I touched on this topic back on Wednesday, but I thought the subject of how many players Florida plans to sign might have gotten buried under the recruiting board that it was posted with. So, let's give this subject its own separate post.
I've long held that I expected Florida to sign a full allotment of about 25 players in this class, as UF currently has room to sign 16 in the 2014 cycle, and attrition of nine players to the NFL Draft, injury and transfer doesn't seem totally out of the question. This could still prove to be the case. But as time goes on, and I watch the board shrink for Will Muschamp and his staff, I'm beginning to change my tune. Now I'm projecting 23 as the target number for Florida in this class.
Tight end is still a major need, and I expect the Gators to grab a second prospect there, in addition to present commitment C'yontai Lewis. There is still a need for skill prospects, and I would expect Florida to grab three more of those types. Again, with so much versatility in the prospects remaining on the board, I think the Gators will simply look to sign the three best they can get and let the positions the skill commitments play at the next level simply sort themselves out later.
Florida currently has a total of six linemen in the fold, and I expect that number to get to 10 when all is said and done. As much importance as Will Muschamp places on the line-of-scrimmage, more than 10 linemen in this cycle would not surprise me. However, 10 is the projection for now, and figures to be a baseline projection for the number of linemen UF will aim for in most recruiting classes.
The numbers don't look bad for UF at linebacker. There is a loss of one scholarship player after this year as Darrin Kitchens exhausts his eligibility. I do ultimately expect Florida to grab a true linebacker in this class, and that is where the ninth signee would come from in my projection.
This, of course, assumes that Florida will hold on to their other 14 commitments in this class to date. Expecting that to happen is always a risky proposition. J.C. Jackson has been a little willy-nilly throughout the entire process. And the Gators will have to continue to recruit Dalvin Cook and Ermon Lane all the way until they sign on the dotted line. But in lieu of the fact there is no really strong evidence to support any of the current pledges are seriously wavering, we'll just go for now on the notion that UF will keep the guys they have for now, moving forward.
Also, for anyone expecting Andre Debose to return on a medical hardship. Maybe it happens, maybe it doesn't. Only a handful of people can say one way or the other. But for now, there are indications to suggest Debose's career at UF is done. So I don't expect the available number of scholarships (presently at 16) to drop. At this point, it's only going to rise between now and Feb. 5. The only question is, by how much?
Keep one other fact in mind. 2014 has proven to be a somewhat weak cycle for the state of Florida as it relates to recruiting. Next year, on the other hand, is shaping up to be very strong on paper. The Gators are right in the thick of it for many of the state of Florida's best for 2015 as well. UF needs to be wise about filling its needs for this class while leaving as much room as possible for what could be a lights-out class for the Gators next year if things play out according to plan.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Five names to keep an eye on
A quick look at five prospects who were off-the-radar (or perhaps more on the fringe of it) heading into the season. All five players have had a strong start to the season and will force many BCS programs to take a closer look at their highlight tape (and perhaps in some cases, their transcripts as well) over the coming months.
1. LB Jakob Johnson (6-4, 240, Jacksonville Ribault) – We've already covered the German transplant in-depth over the past few days (both here and here). Nine tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in a win against Baker County last week proved to be a statement game for the versatile and athletically gifted prospect who has the ability to play as a linebacker in space, but the type of frame that suggests he could end up on the defensive line in time. Idaho, Tennessee and Tulane have already offered. A whole bunch of other schools are starting to sniff around now too.
2. LB Josh Black (6-2, 225, Tampa Sickles) – Off to a hot start with 34 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 10 QB hurries and a forced fumble through four games on a 4-0 squad. Black currently claims tenders from the likes of Arizona, Iowa State, Minnesota and South Florida among his current FBS options. But if he keeps up this performance throughout the rest of the season, bigger schools could come calling in time. Another defensive end who will likely have to make the transition to LB (whether it be in a 3-4 or 4-3 alignment) at the next level.
