It may seem as if Florida is losing momentum as National Signing Day approaches, but that isn’t the case at all.
While the Gators likely will miss out on top targets in wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers and five-star linebacker Mack Wilson (more on him later), UF’s class has neared capacity for the past month.
Last weekend was more of the same for the Gators – a strong impression left on official visitors, but a weekend without commitments. I’d expect this weekend, the final weekend for official visits, to paint a clear picture of who will round out Florida’s 2016 class.
And now, your questions!
How confident do you feel about UF landing Tyrie Cleveland with a good visit? Is it true his family wants him out of Texas? – @RealKyleEvans
Cleveland is seemingly Florida’s last remaining wide receiver target who remains uncommitted to the Gators. A verbal commit to nearby Houston, the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder took an official visit to Arkansas last weekend, and he reportedly loved what he saw out of the Razorbacks and offensive coordinator Dan Enos’ passing offense.
Cleveland is going to wait until National Signing Day to announce where he’ll sign, so don’t expect him to come in to Gainesville and put pen to paper. This is a guy who is high on the Gators along with Arkansas and Houston, and I think a strong impression of Florida will make his decision very complicated. He’ll take until the last minute before deciding where to sign. As for his family wanting him out of Texas, I haven’t heard anything on that.
Other than QB, what other positions are No. 1 on the board for the 2017 class? – @Ivo_Solis
Florida goes into every recruiting class looking for the leaders at each position going forward. That’s why I think every position, even quarterback, is on the board. Four-star St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback Jake Allen is one of three verbal commitments the Gators have in the 2017 class along with three-star Tampa wide receiver Daquon Green and four-star Miami Norland tackle Kadeem Telfort.
I think UF will rightfully prioritize the growth of the offensive line, the finding of top-flight pass-catching talent and continue adding depth in the secondary in the 2017 class. Junior Day is Saturday and Gator fans should see some recruits announce their early leaders and future plans.
Does UF have any shot at all for five-star linebacker Mack Wilson out of Alabama? – @samerwin1717
Lyndell ‘Mack’ Wilson’s recruitment has been one of the most interesting storylines of this 2016 class. For awhile, it appeared the Gators were the favorites to land the five-star outside linebacker out of Mongtomery, Ala., but I’m not alone in believing that Florida is out of the discussion.
Wilson contests that Alabama, Florida and Georgia remain in the running to sign him, but I would be surprised if he signs anywhere besides the Crimson Tide. Yet a lot can change in a weekend, and the Gators have the benefit of getting Wilson in Friday for his final official visit. This could get interesting.
What about landing Kristian Fulton? – @coachomar19
When it comes to reloading the secondary, Fulton would be a terrific addition to one of the deepest units on Florida’s roster. The 6-foot, 175-pounder is the No. 1 cornerback coming out of Louisiana according to Rivals, and it appears his recruitment is down to LSU and the Gators. For a long time it appeared Fulton would be a Tiger, but it’s looking more and more like he’ll end up spurning his home state to sign with UF.
One thing that could get in the way is if Fulton is scared off by Florida’s lack of a defensive backs coach following the dismissal of Kirk Callahan. The Gators have this weekend remaining to convince Fulton they’ll make the right hire to maximize his talent.
With National Signing Day arriving next week, I’m unveiling my prediction of Florida’s 2016 class:
- Aaron Robinson – DB
- Antonio Nelson – DB
- Antonneous Clayton – DE
- Brett Heggie – OL
- Chauncey Gardner* – DB
- David Reese* – LB
- Dre Massey* – WR
- Eddy Pineiro* – K
- Feleipe Franks* – QB
- Freddie Swain* – WR
- Jeremiah Moon – LB
- Jawaan Taylor – OL
- Jeawon Taylor – DB
- Jordan Smith* – DE
- Josh Hammond* – WR
- Kristian Fulton – DB
- Kyle Trask* – QB
- Lamical Perine – RB
- Landon Dickerson – OL
- Mark Thompson* – RB
- McArthur Burnett* – RB
- Nick Eubanks – TE
- Quincy Lenton – DB
- Rick Wells – WR
- Shavar Manuel – DT
- Stone Forsythe* – OL
- Tyrie Cleveland – WR
- Vosean Joseph – LB
