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2018 Recruiting Thread: Sprint to NSD.
Posted on 2/3/17 at 6:30 pm
Posted on 2/3/17 at 6:30 pm
2018 Reservations (15)
QB- **** Emory Jones (Franklin, GA) / Highlights
RB- **** Dameon Pierce (Bainbridge, GA) / Highlights
RB- **** Iverson Clement (Mount Holly, NJ) / Highlights
TE- **** Kyle Pitts (Warminister, PA) / Highlights
TE- *** Dante Lang (Boca Raton, FL) / Highlights
OL- **** Richard Gouraige (Tampa, FL) / Highlights
OL- *** Noah Banks (JUCO) / Highlights
OL- **** Chris Bleich (Plymouth, PA) / Highlights
LB- *** David Reese (Fort Pierce, FL) / Highlights
DB- *** Randy Russell (Miami, FL) / Highlights
DB- **** Amari Burney (Clearwater, FL) / Highlights
DB- **** John Huggins (Daytona Beach, FL) / Highlights
DB- **** Trey Dean (Hampton, GA) / Highlights
ATH- **** Justin Watkins (Clermont, FL) /
K- *** Evan McPherson (Fort Payne, AL) / Highlights
QB- **** Emory Jones (Franklin, GA) / Highlights
RB- **** Dameon Pierce (Bainbridge, GA) / Highlights
RB- **** Iverson Clement (Mount Holly, NJ) / Highlights
TE- **** Kyle Pitts (Warminister, PA) / Highlights
TE- *** Dante Lang (Boca Raton, FL) / Highlights
OL- **** Richard Gouraige (Tampa, FL) / Highlights
OL- *** Noah Banks (JUCO) / Highlights
OL- **** Chris Bleich (Plymouth, PA) / Highlights
LB- *** David Reese (Fort Pierce, FL) / Highlights
DB- *** Randy Russell (Miami, FL) / Highlights
DB- **** Amari Burney (Clearwater, FL) / Highlights
DB- **** John Huggins (Daytona Beach, FL) / Highlights
DB- **** Trey Dean (Hampton, GA) / Highlights
ATH- **** Justin Watkins (Clermont, FL) /
K- *** Evan McPherson (Fort Payne, AL) / Highlights
This post was edited on 1/30/18 at 5:51 pm
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Posted on 2/3/17 at 6:37 pm to gatordmb89
Just offered CB Divaad Wilson from Northwestern HS in Miami. He may be committing next month, many believe to UF.
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Posted on 2/6/17 at 8:21 pm to gatordmb89
Florida’s recruiting needs, possible class size for 2018
Zach Abolverdi ZACH ABOLVERDI
SEC Country Staff
As Jim McElwain tries to rebuild Florida football into a championship program, one of his mottos is “recruit daily or die.” Join us here on SEC Country for a daily recap of the latest UF recruiting news, tales from the trail and perspective on what it all means for the Gators.
Looking ahead
Florida coach Jim McElwain and football staff members were on vacation for a few days, but progress is being on the Gators recruiting class of 2018.
The Gators landed a commitment on Friday from Miami cornerback Divaad Wilson, who received an offer just a day before from defensive coordinator Randy Shannon.
UF has 82 recruited players on scholarship and 11 seniors for 2017, though wide receiver Dre Massey and guard Antonio Riles could return for one more year with medical redshirts.
Assuming both do, the Gators will have 12 available scholarships for the 2018 class before attrition. Antonio Callaway, Martez Ivey, CeCe Jefferson and Jordan Scarlett are all expected to leave early, bringing the numbers to 16.
RELATED: Where McElwain should focus Gators’ 2018 recruiting
Given the amount of Will Muschamp signees who haven’t played and the influx of McElwain players, Florida will likely have about five transfers between now and the next signing day. That would allow UF to sign 21 recruits for 2018, give or take.
Nine players on the roster this time last year are no longer with team via transfer or injury.
Here are Florida’s three biggest needs for the Class of 2018.
1) Safety
Starting safeties Marcell Harris and Nick Washington are redshirt seniors this year. The Gators will return Quincy Lenton, Jeawon Taylor and Donovan Stiner in 2018, leaving them with little depth and experience at the position. UF has not signed an elite safety prospect since 2013. That needs to end in this recruiting cycle.