3. DT Freddie Booth-Lloyd (6-1, 305, Cocoa) – The big man is a space eater on the interior of the defensive line. Could also project as an offensive guard at the next level, although his lack of height may hinder him on offense. But he's got plenty of size for the defensive line. His numbers to date (20 tackles, three sacks and a blocked field goal through three games) suggest he has more than enough ability to play on that side of the ball in college. And, don't forget he's already done this over the course of the season as well:
His pick-six is the first highlight on this tape. Talk about a dancing bear.
Booth-Lloyd will need to continue to re-shape his body as he moves on to college, however. Georgia Tech, Iowa State and Michigan State have all reportedly offered. Miami has shown considerable interest in Booth-Lloyd as well.
4. FB Jeremiah Jackson (6-0, 210, Brooksville Hernando) – An extremely versatile player for Hernando, Jackson has been his usual, productive self on defense with 49 tackles (5.0 for loss), two hurries and a forced fumble through the first month of the season. He also has four career interceptions, and while Jackson only has two carries for three yards through the first three games, he's recorded 210 carries for 1,233 yards and 13 scores in three-plus seasons on offense for the Leopards. Jackson claims no offers at the moment. If the Gators elect to take a fullback this year, other options could include Kellen Snider (6-1, 215, Ft. White), Kyle Forde (6-0, 225, Bradenton IMG Academy), Greg Gooch (6-1, 235, Longwood Lyman) and Kevin Bronson (6-3, 250 Delray Beach Village Academy).
5. WR Anthony Rhynes (6-0, 200, Tampa Middleton) – Although Middleton is off to an 0-3 start, Rhynes is having an awfully productive season in limited opportunities from the receiver position. 11 receptions for 467 yards and five touchdowns through three games for Rhynes. That's 42.3 yards PER RECEPTION. Incredible numbers for a prospect suddenly emerging on the radar for a struggling team. Rhynes doesn't even appear to be on the radar for college yet. That will surely change in short order.
1. LB Jakob Johnson (6-4, 240, Jacksonville Ribault) – We've already covered the German transplant in-depth over the past few days (both here and here). Nine tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in a win against Baker County last week proved to be a statement game for the versatile and athletically gifted prospect who has the ability to play as a linebacker in space, but the type of frame that suggests he could end up on the defensive line in time. Idaho, Tennessee and Tulane have already offered. A whole bunch of other schools are starting to sniff around now too.
2. LB Josh Black (6-2, 225, Tampa Sickles) – Off to a hot start with 34 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 10 QB hurries and a forced fumble through four games on a 4-0 squad. Black currently claims tenders from the likes of Arizona, Iowa State, Minnesota and South Florida among his current FBS options. But if he keeps up this performance throughout the rest of the season, bigger schools could come calling in time. Another defensive end who will likely have to make the transition to LB (whether it be in a 3-4 or 4-3 alignment) at the next level.
3. DT Freddie Booth-Lloyd (6-1, 305, Cocoa) – The big man is a space eater on the interior of the defensive line. Could also project as an offensive guard at the next level, although his lack of height may hinder him on offense. But he's got plenty of size for the defensive line. His numbers to date (20 tackles, three sacks and a blocked field goal through three games) suggest he has more than enough ability to play on that side of the ball in college. And, don't forget he's already done this over the course of the season as well:
@justinlwells don't forget the 80 yard pick 6 Booth Lloyd has too!
— J Worden (@coachjpworden) September 27, 2013
His pick-six is the first highlight on this tape. Talk about a dancing bear.
Booth-Lloyd will need to continue to re-shape his body as he moves on to college, however. Georgia Tech, Iowa State and Michigan State have all reportedly offered. Miami has shown considerable interest in Booth-Lloyd as well.
4. FB Jeremiah Jackson (6-0, 210, Brooksville Hernando) – An extremely versatile player for Hernando, Jackson has been his usual, productive self on defense with 49 tackles (5.0 for loss), two hurries and a forced fumble through the first month of the season. He also has four career interceptions, and while Jackson only has two carries for three yards through the first three games, he's recorded 210 carries for 1,233 yards and 13 scores in three-plus seasons on offense for the Leopards. Jackson claims no offers at the moment. If the Gators elect to take a fullback this year, other options could include Kellen Snider (6-1, 215, Ft. White), Kyle Forde (6-0, 225, Bradenton IMG Academy), Greg Gooch (6-1, 235, Longwood Lyman) and Kevin Bronson (6-3, 250 Delray Beach Village Academy).
