The name of Jacksonville Ribault linebacker Jakob-Elijah Johnson popped up on the radar this week ($). Johnson is playing his senior year of prep football in the Sunshine State, by way of Stuttgart, Germany.
It's hard to read too much into the highlights above from his time on the field in Germany. The competition Johnson faces is fairly dreadful. There are also a few assorted clips on Hudl from his first three games at Ribault, as well. He certainly looks the part, however. And Johnson clearly displays a willingness to initiate contact, which is awfully important in any prospect projecting to the defensive side of the football.
Ribault has Johnson listed at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, up from the 6-3, 230 his highlight videos posted on YouTube back in February had him at. If either measurement is legitimate, Johnson has excellent size for a LB/DE prospect coming out of the prep ranks.
Germany, of course, probably would be considered to have the best track record of producing football players out of any country in Europe. New England Patriots offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer is a native of Germany, as is Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Bjoern Warner. Markus Kuhn starred at N.C. State and spent last season with the Giants. There have been a few success stories in recent years, to be sure.
Of course, there's also the example of Constantin Ritzmann. The "Germanator" was highly publicized coming out of North Florida Christian in Tallahassee where he starred for a year after coming over from Germany. Ritzmann never quite lived up to the hype, but did carve out a solid career in Knoxville, and had a cup of coffee in the NFL.
In any case, the physical skills indicate that Johnson is at least worth a look for major college programs looking to add some size in the front seven. His story should be an interesting one to follow over the coming months.
Friday, September 20, 2013
JUCO WR JaMichael Willis: Stock Up
For teams needing immediate help at the wide receiver position (I'm looking at you, Brent Pease and Joker Phillips), heading to the JUCO ranks makes a lot of sense. But the player largely considered the No. 1 prospect at the position this year in the junior college ranks – D'haquille Williams of Mississippi Gulf Coast – is technically off the board already and committed to Auburn.
Well, have no fear. Another top playmaker has emerged.
JaMichael Willis of Jones County outdueled Williams in a battle of two of the top offenses in JUCO football, as the Bobcats pulled off a stunning 52-42 upset of Mississippi Gulf Coast on the road in Perkinston, Miss. on Thursday night.
Willis nabbed nine receptions for 225 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the evening. This will only extend his NJCAA-leading totals to 33 receptions for 635 yards (19.42 ypc) and six scores through four games at the conclusion of this weekend's contests. Willis' output on Thursday night nearly matched his total from last year as a freshman at Jones County, where he was credited with 235 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns on 25 receptions.
Listed at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds on the Jones County website, Willis originally hails from Birmingham. In high school, he appeared in the Sept. 27, 2010 edition of Sports Illustrated's "Faces In the Crowd" feature after being on the receiving end of six touchdown passes in a single game. During that season, his junior campaign at Gardendale High School, Willis totaled 62 receptions for 1,109 yards and 15 touchdowns. Not too shabby.
But aside from that, there's not much out there on what Willis did during his senior year of high school. Only a couple of video clips from his time at Jones County Junior College. Perhaps there is more to this story than what meets the eye. But through four games of his sophomore season for the Bobcats, Willis appears to be a big-time FBS receiver prospect for a team that needs a shot in the arm at the position.
Well, have no fear. Another top playmaker has emerged.
JaMichael Willis of Jones County outdueled Williams in a battle of two of the top offenses in JUCO football, as the Bobcats pulled off a stunning 52-42 upset of Mississippi Gulf Coast on the road in Perkinston, Miss. on Thursday night.
Willis nabbed nine receptions for 225 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the evening. This will only extend his NJCAA-leading totals to 33 receptions for 635 yards (19.42 ypc) and six scores through four games at the conclusion of this weekend's contests. Willis' output on Thursday night nearly matched his total from last year as a freshman at Jones County, where he was credited with 235 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns on 25 receptions.
Listed at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds on the Jones County website, Willis originally hails from Birmingham. In high school, he appeared in the Sept. 27, 2010 edition of Sports Illustrated's "Faces In the Crowd" feature after being on the receiving end of six touchdown passes in a single game. During that season, his junior campaign at Gardendale High School, Willis totaled 62 receptions for 1,109 yards and 15 touchdowns. Not too shabby.