2) Wide receiver
Florida will likely lose Callaway along with senior slot receiver Brandon Powell. The following season, Massey and Tyrie Cleveland could be gone. UF must sign a few 2018 wideouts to keep the numbers at 10 or higher. Fortunately for the Gators, they have several targets at the position as well as a commitment from 3-star WR Jalynn Williams (St. Petersburg, Fla.).
3) Offensive line
The Gators should return everyone but Ivey for 2018, but they could lose as many as six offensive linemen after that season. Florida needs to sign at least four line prospects in the 2018 upcoming class to combat those departures. Barring transfers, four or five signees would give the unit a dozen or more returning linemen for 2019, plus the incoming recruits.
Running back and defensive end are the other big needs for Florida in the Class of 2018. Here’s how the class breakdown could look.
QB: 1
RB: 2
WR: 4
TE: 1
OL: 4
DT: 1
DE: 2
LB: 1
DB: 5
Florida offers another Miami recruit
The Gators are once again making Miami a priority on the recruiting trail. Two days after landing Wilson’s commitment, UF extended an offer Sunday to Nigel Bethel.
A 2018 athlete from Miami, Bethel is currently unrated but has early offers from Central Florida and Florida Atlanta. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound prospect could play cornerback or receiver.
Wilson seems confident in Florida’s chances with Bethel.
Miss a previous Gator Chomps notebook? Find every daily recap of Florida Gators recruiting right here.
Zach Abolverdi ZACH ABOLVERDI
SEC Country Staff
As Jim McElwain tries to rebuild Florida football into a championship program, one of his mottos is “recruit daily or die.” Join us here on SEC Country for a daily recap of the latest UF recruiting news, tales from the trail and perspective on what it all means for the Gators.
Looking ahead
Florida coach Jim McElwain and football staff members were on vacation for a few days, but progress is being on the Gators recruiting class of 2018.
The Gators landed a commitment on Friday from Miami cornerback Divaad Wilson, who received an offer just a day before from defensive coordinator Randy Shannon.
UF has 82 recruited players on scholarship and 11 seniors for 2017, though wide receiver Dre Massey and guard Antonio Riles could return for one more year with medical redshirts.
Assuming both do, the Gators will have 12 available scholarships for the 2018 class before attrition. Antonio Callaway, Martez Ivey, CeCe Jefferson and Jordan Scarlett are all expected to leave early, bringing the numbers to 16.
RELATED: Where McElwain should focus Gators’ 2018 recruiting
Given the amount of Will Muschamp signees who haven’t played and the influx of McElwain players, Florida will likely have about five transfers between now and the next signing day. That would allow UF to sign 21 recruits for 2018, give or take.
Nine players on the roster this time last year are no longer with team via transfer or injury.
Here are Florida’s three biggest needs for the Class of 2018.
1) Safety
Starting safeties Marcell Harris and Nick Washington are redshirt seniors this year. The Gators will return Quincy Lenton, Jeawon Taylor and Donovan Stiner in 2018, leaving them with little depth and experience at the position. UF has not signed an elite safety prospect since 2013. That needs to end in this recruiting cycle.
2) Wide receiver
Florida will likely lose Callaway along with senior slot receiver Brandon Powell. The following season, Massey and Tyrie Cleveland could be gone. UF must sign a few 2018 wideouts to keep the numbers at 10 or higher. Fortunately for the Gators, they have several targets at the position as well as a commitment from 3-star WR Jalynn Williams (St. Petersburg, Fla.).
3) Offensive line
The Gators should return everyone but Ivey for 2018, but they could lose as many as six offensive linemen after that season. Florida needs to sign at least four line prospects in the 2018 upcoming class to combat those departures. Barring transfers, four or five signees would give the unit a dozen or more returning linemen for 2019, plus the incoming recruits.
Running back and defensive end are the other big needs for Florida in the Class of 2018. Here’s how the class breakdown could look.
QB: 1
RB: 2
WR: 4
TE: 1
OL: 4
DT: 1
DE: 2
LB: 1
DB: 5
Florida offers another Miami recruit
The Gators are once again making Miami a priority on the recruiting trail. Two days after landing Wilson’s commitment, UF extended an offer Sunday to Nigel Bethel.
A 2018 athlete from Miami, Bethel is currently unrated but has early offers from Central Florida and Florida Atlanta. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound prospect could play cornerback or receiver.
