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Posted on 8/24/22 at 9:50 pm to finchmeister08
Three 2024 prospects committed elsewhere on the Gators' radar
Corey Bender • about 5 hours ago
Corey Bender • about 5 hours ago
quote:
It’s never too early to look ahead to the next recruiting cycle, especially in today’s day and age of recruiting. Dozens of prospects are already verbally committed to a school as well, so elite prospects are collecting scholarship offers as early as their freshman year.
As expected, the University of Florida is the one of the schools pursuing an elite crop of up-and-coming prospects. Myles Graham, a Gators legacy and an All-American linebacker, is the one who recently kicked UF’s 2024 class into gear.
With that said, here are three committed prospects in the 2024 class who are UF’s radar.
Georgia tight end commit Landen Thomas
With the Gators not planning to sign a tight end in 2023, William Peagler has shifted his full attention to the 2024 class. Over a handful of prospects have been offered at the position, with one being Landen Thomas, the No. 1 tight end according to the 2024 On3 Consensus.
Prior to teaming up with UGA in early July, Thomas said he was leaning toward the Bulldogs, Florida and Michigan. He made trips to Gainesville in both April and June, receiving strong reviews from both Peagler and Napier. The Gators view him as one the premier playmakers in his class and understandably so.
“I like (coach Peagler). The tight ends, I liked them too because they use them a lot in the passing game,” Thomas said earlier this year. “He told me I can come in and help right away. They had to go to practice and after we had to leave, so we didn’t really have conversations like that.
“I started liking (Florida) because it had to do with Kyle Pitts being there. I had the offer before, but they got a new staff and I had to get re-offered. I’ve been trying to get down there.”
Will it be difficult to change Thomas’ mind? Most definitely, but additional programs will continue to chase him until the very end. As for the Gators, you can expect them to push for another campus visit, this time for a game.
Florida State running back commit Kameron Davis
In late June, the No. 2 running back in the 2024 class camped in Gainesville and received a tour of campus as well.
As expected, the Albany (Ga.) Dougherty standout made a strong impression between the white lines, making the decision to offer quite easy for Billy Napier’s staff.
According to the On3 Consensus, Davis also ranks as the No. 30 prospect regardless of position.
“The day I got the offer, I was at Florida. I did a workout with coach Jabbar (Juluke). After I worked out with him, coach Napier came up and talked to me and told me I had an offer,” Davis previously told Gators Online.
“I liked the atmosphere at Florida. It was a great campus, and when I went on tour, there were a lot of the students coming up and asking me what I knew and were giving me information about not only the campus but the area as well.”
UF hopes to sign multiple running backs this cycle but is already constructing a wish list for the 2024 class, with Davis’ name near the very top. The likes of Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas A&M also boast a strong evaluation of the four-star prospect.
When speaking with Napier, Davis was told he would be a perfect fit due to his blend of speed and power. The Gators covet the rising junior’s ability as a pass catcher as well.
“Coach Napier, he’s very laid back,” Davis said. “He does a lot of talking, and when he does talk, it’s about motivating and making sure you are not just a football player.
“It’s a very calm and positive vibe whenever coach Napier is around.”
Shortly after the Gators offered, Davis said he was still exploring his options and having fun with the recruiting process. With that said, you can expect a flurry of visits to take place in the fall.
As for the Gators, receiving a game-day visit would be a step in the right direction.
Florida State safety commit Jordan Pride
We have been mentioning the IMG Academy product quite a bit in recent weeks.
After being offered by the Gators in early June, the top-100 prospect attended Friday Night Lights as a spectator and is now planning to be present for the Sept. 3 season opener.
Multiple UF coaches are linked to his recruitment early on; however, it’s Billy Napier who Pride communicates with the most. Those conversations are taking place several times a month.
“It’s coach Napier, like, our relationship we have is great. I just want to keep building that relationship. Whenever I get the chance, I call him,” Pride previously said when asked about his interest in UF.
“They always treat me like I’m a king. They like my length and how fast I move at my height. Also, my ball skills. They said I’m a ball hawk on the field.”
As for Mike Norvell and the Seminoles, what pushed them over the top nearly 13 months ago?
“It has always been the dream going there. I have been watching them since I was a little kid, so it’s in the family,” Pride said. “My relationship right now, I have not been up there in I don’t know how long; probably a good four months. I’m trying to see other schools and see if that’s where I really want to go.”
