Four offers for LB Jakob Johnson

A few weeks ago, we brought you the tale of German transplant Jakob Johnson, whose name was just beginning to generate a buzz in recruiting circles. Johnson, as you may remember, made the decision to come over to the States in the summer to play his senior year of prep football at Ribault High School in Jacksonville.

Well, the story continues to be written. It turns out that, as expected, Johnson's stock continues to rise.

#Wisconsin #Badgers just offered me
— JakobJohnson (@JohnsonJakob) October 7, 2013

It should be noted that Wisconsin already has a commitment from Ribault quarterback D.J. Gillins, also a new addition at Ribault this fall, after previously playing at Eagle's View Academy in Jacksonville.

Justin Barney, a Preps writer for the Florida Times-Union also gave a positive review of Johnson's play in during a 42-29 victory for Bishop Kenny over Ribault on Friday.

@justinlwells He looks good. Definitely passes the eye test. Dropped an INT late in 2nd half; better coming up to play the run.
— Justin Barney (@JustinBarneyTU) October 5, 2013

The offer from Wisconsin gives Johnson four now, as he previously picked up tenders from Idaho, Tennessee and Tulane as well. In addition, Johnson visited Florida State on Saturday for the Seminoles' 63-0 win over Maryland at Doak Campbell Stadium, proving he's on the radar for a whole bunch of schools other than just the four who have throw their hat in the ring so far.

Many schools probably want to see as much tape as possible before offering a prospect who is new to the States, and that makes sense. Still, I'm not sure how long some programs can stand to wait before pulling the trigger on the offer if they are taking a look at Johnson. He does plan to enroll early at the school of his choice, so his time frame on making a decision is obviously a bit more accelerated than some.

Going back to the positives for Johnson here. The size is ideal (6-4, 240). He's comfortable in space, enough so that I don't think it's out of the question he could play the MIKE in a 4-3, although he figures to probably be a better fit at linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He's got a big frame, enough that some more certainly isn't out of the question, meaning a transition to the defensive front is possible too.

Then, throw in the fact that he can be on campus in January. If there's concern about his knowledge of the game or adjusting to playing the ball at this level in America, he will get an entire spring practice under his belt before his freshman season. There are a bunch of positives here. Johnson's best days on the gridiron are clearly way out in front of him.

And with the Big Three schools now apparently moving into the mix as well (Florida State and Miami have expressed interest, still no word on Florida yet), the pursuit of Jakob Johnson could get very intriguing over the next several weeks as he continues to take visits and consider his options at the next level.

The Gators target a Tennessee commitment

Florida extended an offer to Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, Calif.) wide receiver Eric Lauderdale on Monday afternoon.

#Florida Offered 🐊
— Eric Lauderdale (@e_lauderdale) September 30, 2013

Lauderdale is originally from Fayetteville, Ga., which is about 40 minutes southwest of downtown Atlanta. Saddleback College has him listed on the 2013 roster at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. He's presently committed to play for Tennessee next year, which he made sure to reaffirm after announcing the offer from UF.

Still #VolNation though
— Eric Lauderdale (@e_lauderdale) September 30, 2013

However, it should be noted that Florida has had some success in recent years of prying away JUCO players who were already committed to Tennessee. The Gators landed defensive tackle Edwin Herbert out of the City College of San Francisco in 2009 (Oops!) and then Damien Jacobs from East Mississippi Community College in 2012. Herbert was a non-contributor at Florida and only lasted in Gainesville for a year, while Jacobs has been a valued rotational tackle since joining the Gators. With Tennessee's ongoing struggles this season, it's a situation that certainly bears watching.

It's also worth noting that Florida has not signed a receiver from the junior college ranks since Carl Moore out of Sierra Community College in Rocklin, Calif. back in 2008.

As I've maintained, the Gators need to land at least three more skill prospects in addition to the players they've already managed to bring into the fold. And that doesn't even take into account potential attrition at the wide receiver position (of which I suspect there could be some following the season). So that number could very easily rise from three before National Signing Day rolls around.

During his freshman season at Saddleback, Lauderdale made 60 receptions for 916 yards (15.3 avg.) and 7 scores. He has yet to play in a game for Saddleback this season through three contests.

An update on Ribault LB Jakob Johnson

Last Friday, I posted about Jacksonville Ribault linebacker Jakob Johnson and whether not he was a player to watch. I think we all have our answer now.

From the Florida Times-Union:

Ribault linebacker Jakob Johnson made nine tackles and forced two turnovers, and hard-rushing ends Gary Alexander and De’Andra Pinckney kept Baker County quarterback Jacob Carter under pressure throughout the game.

Johnson has given Ribault a boost on the defensive side of the football, as the Trojans are 2-1 through three games and appear to be in control of their district after a critical 17-9 victory over Baker County (and top 2015 D-Line prospect C.C. Jefferson) on Friday night.

Highlights of Ribault LB Jakob Johnson from his days across the pond.

