The Hot 11 is usually reserved for ranking the performance of University of Florida football players, however this time around the prognosticators here at GatorBait.net are using it to predict which of the incoming freshmen may see early action for the Gators.
Picking who may or may not play before they show up for Summer B workouts is always a hit or miss proposition. In the past for example players such as Kyle Jackson (less than a 250-lb bench in high school) and Tate Casey (needed to add weight) looked as though they would need a redshirt season. As we know, each of them played.
Two years ago, Tim Tebow occupied the top spot, and then went on to win the Heisman as a Sophomore.
With that in mind, Justin Wells, Barton Simmons, Adam Gorney and Mark Wheeler joined together to vote for the Hot 11 signees in the class of 2008.
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6'0, 322-lb defensive tackle Omar Hunter Buford (Ga.)
Role: For the second year in a row Florida is welcoming in a five-star defensive tackle. Last years' top dog – Torrey Davis – received his stars based on potential, whereas Hunter has already proven it on the field. From a physical and strength standpoint, Hunter might be as developed as anyone on the squad. Urban Meyer was all but drooling over him on Wednesday. Look for Hunter to make an early impact in Gainesville.
Competition: No one ahead of him on the depth chart has established themselves as go to players. The most accomplished of the bunch, Brandon Antwine, is battling back issues and won't be available for spring practice.
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6'2, 203-lb safety Will Hill West Orange (N.J.) St. Peters Preparatory School
Role: He has the talent, size and strength to see the field early, but the holdup may just be at what position in the secondary or do you see what he can do with the ball in his hands? He has the type of play making ability that the coaches may be tempted to see what he can do offensively as well.
Competition: He looks to be more along the lines of a free safety rather than a strong safety, while Major Wright plays the run better than the pass. Could that leave a spot open for Hill early in his career?
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6'3, 220-lb receiver Carl Moore Roseville (Calif.) Cordova/Sierra C.C.
Role: He almost has to be a superstar now out of the blocks to help make up for the negative publicity that surrounded his signing with the Gators. He has the tools, and there should be an opportunity in the offense for him to see the ball with the match up issues he will cause for defenses.
Competition: He says he was brought in to take over for Andre Caldwell in the slot, but his physical package more closely resembles Cornelius Ingram.
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5'10, 177-pound cornerback Janoris Jenkins Pahokee (Fla.)
Role: Both starting cornerback roles are wide open and ready to be taken. Jenkins has the ability and physical nature to be a one-on-one cover corner in the SEC.
Competition: There isn't much of it to speak of. None of the corners on the roster have much experience and outside of Joe Haden, none have shown that they are indispensable. Unless there's a drastic improvement from the others, there isn't going to be much competition.
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6'6, 260-pound offensive tackle Matt Patchan Seffner (Fla.) Armwood
Role: Unless he is able to start packing on some poundage, and that seems unlikely with his recent surgery, he seems to be destined as more of a role player his first year or two in Gainesville. He talked about getting a chance to participate some as a tight end. With UF's lack of players on the roster at that position, it seems to be the path of least resistance as far as playing time.
Competition: As a tight end, there's only Aaron Hernandez and maybe Tate Casey. As an offensive tackle, there's no way he beats out Jason Watkins or Phil Trautwein for a job.
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6'4, 215-lb linebacker / defensive end William Green Hoover (Ala.) Spain Park
Role: He is the perfect defensive end to drop off when Florida goes to zone coverage now and then because of his size and speed. He's primarily a speed rusher off the end in passing situations. He doesn't currently have the bulk to hold up against the run.
Competition: The Gators have some young talent across the line, but it is mainly inside at tackle. Green might be reminiscent of Jermanine Cunningham coming in size wise, but Cunningham had a much thicker build – whereas Green is more lanky. How much he plays early on may depend on the development of Carlos Dunlap, Jaye Howard and even Earl Okine.
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6'3, 223-lb linebacker Brendan Beal Bangor (Pa.) Liberty
Role: Over the last couple of years the UF coaching staff has had their incoming linebackers earn playing time by first proving that they are capable of contributing on special teams. Beal is bigger and more physically ready than any of the kids UF has brought in recently - not named Brandon Spikes that is.
Competition: Beal should be able to battle A.J. Jones for the spot on the strong side as well as be in the mix to backup Spikes in the middle.
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5'8, 176-lb athlete Jeffrey Demps Groveland (Fla.) South Lake
Role: He's one of these types that Meyer keeps loading up on. Though he's listed as a running back, he's going to see action in the backfield and the slot as well. He might also be in the mix as a kick returner. With his speed, the coaches will find a way to get him the ball
Competition: His competition isn't Emmanuel Moody or Mon Williams. He will be battling Chris Rainey and Brandon James for touches.
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6'2, 220-pound Safety Dee Finley Auburn (Ala.)
Role: From a body type standpoint, Finley looks ready to bypass college and head straight to the NFL. He has coverage ability, but looks like he is destined for outside linebacker at some point. Look for him to make his mark early on on the special teams unit.
Competition: From the start, his battle will be for playing time on special teams but if he does make a dent in the depth chart at safety, it will be at the expense of Bryan Thomas and/or Jamar Hornsby.
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6'0, 236-pound fullback T.J. Pridemore Buford (Ga.)
Role: Personal protector of Tim Tebow and company in the UF offensive backfield. As was painfully the case in the Capital One Bowl loss to Michigan, the Gators need a lead blocker in the worst way.
Competition: Hernandez to an extent, but his real competition is with himself in his ability to learn the play book. This spot is wide open heading into the spring with former linebackers Ryan Stamper (does he play FB or LB next year?) and Steven Wilks battling it out.
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5'10, 182-pound kicker Caleb Sturgis St. Augustine (Fla.)
Role: At the very least he should be handling kickoffs. That's the very least. Being on campus already, kicking without a tee – he's got a shot at taking over the place kicker duties.
Competition: Some walk ons Jonathan Phillips and his ability to do away with a kicking tee.
