The Back Alley Archives

O F F E N S E[/size]




Quarterback

Terrelle Pryor - He is still reportedly being recruited as an athlete. I doubt the UF staff gives up on him before NSD, I wouldn’t count on him ending up in O&B, however.
Other schools of interest: Ohio State, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Penn State

Star Jackson - It seems likely he will commit to Alabama in the coming weeks. It would be interesting to see what happens if Florida comes in with a late offer, however.
Other schools of interest: Alabama and Auburn

Analysis: It’s doubtful that a QB is signed in the ’08 class, but Star Jackson could get the nod if some sort of QB emergency develops (one or more QB’s leaving the program during the season/offseason).

Running Back

Committed to Florida:
Franklin Green - Green is quickly flying up the boards of recruiting analysts. He appears to be an excellent catch by the staff, despite the lack of “buzz” around him before he joined the fold as a Gator.

Still on the board:
Jamie Harper - Harper has gotten awfully quiet as of late. While an official trip to Clemson for the season opener against FSU looms large…the Gators are said to be in good shape here.
Other schools of interest: Clemson

Darrell Scott - Regardless of what happens with Harper and Green, the staff will recruit Scott until the bitter end because he’s that good. As of now, he could end up anywhere.
Other schools of interest: Colorado, Florida State, LSU, and Southern Cal

Cyrus Gray - He will take an official to Gainesville at some point. Gray is a great back who will likely get caught in a numbers crunch if he really wants to be a Gator.
Other schools of interest: Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Texas A&M

Others to watch: Covaughn DeBoskie, Reggie Hunt, Jericho Nelson, Eric Smith, Jeremiah Schwartz, and Ryan Williams

Analysis: Green is in the fold. Harper should join in the not-so-distant future. It would be interesting to see what the staff decides to do if Scott wants in as well.

Wide Receiver

Jeff Demps - The staff has turned up the heat on Demps, and have the fastest recruiting in the country locked in their sites. I’d be surprised if he strays too far from home when he announces his decision on November 5th.
Other schools of interest: Tennessee

T.J. Lawrence - Lawrence is another kid who has flown up the boards following Friday Night Lights. Florida seems to have snagged the lead from the Virginia Tech in this race.
Other schools of interest: Virginia Tech, Boise State, Iowa, and South Carolina

Kenny Tate - Would fit very nicely into the WR/TE hybrid role that Cornelius Ingram will be departing from in the next year or two. Tate is also very comfortable running with the ball, which makes him that much more valuable.
Other schools of interest: Maryland

Jeff Fuller - Texas prospect is flying up the board, and seems very interested in the Gators. He will take an official this fall, and it will be interesting to gauge where he stands afterwards.
Other schools of interest: Texas and Texas A&M

Lamaar Thomas - Seems to be dropping down the board. He didn’t get a whole lot of attention at FNL, and now doesn’t seem to have much interest in the Gators.
Other schools of interest: Illinois, Maryland, and Ohio State

Joe Adams - It will be interesting to see what happens here. He has a legit offer, and was apparently impressive at Friday Night Lights. It just seems hard to picture him in this class.
Other schools of interest: Arkansas and Georgia

Carl Moore - Top JUCO prospect is very high on the SEC. He is scheduled to come in for the FSU game, which should be a big weekend for prospects making a decision later. Considering the staff’s attitude toward JUCO prospects, however (they’ve only signed 2 in their three years together), smart money seems to be on Moore ending up elsewhere.
Other schools of interest: California, LSU, and Tennessee

Travis Benjamin - Seems to be waiting on an offer from Florida before he makes a decision. It’s still up in the air as to whether or not that happens.
Other schools of interest: Miami and LSU

Don’t count on it: DeAndre Brown, Michael Floyd, Julio Jones, Chris Tolliver, and Deion Walker

Others to watch: Harry Adams, Laron Byrd, O’Neill Chambers, Joshua Jarboe, A.J. Jenkins, Martavious Odoms, and Rodriquez Wilks

Analysis: Right now, it seems like Lawrence, Demps, and Tate end up Gators…although Fuller could replace Tate in short order. It will be interesting to see how things sort themselves out at WR. There are several top guys out there who want NO PART of the Gator depth chart (see A.J. Jenkins)…

Tight End

Chase Clement - Very impressive prospect. Seems headed to LSU, however…
Other schools of interest: LSU and Alabama

Austin Holt - Holt will bolt at the chance to be a Gator. He could get an offer, but it is certainly not a guarantee at this point. Good athlete for his size, however…or would provide a big target in the passing game, and considerably more in blocking than Tate Casey.
Other schools of interest: BYU commitment

Nick Plato - See Austin Holt, above.
Other schools of interest: Open

Don’t count on it: Dwayne Allen, Jonathan Baldwin, Devonta Bolden, and Tyler Edwards

Others to watch: Lavar Edwards, Nathan Nord, DeAngelo Peterson, and Mark Wedderburn

Analysis: If the Gators get a kid like Kenny Tate or Jeff Fuller who can fill the Ingram-role, don’t expect a TE in this class. If that scenario doesn’t play out…look for Holt or Plato to end up a Gator.