But aside from that, there's not much out there on what Willis did during his senior year of high school. Only a couple of video clips from his time at Jones County Junior College. Perhaps there is more to this story than what meets the eye. But through four games of his sophomore season for the Bobcats, Willis appears to be a big-time FBS receiver prospect for a team that needs a shot in the arm at the position.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Florida-Tennessee: The Visitors
It really goes without saying, this is going to be a big visit weekend in the Swamp for the Gators as Tennessee comes to town. Six official visitors in total are expected, along with dozens of top prospects from the 2014 class and beyond. For today's purposes, we'll ignore the sophomores and juniors and limit our focus to the top seniors expected on campus.
Official visitors:
– DB Jamal Adams (6-0, 205, Carrollton, Tex./Hebron): Once thought to be a luxury item in this class for Florida, the need for Adams has risen slightly in recent weeks with the move of Valdez Showers to safety (along with the Gators' spotty play at the position against Miami.) Florida still appears to be in the driver's seat for Adams heading into this week.
– DE Lorenzo Carter (6-5, 235, Norcross, Ga./Norcross): As expected, Florida's summer lead for Carter appears to have evaporated. But that was to be expected as Alabama and Georgia turn up the heat for the five-star pass-rusher. Florida gets a chance to draw first blood in terms of the official visits. The UF staff has to hope they can "wow" Carter big time on the trip – certainly enough to make him want to come back for that home finale against FSU in November.
– LB Clifton Garrett (6-1½, 225, Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield South): Garrett made an unofficial visit to Florida, albeit briefly, over the summer. While the Gators hope to make a push for Garrett this weekend, LSU will be tough to over take for the talented linebacker.
– TE Deandre Goolsby (6-4, 235, Derby, Kan./Derby): It goes without saying that the tight end position has been an issue through two games for the Gators. Although Florida has a commitment from C'yontai Lewis, UF needs an upgrade here. Goolsby would presumably provide that.
– WR Speedy Noil (5-10½, 180, New Orleans, La./Edna Karr): Top-flight athlete has excelled as a QB on the prep level but will transition to the slot in college. Noil and his teammate Willis are trying to get people to buy into the notion that LSU is slipping for their services on Twitter. We'll see if there's any truth to that notion when they visit Gainesville this weekend.
– DE Gerald Willis (6-3, 275, New Orleans, La./Edna Karr): There really aren't many prospects out there better suited to replace Dominique Easley than Willis. Very similar players and skill-sets (even though Willis doesn't seem nearly as deranged.) Florida has been involved with Willis for two years now. If any team can pry him out of the Pelican State, UF figures to be the school.
Unofficial visitors:
Among the prospects originally expected in Gainesville this weekend was offensive lineman David Sharpe (6-6, 290, Jacksonville Providence). There now seems to be some debate over whether or not Sharpe will be at the SEC opener for Florida this weekend. If he doesn't show up, there may be a reasonable explanation. But for UF, they can't like the direction this one seems to be heading in. As Clemson and Georgia seem to have all the momentum at this point. What is stranger to me, and this is entirely an outsider perspective, I may be completely wrong here – but I just don't see the sense of urgency in Florida's pursuit of Sharpe. Obviously they want him, they are recruiting him. But I just don't see the same amount of gusto from the Florida staff in going after Sharpe as I do, say, Lorenzo Carter. Clemson and Georgia have built the in-roads with Sharpe's family. Florida hasn't. Florida gets a bye week last week, they don't send a coach to Sharpe's game (although Nick Washington was there, so I guess that counts for something.) Florida has all the momentum in the world coming out of the spring with Sharpe. Now it's all heading the other way, and I can't help but wonder if Florida has played a hand in that as well. I guess we'll see.
Alright, rant over. Other names expected in include Alabama RB commit Bo Scarbrough (6-1½, 220, Tuscaloosa, Ala./IMG Academy), Virginia Tech WR commit Javon Harrison (6-1, 180, Lakeland Kathleen) and top-rated line prospect Cory Thomas (6-6, 270, McCalla, Ala./McAdory).
