re: 2024 Recruiting Class

What's the deal with the OL coaches offering that guy from San Jose who is like 6'7" and 250 lbs?

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Florida isn't the only top FBS school offering him.

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Good to know. Was about to say, Napier's strength has been recruiting so hearing that our TWO OL coaches were making Hev-type offers would be discouraging.

I don't watch film or know jack about scouting.

See he's a 3 star per 247. Is this a big loss or is the staff making room for someone better?

Is this not a big deal or do I need to click onto the Melt Megathread?

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I don't' believe this is Melt worthy.

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Then I'll resume melting about special teams.

On the surface not a big deal because he's a 3 star and our recruiting average went up because of it.

But below the surface, Florida was excited about this big DT, especially because Georgia wanted him. Now it looks like Georgia will take him.

I expect the recruits are watching our play very closely and will make business decisions. It's kinda easy to negatively recruit against us right now. We need to show consistency and an upward trajectory.

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I expect the recruits are watching our play very closely and will make business decisions. It's kinda easy to negatively recruit against us right now. We need to show consistency and an upward trajectory.

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While true, some insiders have said this kid was trending towards UGA for weeks. He's a GA boy, and probably wants to play for the instate team that is on top of the world right now.

I do agree we need to improve to keep the class together.

Some of these recruit change commitments like underwear.

Napier can recruit, keep looking good on the field and more will come.

The Florida Gators had one of their top targets in the stands this past Saturday for their win over Charlotte. That was Opa Locka (Fla.) Chaminade Madonna five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Though Smith has been committed to Ohio State since December of last year, the Gators as well as Florida State and Miami have continued to press for him leading up to signing day.

Smith has been to games in Gainesville in the past, but this time his parents both accompanied him on the trip. Swamp247 caught up with Jeremiah's father, Chris Smith, about the recent trip.

"It went well," Mr. Smith said of the visit "Just went to the game and hung out with the players in the locker room. Go to talk to the coaches. It was a good game. We were impressed."

The Gators had a late kickoff for the game, which lead to an even later ending. Despite that, Florida head coach Billy Napier and some other coaches at UF spend time with recruits on the field under the lights for a few hours after the games conclusion. Napier made sure to get some face time around the elite pass catcher and his family.

"Just talking about the game and how Jeremiah would fit into his system, and taking with us about the school and how they would get him ready for the next level," said Mr. Smith.

When speaking with Swamp247 back in July, Smith mentioned he wanted to keep tabs on the Gators this season to see how they would play. Florida is coming off a 6-7 last year in Napier's first season as head coach. So far this year, Florida sits at No. 22 in the rankings and a 3-1 record. When speaking with 247Sports last week, the talented wide out mentioned, the in-state programs of Florida, Florida State, and Miami have been "building momentum" on the field. He's now seen the Gators play live this season, and has been following them the best he can in previous games.

"He [Jeremiah] said they have been playing well so far," Mr. Smith relayed.

While the recruitment is Jeremiah's and Jeremiah's alone, his father has observed how coaches in Gainesville have interacted with his son. Mr. Smith has been on a few trips to The Swamp with the 6-foot-3, 198-pounder and has gotten to see how Florida's staff treats his family whenever they host him.

"They are good people over there. Coach Napier is a a players coach."

Smith has visited Ohio State once this season, and plans to return when the Buckeyes play Penn State later in the year. Trips to Miami for their game against Georgia Tech, and Florida State when they play Miami are also on the books as well. Florida is also in line for another visit in the future this season. It’s possible that visit is for UF’s regular season finale against FSU.

"We are definitely going to be back up there for a game," said Mr. Smith. "Don't know when yet."