Wilson seems confident in Florida’s chances with Bethel.
Miss a previous Gator Chomps notebook? Find every daily recap of Florida Gators recruiting right here.
Posted on 2/9/17 at 8:50 pm to gatordmb89
Lingard just committed to Miami.
Posted on 2/10/17 at 2:58 pm to gatordmb89
This year is honestly make or break both on the field and in recruiting-- it reminds of how I felt going into 2013-- we either take a huge step forward and confirm the good things most of us see in Mac or we take a step back recruiting stays middling and the bad things we've also seen end up being fatal flaws.
Posted on 2/11/17 at 9:47 am to gatordmb89
OL John Campbell has arrived for his visit.
Posted on 2/11/17 at 3:34 pm to gatordmb89
Posted on 2/11/17 at 4:59 pm to gatordmb89
Posted on 2/11/17 at 6:37 pm to gatordmb89
Gators ‘still on top’ for OL William Barnes after latest Florida visit
Zach Abolverdi ZACH ABOLVERDI
SEC Country Staff
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two years ago, Jim McElwain landed his highest-ranked recruit to date when 5-star offensive tackle Martez Ivey committed to Florida on National Signing Day.
Ivey’s high school alma mater, Apopka, has produced another elite lineman for 2018 in William Barnes. And like Ivey, Barnes could end up at UF.
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound prospect named the Gators his early leader last year, and he’s still favoring them after meeting new offensive line coach Brad Davis on Saturday.
“It was my first time talking to Brad Davis face-to-face,” Barnes said. “From the way he talked to me, I can see that he’s a great coach and he’s looking out for me. So it was just a great visit.
“After talking with Coach Davis, I definitely feel a bond with him coming on. I just feel great talking to him. So definitely Florida is still on top.”
Barnes, the nation’s No. 10 offensive tackle and a top-100 overall recruit, also spent time with Ivey during his trip to Gainesville.
“I got to talk to Tez,” Barnes said. “We talked about the school a lot. He has told me about it a few times. He’s just like the coaches. He says I can wherever I want to, but he’s always giving me a heads up about Florida. I like Tez a lot. He’s real cool and I look up to him.”
Barnes said he and Ivey text each other on a regular basis and they played together in 2014 when Apopka won the Class 8A state title. Ivey has been a two-year starter for the Gators, earning SEC honors at the end of each season.
“It shows me a lot about the school and how it’s doing for him,” Barnes said of Ivey’s success. “All the accolades he’s gotten, it’s no surprise to me because I know he’s a great player.”
Barnes said he could make his commitment soon, but then added that he may wait until signing day like Ivey did. His named North Carolina, Auburn, Florida State and Ohio State as his other top schools, with the Tarheels being the biggest threat to UF.
“Probably UNC,” Barnes said. “Just like Coach Davis, I have a good bond with the offensive line coach (Chris Kapilovic) and also the tight ends coach, Chad Scott. It’s also a good school.”
Barnes’ parents accompanied him on his visit Saturday. Neither of them are pushing Barnes to Florida, but that won’t keep him from choosing the Gators.
“My mom she actually graduate from UNC, so she’ll be on me about UNC,” Barnes said. “My dad’s a little bit of an FSU fan, but he tells me I can go wherever I please.”
Zach Abolverdi ZACH ABOLVERDI
SEC Country Staff
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two years ago, Jim McElwain landed his highest-ranked recruit to date when 5-star offensive tackle Martez Ivey committed to Florida on National Signing Day.
Ivey’s high school alma mater, Apopka, has produced another elite lineman for 2018 in William Barnes. And like Ivey, Barnes could end up at UF.
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound prospect named the Gators his early leader last year, and he’s still favoring them after meeting new offensive line coach Brad Davis on Saturday.
“It was my first time talking to Brad Davis face-to-face,” Barnes said. “From the way he talked to me, I can see that he’s a great coach and he’s looking out for me. So it was just a great visit.
“After talking with Coach Davis, I definitely feel a bond with him coming on. I just feel great talking to him. So definitely Florida is still on top.”
Barnes, the nation’s No. 10 offensive tackle and a top-100 overall recruit, also spent time with Ivey during his trip to Gainesville.