For now, Scarbrough remains a major luxury item for the Gators. The numbers really don't suggest Florida needs a second back in this class, but UF will continue to recruit Scarbrough because, a.) He's that good, and b.) Why not?
Harrison's coach, Irving Strickland, indicated to the Lakeland Ledger that he and Harrison were simply coming up to "watch a game," and that there wasn't anything else to be read into this visit aside from that. Certainly, I can understand coach and prospect having that mindset going in. But it doesn't take much to get the wheels turning in recruiting. Getting Harrison on campus is a win for the UF staff, as it potentially gives them another skill option on the board for 2014.
As for Thomas, Mississippi State continues to lead Florida and others. But this is a recruitment where Florida appears to be quickly gaining some footing as UF commitment C'yontai Lewis is leading the charge to help deliver Thomas to Gainesville.
Two other names that have been thrown around as potential visitors for this weekend include Clemson receiver commit Artavis Scott (5-10½, 180, Tarpon Springs East Lake) and Alabama lineman Jordan Sims (6-4, 335, Homewood, Ala./Homewood).
Sims, in particular, could be rising in terms of importance with Florida apparently sliding for David Sharpe. But, of course, it's always tough to be one of the Alabama powers for an in-state.
At any rate, this is a big weekend for the Gators. Both on the field as they look to rebound from the Miami game, and in recruiting as they will look to impress a host of recruits in attendance. We'll keep an eye on all of these guys and the wire as the weekend draws nearer.
Official visitors:
– DB Jamal Adams (6-0, 205, Carrollton, Tex./Hebron): Once thought to be a luxury item in this class for Florida, the need for Adams has risen slightly in recent weeks with the move of Valdez Showers to safety (along with the Gators' spotty play at the position against Miami.) Florida still appears to be in the driver's seat for Adams heading into this week.
– DE Lorenzo Carter (6-5, 235, Norcross, Ga./Norcross): As expected, Florida's summer lead for Carter appears to have evaporated. But that was to be expected as Alabama and Georgia turn up the heat for the five-star pass-rusher. Florida gets a chance to draw first blood in terms of the official visits. The UF staff has to hope they can "wow" Carter big time on the trip – certainly enough to make him want to come back for that home finale against FSU in November.
– TE Deandre Goolsby (6-4, 235, Derby, Kan./Derby): It goes without saying that the tight end position has been an issue through two games for the Gators. Although Florida has a commitment from C'yontai Lewis, UF needs an upgrade here. Goolsby would presumably provide that.
– WR Speedy Noil (5-10½, 180, New Orleans, La./Edna Karr): Top-flight athlete has excelled as a QB on the prep level but will transition to the slot in college. Noil and his teammate Willis are trying to get people to buy into the notion that LSU is slipping for their services on Twitter. We'll see if there's any truth to that notion when they visit Gainesville this weekend.
– DE Gerald Willis (6-3, 275, New Orleans, La./Edna Karr): There really aren't many prospects out there better suited to replace Dominique Easley than Willis. Very similar players and skill-sets (even though Willis doesn't seem nearly as deranged.) Florida has been involved with Willis for two years now. If any team can pry him out of the Pelican State, UF figures to be the school.
Unofficial visitors:
Among the prospects originally expected in Gainesville this weekend was offensive lineman David Sharpe (6-6, 290, Jacksonville Providence). There now seems to be some debate over whether or not Sharpe will be at the SEC opener for Florida this weekend. If he doesn't show up, there may be a reasonable explanation. But for UF, they can't like the direction this one seems to be heading in. As Clemson and Georgia seem to have all the momentum at this point. What is stranger to me, and this is entirely an outsider perspective, I may be completely wrong here – but I just don't see the sense of urgency in Florida's pursuit of Sharpe. Obviously they want him, they are recruiting him. But I just don't see the same amount of gusto from the Florida staff in going after Sharpe as I do, say, Lorenzo Carter. Clemson and Georgia have built the in-roads with Sharpe's family. Florida hasn't. Florida gets a bye week last week, they don't send a coach to Sharpe's game (although Nick Washington was there, so I guess that counts for something.) Florida has all the momentum in the world coming out of the spring with Sharpe. Now it's all heading the other way, and I can't help but wonder if Florida has played a hand in that as well. I guess we'll see.