Offensive Line

Tackles
Matt Patchan - This one is shaping up to be a Miami-Florida battle. A lot of it will depend on how well Miami performs on the field this year. If the ‘Canes struggle…the Gators should hit the jackpot on this one.
Other schools of interest: Miami and LSU

Barrett Jones - Should sign with ‘Bama, but he is visiting on UT weekend, which seems to be “commitment weekend” to date. Very interesting…
Other schools of interest: Alabama, UNC, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt

Zebrie Sanders - It seems natural to think UGA probably has the lead here. Florida is fighting for his signature, however. Another WLOCP win would probably go a long way to helping Florida in this one (“Do you really want to lose to us for four straight years?”)
Other schools of interest: Arkansas, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, and South Carolina

Mike Goodman - Quickly rising up the charts. I’m not sure what took so long on this one, since he’s the third best O-Lineman in Florida, and a tackle prospect to boot. He’s from Miami, but is impressed with the entire package UF has to offer. This one could get very interesting.
Other schools of interest: Boston College, Miami, and Wisconsin

Greg Shaw - He will make a trip to Florida on an official visit, it seems. Florida seems to be making a move, but will it be enough to snag the brother of Willie Williams?
Other schools of interest: Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Louisville

David Young - Illinois lineman, and teammate of TE prospect has just recent hit the board. Not a lot of info on this kid, but he sure does look the part of a Florida tackle.
Other schools of interest: Wide open…

Interior Linemen
Kenneth Page - Florida has cracked his top ten. He still needs to take a visit to Gainesville for Florida to be considered a possibility, however.
Other schools of interest: Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and South Carolina, among others…

Ricky Barnum - Florida appears to be in good shape on this one. It’s still not exactly clear whether the Gators will take an inside player or not in this recruiting cycle.
Other schools of interest: Primarily FSU and Miami

Dalton Freeman - A Drew Miller-clone. Freeman could play virtually any spot on the O-Line. He seemed impressed by a visit to Gainesville earlier this summer.
Other schools of interest: Clemson, Penn State, South Carolina, and Tennessee

Byran Jones - The Jacksonville product impressed at FNL. With scholarships being at such a premium, Jones is a wait-and see type, however…
Other schools of interest: Florida State, South Florida, UCF

Don’t count on it: Michael Brewster, Art Forst, Josh Jenkins, Tyler Love, Vinston Painter, and Brandon Washington

Others to watch: B.J. Brand, Deveric Gallington, and Antoine McClain

Analysis: The offensive line situation is still dicey, probably more so than any other position group for the time being. If Miami stinks it up and Patchan ends up a Gator, that will clear things up dramatically. Look for one of the other tackle prospects to end up in Gainesville as well. On the interior, nothing is for certain right now, but Barnum and Jones seem to be the best bets if the coaches go that route.

D E F E N S E[/size]




Defensive Line

Committed to Florida:
Earl Okine - Big Gainesville product could enroll early…which would be great for his chances of contributing early.

Chaz Sutton - Sutton is clearly rising in the eyes of the analysts, rising to four-star status on Rivals. I think the coaches made an excellent decision picking him over Keith Wells.

Still on the board:
William Green - Green has gotten very quiet as of late. He would be a perfect fit at the FOX end, as he is a Jermaine Cunningham-clone. While the staff would have to be worried about ‘Bama here all the way until signing day, the Gators look good here.
Other schools of interest: Alabama and Florida State

Chancey Aghayere - Rumored to be disenchanted with some of the tactics that Mack Brown and his staff have been using, things are looking very much here with Agahyere. He will make a decision after his September 14th visit to Gainesville to watch the Gators take on the Vols.
Other schools of interest: Texas

Robert Quinn - Seemed impressed with his trip to Gainesville to watch a recent practice, the fact that Dunlap is here will keep Florida in the thick of things. South Carolina appears to be the team to beat, however.
Other schools of interest: Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina, and Tennessee

Jeremy Lewis - He is definitely open and looking around. If UF decides to tender him an offer, it seems he could be turned by the Gator staff.
Other schools of interest: Miami commitment

Marty Everett - This one is a wait-and-see. The Gator staff likes Everett’s potential, but want to see some improvement and consistency in his performance-on and off the field.
Other schools of interest: Tennessee and UCF, among others

Quinton Coples - Coples’s comments have always struck me as if he is VERY interested in what Gainesville has to offer. It seems likely he ends up at UNC now, however. Hopefully his move to Hargrave puts him in a position to qualify with the ’08 class. Does he have a UF offer?
Other schools of interest: Clemson, North Carolina, N.C. State, and Ohio State

Don’t count on it: Marcus Forston, Masengo Kabongo, Moses McCray, Damion Square, and Brandon Thompson

Others to watch: Charles Deas, Brandon Lang, Micanor Regis, and Kyrhi Thornton

Analysis: As of now, I’m going with the two commitments in the fold, and one of Aghayere or Green, which would open up a spot for Quinn, Lewis, or Everett to possibly get a commitable offer. If the Gators can snag BOTH Green and Agahyere, expect them to call it a day on the defensive line.

