I love posing this question for others, and evidenced by this entry, answering it as well. Through covering high school recruiting and paying close attention to it for over 10 years now, I've had the opportunity to see a lot of great high school players. Some who went on to major success at the college level (Trent Richardson, Matt Barkley, Alshon Jeffery, among others) and some who didn't (Gary Brown and Nu'Keese Richardson come to mind). Still, of all the great players I've ever had the pleasure to witness, the play of one is still burned brightly into my mind. Perhaps the naivety of youth altered my view of his ability at the high school level, compared with many of the greats I've seen in the years since. But I'll still stand by this one until someone else changes my opinion.
The greatest high school football player I've ever seen in person is Reggie Nelson.
It bears mentioning, Nelson graduated from Palm Bay High School the same year I graduated from nearby Astronaut High School in 2003. I never had the honor of playing against Nelson on the same field, and I should probably be thankful things worked out as such. Although I was a member of a pair of state playoff teams in my two years of varsity football, Palm Bay was on another level at the time. We would have been run off the field if we tried to butt heads with the Pirates on a Friday night back in the fall of 2001 or '02, and I have no shame in admitting as such.
Unfortunately, I only had the opportunity to see Nelson play once. But boy did he put on a show. My junior year, in 2001, a buddy and I went south to Palm Bay to watch the Pirates host New Smyrna Beach in a regional final match-up the day after Thanksgiving. NSB was coached by Brevard County coaching legend Gerald Odom, who won two state championships at Merritt Island, and would revive moribund programs at New Smyrna and Cocoa before hanging up his whistle. The Barracudas featured a talent squad headlined by receiver/safety Cardan Alexander (a name that should be familiar to many Florida recruitniks). There were a number of players on the field that day who would go on to play Division I football, but Nelson was in a class by himself.
Despite the fact that Nelson only stood about 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds at the time, he flew around the field like a mini-Ray Lewis from his linebacker position. The speed and the ferocity in which he leveled opposing players was jarring to watch from the stands. I hadn't seen anything like it in person, in relation to someone I could reach out and touch before. Sure, I had been to college games at that age. I'd grown up watching guys like Marvin Jones, Lawrence Wright and Lewis himself light up people in person. But I'd never seen a peer play with that ability until that fateful day in Melbourne.
Nelson had a huge day for Palm Bay, and the Pirates went on to beat New Smyrna 36-7. I don't remember what his exact stats were, but he had somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 tackles on defense, while I also recall Nelson making a couple of big catches on offense. Palm Bay would lose the following week to a really good Tallahassee Lincoln squad in the state semis. But a year later, Nelson and Cohen would finish the job, leading Palm Bay to a state title over a Tampa Jefferson team headlined by another fellow future Gator in Andre Caldwell. Nelson was credited with over 150 tackles during both his junior and senior years at Palm Bay, earning two All-State nods and winning Florida Today Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior. Sometimes high school football stats like that get inflated, and maybe Nelson's numbers were too. But to watch him on the field in person, you could actually believe those numbers were legitimate, based on the way he played the game.
A gifted offensive player in high school as well, I have no doubt Reggie Nelson could have been a very effective college wide receiver. But he eventually found the perfect role as a one-high safety on Florida's incredibly talented 2006 defense that was the lynchpin for a national championship-winning squad. Nelson moved on to the pros the following year, and has carved out a solid seven-year career to date with the Jaguars and Bengals. But that game with New Smyrna Beach will always stick out with me. Nelson played like a man possessed that day, and really put a stamp on a two-season run where he was unquestionably the best football player in Brevard County between during our final two years of high school.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Post-UK Recruiting Thoughts
First, a bit of week-in-review before we move on to other items:
– Jacksonville Ribault LB Jakob Johnson continues to establish himself on the recruiting scene during his first season of playing prep football stateside after coming over from Germany.
– Analyzing the trend of power forwards making the transition to tight end in college and the NFL. Could we see Will Yeguete or Patric Young make that move in the near future?
– Season-ending injuries are a fact of life in football. The Gators' recent spell is more the result of a string of bad luck, as opposed to anything Jeff Dillman and the strength & conditioning staff has done.