Georgia and Texas A&M are additional schools on Pride’s visit radar for the fall. There is a chance he returns for another UF game as well, so the orange and blue are definitely trending up here.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
Posted on 8/25/22 at 7:43 am to Partha
Posted on 8/25/22 at 12:20 pm to finchmeister08
Five-star EDGE still eyeing certain date for Gators official visit
Corey Bender • 08/23/22
Corey Bender • 08/23/22
quote:
Although the date is not finalized, it’s becoming more and more likely that Qua Russaw returns to Gainesville on Oct. 15.
When speaking with Auburn Live, the five-star EDGE said that is one of the visits currently scheduled; however, while that is likely to happen, a source close to the situation says that trip is not locked in just yet. Also, if Russaw does return to Florida that weekend, it would definitely be for an official visit.
A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Russaw took his first visit to UF during the weekend of Friday Night Lights. He was a spectator for that event and then attended the Grill at the Ville cookout the following afternoon, further strengthening his relationship with Billy Napier’s staff.
Since then, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound defender has also included the Gators in his top six. Additional top contenders include Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Ohio State and Alabama State.
“They’ve (Florida) been on me hard lately,” Russaw told Auburn Live’s Cole Pinkston. “I really like Florida. It’s different. Coaches, they want to push you, players are excited to be there. I think they’re going to be very good this year.”
Russaw has came across nothing but glowing reviews of the Gators in recent months. The program’s rich history speaks for itself, but it was a primarily a personal relationship that ultimately convinced him to journey down to Gainesville.
“I really got to spend time with the coaches and continued to build on my relationship with them, like (outside linebacker) coach (Mike) Peterson. He’s the reason I’m down here, for real,” Russaw told Gators Online after last month’s visit.
“He preached to me they really have a spot down here for me at the JACK position. He really thinks I can play, he can coach me up and get me to the next level.”
Posted on 8/25/22 at 12:24 pm to Partha
Posted on 8/25/22 at 4:49 pm to Partha
The Gators currently hold the advantage with 2023 four-star offensive tackle
Corey Bender • about 4 hours
Corey Bender • about 4 hours
quote:
One school currently holds the slight edge with Caden Jones, a 6-foot-7.5, 300-pound offensive tackle.
Earlier this week, the Gretna (La.) De La Salle rising senior appeared on the Roll Up Varsity Podcast and said Florida is currently the front runner. Things could certainly change, especially with the Early Signing Period roughly four months away, but Billy Napier’s program holds the advantage as of today.
Additional programs in pursuit of the four-star prospect include Texas A&M, which is considered the Gators’ top competition, Texas, Florida State and Houston.
“Right now, I’m going to have to say Florida is in the lead. That’s right now though. December is a long time away,” Jones said on the Roll Up Varsity Podcast.
If all goes as planned, Jones will be returning to the Swamp at some point during the fall for a game. As for his official visit, that trip will be taking place during one of the first two weekends in December.
So, when it’s all said and done, Jones will have likely taken four visits to Florida, as Napier’s staff played host in April and July as well.
“It’s the vibe and energy I get from them,” Jones said of the Gators. “Then they’re different with the two offensive line coaches because you don’t see that anywhere. I’m like, ‘That’s crazy.’
“Say you got 10 offensive linemen; you can’t have one coach for all 10. That’s really important to me because I feel like everybody needs an equal amount of attention to get their best workout at practice.”
Jones has a firm plan in place
Jones, who plans on majoring in finance, is eyeing a commitment for sometime in December. When it comes to separating one school from the rest of the pack, he has clear criteria in mind to help guide him through the finish line.
“First, I look for the family feeling, like, where I feel at home at, where I’m happy at. If you go somewhere where you’re not happy, it’s most likely you’re not going to be your best player. That’s the major part, and then where I can get a good education. A good education and where I’m happy at are the two top ones right now,” Jones said.
Luckily for Napier’s staff, they have been communicating with Jones for roughly two years. A scholarship offer was extended while they were at Louisiana, with Napier and running backs coach Jabbar Juluke having been the coaches recruiting him at that time.
Those tight-knit relationships are playing a major role in UF’s strong standing as we enter the fall.
According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Jones ranks as the No. 24 offensive tackle and No. 364 player regardless of position. He is a top-20 prospect in the state of Louisiana as well.
