top 16 recruiting targets for the gators

[radbag]

Prospect Ranking


1 Matt Patchan
Seffner (FL) Armwood OL 6-7/265 list
Patchan, MattTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: Despite the fact that UF has back-to-back top rated recruiting classes, the Gators currently do not have good numbers at offensive tackle. Patchan is not only the top rated uncommitted OT in the nation, the Gators are in his final three.

THE SKINNY: It‘s hard to get a read on him. Not because like some kids out there, he constantly changes his mind or plays games, but rather because he keeps his thoughts on who leads (if anyone does) close to the vest. After several recent interviews he might have a reputation for being cocky, but talking to him, he doesn’t come off that way - so much as he does just being a kid who wants to win and isn’t afraid of ruffling feathers by stating what he feels. I have heard differing stories from those who ‘could‘ be in the know when it comes to him. Enough to make me believe it is an either or between UF and Miami.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: MIA & LSU

CURRENT BEST GUESS: Normally I would take a pass in attempting to predict an outcome on a guy who hasn’t given me any indication one way or another, but in the end, he wants to win and out of the two in-state programs hot on his trail, with all due respect to Miami, Florida is miles in front as far as being a championship contender at the moment and for the foreseeable future. Also, he has talked about trying out both sides of the ball - UF showed with Mike Pouncey this year that they aren't against that idea.



2 Darrell Scott
Ventura (CA) St. Bonaventure RB 6-0/204 list
Scott, DarrellTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: If you happened to of seen his highlight tape, you won‘t need a reason as to why he appears No. 2 overall on this list (you‘re more likely wondering why he isn‘t No. 1). However if you haven‘t, he is the first true difference maker at the position Florida has been involved with since the Fred Taylor days. The Gators just lost two backs to transfer, but Scott was a highly desired commodity even before that.

THE SKINNY: He‘s followed down his own path when it comes to recruiting. He‘ll go a couple of months without granting interviews and then do 10 in a week. We are currently in one of his dry spells, but since the summer, in every single update, the Gators are the only program he has mentioned time and again. Others have risen and fallen, but the Gators have been a constant. Some on this side feel like he‘s UF‘s to lose.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: UT, COL & Others

CURRENT BEST GUESS: Though I do believe UF will be in it until the bitter end, it would be hard to pick them here without him visiting officially or unofficially. Instead I’ll go with Colorado, because of family ties, for the moment.



3 Patrick Johnson
Pompano Beach (FL) Ely DB 6-1/193 Miami-FL
Johnson, PatrickTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: Even with the likely addition of 4-star cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Jeremy Brown, Florida is still lacking top notch talent in the secondary at the corner position. With Johnson being the top corner in the nation, his place on this list is secure.

THE SKINNY: After speaking with his father on Tuesday (12/11), I get the feeling that despite his very public radio statement that he is committed to Miami, Johnson is still very much in play and the Gators are very much in the running.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: MIA, LSU, UNC, USC & UGA

CURRENT BEST GUESS: In an update earlier this week, in an interview on the network, his father said there could be a surprise. After speaking with him myself tonight, I'm going to stick with that and say Florida in a squeaker over LSU.



4 Lerentee McCray
Dunnellon (FL) Dunnellon LB 6-2/200 list
McCray, LerenteeTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: The numbers at linebacker (9) are good, but not great. Plus, to be honest, other than Brandon Spikes, there isn‘t a proven difference out of the bunch. Add in the fact that three of the top four contributors are juniors next year, and it all adds up to Florida having a legitimate need at the position. There are a couple of more highly rated prospects on the board than McCray, but given his proximity to Gainesville, his ranking and his interest level, he lands this far up the list.

THE SKINNY: His recently being ’dumped’ by Miami seems to be a preemptive strike on their part, considering how seriously he was looking around at other programs, including Florida (where he has visited more times than Coral Gables since his commitment).