While his highlights from Germany were intriguing, the lack of competition was very much apparent on film. Now that XOS Digital has posted a three-game cut of Johnson for the beginning of this year, it's clear that he was very much up to the test of what Florida high school football would provide him with.

(Let me add that Jeff Martin of XOS was clearly ahead of the pack in pegging Johnson as a big-time prospect, spotting him nearly the moment he got off the plane from Germany, it appears).

Sleeper OLB, @JohnsonJakob, transferred from Stuttgart Germany. Check out his highlights https://t.co/SDIWMW44ER
— Jeff Martin (@Jeff_XOS) July 28, 2013

Listed at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Johnson appears to be very fluid and comfortable playing in space. Frankly, he is a strikingly similar to Florida State LB commit Kain Daub, both in appearance and stature. One big difference that jumps out at me, however, is Johnson's ability to play in space. Daub, in past years, has shown he is a better player moving straight-ahead, but struggles playing side-to-side a bit. He's a little stiff in the hips, but otherwise an excellent prospect and superb pass-rusher. Johnson, however, does not have this issue. His movements on film are very fluid. And while he isn't the fastest guy in the world on tape, I could still see him being a very effective linebacker at the next level because of the ease of his lateral movement (think Brandon Spikes, if you will).

Now, there will likely be a period of adjustment for Johnson. I don't see him as a guy to step right in and star at the next level. But his upside is through the roof. And if the 6-4, 240 figures check out, he may bring a lot of positional versatility to the table as well, with the potential to possibly grow into a defensive lineman down the road.

Guess who got an offer from Tennessee....#GoVols
— JakobJohnson (@JohnsonJakob) September 20, 2013

Idaho and Tennessee have now offered in recent days, the latter doing so after assistant coach Tommy Thigpen evaluated Johnson in person at the Baker County-Ribault game last week. I find it hard to believe there won't be about 50 other schools blazing a trail to Jacksonville over the coming days to get in on the recruitment of Johnson, who now figures to be one of the rising stars of the fall.

For more highlights on Johnson, also give his Hudl page a look-see.

Post-UT recruiting thoughts

A few things that have popped into my head since Florida's 31-17 win over Tennessee on Saturday, as it relates to the recruiting side of things:

– This is the last time I'm going to write about this, since I've already covered it twice (here and here), but Florida has got to make some serious personnel adjustments at the tight end position. Right now there are four guys with scholarships on the roster, and none has proven themselves to be any more than a No. 3 or No. 4 option for this squad. All four of those guys have eligibility remaining after this season, but there is no doubt in my mind there will be some level of attrition at the position between now and National Signing Day.

Yes, the Gators have a commitment from C'yontai Lewis already in hand. But it has to go further than that. Florida continues to recruit Deandre Goolsby out of Kansas, but if they don't get him, they're going to have to look elsewhere. Another high school prospect is a possibility. Looking to the JUCO ranks is a possibility. Heck, I'd seriously think about inviting Will Yeguete out for a look next spring if he's willing. The point is, while going out and finding the next Aaron Hernandez or even Jordan Reed might be a stretch, finding a player who can at least contribute in the passing game as a receiver is not much to ask. Right now, none of the tight ends on the Florida roster can claim to give the offense even that much.

– I'm not going to totally crap on the offensive line for UF. There has been no continuity with that unit since the beginning of the season. Chaz Green was lost for the year. D.J. Humphries, Tyler Moore, Jon Halapio and even Jonotthan Harrison have all been in-and-out of the lineup with injuries. That said, among the players who are on the roster, only Humphries has shown signs of being a consistently upper-echelon SEC player. The rest of the bunch are just adequate right now (Max Garcia and Kyle Koehne have had their moments, still would like to see a little more out of those two.) Over the next few weeks, we'll see if this group can start getting healthy and building some chemistry as a unit. While the Gators have actually pass-protected fairly well through three games, they simply aren't getting any push inside, which has severely hampered the running game (the Gators are averaging 4.0 yards per carry through three games. Not good enough.)

In terms of how this impacts recruiting, it's very simple. The Gators need to recruit more offensive linemen. The numbers really aren't bad here. The Gators are in line to return 12 scholarship linemen for next year, and have a lot of older guys in that group. Trenton Brown (who needs to drop some more weight), Max Garcia and Ian Silberman would presumably return as seniors. The juniors would include a group of Chaz Green (assuming he gets a medical exemption), Humphries, Tyler Moore and Trip Thurman. Throw in a young guy or two already on the roster in with this group, and Florida would presumably have a fairly experienced offensive line to work with next year.