– How many high school prospects will Florida take in the 2014 cycle? What players are currently in the mix for the Gators? And how does "The Big Board" currently stand for UF?
– Some prep stars are establishing themselves in a big way over the course of their senior seasons in the state of Florida. Here are five names that you should get to know as they emerge on the radar of college recruiters.
Now, on to the new stuff ...
1. I've maintained for a few weeks now that Florida will not stop pursuing Jacksonville Providence OL David Sharpe until he commits elsewhere, nor should they. There's a reason for that. You never know what can happen in recruiting to make a kid sour on a school or change his mind in terms of perception as it relates to the decision-making process. That said, Will Muschamp and Tim Davis should probably start getting their back-up options in a row:
That's a tweet from Sharpe during his weekend trip to Athens to take in the LSU-UGA game, which included an overnight stay in Athens on Saturday night. He appears to be having a conversation with himself in which he decides to hold off on making a commitment to Georgia for now. In terms of the big picture for Florida, sure, there are names like Damien Mama and Jordan Sims on the board. Until either of those guys visit Gainesville, however, they should be consider long-shots for Florida to sign. The staff can look elsewhere as well, but with 30-plus offensive linemen in-state claiming at least one offer from a BCS program, I doubt the Gators really have to go too far to fill the remaining 2-3 slots on the offensive line they will likely project to take in this class. The one name I feel closely deserves monitoring is Weeki Wachee offensive tackle Marcus Applefield (6-6, 280). Despite claiming nearly 15 offers from BCS programs, Applefield has been somewhat overlooked in the recruiting landscape of Florida this fall. He currently claims a top-five list of Purdue, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Virginia and West Virginia. He has scheduled official visits to all but West Virginia to date.
2. Florida fans continue to lament the offensive line recruiting under Muschamp and their failures to land elite in-state talent. There was Patrick Miller and Avery Young in 2012 (both of whom signed with Auburn, although Tim Davis can hardly be blamed for either miss) along with John Theus (who was lost long before Muschamp took the head coaching job at Florida). Last year it was Laremy Tunsil who headed off to Ole Miss. Now it appears Kc McDermott and David Sharpe will join that illustrious club. The Gators fortunes should turn around next year with Martez Ivey at Apopka, but of course his signing is still over a year away. Things can always change.
However, if you take a minute to stop and look at the offensive line, it is an upperclassmen-laden group and set up to be a strength of the squad over the course of this season and next. It's the 2015 class, where Florida is really going to have to hit on, in terms of both numbers and quality. Dipping into the JUCO ranks (or finding a talented transfer like Max Garcia and Tyler Moore) will likely be a major priority as well. To be frank, while I understand the frustrations of Florida recruitnik/fans, I would advise just to be patient, as the offensive line doesn't look to be an issue any time in the immediate future.
3. Something that interests me in looking over the stats: right now, only three linebackers on the roster have recorded more than three tackles on the season through four games. Antonio Morrison and Michael Taylor are tied for second on the team with 20 tackles. Then, go down a little further and there's Neiron Ball with six. Next, there's Jeremi Powell (who has mostly played on special teams) who has just three stops on the season. That's it. Darrin Kitchens hasn't recorded any stats on the season to date. The Florida defense has seen the field so little through four games, that some rotational guys aren't even getting on to the field. But in the bigger picture, I think this says something about the state of the linebacker position: it's not as critical in the recruiting process. That's not to say it isn't an important position. The contributions of Morrison, Taylor and Ronald Powell (who as a hybrid player, I don't count in the same vein as the others) clearly show that getting good players at the position remains important. But in terms of depth, the secondary is the position grouping that needs the numbers more than linebacker right now. This also explains why the Gators are being so picky about offering linebackers for 2014. Kitchens is the only expected loss for that unit, so why would there be a need to go out and sign a bunch of linebackers for next year if they frankly aren't playing a lot as it stands?
