palm Beach Central) Committed to MIAMI

– All things considered, McDermott is probably the best offensive lineman in the state of Florida right now. He is the cornerstone for Central's hope of making the playoffs for the second consecutive year (and second time in school history.) I expect the big man to battle for a starting job right of the bat when he arrives in Coral Gables.

AP Bo Scarbrough (6-2, 220, Bradenton/IMG Academy) Committed to ALABAMA

– The newest addition to a start-up program at the IMG Academy, Scarbrough is a five-star prospect who moves to the Florida after previously competing in the Yellowhammer State. Scarbrough will be primarily tasked with running the football at IMG. But he could also develop into a big-time linebacker at the college level as well.

Defense

DL Khairi Clark (6-2, 330, Hollywood/Chaminade-Madonna) – Committed to FLORIDA

– Clark is quite a load to handle in the middle of the line. He needs to drop some weight before he heads to Gainesville, but I'm sure there won't be too many offensive linemen excited to take on this big load during Friday nights this fall.

DL Rohan Blackwood (6-5, 220, Brooksville/Nature Coast)

– Blackwood put on 15 pounds after recording 15 sacks last fall. Now fully committed to football after moonlighting as a power forward on the hardwood (where he averaged 15 and 11 as a junior on a 25-4 squad for Nature Coast), expect Blackwood to put up some huge numbers this fall.

DL Jacob Pugh (6-4, 225, Tallahassee/Godby) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– There's a number of big-time pass-rushers in the state of Florida for the Class of 2014 (Keyon Brown, Trent Harris, Justus Reed, Denzel Ware, Richard Yeargin, etc.) I'm not sure I'd take any of them over Pugh.

DL Travonte Valentine (6-3, 290, Hialeah/Champagnat Catholic) Committed to MIAMI

– Like Clark, Valentine is another dominating presence in the middle of the defensive line. The best football is well out in front of Valentine, who transferred to Champagnat Catholic from Palm Bay Bayside in the spring.

LB Dillon Bates (6-3, 210, Ponte Vedra Beach/Ponte Vedra) – Committed to TENNESSEE

– The son of former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro Bill Bates, Dillon is blessed with an intriguing blend of size and speed. He recorded over 100 tackles at Ponte Vedra in 2010.

LB Kain Daub (6-3, 240, Jacksonville/Sandalwood) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– Daub excels as a pass-rusher for Sandalwood. A mid-season transfer last year, it will be interesting to see what he can do playing alongside Blake McClain for an entire fall.

LB Darrion Owens (6-3, 215, Orange Park/Oakleaf) – Committed to MIAMI

– Owens played safety last fall for Oakleaf and recorded over 100 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Now at linebacker – the position he will play in college – he should put up even bigger numbers as a senior.

LB Sharieff Rhaheed (6-2, 205, Ft. Pierce/Central)

– A hand injury will keep Rhaheed out for the first couple of weeks. His return will immediately improve a strong Cobras defense which also claims highly regarded defensive end Rashawn Shaw.

DB Duke Dawson (5-11, 195, Cross City/Dixie County) – Committed to FLORIDA

– Dawson hopes to carve a similar path as that of former Dixie County star Nick Collins – a player for whom Dawson has many similarities to. He recorded 43 tackles and a pair of interceptions for Dixie County a season ago.

DB Kendall Gant (6-2, 185, Lakeland/Lake Gibson) – Committed to GEORGIA

– After recording 62 tackles and five interceptions in 2012, the rangy Gant was a really nice pick-up for the Bulldogs earlier this summer. His length gives opposing offenses fits.

DB Trey Marshall (5-11, 196, Lake City/Columbia) – Committed to FLORIDA STATE

– The speedy Marshall was one of the top performers over the summer at Nike's eliete prospect camp, The Opening.

DB Quincy Wilson (6-1, 196, Ft. Lauderdale/University School) – Committed to FLORIDA

– Wilson's size could allow him to play either cornerback or make a smooth transition to safety at the next level. As it stands, Wilson will be a lockdown corner for the Suns as they make a run at a second-consecutive state championship. He recorded 34 tackles and an interception for the Suns a season ago.