5. WR Anthony Rhynes (6-0, 200, Tampa Middleton) – Although Middleton is off to an 0-3 start, Rhynes is having an awfully productive season in limited opportunities from the receiver position. 11 receptions for 467 yards and five touchdowns through three games for Rhynes. That's 42.3 yards PER RECEPTION. Incredible numbers for a prospect suddenly emerging on the radar for a struggling team. Rhynes doesn't even appear to be on the radar for college yet. That will surely change in short order.
@justinlwells Jeremiah had 26 tackles in ONE game this year. And I think Shug Rhynes has two 90+yd TD catches. Crazy stats.
— John C. Cotey (@JohnnyHomeTeam) September 27, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Featherston targets UF official visit
The Gators received some more good news on Thursday afternoon with the revelation that Greensboro (N.C.) Page defensive end Lorenzo Featherston is eyeing an official visit to Gainesville for the weekend of the Arkansas game.
Clemson is currently in the driver's seat for Featherston, but Florida has slowly been making some progress ever since they got the national top-100 recruit on campus for an unofficial visit over the summer. The in-state programs (UNC and N.C. State) also will factor heavily into the recruitment of Featherston as well.
Featherston is an intriguing prospect at 6-foot-7, 220 pounds with an incredible wingspan that's reported to be in the neighborhood of 87 inches. Although raw, his length and athleticism are undoubtedly intriguing, although he will obviously need to add a bunch of weight when he gets to the next level.
I can't envision a scenario where Florida would be able to take both Lorenzo Carter and Featherston. Carter is still the clear number-one option on the board for UF, while the Gators will continue to recruit Featherston quite heavily as well. With Brad Lawing's resume and traditional preference for taller defensive ends on the roster, I find it hard to believe the Gators won't be able to eventually reel in one of the two highly-prized pass-rushers before National Signing Day.
#ESPN300 DE Lorenzo Featherston official visit "tentatively" set to #Florida Oct. 4. Top 5: #NCState #TarHeels #Clemson #Georgia #Gators
— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) September 26, 2013
Clemson is currently in the driver's seat for Featherston, but Florida has slowly been making some progress ever since they got the national top-100 recruit on campus for an unofficial visit over the summer. The in-state programs (UNC and N.C. State) also will factor heavily into the recruitment of Featherston as well.
Featherston is an intriguing prospect at 6-foot-7, 220 pounds with an incredible wingspan that's reported to be in the neighborhood of 87 inches. Although raw, his length and athleticism are undoubtedly intriguing, although he will obviously need to add a bunch of weight when he gets to the next level.
I can't envision a scenario where Florida would be able to take both Lorenzo Carter and Featherston. Carter is still the clear number-one option on the board for UF, while the Gators will continue to recruit Featherston quite heavily as well. With Brad Lawing's resume and traditional preference for taller defensive ends on the roster, I find it hard to believe the Gators won't be able to eventually reel in one of the two highly-prized pass-rushers before National Signing Day.
UF Recruiting News & Notes, 9/26
A quick rundown on the most pressing news items from the recruiting trail for the Gators this week:
– The Gators' most critical official visitor last weekend for the Tennessee game just happened to be 6-foot-5, 235-pound rush end Lorenzo Carter, considered a consensus five-star recruit. Florida continues to make a real push for the highly-touted athlete out of the metro-Atlanta area:
– For a guy who isn't even committed to Florida, Jamal Adams has done an awfully good job singing the praises of UF to other recruits. The 6-foot, 205-pound safety out of Carrollton, Tex. made his official visit to Gainesville a weekend after going to Texas A&M for the Aggies' showdown with Alabama. It appears the Gators are still on track with the national top-100 player:
Adams even spent some time trying to get highly-touted linebacker Clifton Garrett to picture the possibility of the two playing in the Swamp together one day:
Adams is still expected to take visits to Ohio State, Ole Miss and Texas before making a projected November decision. But this one appears all but done for the time being.