4. The Gators only have 12 scholarship defensive backs this fall. That's truly a low number in this day and age of spread/up-tempo offense. Even if you look at Urban Meyer's final years, Florida typically tried to carry upwards of 14 players on scholarship in the back end of the defense. Two of the current freshmen – Marcell Harris and Nick Washington – appear likely to redshirt as a result of injuries. In essence, UF is only playing with 10 scholarship guys in the secondary right now. But all 10 of them contribute in some form or fashion. With two seniors (Jeremy Brown and Jaylen Watkins) on the roster, as well as Loucheiz Purifoy and Marcus Roberson continually being mentioned as possibilities to turn pro early, the Gators could be down to just eight scholarship defensive backs after the season. If that scenario plays out, I would expect the Gators to target as many as six athletes in the 2014 class as a counter to the potential numbers issues that could play out. Of course, with four commitments in tow already (Duke Dawson, J.C. Jackson, Chris Lammons, Quincy Wilson) for Travaris Robinson and two more highly-rated prospects looking very possible for Florida in Adoree' Jackson and Jamal Adams, I'd say the Gators are in good shape here moving forward.
5. None of Florida's freshmen defensive linemen played against Kentucky. All five of them (Jay-nard Bostwick, Caleb Brantley, Joey Ivie, Antonio Riles and Jordan Sherit) appear to be in line for redshirts this year. Assuming the Gators return both of their of elder defensive tackles with at least a year of eligibility remaining next year (Cummings and Orr), it would seem a JUCO defensive tackle would make a lot of sense in terms of providing a bit of built-in class separation. However, Florida has yet to make a pursuit of any junior college defensive linemen, despite a need for at least one more tackle in the 2014 cycle. Certainly something that bears watching over the coming weeks as college start to hit the JUCO ranks a bit harder for immediate-impact types.
– Jacksonville Ribault LB Jakob Johnson continues to establish himself on the recruiting scene during his first season of playing prep football stateside after coming over from Germany.
– Analyzing the trend of power forwards making the transition to tight end in college and the NFL. Could we see Will Yeguete or Patric Young make that move in the near future?
– Season-ending injuries are a fact of life in football. The Gators' recent spell is more the result of a string of bad luck, as opposed to anything Jeff Dillman and the strength & conditioning staff has done.
– How many high school prospects will Florida take in the 2014 cycle? What players are currently in the mix for the Gators? And how does "The Big Board" currently stand for UF?
– Some prep stars are establishing themselves in a big way over the course of their senior seasons in the state of Florida. Here are five names that you should get to know as they emerge on the radar of college recruiters.
Now, on to the new stuff ...
1. I've maintained for a few weeks now that Florida will not stop pursuing Jacksonville Providence OL David Sharpe until he commits elsewhere, nor should they. There's a reason for that. You never know what can happen in recruiting to make a kid sour on a school or change his mind in terms of perception as it relates to the decision-making process. That said, Will Muschamp and Tim Davis should probably start getting their back-up options in a row:
Don't do it David Just wait until the official(EDIT: The above tweet has since been deleted, it appears.)
— David Sharpe (@SHARPECITYY) September 29, 2013
That's a tweet from Sharpe during his weekend trip to Athens to take in the LSU-UGA game, which included an overnight stay in Athens on Saturday night. He appears to be having a conversation with himself in which he decides to hold off on making a commitment to Georgia for now. In terms of the big picture for Florida, sure, there are names like Damien Mama and Jordan Sims on the board. Until either of those guys visit Gainesville, however, they should be consider long-shots for Florida to sign. The staff can look elsewhere as well, but with 30-plus offensive linemen in-state claiming at least one offer from a BCS program, I doubt the Gators really have to go too far to fill the remaining 2-3 slots on the offensive line they will likely project to take in this class. The one name I feel closely deserves monitoring is Weeki Wachee offensive tackle Marcus Applefield (6-6, 280). Despite claiming nearly 15 offers from BCS programs, Applefield has been somewhat overlooked in the recruiting landscape of Florida this fall. He currently claims a top-five list of Purdue, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Virginia and West Virginia. He has scheduled official visits to all but West Virginia to date.