“I got to talk to Tez,” Barnes said. “We talked about the school a lot. He has told me about it a few times. He’s just like the coaches. He says I can wherever I want to, but he’s always giving me a heads up about Florida. I like Tez a lot. He’s real cool and I look up to him.”
Barnes said he and Ivey text each other on a regular basis and they played together in 2014 when Apopka won the Class 8A state title. Ivey has been a two-year starter for the Gators, earning SEC honors at the end of each season.
“It shows me a lot about the school and how it’s doing for him,” Barnes said of Ivey’s success. “All the accolades he’s gotten, it’s no surprise to me because I know he’s a great player.”
Barnes said he could make his commitment soon, but then added that he may wait until signing day like Ivey did. His named North Carolina, Auburn, Florida State and Ohio State as his other top schools, with the Tarheels being the biggest threat to UF.
“Probably UNC,” Barnes said. “Just like Coach Davis, I have a good bond with the offensive line coach (Chris Kapilovic) and also the tight ends coach, Chad Scott. It’s also a good school.”
Barnes’ parents accompanied him on his visit Saturday. Neither of them are pushing Barnes to Florida, but that won’t keep him from choosing the Gators.
“My mom she actually graduate from UNC, so she’ll be on me about UNC,” Barnes said. “My dad’s a little bit of an FSU fan, but he tells me I can go wherever I please.”
Posted on 2/12/17 at 10:35 am to gatordmb89
Top 5 for WR Warren Thompson who dominated in yesterday's Adidas 7on7 tournament...
Florida, Florida St, Miami, Ole Miss, UNC
Florida, Florida St, Miami, Ole Miss, UNC
Posted on 2/14/17 at 8:47 pm to gatordmb89
DB Sevyn Banks named Florida his leader tonight.
Posted on 5/21/17 at 2:36 pm to gatordmb89
Slaton's in!
Posted on 6/3/17 at 9:53 am to gatordmb89
Is the Gator train taking off? 2019 WR recruit Goolsby, commits to the good guys.
Posted on 12/17/17 at 11:26 am to gatordmb89
Posted on 12/20/17 at 9:19 am to gatordmb89
Was David Reese supposed to sign today? if so, when?
Posted on 12/31/17 at 7:33 pm to gatordmb89
ORLANDO — Sunday was the first practice for the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game.
Florida has five commits and several targets competing in Orlando this week. Here are the news and notes from Day 2:
Gators quarterback signee Emory Jones is on the same team (Highlight) as Florida WR targets Jacob Copeland and Tommy Bush. He connected with both of them in the passing game and threw a pair of touchdowns in the red zone on Sunday. “I didn’t have any jitters,” Jones said. “I came out here to have fun and that’s what I tried to do. I got a feel for some of the guys I’m going to be playing with this week and hopefully at Florida, too.”
Copeland was one of the top performers at his position. He has recovered from his ankle injury last month and had no trouble getting open against an All-American secondary. “It felt good to be back,” he said. “I was out there bouncing around and running well. Whoever wants it, line it up.” Copeland caught passes from Jones at the Future 50 camp last year and enjoying playing with him Sunday. “It was a good experience once again. He throw a couple good passes that I caught. He’s a great quarterback and I know he wants me to be one of his go-to guys at Florida.”
Bush had one of the best catches of the day and it’s clear why he’s a priority for the UF new staff. The top-200 overall receiver towers over defensive backs and has surprising speed for his size. He runs a sub-4.5 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5, 191 pounds. Bush has two official visits remaining after taking trips to Georgia, Michigan State and Nebraska this fall. Florida is in the running for one of his final visits along with Baylor, Notre Dame and Ole Miss. Bush is considering the Gators because of his relatiosnhip with head coach Dan Mullen, wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales and quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson. “We had been talking to Mississippi State a lot and when they moved to Florida they contacted us immediately. … For that, we had to consider them.”
Gators commit Richard Gouraige and 5-star recruit Nicholas Petit-Frere split reps at left tackle and looked like future SEC starters. They won the majority of their reps and both linemen rebounded after getting beat. The Tampa, Fla., products are priority recruits for Mullen and offensive line coach John Hevesy. Gouraige plans to official visit Auburn and Clemson in January before making a final decision on his recruitment. Florida is one of several schools trying to secure an official vist from Petit-Frere, who will likely commit on National Signing Day.
