The dead period has come and gone, meaning Florida’s coaches can once again host official visitors on campus.
With three weeks unitl National Signing Day, the upcoming weekends could make or break Florida’s class.
The Gators are scheduled to host eight official visitors over the weekend, highlighted by a pair of UF commits – defensive back Elijah Blades (Pasadena, Calif.) and linebacker Ventrell Miller (Kathleen).
PEEP THE LOCATION pic.twitter.com/7rlE233Bqw
— ELIJAH – BLADES™ (@savageszniv) January 13, 2017
Blades has been committed to the Gators since June, but recent interest from USC and Oregon has led many to believe he’s wavered in his commitment.
Four-star linebacker Levi Jones (Austin, Tx.) has just one official visit set up and he’ll be in Gainesville on Friday night to see UF defensive coordinator Randy Shannon.
Jones indicated at the Under Armour All-American Game that he “would like to get out of Texas, get away from home”, but the Gators still face stiff competition in FSU and Texas A&M to sign Jones.
✈️Omw bro @Dreese_33
— Levi Jones (@TheViJones) January 13, 2017
#Gators target Levi Jones (@TheViJones) on what he hopes to get out of his Florida visit on Jan. 13 pic.twitter.com/DCWDRAPyQP
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall_) December 27, 2016
He’s known Shannon is his entire life, but Jones’ father has reportedly expressed his desire for Jones to sign with the Seminoles.
Four-star defensive end Jarez Parks will take his official visit to see Florida.
While the relationship between Parks and the staff has cooled in recent months, the Gators remain in contention to sign the highly recruited prospect.
Florida is looking to add another wide receiver to the 2017 class, and no receiver ranks higher on their board than Lakeland prospect James Robinson.
Official to the Swamp Today 🔵🔶🔹🔸🔹🔶🔵🐊🐊 pic.twitter.com/FxnRqXUF0R
— JAMES ROBINSON IV 4⃣ (@_StunnaJayy_) January 13, 2017
After pursuing other pass-catchers in Fall, the Gators have re-tooled their efforts and targeted Robinson heavily. He plans on announcing his collegiate decision on Feb. 1.
Rivals100 safety Devon Hunter (Chesapeake, VA) has been high on Florida throughout his recruitment, and the four-star prospect will take an official visit on campus Friday.
Hunter and UF defensive back coach Torrian Gray have a strong relationship dating back to Gray’s time at Virginia Tech, and the Gators are hoping their relationship can help land one of the nation’s most coveted prospects.
Gainesville Florida tomorrow for my Official Visit 🐊🐊#DBU
— 7️⃣ Hunter (@devonhunter11) January 13, 2017
Three-star defensive tackle Camaron Spence will be in Gainesville for the second official visit of his recruitment. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound prospect committed to Maryland in April, but the Gators are familiar with Spence from his time at nearby IMG Academy.
An official visit from 2017 defensive back Eric Stokes (Covington, Ga.) will round out Florida’s weekend, although the Gators may have arrived too late in the process to sign Stokes. He’ll visit Georgia on Jan. 20 and Ole Miss before signing day.