Bo Scarbrough says he will unofficially visit Florida for the Tennessee game next week. #Gators #Bama
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) September 14, 2013
For now, Scarbrough remains a major luxury item for the Gators. The numbers really don't suggest Florida needs a second back in this class, but UF will continue to recruit Scarbrough because, a.) He's that good, and b.) Why not?
Harrison's coach, Irving Strickland, indicated to the Lakeland Ledger that he and Harrison were simply coming up to "watch a game," and that there wasn't anything else to be read into this visit aside from that. Certainly, I can understand coach and prospect having that mindset going in. But it doesn't take much to get the wheels turning in recruiting. Getting Harrison on campus is a win for the UF staff, as it potentially gives them another skill option on the board for 2014.
As for Thomas, Mississippi State continues to lead Florida and others. But this is a recruitment where Florida appears to be quickly gaining some footing as UF commitment C'yontai Lewis is leading the charge to help deliver Thomas to Gainesville.
RT "@idunklewis: Cory gone be a Gator🐊 w/m watch.." #Gators TE commit C'yontai Lewis talking about DE Cory Thomas. Both will visit for Tenn.
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) September 16, 2013
Two other names that have been thrown around as potential visitors for this weekend include Clemson receiver commit Artavis Scott (5-10½, 180, Tarpon Springs East Lake) and Alabama lineman Jordan Sims (6-4, 335, Homewood, Ala./Homewood).
Homewood (Ala.) OL Jordan Sims planning a decision soon, says #Auburn and #Florida are recruiting him the hardest http://t.co/W4BhIPKL1P
— Justin Hokanson (@JHokanson) September 17, 2013
Sims, in particular, could be rising in terms of importance with Florida apparently sliding for David Sharpe. But, of course, it's always tough to be one of the Alabama powers for an in-state.
At any rate, this is a big weekend for the Gators. Both on the field as they look to rebound from the Miami game, and in recruiting as they will look to impress a host of recruits in attendance. We'll keep an eye on all of these guys and the wire as the weekend draws nearer.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Recruiting News & Thoughts, D-Line edition
Today, a major focus on the direction Brad Lawing may consider going in the coming weeks, as Florida looks to headline their defensive line class with five-star Lorenzo Carter out of Norcross, Ga. But the real question is, even if UF can land the highly-prized recruit, who will they surround him with? Read on for some possibilities ...
– The failure of former UF signee Jarran Reed (Roseboro, N.C.) to get on campus this fall really didn't have a major bearing on Florida's defensive line rotation for the 2013 season (assuming the group remains fairly healthy.) Where it did hurt was in looking ahead to 2014. Reed could have gotten his feet wet with the Gators this year, seeing spot duty along the defensive front in a reserve role. When Dominique Easley and Damien Jacobs move on after this season, Reed could have stepped up and provided the Gators with another experienced group heading into next year, alongside Darious Cummings and Leon Orr. However, that plan was scuttled when the 6-foot-4, 305-pound tackle was unable to accumulate the required credits to graduate with his AA degree, and he is now playing for a second season at East Mississippi Community College this fall.
However, the need for a JUCO defensive tackle probably still remains for the Gators in 2014. While Orr and Cummings will provide Brad Lawing with a pair of seniors to roll out next fall, behind them will be a wealth of inexperienced (albeit talented) players in Jay-nard Bostwick, Caleb Brantley, Antonio Riles and current commitment Khairi Clark. Florida has already made a run at a pair of JUCO tackles in Davante Lambert (committed to Tennessee) and Abu Lamin (South Carolina.) With the way the board is shaping up, there aren't a ton of top high school prospects looking at Florida as it stands. Dipping into the JUCO ranks again might be a smart move. And right now, Reed looks to be as good of an option as any. I'll be curious to see if Florida doesn't end up re-signing Reed after all, once December rolls around.