The Under Armour All-America Game roster features a pair of Gators linebacker targets in Alabama commit Quay Walker and Kentucky commit Xavier Peters. Walker is not doing interviews at this time, but plans to official visit Florida on Jan. 12. Peters plans to visit the following weekend. Walker is Florida’s top target at the position and played well in the opening practice, showing he has the versatility to line up at multiple LB spots.
Florida signee Trey Dean is listed as a safety by every recruiting service. However, the 4-star DB is playing cornerback for Team Highlight and looked impressive on Sunday. Dean had multiple pass breakups and showed that he can guard the likes of Copeland and Bush. At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Dean is a tall corner with great athleticism and ball skills. The early enrollee has the ability to help the Gators with their needs at the position.
A new cornerback target for Florida is top-50 overall prospect Olaijah Griffin, who is the son of rap artist Warren G. He recieved an offer from UF on Sunday and has scheduled an official visit for Feb. 2. “I’m interested in Florida,” he said. “I know it’s D.B.U., but I want to go check out the school and see if I like it. I’ve never been there before, so I’m looking forward to visiting.” The former UCLA commit said he will also take trips to Auburn, Michigan and Southern Cal in January.
Florida has five commits and several targets competing in Orlando this week. Here are the news and notes from Day 2:
Gators quarterback signee Emory Jones is on the same team (Highlight) as Florida WR targets Jacob Copeland and Tommy Bush. He connected with both of them in the passing game and threw a pair of touchdowns in the red zone on Sunday. “I didn’t have any jitters,” Jones said. “I came out here to have fun and that’s what I tried to do. I got a feel for some of the guys I’m going to be playing with this week and hopefully at Florida, too.”
Copeland was one of the top performers at his position. He has recovered from his ankle injury last month and had no trouble getting open against an All-American secondary. “It felt good to be back,” he said. “I was out there bouncing around and running well. Whoever wants it, line it up.” Copeland caught passes from Jones at the Future 50 camp last year and enjoying playing with him Sunday. “It was a good experience once again. He throw a couple good passes that I caught. He’s a great quarterback and I know he wants me to be one of his go-to guys at Florida.”
Bush had one of the best catches of the day and it’s clear why he’s a priority for the UF new staff. The top-200 overall receiver towers over defensive backs and has surprising speed for his size. He runs a sub-4.5 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5, 191 pounds. Bush has two official visits remaining after taking trips to Georgia, Michigan State and Nebraska this fall. Florida is in the running for one of his final visits along with Baylor, Notre Dame and Ole Miss. Bush is considering the Gators because of his relatiosnhip with head coach Dan Mullen, wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales and quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson. “We had been talking to Mississippi State a lot and when they moved to Florida they contacted us immediately. … For that, we had to consider them.”
Gators commit Richard Gouraige and 5-star recruit Nicholas Petit-Frere split reps at left tackle and looked like future SEC starters. They won the majority of their reps and both linemen rebounded after getting beat. The Tampa, Fla., products are priority recruits for Mullen and offensive line coach John Hevesy. Gouraige plans to official visit Auburn and Clemson in January before making a final decision on his recruitment. Florida is one of several schools trying to secure an official vist from Petit-Frere, who will likely commit on National Signing Day.
The Under Armour All-America Game roster features a pair of Gators linebacker targets in Alabama commit Quay Walker and Kentucky commit Xavier Peters. Walker is not doing interviews at this time, but plans to official visit Florida on Jan. 12. Peters plans to visit the following weekend. Walker is Florida’s top target at the position and played well in the opening practice, showing he has the versatility to line up at multiple LB spots.
Florida signee Trey Dean is listed as a safety by every recruiting service. However, the 4-star DB is playing cornerback for Team Highlight and looked impressive on Sunday. Dean had multiple pass breakups and showed that he can guard the likes of Copeland and Bush. At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Dean is a tall corner with great athleticism and ball skills. The early enrollee has the ability to help the Gators with their needs at the position.
A new cornerback target for Florida is top-50 overall prospect Olaijah Griffin, who is the son of rap artist Warren G. He recieved an offer from UF on Sunday and has scheduled an official visit for Feb. 2. “I’m interested in Florida,” he said. “I know it’s D.B.U., but I want to go check out the school and see if I like it. I’ve never been there before, so I’m looking forward to visiting.” The former UCLA commit said he will also take trips to Auburn, Michigan and Southern Cal in January.
