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The University of Florida is on fire along the recruiting trail. Maybe not when compared to programs such as Texas and Ohio State - who have already all but filled out their classes - but in relation to where they were this time last year. In 2007 at the beginning of the month of July, Florida had but two public commitments from a class that would eventually number twenty-two signees.
The Gators have picked up five commitments in the last seven weeks and sat with seven total commitments before the month of June was over and done with.
Not only are the Gators taking commitments earlier ths year, another big change is the early makeup of the class.
Last year twelve of the twenty-two signees came from out of state. This year, six of the first seven are from the Sunshine State and the other is from Georgia.
During his Signing Day press conference Urban Meyer stated that except for venturing into New Jersey and Texas, he intended to stay close to home when it comes to recruiting.
"That's (one reason) why our staff came here because within four or five hours of campus you have the best players in the country so our focus is here," Meyer said.
Florida has definitely picked up the pace early on. Earlier this spring at the Sarasota Gator Gathering Meyer spoke of his assistants getting antsy last year because the Gators kept turning away potential commitments.
According to Meyer, though 2006 and 2007 may have been more highly rated, in his opinion the 2008 class is the best he and his staff have assembled in their time at Florida.
Meyer said that is because they took their time to get to know the players and really research them before accepting their commitment.
Using that logic, that could be the reason why Florida is ahead of the commitment pace this year.
Because UF is getting players located closer to home, they have a much better feel for those prospects.
Guys such as Jonotthan Harrison, Jon Halapio, Nu'Keese Richardson, Greg Reid and Nick Alajajian have been on campus numerous times. The staff has met with them, their families and those in their support group such as coaches.
Florida already has a great feeling for what they are getting in these young men.
In contrast a player like Morgan Newton was told that for his offer to be official, he needs to get to Gainesville for a camp or an unofficial visit so that the staff could evaluate him first hand as a player, and for their purposes, even more importantly as a person.
If it were up to Meyer, he wouldn't leave the state if he didn't have to.
"I'd rather have 22 in-state, saves a lot of gas money for the university and travel time for us," said Meyer on signing day.
So far, mission almost accomplished. While over half of last year's haul came from out-of-state, this year it wouldn't be surprising if two-thirds or more of the signees came from in-state.
Rivals.com recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg has an idea of why that may be the case.
"I think much has to do with the fact that UF is low on scholarships. When that happens you go typically more in-state than out-of-state, especially because your odds are better.
"Also, it's a great year in-state at most of the positions."
FlaVarsity.com Publisher Michael Langston believes that the available talent in-state just happened to match-up with the Gators needs this year.
"Sometimes it just comes down to needs and where each kids fit into the program whether that be in-state or out of state, which happened to be the case last season. There is without question a little more talent in-state for the Gators at positions of need, and the staff for Florida has done an excellent job at addressing that talent, and keeping the home front secured.
"Honestly, I don't think there isn't a place in the state that the Gators don't have a good relationship with, and know they can go in there and reel in some talent.
"In addition, if you focus on the offensive line recruiting for Florida and the state there isn't a wide base to choose from for Florida because that's a position that is somewhat top heavy with Harrison, and Alajajian being some of the more highly rated guys at that position. Florida made it clear they have a few needs there they needed to address early, which is why you see a big urgency to land some talented prospects there."
With the Gators looking at taking anywhere from 18 to 22 players in this class, there's still plenty of room for instate talent.
Langston shared his thoughts on some of the top remaining Sunshine State prospects who are looking at the Gators.
"Florida is far from done in the Sunshine State there's no question about that. A couple of names that I believe Florida has a very good shot for, and lead for based on what I've been hearing are Miami (Fla.) Gulliver Prep's Frankie Telfort, who's coming in for a UF visit soon. Palm Beach (Fla.) Central linebacker Jon Bostic and Sanford (Fla.) Seminole defensive end Dyron Dye.
"I also feel the Gators have a good shot at prospects like Sanford (Fla.) Seminole receiver Andre Debose, Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln safety Jawanza Starling, who grew up a Gator fan, Miami (Fla.) defensive tackle Antwan Lowery and Jacksonville (Fla.) Jackson safety Corey Addison, if they push for him.
"Florida is certainly in the mix for Miami (Fla.) Palmetto running back Jaamal Berry, but at this point I would have to say Ohio State is where I expect him to end up. However, as we've seen with visits (Richardson) that can quickly change.
"You could probably throw Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage lineman Jared Wheeler into the discussion, but I'm not sure they are pushing as hard as they once were for Wheeler considering the needs for the position. That's a wait and see decision.
"Those are some of the main targets out of the sunshine state and I'm sure as the season goes on more will continue to shoot up the charts for the Florida staff."
There's seven more months and roughly 13-15 more slots to fill. Just how quickly will it happen and how many will come from within the state's borders? Stand by to find out.