– The Gators have tried to gain traction for the aforementioned Garrett. In fact, Garrett is one of only two linebackers (Peach State five-star Raekwon McMillan being the other), for whom the Gators are making a major push for in the Class of 2014. By all accounts, Garrett had an enjoyable time in Gainesville last weekend. However, LSU is still the runaway favorite for the 6-foot-2, 228-pound prospect out of Plainfield, Ill. Barring a major change, expect Garrett to play out his college days in Baton Rouge.
– Tight end Deandre Goolsby (6-4, 230, Derby, Kan.) was the fourth official visitor for Florida over the weekend. As this blog has previously noted, tight end is becoming a major position of need for the Gators in the Class of 2014. Goolsby hasn't done many interviews, so it's hard to tell exactly what he's thinking. Goolsby has already made an official visit to Oklahoma, and will head to Columbus this coming weekend. His other two official visits will likely be Kansas State (Goolsby is a KSU legacy) and Arkansas, although neither has been scheduled for the time being.
With Goolsby having family ties to the Wildcats, Kansas State figures to be a major factor. I also suspect Oklahoma is a very real threat as well. In the end, Florida seems to have positioned itself well. What it will come down to the for the Gators is very simple. Will distance play a major role in Goolsby's decision? If so, then Florida will likely have to look elsewhere for a second tight end in the 2014 cycle.
– Not that any recruitnik-types were pegging Dwyer WR Johnnie Dixon to Florida at this point. But in case anyone was holding out hope that the 5-foot-11, 190-pound athlete could still ultimately end up in Gainesville, it's time to move on.
Miami is considered the favorite here, but Alabama and Ohio State are making a push as well. And don't rule out N.C. State, where Dixon's former teammate Jacoby Brissett is in line to push for the starting quarterback job next fall.
– The Gators' most critical official visitor last weekend for the Tennessee game just happened to be 6-foot-5, 235-pound rush end Lorenzo Carter, considered a consensus five-star recruit. Florida continues to make a real push for the highly-touted athlete out of the metro-Atlanta area:
"It went beyond my expectations," Carter told Rivals.com of the visit he and his parents made for the Florida-Tennessee game. "I love the way they do their defensive scheme. Their defense is just so energized. I loved it. They have some young players, so they'll be there when I'm there. I think that would just be great to add on and get a chance to play for a dominating defense in college."Florida has had the momentum with Carter since he made an unofficial visit to Gainesville in the summer, but they will have to find a way to keep that going over the coming months, as the staff burned their official visit on the blue-chipper quite early. Getting at least one more return visit (if not more) will be a major key for UF moving forward in the pursuit of Carter.
– For a guy who isn't even committed to Florida, Jamal Adams has done an awfully good job singing the praises of UF to other recruits. The 6-foot, 205-pound safety out of Carrollton, Tex. made his official visit to Gainesville a weekend after going to Texas A&M for the Aggies' showdown with Alabama. It appears the Gators are still on track with the national top-100 player:
So much great food this weekend 😍
— Jamal Adams (@ThaJudgeKO) September 23, 2013
Adams even spent some time trying to get highly-touted linebacker Clifton Garrett to picture the possibility of the two playing in the Swamp together one day:
pic.twitter.com/Sg1JnvTDMV
— Clifton Garrett CG3 (@CG340) September 22, 2013
Adams is still expected to take visits to Ohio State, Ole Miss and Texas before making a projected November decision. But this one appears all but done for the time being.
– The Gators have tried to gain traction for the aforementioned Garrett. In fact, Garrett is one of only two linebackers (Peach State five-star Raekwon McMillan being the other), for whom the Gators are making a major push for in the Class of 2014. By all accounts, Garrett had an enjoyable time in Gainesville last weekend. However, LSU is still the runaway favorite for the 6-foot-2, 228-pound prospect out of Plainfield, Ill. Barring a major change, expect Garrett to play out his college days in Baton Rouge.