Posted on 1/2/18 at 9:03 pm to gatordmb89
Florida recruiting: News & notes from Day 4 of Under Armour All-America week
January 2, 2018
ORLANDO — A few future Gators stood out Tuesday during the third practice for the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game.
Florida has five commits and several targets competing in Orlando this week. Here are the news and notes from Day 4:
For the second consecutive day, a Florida commit was involved in a fight after winning a 1-on-1 battle. Top-100 offensive tackle Richard Gouraige went up against 4-star defensive end Devin O’Rourke on Tuesday and easily won his rep against the Northwestern signee. They continued to shove each other after the whistle as linemen from both sides of the ball surrounded them near the sideline. Multiple players fell on top of Gouraige and banged up his shoulder, but he was able to return to practice. However, the coaches ended the 1-on-1 drills after the scuffle. Gators defensive back signee Trey Dean took down top-100 wide receiver Jalen Preston on Monday (watch).
Nicholas Petit-Frere had another stellar showing on Tuesday and won the strength competition. The 5-star tackle has been the top offensive linemen in practice this week. “Competing at this level with some of the best talent in the country is an amazing experience,” he said. “The coaches are telling me I’m working good, but I’m trying to get better each day with my technique and hand placement.” Florida is considered a top school for Petit-Frere and he has spoken with Gators quarterback signee Emory Jones in Orlando. “I think he’s a great quarterback. He’s doing really well and having an amazing week. We’ve had a chance to talk briefly and I’m going to look into him a little bit. I don’t try to base my decision on [other players], but it is cool to know guys who are going to certain schools and getting a chance to talk to them.”
Jones is also recruiting 4-star wide receiver Tommy Bush to join him at Florida. The top-200 overall prospect received an offer from the Gators last month. Bush and Jones are on the same team (Hightlight) this week. “I’ve been throwing to him a lot. He’s pretty good,” Jones said of Bush. “He’s a long, tall, fast receiver. I can throw it to him and he’ll go get it at any time.” Bush has already visited Georgia, Nebraska and Michigan State. Florida is trying to land one of his final trips along with Baylor, Notre Dame and Ole Miss. Jones believes the in-state Bears are the team to beat for Bush. “I think it’s going to be hard to get him out of Texas, but I’m working on it,” Jones said. “I’ve been talking to him and he said he would love to play with me. He feels like I’m a great quarterback.”
Auburn defensive tackle commit Coynis Miller is scheduled to officially visit Florida on Feb. 2. He recently set up the trip with new Gators coach Dan Mullen and assistant Ja’Juan Seider. “My interest in Florida is high,” Miller said. “They were one of my top schools previously. Coach Mullen and Coach Seider hit me up and just asked me to come down for a visit. I’m still committed to Auburn, but I’m just giving other schools a shot.” The nation’s No. 13-ranked DT will also visit Auburn (Jan. 12), Oregon (Jan. 19) and Tennessee (Jan. 26) this month. Miller said he speaks with Mullen on a regular basis. “We talk a lot. He’s just a great head coach,” Miller said of Mullen. “He treats his players like they’re his sons. I’m looking forward to my visit. I’ve been when Coach [Jim] McElwain was there and I want see how things have changed with Coach Mullen.”
Gators tight end signee Kyle Pitts caught a touchdown pass during red-zone work on Tuesday and has performed well throughout the week. “It’s just a blessing. I’m getting to show my talent around these top athletes. Not many players get this opportunity,” Pitts said. Florida has a handful of commits in Orlando and Pitts is enjoying the time with his future teammates. “It’s a good time. We’re having fun out here together,” Pitts said. “I’ve been getting close to those guys and we’re trying to recruit some others to join the class.”
UF signee Evan McPherson tied for first place in the kicking competition Tuesday, making all seven field-goal attempts and connecting on a 55-yarder (see below). “I just wanted to compete and show everybody what I can do. I feel like I did that,” McPherson said. “All the players got real pumped when I hit the long field goal, so that was pretty cool.”
January 2, 2018
ORLANDO — A few future Gators stood out Tuesday during the third practice for the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game.
