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re: 2024 Recruiting Class
Posted on 4/19/23 at 12:38 am to AlbinoGator
Posted on 4/19/23 at 12:38 am to AlbinoGator
Florida Gators mailbag: What are positions of need in the portal?
Zach Abolverdi • about 13 hours
Zach Abolverdi • about 13 hours
quote:
Each weekday, Gators Online will answer a Question of the Day from Zach’s Mail Stack. To be featured in this series, submit your questions HERE in the pinned thread on our Swamp Talk Forum.
We need a little depth at the OL apparently. Any safeties or EDGE players in the portal currently that we would consider giving a new home too? — @Jason Blair
As Florida coach Billy Napier and his staff members attack the transfer portal, led by director of college personnel Bird Sherrill, the roster has a few positions of need they will be looking to address.
The Gators are currently set to have 82 scholarship players this summer when their four remaining signees enroll, leaving them with three open spots at this time for potential portal additions.
While UF has adequate depth at spots such as running back, tight end, defensive tackle and inside linebacker, the team could use another player at safety, offensive line, EDGE, quarterback and possibly wide receiver.
The priorities will be safety, where Napier has been vocal about the need for a veteran, offensive line and EDGE. Napier also said he anticipates adding another quarterback; however, it may not be a transfer.
Austin Simmons, a 2025 quarterback commit and high school graduate, has talked with the Gators coaching staff about reclassifying up two grades to the 2023 class. I expect that move to happen.
Even with the prospect of Simmons joining the team and redshirting this fall, don’t rule out the possibility of UF signing a fifth scholarship QB from the portal if one becomes available that’s worth adding.
At safety, an early name to keep an eye on is former Rhode Island defensive back Antonio Carter, who is from Orlando, Florida. He has received 12 offers in the last 24 hours since entering the portal, including Texas A&M, Kentucky, Louisville and Virginia Tech.
Along the offensive line, the Gators are reportedly working to host former four-star recruit and San Diego State starter Josh Simmons on a visit. Another interior lineman they could pursue is Appalachian State’s Troy Everett. He entered the portal Saturday and on the first day picked up offers from Oklahoma, Missouri, Maryland and VT, among others.
Florida is also evaluating Louisiana Monroe defensive lineman Anthony Campbell, who hails from Bartow, Florida. He is followed by multiple UF staff members on Twitter, including Napier, Sherrill and co-defensive coordinator Sean Spencer.
The 6-foot-7, 283-pound Campbell is being courted by several major programs, reporting offers from Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Miami, Penn State and TCU. He’s ranked the No. 28 EDGE in the On3 transfer portal player rankings.
Posted on 4/21/23 at 3:42 pm to Partha
Nm
This post was edited on 4/21/23 at 3:44 pm
Posted on 5/1/23 at 11:09 am to Partha
Been stuck in the hospital the last few days with becoming a father for the 2nd time. Anyone heard any portal news?
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