– Tight end Deandre Goolsby (6-4, 230, Derby, Kan.) was the fourth official visitor for Florida over the weekend. As this blog has previously noted, tight end is becoming a major position of need for the Gators in the Class of 2014. Goolsby hasn't done many interviews, so it's hard to tell exactly what he's thinking. Goolsby has already made an official visit to Oklahoma, and will head to Columbus this coming weekend. His other two official visits will likely be Kansas State (Goolsby is a KSU legacy) and Arkansas, although neither has been scheduled for the time being.
With Goolsby having family ties to the Wildcats, Kansas State figures to be a major factor. I also suspect Oklahoma is a very real threat as well. In the end, Florida seems to have positioned itself well. What it will come down to the for the Gators is very simple. Will distance play a major role in Goolsby's decision? If so, then Florida will likely have to look elsewhere for a second tight end in the 2014 cycle.
– Not that any recruitnik-types were pegging Dwyer WR Johnnie Dixon to Florida at this point. But in case anyone was holding out hope that the 5-foot-11, 190-pound athlete could still ultimately end up in Gainesville, it's time to move on.
Asked good Dwyer source if #Canes are obvious for Johnnie Dixon: "I don't know. #Bama #NCState and #OhioState are for real."
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer) September 26, 2013
Miami is considered the favorite here, but Alabama and Ohio State are making a push as well. And don't rule out N.C. State, where Dixon's former teammate Jacoby Brissett is in line to push for the starting quarterback job next fall.
A note on 2015 OL Jake Fruhmorgen
Not that this really means much, but I came across an interesting blurb last night that may only interest me. It's from a recruiting column by Jack Hariston, two days after National Signing Day, on page 1D of the Feb. 10, 1984 edition of the Gainesville Sun:
It should also be noted that Hariston didn't directly quote John Fruhmorgen in the piece. The information came second-hand. So this could prove to be a somewhat apocryphal story regarding Fruhmorgen's decision to attend Alabama over Nebraska. Only one man knows for sure.
This piece is worth nothing, however, just as a little something to keep in mind for the future. The younger Fruhmorgen appears to be on his way to being a top target of both Florida and Alabama (and possibly Nebraska as well) just a few short months from now. Thankfully for Jake Fruhmorgen, it's highly unlikely that any NCAA sanctions will play a role in his decision as to where he will ultimately decide to attend college.
But Florida gets a high grade for getting the percentage it did, particularly when Nebraska said the mere story that Mike Rozier was paid by Husker alumni hurt its recruiting.
Coach Tom Osborne said of the Rozier story, which the All-America running back has since denied: "It's been very devastating to our recruiting."
One of the players Nebraska lost was Tampa Jesuit offensive lineman John Fruhmorgen (6-5, 298 pounds). Fruhmorgen had earlier dropped Florida because of the impending NCAA charges, and after the Rozier story came out, he switched from the Huskers and signed with Alabama.Jake Fruhmorgen, now a junior at Plant High School in Tampa, is one of the top 2015 offensive line prospects in the Sunshine State and very much on the radar of Florida, along with many other schools early on. He's an Alabama legacy prospect, as the above selection notes. However, a different set of circumstances – those that didn't conclude with Florida being hammered by NCAA sanctions under Charley Pell, for instance – might have led his father to Gainesville instead of Tuscaloosa.
It should also be noted that Hariston didn't directly quote John Fruhmorgen in the piece. The information came second-hand. So this could prove to be a somewhat apocryphal story regarding Fruhmorgen's decision to attend Alabama over Nebraska. Only one man knows for sure.
This piece is worth nothing, however, just as a little something to keep in mind for the future. The younger Fruhmorgen appears to be on his way to being a top target of both Florida and Alabama (and possibly Nebraska as well) just a few short months from now. Thankfully for Jake Fruhmorgen, it's highly unlikely that any NCAA sanctions will play a role in his decision as to where he will ultimately decide to attend college.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)