Where the Gators stand: Wide Receiver

This week, I'll be hitting each spot on the Gators depth chart with a position-by-position analysis on where Florida currently stands in regards to the Class of 2011, and what needs still have to be met across the board. This is the third part of the series, as after previewing the quarterbacks and running backs we will now turn our attention to the wide receivers...

Current Florida depth chart:

WR
6 - Deonte Thompson (5-11, 203, R-Jr.)
7 - Justin Williams (6-1, 205, R-Sr.)
27 - Chris Dunkley (5-11, 180, Fr.)
8 - Adrian Coxson (6-1, 205, Fr.)

SLOT
3 - Chris Rainey (5-9, 178, R-Jr.)
4 - Andre Debose (6-0, 192, R-Fr.)
83 - Solomon Patton (5-9, 175, Fr.)
81 - Robert Clark (5-8, 172, Fr.)
85 - Frankie Hammond (5-11, 180, R-So.)**

WR
9 - Carl Moore (6-4, 217, R-Sr.)
82 - Omarius Hines (6-0, 220, R-So.)
18 - T.J. Lawrence (6-1, 197, R-So.)
89 - Stephen Alli (6-5, 220, R-Fr.)
84 - Quinton Dunbar (6-2, 170, Fr.)

**Frankie Hammond has not worked out with the team this summer, and is not currently on scholarship due to off-field transgressions earlier in the year.

Committed to Florida for 2011:
Javares McRoy (5-9, 170, Lakeland, Fla./Lakeland) - Jan. enrollee
Ja'Juan Story (6-3, 190, Brooksville, Fla./Nature Coast)

Top of the board:
Kelvin Benjamin (6-6, 220, Belle Glade, Fla./Glades Central)
Sammy Watkins (6-2, 190, Ft. Myers/South Ft. Myers)
George Farmer (6-2, 195, Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra)
Quinta Funderburk (6-3, 205, Chesapeake, Va./Oscar Smith)
Kasen Williams (6-2, 205, Sammamish, Wash./Skyline)

Others to watch:
Quenton Bundrage (6-1, 180, Bradenton, Fla./Manatee)
Vincent Dallas (5-11, 180, Ellenwood, Ga./Cedar Grove
Andre Davis (6-2, 185, Tampa, Fla./Jefferson)
Durrell Eskridge (6-1, 190, Miami, Fla./Central)
Curt Evans (5-11, 175, Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna)
Charles Gaines (5-11, 175, Miami, Fla./Jackson)
Bryan Holmes (5-11, 180, Lake Butler, Fla./Union County)
Willie Snead (6-0, 185, Muskegon Heights, Mich./Muskegon Heights)
Jesse York (6-0, 180, Lauderdale Lakes, Fla./Boyd Anderson)

Analysis: Right now the numbers all look pretty good at the wide receiver position, but Florida is aiming to take at least one more in the 2011 class, with Kelvin Benjamin being the focus of the majority of their remaining efforts at the wide receiver position.

Despite the fact Florida is in pretty good shape at the slot position, the Gators went ahead and took Javares McRoy anyways. The reasoning behind that decision simply being that the Gators feel McRoy is as good, if not better, than the two slot guys they brought in with the last class (Robert Clark and Solomon Patton). The addition of McRoy gives Florida another home-run threat on the perimeter, and his ability to run with the football (he will line up primarily as a running back for Lakeland HS this fall) is something that will be taken advantage of as well.

The addition of Ja'Juan Story gives the Gators another big, fast player at one of the outside wide receiver spots. Although still very raw in the technical aspects of playing the position, Story possesses great speed (he consistently ran the 100m in less than 11 seconds this year) and seems to have a natural aptitude for the game. He could also potentially get a look on the defensive side of the ball (as a safety or linebacker) down the road as well.

As I mentioned off the top, Kelvin Benjamin is the top remaining target on the board, and with good reason. His combination of size and athleticism is nearly unmatched, and he will have a great opportunity to contribute early wherever he goes. With his considerable length, Benjamin's ability to adjust to passes that aren't right on the money gives quarterbacks a huge margin for error. In reality, he's a guy who could come in and compete for a starting job from day one. Florida appears to be in control right now, but keep an eye on Miami, who is continuing to work him hard to consider spending the next three (maybe four) years in Coral Gables.

Sammy Watkins continues to be a target for the Gators, despite the fact he looks to be leaning towards Clemson after a weekend stay in the Palmetto State. He is, of course, the younger brother of Gators freshman DB Jaylen Watkins. George Farmer is also on the board, although he is a strong lean to the USC Trojans at the present time. Quinta Thunderburk and Kasen Williams are two other possibilities to keep an eye on.

Among the names to watch out for, I would keep my eyes peeled on Miami speedster Charles "C.J." Gaines. He really impressed during a camp performance at Florida back in June, and while he didn't dominate at Friday Night Lights last week (to be honest, I didn't think any wide receiver really did), he still has that top-end speed to make him the vertical threat who can regularly get behind the defense. Gaines also appears to have the speed and athletic ability to potentially contribute at cornerback as well.

In any case, look for Florida to take at least one more (preferably Benjamin) and don't be surprised to see wholesale changes on this depth chart from this year to next. A player or two could be moved to defense, and I would not be shocked at all to see those who don't see their number called much this year to move on to greener pastures following the season (or perhaps even sooner than that).