But outside of Humphries and Garcia, who of the returners should really have offensive line coach Tim Davis excited at this point? Right now, I'm not sure it's anybody. And that's why UF needs to start looking to the JUCO ranks for at least one guy who can come in and compete for a spot right away. That may be all Florida needs to make the jump from a middling offensive line unit to a good (or even great) group. Just one player (or maybe two) who can step in and compete right away. It might be a little late for Florida to move in on some of the top JUCO talent out there (Jermaine Eluemunor, Dominick Jackson and Chad Mavety, for instance), but there are plenty of other options out there ripe for the picking. We've already mentioned Jordan Prestwood and Avery Gennesy as options with ties to UF. There are others out there as well. Again, I'm not saying Florida needs to go to the JUCO ranks to find their savior along the offensive line. Just a player or two who can come in and compete for a position is all they need at this point.

– It really amazes me how quickly Florida has seemingly fallen out of favor with OL David Sharpe. But after the big lineman out of Jacksonville Providence did not show up for the Florida-Tennessee game, it is now becoming clear that Florida could be running third (at best) behind Clemson and Georgia (now widely presumed as the favorite for his services.) It's hard to fault UF too much here. They did all they could in the spring, Georgia never gave up, and have seemingly connected better with the Sharpe family in the months since then. These things happen. UF would be foolish not to continue making a run at the top tackle prospect in the state, but they've got to consider their other options on the board now. Contingency plans need to be put in place as the chances of Sharpe ending up in Gainesville seem to be getting slimmer with each passing day. While looking to the JUCO ranks for a player or two is a worthwhile option for the Gators to consider this point, building for the future is still the key. Finding more targets from the high school ranks to add to the three prep prospects UF already has committed is the only way to do that.

– Defensive tackle is still a very critical position for my vantage point. Florida should have five returning guys along with a commitment from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna prospect Khairi Clark. But finding another tackle or two to continue building depth up front is important for UF. Right now, the Gators have official visits lined up from Gerald Willis (who was scheduled to visit this weekend along with prep teammate Speedy Noil, but both have pushed back their trips to Gainesville for later in the season) and Davon Godchaux, both of whom project down the line as three-technique tackles on the next level. Both prospects should be considered strong LSU leans at this point, however. Again, like the offensive line, Brad Lawing seriously has to consider the possibility of dipping down into the JUCO ranks for at least one guy who can offer immediate relief for next season in the defensive line rotation.

– Before the season, it seemed entirely likely that Will Muschamp would have to begin preparations for a future without Loucheiz Purifoy and Marcus Roberson after this season. Both looked primed for huge junior campaigns and then would presumably head off to the NFL in 2014. But three games into the fall, neither player has been overly productive to date. Roberson was solid against Toledo and Miami before going down with an injury against the 'Canes and sitting out the Tennessee game. Purifoy missed the Toledo contest and has played uneven in the two contests since then. Both have been usurped by true freshman phenomenon Vernon Hargraves III, who right now is looking and playing like the Gators' top cover corner. It's still early in the season, but it's worth noting that perhaps the need for Florida at corner in the Class of 2014 may not be quite as dire as originally anticipated? And that's a good thing, of course, since the Class of 2015 is loaded in the state of Florida at the cornerback position.

German transplant Jakob Johnson: Player to watch?

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.

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).

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.

2013 Preseason Florida All-State Team (All Classes)

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

Offense

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defense

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cory Thomas

One of the top defensive ends in the Southeast this year is McCalla (Ala.) McAdory jumbo pass-rusher Cory Thomas. The 6-foot-6, 270-pound prospect is intriguing, in that his frame allows for multiple possible outcomes in terms of the position he could play at the next level. 3-4 end, 4-3 tackle ... perhaps a move to offensive tackle?

 Florida defensive line coach Brad Lawing is known, in particular, for his fondness of length on the edge (think Clowney, Clifton Geathers, Devin Taylor, etc.) Thomas will be one of the top targets at end for the Gators from here on out.

On Tuesday, Thomas announced his top three schools. Sort of.

Top 3
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

#HailState
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

#VolNation
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

#Gators #gatorbait
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

However, the big defensive lineman went on to add this ...

The other 2 will be comin soon
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

Long thought to be a lean to Mississippi State, at one point Thomas intended to make an announcement at the beginning of August that would have resulted in his commitment to the Bulldogs. However, Thomas ultimately decided to hold off on making a pledge. The longer this recruitment goes on, the more it favors the other finalists. However, expect Mississippi State to have some staying power. They did, after all, sign linebacker Dezmond Harris out of McAdory High School in February.

Auburn recently jumped in with an offer, and I have to think the Tigers can slide their way into the top group as well.

What's interesting about this list, is the fact that Thomas has visited Starkville several times since the beginning of the year. He's been to the Plains and Knoxville as well. Thomas has yet to visit the Sunshine State, and yet here the Gators sit, still apparently a major player.

Getting Thomas on campus will be a priority for all four schools (and others) over the course of the fall. As always, it's smart to "follow the visits." Mississippi State still clearly looks to be in a prime position here. But we'll see if that position continues to hold strong on the road to National Signing Day.



Thomas recorded over 70 tackles and eight sacks as a junior for McAdory.