OTHERS IN THE MIX: TN, SC & Others

CURRENT BEST GUESS: Even while he was still publicly committed to Miami, he made a couple of trips to Gainesville for games, a practice and a basketball game. He‘s still visiting other schools, but you have to love Florida‘s chances of finally landing him this time around.



5 William Green
Hoover (AL) Spain Park LB 6-4/215 list
Green, WilliamTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: Regardless of whether he stays at linebacker or eventually grows into a defensive end, he is one of the premiere prospects in the nation and Florida has been sitting near the top of his list since the very beginning.

THE SKINNY: While there are several guys this year who are putting their senior football season's head of recruiting, he has taken it to the extreme of just not taking a single official visit to date, he hasn't even set one up yet. Now that his season is over, he should begin making the rounds. Look for the Gators to get their visit on either 1/11 or 1/18.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: AUB & BAMA

CURRENT BEST GUESS: For a while now many have had him secretly in the Gators column, but going into Alabama and pulling a kid that the in-state powers have targeted is easier said then done. If he had to pick today, my guess would be he stays home (Alabama).



6 Jeff Demps
Groveland (FL) South Lake RB 5-8/162 list
THE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: There are a couple of more highly rated running backs on the board according to the various services, but from the standpoint of speed and athleticism, Demps doesn‘t take a backseat to anyone. This is a kid you get on campus regardless of the number and then let him find his own position to contribute.

THE SKINNY: Publicly it has been between Tennessee and the Gators for quite a few months now - but in reality - he is all Gators. He told me in an interview (Mullen visits 4-star) several weeks ago that he was making his official visit to UF after he makes his public announcement. When I asked if that was a indication as to where he will be going, he laughed it off and said it may be.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: TN

CURRENT BEST GUESS: As if I really needed to write it out - Florida. If Florida State offers (I doubt they do), it could become a horse race.



7 Jonathan Meyers
Greenwich (CT) Greenwich High School LB 6-1/215 list
Meyers, JonathanTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: He's not nearly as highly thought of nationally as the players ranked above him here on the Sweet 16, however, he would be the lone scholarship fullback on the roster if he were to eventually ink with the Gators.

THE SKINNY: After talking to his coach twice about ten days ago (Florida to meet with 4-star Meyers), I thought this would be over by now. I was under the impression he would commit immediately after his football season concluded. After speaking with his mother the other night, this could go on for a little while. According to her, it is simply because he isn't focusing on recruiting.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: VA

CURRENT BEST GUESS: I still think it's Florida, but the fact that he hasn't publicly committed yet begs the question, is UF serious about taking a fullback in this class? Why else would he not be in the Gator column by now? I would think they are considering as big a role as Latsko and Rutledge have played over the last couple of seasons. Add to that the fact that Meyers has better ball skills and it would seem like a no brainer.



8 Zebrie Sanders
Clayton (OH) Northmont OL 6-5/273 list
Sanders, ZebrieTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: As I pointed out above, there are still holes on the Florida line, especially at offensive tackle. Most of the time you wouldn't see an offensive lineman from the Buckeye state on here, but since OSU decided to take a pass, combined with the fact that he is originally from the south, that puts Florida near the top of his list.

THE SKINNY: Recently he has talked about officially visiting Louisville and Florida State. Not long ago he talked about taking visits to South Carolina and UCLA, but they never panned out, meaning whether or not he makes the visit to see the Cardinals may be a litmus test as to if any teams other than Georgia and Florida are seriously in the mix.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: UGA, LOUV & FSU

CURRENT BEST GUESS: When I spoke with him just the other day (Sanders still has two at the top) Sanders reiterated the fact that it is still a two team race between the Gators and Bulldogs. When I asked about his mother's connection to UGA, he said it could be a factor. I am going to go with that and pick Georgia.



9 Jamie Harper
Jacksonville (FL) Trinity Christian RB 6-0/210 list
Harper, JamieTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: As mentioned in the Scott writeup above, with the transfer of Bo Williams and Chevon Walker, Florida is simply lacking in numbers at the running back position. Combine that with the fact that he is the top rated in-state back Florida has a serious chance of landing and he is an easy choice to duplicate his August appearance on the Sweet 16.

