re: "Recruiting Season" 2023 Class

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After spending the majority of last week in Florida, the Gators are now set to inquire about some key targets in the neighboring states.

A flurry of key stops will be taking place on Monday, as co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney will be dropping by several schools in Alabama, including Thompson High.

Representing talent-rich Thompson are five-star defensive back Tony Mitchell and five-star defensive lineman Peter Woods. The Gators were initially planning to stop by on Wednesday, but it was ultimately moved up to tomorrow.

With Mitchell, over a handful of schools are under consideration; however, I believe it’s a three-team race between Florida, Alabama and Texas A&M. He recently scheduled an official visit to Texas and labeled Tennessee as a contender as well.

Florida has hosted Mitchell multiple times in 2022 and is also close to finalizing an official visit date. He grew up in Lakeland, so the Sunshine State has been referred to as “home.”

“I’d say the staff they have with coach Raymond, coach Toney, and with me being from Florida, just getting the vibe here and seeing the love I get. The fan base is crazy. Also, the development I know I would get and having the chance to play early and contribute,” Mitchell recently told GO when asked about his interest in UF.

“It’s just all love. It’s just a different vibe and energy from this staff. They’re really going to show you they truly care and they want you to be there.”

Woods, another top-25 prospect, has visited the Gators once before, but that was when the old staff was in place.

Alabama, Clemson, Florida, and Oklahoma are the final four schools; however, the Crimson Tide are the heavy favorites; in fact, it would be very surprising if Woods did not end up in Tuscaloosa.

The Gators will receive another visit from Hunter Osborne
Hewitt-Trussville is another stop on Monday for UF’s co-defensive coordinator. That is home to Hunter Osborne, an On300 defensive lineman who visited the Gators in late March.

Not only did the 6-foot-3, 250-pound defender set foot in Gainesville, but he was also blown away by UF’s presentation.

“It definitely makes their standing higher than what they were before, getting to see everybody and getting to see everything they have to offer,” Osborne said.

“This was my first time getting down to Gainesville, so they earned another visit back down; that is 100 percent sure, so I know I’ll be looking forward to scheduling another visit for the summer.

“They earned their right to be a top school I would say. It’s the vision they have, the relationship I have with the coaches and the development standpoint. They earned a top spot.”

Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon and USC are the schools in Osborne’s top 10.

According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, Alabama is the school trending in Osborne’s recruitment. Auburn comes in behind the Crimson Tide at No. 2.

Will Florida reemerge as a contender for Kelby Collins?
Checking in as the No. 7 defensive lineman and No. 50 prospect overall, Kelby Collins is wanted by the nation’s best, including the Florida Gators.

The All-American represents Gardendale High and will have Toney at his school on Monday.

According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, Alabama is the heavy favorite by having a 91.9 percent chance at reeling in Collins.

The Gators hosted Collins multiple times in 2021. There was a good amount of momentum at the time, but considering he has yet to meet Napier’s staff, it’s safe to say there is now a significant amount of ground to make up.

Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and Texas A&M were the schools included in Collins’ top eight back in October.

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