2. Florida fans continue to lament the offensive line recruiting under Muschamp and their failures to land elite in-state talent. There was Patrick Miller and Avery Young in 2012 (both of whom signed with Auburn, although Tim Davis can hardly be blamed for either miss) along with John Theus (who was lost long before Muschamp took the head coaching job at Florida). Last year it was Laremy Tunsil who headed off to Ole Miss. Now it appears Kc McDermott and David Sharpe will join that illustrious club. The Gators fortunes should turn around next year with Martez Ivey at Apopka, but of course his signing is still over a year away. Things can always change.
However, if you take a minute to stop and look at the offensive line, it is an upperclassmen-laden group and set up to be a strength of the squad over the course of this season and next. It's the 2015 class, where Florida is really going to have to hit on, in terms of both numbers and quality. Dipping into the JUCO ranks (or finding a talented transfer like Max Garcia and Tyler Moore) will likely be a major priority as well. To be frank, while I understand the frustrations of Florida recruitnik/fans, I would advise just to be patient, as the offensive line doesn't look to be an issue any time in the immediate future.
3. Something that interests me in looking over the stats: right now, only three linebackers on the roster have recorded more than three tackles on the season through four games. Antonio Morrison and Michael Taylor are tied for second on the team with 20 tackles. Then, go down a little further and there's Neiron Ball with six. Next, there's Jeremi Powell (who has mostly played on special teams) who has just three stops on the season. That's it. Darrin Kitchens hasn't recorded any stats on the season to date. The Florida defense has seen the field so little through four games, that some rotational guys aren't even getting on to the field. But in the bigger picture, I think this says something about the state of the linebacker position: it's not as critical in the recruiting process. That's not to say it isn't an important position. The contributions of Morrison, Taylor and Ronald Powell (who as a hybrid player, I don't count in the same vein as the others) clearly show that getting good players at the position remains important. But in terms of depth, the secondary is the position grouping that needs the numbers more than linebacker right now. This also explains why the Gators are being so picky about offering linebackers for 2014. Kitchens is the only expected loss for that unit, so why would there be a need to go out and sign a bunch of linebackers for next year if they frankly aren't playing a lot as it stands?
4. The Gators only have 12 scholarship defensive backs this fall. That's truly a low number in this day and age of spread/up-tempo offense. Even if you look at Urban Meyer's final years, Florida typically tried to carry upwards of 14 players on scholarship in the back end of the defense. Two of the current freshmen – Marcell Harris and Nick Washington – appear likely to redshirt as a result of injuries. In essence, UF is only playing with 10 scholarship guys in the secondary right now. But all 10 of them contribute in some form or fashion. With two seniors (Jeremy Brown and Jaylen Watkins) on the roster, as well as Loucheiz Purifoy and Marcus Roberson continually being mentioned as possibilities to turn pro early, the Gators could be down to just eight scholarship defensive backs after the season. If that scenario plays out, I would expect the Gators to target as many as six athletes in the 2014 class as a counter to the potential numbers issues that could play out. Of course, with four commitments in tow already (Duke Dawson, J.C. Jackson, Chris Lammons, Quincy Wilson) for Travaris Robinson and two more highly-rated prospects looking very possible for Florida in Adoree' Jackson and Jamal Adams, I'd say the Gators are in good shape here moving forward.
5. None of Florida's freshmen defensive linemen played against Kentucky. All five of them (Jay-nard Bostwick, Caleb Brantley, Joey Ivie, Antonio Riles and Jordan Sherit) appear to be in line for redshirts this year. Assuming the Gators return both of their of elder defensive tackles with at least a year of eligibility remaining next year (Cummings and Orr), it would seem a JUCO defensive tackle would make a lot of sense in terms of providing a bit of built-in class separation. However, Florida has yet to make a pursuit of any junior college defensive linemen, despite a need for at least one more tackle in the 2014 cycle. Certainly something that bears watching over the coming weeks as college start to hit the JUCO ranks a bit harder for immediate-impact types.
Friday, September 27, 2013
How many will Florida take in 2014?
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.
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.
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.
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