Three other names I'm keeping an eye on at the defensive tackle position from the JUCO ranks in Mississippi: Steven Eddings (6-4, 285, Memphis, Tenn.) of Jones County C.C., Daniel Ross (6-4, 310, Louisville, Ky.) of Northeast Mississippi C.C. and Sherman Boyd (6-2, 315, Forrest, Miss.) out of Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C.
– One defensive lineman I'm surprised Florida hasn't made a move on yet is Fayetteville (N.C.) E.E. Smith star Arthur Williams. The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder could play on either side of the line, but he's really intriguing as a bigger option at the defensive tackle position. Blessed with a great first step and athleticism for his size, Williams is an Army brat who has lived all over the South, so distance probably won't be a major factor for him. 150 tackles and seven sacks over two previous varsity seasons isn't too shabby either.
Auburn, Florida State and Miami are the major factors here right now. Auburn hasn't offered. I have to wonder if academics may be an issue here. Or if Williams has just coasted under-the-radar so long that everyone is simply late to the party. In either case, this is a kid that should be getting more love than he has to this point.
– Florida isn't considered a major threat for Da'Shawn Hand, as Michigan is presumed to be the clear leader over Alabama and UF among his top three schools. However, Hand does plan to take an official visit to Florida. Originally scheduled for Arkansas weekend on Oct. 5, a scheduling conflict has moved that visit to a later date in the fall.
It is worth noting that Hand would elected to head to Gainesville the weekend of what figures to be a major tilt between Alabama and LSU, very possibly with National Championship implications on the line. Reportedly due to the majors all three schools offer, Alabama is slipping with Hand. Florida is the only school that can really offer the 6-foot-4, 260-pound blue-chipper the combination of academics and athletics he's looking for, aside from Michigan of course. The Gators on going to have to throw up a hail mary with Hand on his visit, since he would be making his final decision just a few days later. But getting a kid on campus is half the battle, so we'll follow this story with considerable interest over the coming weeks.
– The failure of former UF signee Jarran Reed (Roseboro, N.C.) to get on campus this fall really didn't have a major bearing on Florida's defensive line rotation for the 2013 season (assuming the group remains fairly healthy.) Where it did hurt was in looking ahead to 2014. Reed could have gotten his feet wet with the Gators this year, seeing spot duty along the defensive front in a reserve role. When Dominique Easley and Damien Jacobs move on after this season, Reed could have stepped up and provided the Gators with another experienced group heading into next year, alongside Darious Cummings and Leon Orr. However, that plan was scuttled when the 6-foot-4, 305-pound tackle was unable to accumulate the required credits to graduate with his AA degree, and he is now playing for a second season at East Mississippi Community College this fall.
However, the need for a JUCO defensive tackle probably still remains for the Gators in 2014. While Orr and Cummings will provide Brad Lawing with a pair of seniors to roll out next fall, behind them will be a wealth of inexperienced (albeit talented) players in Jay-nard Bostwick, Caleb Brantley, Antonio Riles and current commitment Khairi Clark. Florida has already made a run at a pair of JUCO tackles in Davante Lambert (committed to Tennessee) and Abu Lamin (South Carolina.) With the way the board is shaping up, there aren't a ton of top high school prospects looking at Florida as it stands. Dipping into the JUCO ranks again might be a smart move. And right now, Reed looks to be as good of an option as any. I'll be curious to see if Florida doesn't end up re-signing Reed after all, once December rolls around.
Three other names I'm keeping an eye on at the defensive tackle position from the JUCO ranks in Mississippi: Steven Eddings (6-4, 285, Memphis, Tenn.) of Jones County C.C., Daniel Ross (6-4, 310, Louisville, Ky.) of Northeast Mississippi C.C. and Sherman Boyd (6-2, 315, Forrest, Miss.) out of Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C.