THE SKINNY: For the longest of times it was a Florida – Clemson battle. However recently Miami, Florida State and some others have entered the picture and are scheduled to receive official visits. He talked about finding a place where he feels comfortable, but he is also looking at depth charts as well – which brings us back to the Gators and Tigers.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: ILL, MIA, FSU & CLEM

CURRENT BEST GUESS: If he had to decide today, my guess would be it would be close between Florida and Clemson, with the Tigers holding the edge. His so called 'package deal' with teammate Daniel Andrews is more than just lip service, though it isn't set in stone.



10 Ramon Buchanan
Melbourne (FL) Palm Bay DB 6-0/181 Miami-FL
Buchanan, RamonTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: He was just another name on the board until his standout appearance at UF's FNL Camp. Though he is a bit light for a outside linebacker candidate, and a step slower than some safeties, he is the type of athlete you bring in and watch make plays because of his football speed and savvy.

THE SKINNY: An early commitment to Miami was a bit of a surprise considering the Gators past success at Palm Bay (Reggie Nelson, Joe Cohen, Mike Degory). Though he is still a Hurricane commitment, he will take several official visits including one to Gainesville (1/18). Despite his commitment to Miami, he actually has been on the Florida campus more times over the last several months than he has Miami's.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: MIA, ILL, LSU & Others

CURRENT BEST GUESS: As of today, I would still have to say Miami. Ask me after his visit to Florida (on what will be UF's biggest recruiting weekend) and I might have a different answer.



11 Ricky Barnum
Lakeland (FL) Lake Gibson OL 6-2/246 list
Barnum, RickyTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: People see the listed weight (246-lbs) and wonder, but he has actually been steadily putting on weight over the course of the last year and is now in the high 260s to low 270s. If Mike Pouncey stays on the defensive side of the ball, Florida's need to sign a center becomes one of the top unfulfilled needs in this cycle.

THE SKINNY: this is another young man who has been consistent in his mention of the Gators in each and every update. That is always a good sign, especially considering his only other finalist who has been consistently on his list is USF, not exactly a premiere program (though proximity could help them). The first of his five official visits takes place this weekend when he travels up to Atlanta (GT). The Gators are getting him in on the 1/18 weekend.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: GT, USF, WVU & UGA

CURRENT BEST GUESS: In the end, I believe it will come down to the two instate schools and when is the last time the Bulls have topped the Gators for a prospect?



12 T.J. Lawrence
Lakeland (FL) Kathleen WR 6-0/185 list
Lawrence, T.J.THE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: He is the most highly thought of uncommitted receiver in the state of Florida that the Gators have a shot of landing. The question then is twofold, does Florida take a fourth receiver in this class and if so, do they stay in-state for him or do they head out-of-state?

THE SKINNY: He proved at UF FNL Camp that he is one of the top players at his position in the nation. But has that made him one of the top targets for the Gators who have three receivers in the bag already? At differing times he has had Boise State, Virginia Tech, South Carolina and Florida on top. If he stays home and if the Gators stay home for another receiver, you have to like the Gators chances.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: VT, SC & MIA

CURRENT BEST GUESS: While he likes the way UF spreads the ball around, he isn't as fond of the number of play-makers already on the Gator roster. Does that force him to head elsewhere? As of now I would say yes (South Carolina).



13 Greg Shaw
Miami (FL) Monsignor Pace OL 6-5/267 list
Shaw, GregTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: Though he has seen his stock on the network steadily decline (he was a Rivals100 member at one time), he is still considered to be one of the top offensive linemen in the state this year.

THE SKINNY: He was originally scheduled to visit UF for the FSU game, but then switched that to an unofficial visit, before not coming in at all. Now he has reset the visit for this coming weekend. I've spoken with him a couple of times, but really haven't gotten anything newsworthy out of him or even so much as a veiled hint as to where he may be leaning (if he is at all).