Scouting Report on Caden Jones
Gargantuan athlete whose potential is through the roof due to his size and athleticism. Absurd measurables for a high school tackle prospect. Stands in at 6-foot-7.5, 300 pounds with 36-inch arms. Jumped an extremely impressive 30-inch vertical during the summer camp circuit prior to his senior season.
Raw positional traits due to only playing the game when he started high school. Basketball player who shows his body control and balance on the hardwood and the gridiron. Needs to clean up his footwork in pass protection. Plays with poor leverage but has the bend to improve it. Lacks pop in his hands which should improve as he gets stronger.
Extremely raw prospect but has all the tools to be as good as he wants to be. On the younger end of the spectrum for the 2023 recruiting cycle. — On3’s Cody Bellaire
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
Posted on 8/26/22 at 1:39 pm to Partha
Anyone hearing the rumors about Rashada possibly flipping to the USC Trojans?
Posted on 8/26/22 at 2:30 pm to Partha
Posted on 8/27/22 at 5:07 pm to Partha
Sorry this is a 2024 kid, but I had to post (Video of highlights in the link):
DJ Lagway ? @DerekLagway
DJ Lagway ? @DerekLagway
Posted on 8/27/22 at 7:58 pm to Partha
Posted on 8/29/22 at 12:53 pm to Partha
Florida Gators Recruiting @GatorsTracker
Not sure what this is about, but hope something pops from it.
Not sure what this is about, but hope something pops from it.
Posted on 8/29/22 at 3:11 pm to Partha
Florida's top-five most wanted in 2023 class: Latest buzz entering the fall
Corey Bender • about 3 hours
Corey Bender • about 3 hours
quote:
Mcclain, Dijon Johnson, Russaw/Smith, and Keeley
No. 1 cornerback Cormani McClain
This one was a no-brainer and I think every Gators fan would agree.
As of today, the schools generating the most buzz in McClain’s recruitment are Florida and Alabama. Georgia, Miami and Ohio State are some additional schools that have been mentioned, but most of the attention has been centered on the Gators and Crimson Tide. Also, shortly after UF’s Orange and Blue Game, McClain labeled those programs as his top two.
McClain highlights UF’s visitors list for Saturday’s season opener, while an official visit will likely take place during the weekend of the LSU game or in early December. This is a major visit for the Gators and McClain’s fourth trip to Gainesville since Billy Napier took over the program.
The Lakeland native is also arguably the program’s top target regardless of position and is being treated as such. A flurry of coaches are communication with McClain and his mother; however, it’s cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond who is spearheading UF’s pursuit and making the biggest impact.
“Coach C-Ray, me and him got a great relationship. I think it’s there,” McClain said of the Gators over the summer. “He produced a lot of great athletes. I look up to coach C-Ray as one of those guys that you know is going to get you to the league and the things you need to get there.
“He compared me to the most recent LSU DB, (Derek) Stingley.”
McClain will be keeping close tabs on the programs’ in-season success as well. Florida has its challenges ahead, while Alabama is right there at the top as usual.
This recruitment will likely go back and forth until the end, but I’ve been receiving a lot of positive feedback on the Gators in recent weeks. Much of that is due to McClain’s comfort level in Gainesville and UF’s momentum under Napier, especially when it comes to courting elite prospects.
Today’s Prediction: Florida
On300 cornerback Dijon Johnson
Sitting behind McClain on the Gators’ wish list at cornerback is Dijon Johnson, a former Ohio State commit.
Like McClain, Johnson will also be in attendance for UF’s matchup against Utah. He recently spent multiple days in Gainesville for Friday Night Lights and the Grill at the Ville cookout and previously logged two additional visits to campus.
Although he de-committed from the Buckeyes shortly after his multi-day stay at Florida, I submitted a flip pick for the Gators several days before that. Now just over a month later, I still feel good about where the Gators stand and that’s after speaking with Johnson this past Friday.
As we enter the fall, Johnson says Florida is the school pushing the hardest for his services.
“It’s my home state, man. Why not do it big in your home state?” Johnson told GO on Friday.
The Tampa Bay native expanded on his relationship with Corey Raymond as well.
“It’s been getting tighter each and every day, man,” Johnson said. “Coach Raymond, he’s a GOAT. Being somebody that played the position and one of the best at what they do, that’s key.”
Johnson, who also speaks with Billy Napier several times a week, only has one visit scheduled and that’s for Saturday’s contest in the Swamp. He is working on scheduling an official visit with the Gators as well.