– One defensive lineman I'm surprised Florida hasn't made a move on yet is Fayetteville (N.C.) E.E. Smith star Arthur Williams. The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder could play on either side of the line, but he's really intriguing as a bigger option at the defensive tackle position. Blessed with a great first step and athleticism for his size, Williams is an Army brat who has lived all over the South, so distance probably won't be a major factor for him. 150 tackles and seven sacks over two previous varsity seasons isn't too shabby either.
Auburn, Florida State and Miami are the major factors here right now. Auburn hasn't offered. I have to wonder if academics may be an issue here. Or if Williams has just coasted under-the-radar so long that everyone is simply late to the party. In either case, this is a kid that should be getting more love than he has to this point.
– Florida isn't considered a major threat for Da'Shawn Hand, as Michigan is presumed to be the clear leader over Alabama and UF among his top three schools. However, Hand does plan to take an official visit to Florida. Originally scheduled for Arkansas weekend on Oct. 5, a scheduling conflict has moved that visit to a later date in the fall.
Nothing set in stone but potential visits for Da'Shawn Hand could be Bama vs Tennessee and then Florida vs Vandy, still deciding Nov. 14
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) September 17, 2013
It is worth noting that Hand would elected to head to Gainesville the weekend of what figures to be a major tilt between Alabama and LSU, very possibly with National Championship implications on the line. Reportedly due to the majors all three schools offer, Alabama is slipping with Hand. Florida is the only school that can really offer the 6-foot-4, 260-pound blue-chipper the combination of academics and athletics he's looking for, aside from Michigan of course. The Gators on going to have to throw up a hail mary with Hand on his visit, since he would be making his final decision just a few days later. But getting a kid on campus is half the battle, so we'll follow this story with considerable interest over the coming weeks.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Recruiting News & Notes, 9/17
– Florida RB Dalvin Cook took a visit to Texas over the weekend. Just in time to see what could be the last vestiges of the Mack Brown era as the Longhorns dropped a 44-23 decision to Ole Miss. Both Texas and USC have continued to try and position themselves with Cook, and it appears both will end up getting official visits from the five-star back. Still, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of concern from the UF perspective with anything Cook is doing. For now, at least.
– On Sunday night, we discussed the continued role of Nick Washington and Ahmad Fulwood in the recruiting game for Florida. 2014 UF pledge Quincy Wilson has also followed in those footsteps and been an active presence in the recruitments of Ermon Lane and Chris Lammons as well. Now, C'yontai Lewis appears to be making a move on this front as well.
Lewis, has gotten to know McAdory (Ala.) lineman Cory Thomas through their shared recruitments (both have been pursued heavily by both Florida and Mississippi State.) Now, he's making an interesting prediction as to where Thomas will end up:
Long thought to be a Mississippi State lean, Thomas has since backed away from the stance. With the Bulldogs rough start to the season, perhaps Florida is looking like a much more attractive option for the 6-foot-6, 270-pound prospect?
– Last week, we took a look at offensive line recruiting for Florida, and what direction the Gators might decide to go in, in the wake of Benjamin Knox's de-commitment. The JUCO route would make a lot of sense for UF at this point, and former FSU/Notre Dame lineman Jordan Prestwood is playing out at Arizona Western C.C., apparently in position to enroll in January with three years of eligibility remaining. Prestwood was named in the above-linked piece as the #1 prospect on the list in line to get an offer. Well, guess what? The 6-foot-6, 310-pound prospect picked up tenders from Cal, Ole Miss and (gasp!) Florida State on Monday. Could the Gators be next to jump into the mix for the Plant City product?
– Going back to Tuesday's update on Florida stands with the Class of 2015, one of top corners on the board has cut his list to 10. Tyrek Cole (5-11, 170, Miramar) is one of the top three corners on the board for UF among the junior class. The Gators are clearly making him a priority, and he seems to be returning the favor at the moment:
– Lastly, a quick update on the top remaining prospects on the board for Florida. Amended to 9/17. Not many changes, although there have been a few additions (former TCU DT commit Zaycoven Henderson and Louisiana LB prospect Kenny Young among them.)