OTHERS IN THE MIX: LSU, USF & WVU

CURRENT BEST GUESS: With his lone visit to date being his trip to Baton Rouge, I would give the Tigers the current edge.



14 Rod Davis
Aldine (TX) Eisenhower High School DT 6-2/300 Texas A&M
Davis, RodTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: After hauling in the mother load at the position last year, defensive tackle isn't a huge priority, but Florida could still use a player or two here. Add in the fact that though they are super talented, players such as John Brown and Torrey Davis haven't lit the world on fire during practice and Brandon Antwine has back issues, and it appears as though the Gators have an opportunity to sell to potential future Gators.

THE SKINNY: Committed to Texas A&M, he spoke of taking official visits even before the coaching change by the Aggies. Can Greg Mattison pull him away now that TA&M has a new coach with NFL experience?

OTHERS IN THE MIX: TA&M & COL

CURRENT BEST GUESS: While anything can happen on an official visit, you have to like the Aggies chances of keeping him in the fold.



15 Adrian Bushell
DeSoto (TX) DeSoto ATH 5-11/180 list
Bushell, AdrianTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: Other than Brown – who appears to be solid as a rock - so many of the other names at the position seem to be question marks. That leaves room on the Sweet 16 for one more highly regarded cornerback. In the case of Bushell, he could factor in at several different positions – adding to his value.

THE SKINNY: In his latest update here on the network, he called Oklahoma State his leader, but said that he would officially visit both Florida and Louisville (there's that program again) before making a final decision. He'll be in on 1/11 along with teammate Cyrus Gray. Unlike many teammates though, they don't claim to be a package deal.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: OSU & LOUIV

CURRENT BEST GUESS: He said himself that the Cowboys are in the lead.



16 Terrelle Pryor
Jeannette (PA) Jeannette QB 6-6/235 list
Pryor, TerrelleTHE REASON BEHIND THE RATING: The coaching staff has said in the past that they would like to add a quarterback a class, but that seems unlikely this time around. The departure of Bryan Waggener leaves the Gators with only three signal callers on staff, but they are three young and very talented ones.

THE SKINNY: Two weeks ago, despite his lofty ranking, he wouldn't have made the list. I would have pegged him to be part of the incredible class Ohio State is putting together. However, in his last update on the network, he showed how much he wants to be part of a spread offense by dropping the Buckeyes down his list if not from consideration altogether, while at the same time adding Oregon to his list. Florida is still the longest of long-shots, but they are still in the race.

OTHERS IN THE MIX: WVU & ORG

CURRENT BEST GUESS: With the Buckeyes falling down if not off his list of favorites, the odds on favorite now has to be the Mountaineers.

[MinGator]

Wonder if we've ever looked at this kid. it's gotta be saying something if he's winning back to back All-Tidewater POY awards like Percy Harvin.

A 5-foot-11, 175-pounder, Whaley finished as South Hampton Roads’ career leader in rushing yards and single-season and career points. He’s the second consecutive player to win back-to-back All-Tidewater Player of the Year awards, following Landstown’s Percy Harvin in 2004 and ’05.

Whaley’s 5,420 career regular-season yards shattered the previous mark of 4,500 set by Mike Majette of Princess Anne in the 1990s.

Just as impressive were Whaley’s durability and consistency. He never missed a game, gained 100-plus yards in 29 of 40 regular-season games and rushed for 200 or more yards four times.

During the past two seasons Whaley helped the SunDevils finish 20-0 in the Beach District and win an Eastern Region Division 6 championship.

seems to be a little small for an every down pounding back, but i wonder if he could take some of the snaps similar to Percy and let Percy shine more as a WR. Dunno, meyer likes playmakers and this kid seems to fit the bill.

Linkyhttp://hamptonroads.com/2007/12/repeat- ... ege-choice

[RickySlade]

^^^Check out #6 on the list. Demps is the fastest recruit in the nation...he won the 100 (10.26) and 200 (21.04) meter AAU Junior Olympic national championships. He finished the 100 meter semifinal in 10.25 seconds. Baller.