Some additional programs to monitor here include Alabama, Miami and Georgia; however, the Gators are trending nicely in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine and understandably so.
Today’s Prediction: Florida
Five-star EDGE Keon Keeley
There is no doubt who is currently trending for the former Notre Dame commit.
While Ohio State is receiving an official visit this weekend, it’s Alabama that has a 90.7 percent chance at coming out on top according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine.
Nick Saban’s program has received several visits in 2022, with each of them taking place while Keeley was teamed up with the Fighting Irish. Alabama is receiving an official visit during the weekend of Oct. 7 as well, so Keeley landing is Tuscaloosa is the expectation as of today.
However, you definitely cannot rule out the Gators here.
Florida was the five-star prospect’s childhood favorite school, and although the visit took place in March, Napier’s staff and Keeley’s family had a very strong first meeting. The Tampa Bay native made multiple trips to Gainesville in 2021 as well, so it’s more relationship building than anything right now.
It’s also worth noting that Florida is currently one of the hottest teams in recruiting. The majority of its class hails from the Sunshine State and Keeley is certainly taking notice of the program’s efforts on the trail.
The Gators are putting on the full-court press right now and will “definitely” receive an official visit at some point.
“The only other school that will definitely receive an official visit from the No. 1 EDGE in the country is Florida. More than one source feels the Gators are running a “close second” to Alabama heading into the fall,” On3’s Chad Simmons said last week.
“The communication is “strong” between Keeley and the in-state school one source said. There is no date set for the official visit to the Swamp, but the Gators will receive one.”
According to Simmons, the No. 1 EDGE is not sure if he will make use of his remaining two official visits. If he does, USC and Oregon are programs to monitor.
However, right now, it’s looking like a battle between the Crimson Tide, Gators and Buckeyes.
Today’s Prediction: Alabama
Five-star teammates James Smith and Qua Russaw
This one was difficult and obviously not because of Smith’s ranking. He is a five-star prospect and the No. 1 defensive lineman with On3.
However, you also have four-star defensive linemen Jordan Hall and Kayden McDonald. Both are top targets for the Gators but not ranked as high. McDonald is probably the most-likely addition but ranked the lowest out of the three. This is where I could see a lot of debating.
However, the Gators are definitely surging with Smith and five-star EDGE teammate Qua Russaw.
Below is today’s report from Chad Simmons, who views Florida as a potential second option for both. That was the tipping point for me in terms of including Smith in the article. Even though they are a package deal, I was going to include Russaw either way.
“The duo out of Montgomery (Ala.) Carver made it clear again, they are going to the same school. Qua Russaw and James Smith feel they need each other on the next level. They push each other, they feed off each other, and both said they will sign together in December.
“The question is which school will they sign with? Based off intel I picked up on the road in Alabama last week, I would still lean towards Alabama as the favorite. Florida is very much in this race as well. Auburn and Georgia are next, then Ohio State still has to get the pair on campus.
“This race could still go a few different ways and this season will factor into things,” one source close to the five-stars told On3.”
James and Russaw spent multiple days in Gainesville during the weekend of Friday Night Lights and are expected to take an official visit on Oct. 15. That is during the weekend of the LSU game.
The Gators are making noise with both and recently transformed into a legitimate contender for the five-star duo
Posted on 9/3/22 at 9:54 pm to Partha
when can we see the commits coming in? midnight? tomorrow? 
Posted on 9/4/22 at 12:21 am to finchmeister08
The twitter account "The Crystal Ball" just projected Carmani McClain commits to us. He also said Dijon Johnson would about a week ago
Posted on 9/5/22 at 12:07 am to Louisiana Gator
Posted on 9/5/22 at 1:55 pm to finchmeister08
Time to bring DBU back.
Posted on 9/6/22 at 12:16 am to jfan244888
'24 QB DJ Lagway coming back for the kentucky game. sucks he couldn't make it last week, but he'll still experience a night game in the swamp with a good SEC matchup.
Posted on 9/6/22 at 8:50 am to finchmeister08
FSU OL commit roderick kearney will be in town for the kentucky game as well.
eta: 247 reporter blake alderman put in a CB for him
eta: 247 reporter blake alderman put in a CB for him
This post was edited on 9/6/22 at 10:29 am
Posted on 9/6/22 at 10:31 am to finchmeister08
2 crystal balls for the gators! One from fsu guy who got no response when he tried to ask him about beating LSU.
Posted on 9/7/22 at 12:07 am to Peter167
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