– On Sunday night, we discussed the continued role of Nick Washington and Ahmad Fulwood in the recruiting game for Florida. 2014 UF pledge Quincy Wilson has also followed in those footsteps and been an active presence in the recruitments of Ermon Lane and Chris Lammons as well. Now, C'yontai Lewis appears to be making a move on this front as well.
Lewis, has gotten to know McAdory (Ala.) lineman Cory Thomas through their shared recruitments (both have been pursued heavily by both Florida and Mississippi State.) Now, he's making an interesting prediction as to where Thomas will end up:
Cory gone be a Gator🐊 w/m watch..
— Bigg Cee (@idunklewis) September 16, 2013
Long thought to be a Mississippi State lean, Thomas has since backed away from the stance. With the Bulldogs rough start to the season, perhaps Florida is looking like a much more attractive option for the 6-foot-6, 270-pound prospect?
– Last week, we took a look at offensive line recruiting for Florida, and what direction the Gators might decide to go in, in the wake of Benjamin Knox's de-commitment. The JUCO route would make a lot of sense for UF at this point, and former FSU/Notre Dame lineman Jordan Prestwood is playing out at Arizona Western C.C., apparently in position to enroll in January with three years of eligibility remaining. Prestwood was named in the above-linked piece as the #1 prospect on the list in line to get an offer. Well, guess what? The 6-foot-6, 310-pound prospect picked up tenders from Cal, Ole Miss and (gasp!) Florida State on Monday. Could the Gators be next to jump into the mix for the Plant City product?
– Going back to Tuesday's update on Florida stands with the Class of 2015, one of top corners on the board has cut his list to 10. Tyrek Cole (5-11, 170, Miramar) is one of the top three corners on the board for UF among the junior class. The Gators are clearly making him a priority, and he seems to be returning the favor at the moment:
My top ten 1⃣0⃣😎🏈 Colleges pic.twitter.com/Ges6JNLrkW
— Tyrek cole (@Cole_island) September 17, 2013
– Lastly, a quick update on the top remaining prospects on the board for Florida. Amended to 9/17. Not many changes, although there have been a few additions (former TCU DT commit Zaycoven Henderson and Louisiana LB prospect Kenny Young among them.)
1. DB Jamal Adams
2. DE Lorenzo Carter
3. DB Adoree' Jackson
4. OL David Sharpe
4. OL David Sharpe
5. WR Travis Rudolph
6. LB Dwight Williams
7. DE Lorenzo Featherston
8. DE Cory Thomas
9. RB Bo Scarbrough (Alabama)
9. RB Bo Scarbrough (Alabama)
10. TE Deandre Goolsby
11. RB Joe Mixon
12. DB Jalen Tabor
13. OL Jordan Sims
14. WR Artavis Scott (Clemson)
15. DT Thomas Holley
12. DB Jalen Tabor
13. OL Jordan Sims
14. WR Artavis Scott (Clemson)
15. DT Thomas Holley
16. OL Damien Mama
17. LB: Raekwon McMillan
17. LB: Raekwon McMillan
18. DE Da'Shawn Hand
19. LB Clifton Garrett
20. DE Richard Yeargin (Notre Dame)
21. DT Zaycoven Henderson
20. DE Richard Yeargin (Notre Dame)
21. DT Zaycoven Henderson
22. LB Nyles Morgan
23. DE Dewayne Hendrix
24. DE Jacob Pugh (Florida State)
25. OL Trevor Darling (Miami)
26. DT Davon Godchaux
27. DE Malik McDowell
26. DT Davon Godchaux
27. DE Malik McDowell
28. WR Josh Malone
29. DT Gerald Willis
30. RB Leonard Fournette
31. WR Speedy Noil
32. DT Anthony Moten
33. LB Kenny Young
34. WR Johnnie Dixon
34. WR Johnnie Dixon
35. DB Marlon Humphrey
36. DT Jarran Reed
36. DT Jarran Reed
37. RB Tony James
38. DE Rohan Blackwood (Wisconsin)
39. TE Ravian Pierce
40. RB Cortavious Givens
41. DT Jeremy Patterson
42. TE Montez Sweat
43. DT Daniel Cage
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