Florida has five commits and several targets competing in Orlando this week. Here are the news and notes from Day 4:
For the second consecutive day, a Florida commit was involved in a fight after winning a 1-on-1 battle. Top-100 offensive tackle Richard Gouraige went up against 4-star defensive end Devin O’Rourke on Tuesday and easily won his rep against the Northwestern signee. They continued to shove each other after the whistle as linemen from both sides of the ball surrounded them near the sideline. Multiple players fell on top of Gouraige and banged up his shoulder, but he was able to return to practice. However, the coaches ended the 1-on-1 drills after the scuffle. Gators defensive back signee Trey Dean took down top-100 wide receiver Jalen Preston on Monday (watch).
Nicholas Petit-Frere had another stellar showing on Tuesday and won the strength competition. The 5-star tackle has been the top offensive linemen in practice this week. “Competing at this level with some of the best talent in the country is an amazing experience,” he said. “The coaches are telling me I’m working good, but I’m trying to get better each day with my technique and hand placement.” Florida is considered a top school for Petit-Frere and he has spoken with Gators quarterback signee Emory Jones in Orlando. “I think he’s a great quarterback. He’s doing really well and having an amazing week. We’ve had a chance to talk briefly and I’m going to look into him a little bit. I don’t try to base my decision on [other players], but it is cool to know guys who are going to certain schools and getting a chance to talk to them.”
Jones is also recruiting 4-star wide receiver Tommy Bush to join him at Florida. The top-200 overall prospect received an offer from the Gators last month. Bush and Jones are on the same team (Hightlight) this week. “I’ve been throwing to him a lot. He’s pretty good,” Jones said of Bush. “He’s a long, tall, fast receiver. I can throw it to him and he’ll go get it at any time.” Bush has already visited Georgia, Nebraska and Michigan State. Florida is trying to land one of his final trips along with Baylor, Notre Dame and Ole Miss. Jones believes the in-state Bears are the team to beat for Bush. “I think it’s going to be hard to get him out of Texas, but I’m working on it,” Jones said. “I’ve been talking to him and he said he would love to play with me. He feels like I’m a great quarterback.”
Auburn defensive tackle commit Coynis Miller is scheduled to officially visit Florida on Feb. 2. He recently set up the trip with new Gators coach Dan Mullen and assistant Ja’Juan Seider. “My interest in Florida is high,” Miller said. “They were one of my top schools previously. Coach Mullen and Coach Seider hit me up and just asked me to come down for a visit. I’m still committed to Auburn, but I’m just giving other schools a shot.” The nation’s No. 13-ranked DT will also visit Auburn (Jan. 12), Oregon (Jan. 19) and Tennessee (Jan. 26) this month. Miller said he speaks with Mullen on a regular basis. “We talk a lot. He’s just a great head coach,” Miller said of Mullen. “He treats his players like they’re his sons. I’m looking forward to my visit. I’ve been when Coach [Jim] McElwain was there and I want see how things have changed with Coach Mullen.”
Gators tight end signee Kyle Pitts caught a touchdown pass during red-zone work on Tuesday and has performed well throughout the week. “It’s just a blessing. I’m getting to show my talent around these top athletes. Not many players get this opportunity,” Pitts said. Florida has a handful of commits in Orlando and Pitts is enjoying the time with his future teammates. “It’s a good time. We’re having fun out here together,” Pitts said. “I’ve been getting close to those guys and we’re trying to recruit some others to join the class.”
UF signee Evan McPherson tied for first place in the kicking competition Tuesday, making all seven field-goal attempts and connecting on a 55-yarder (see below). “I just wanted to compete and show everybody what I can do. I feel like I did that,” McPherson said. “All the players got real pumped when I hit the long field goal, so that was pretty cool.”
Posted on 1/5/18 at 8:59 am to gatordmb89
After watching EJ last night, Mullen will have to do some serious coaching up to have him ready to the Man come September. I believe he has a lot of raw talent, but needs a lot of work to start right away. Thoughts?
I am still hoping for Trask, Franks or Allen to step up and not have to rely on a true Freshman to run the offense.
I am still hoping for Trask, Franks or Allen to step up and not have to rely on a true Freshman to run the offense.
Posted on 1/7/18 at 11:47 am to gatordmb89
For those of you that are highlight nuts, I added them to the OP. 
Posted on 1/8/18 at 10:35 pm to gatordmb89
DT prospect Noah Jefferson announcing 01/14.
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