Linebacker

Playing inside
Brendan Beal - Things have heated up for Beal in recent weeks. He looks to make a decision in early September, and there’s a fairly good chance it could turn out to be Florida.
Other schools of interest: Boston College and Southern California

Etienne Sabino - It’s really hard to get a read on this kid. I’ve heard UNC here, but that may not be the case. Coach Holliday has his work cut out for him here, but the Gators have a shot.
Other schools of interest: Miami, Ohio State, and UNC

J.B. Fitzgerald - He’s a great looking prospect with excellent size. His position on the board would certainly move up if Beal decides on USC.
Other schools of interest: Michigan and Rutgers

Jonathan Meyers - This one has been quiet for a while. He could play fullback or linebacker in Gainesville. It will be interesting to see what Meyers does.
Other schools of interest: Michigan and Nebraska, among others…

On the outside
Marcus Robinson - Florida has an ace in the hole with Homestead coach Bobby McCray. On the field performance will also have a lot to do with Florida’s chances of stealing the talented OLB prospect out of South Florida.
Other schools of interest: Miami commitment, also looking at Florida State and Southern California

Ramon Buchanan - Things are heating up here. Cookie is definitely one to keep an eye on over the course of his senior season.
Other schools of interest: (soft) Miami commitment

Jerrell Harris - He’s wide open. Waiting until December to make a decision could hurt his chances of ending up a Gator, however.
Other schools of interest: Wide open…

Malcolm Munroe - Munroe is in wait-and-see mode for now. If the Gators miss on a couple of the prospects ahead of him, an offer could find its way to his doorstep.
Other schools of interest: Auburn, Clemson, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, and UCF

Don’t count on it: Arthur Brown, Shayne Hale, Lynn Katoa, Lerentee McCray, and Marlon Walls

Others to watch: Ryan Baker, Sergio Joyner, and Robert Sands

Analysis: As of now, I’m going to go with Brendan Beal or Ramon Buchanan in this class. If the Gators miss on Beal, Fitzgerald seems like a safe bet, although Sabino is a darkhorse in this race. If Buchanan sticks with Miami, Malcolm Munroe seems to be the one likely to fall into the Gator column.

Defensive Back

Committed to Florida:
Dee Finley - A couple of trips to Auburn practice have some concerned. While I’m not telling anyone not to be alarmed, I still think he sticks. Realistically, however…Auburn could turn him. Looking at the big picture…if the Gators can afford to lose one of their commitments, Finley is the one the Gators would be best equipped to handle.

Cornerback
T.J. Bryant - It seems entirely possible that this Tallahassee Lincoln prospect will get away from the hometown ‘Noles. Who stands to benefit, is the question…
Other schools of interest: Florida State, LSU, Miami, and Southern Cal

Janorris Jenkins - He’s big and he’s physical. Jenkins is flying up the charts, and the Gators are quickly looking to make this partnership official. Things look good here.
Other schools of interest: Auburn and Clemson

Jeremy Brown - While he’s down to five schools, it seems pretty clear Brown is down to one-the Gators. It would be a minor upset of sorts if he ended up anywhere but Gainesville.
Other schools of interest: Notre Dame, UGA, UNC, and Auburn

Brandon Harris - There smoke is starting to pick up between Harris and Miami. While it seems Harris and his father were impressed with what the Gators had to offer, it should come as no surprise that he will end up in Coral Gables.
Other schools of interest: Miami

George Baker - Is my “super-sleeper” on the board. Baker has INCREDIBLE athleticism, but no offer from the Gators. Expect that to change if the miss on a kid like Jeremy Brown or Janoris Jenkins.
Other schools of interest: Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, and UCF

Don’t count on it: Patrick Johnson, Patrick Nixon, and Burton Scott

Others to watch: Xavier Avery, Adrian Bushell, Jarred Holley, Travis Howard, and Charles Whitlock

Analysis: The Gators appear to be in really good shape for Brown and Jenkins. They will wait until signing day for Bryant and Johnson. If they don’t get either of those two…look for Spencer Adams or D’Anton Lynn to possibly be brought in as a “big corner.”

Safety
Will Hill - “The Thrill” will be in Gainesville on September 15th for the Tennessee game with his family. Look for him to make it official then.
Other schools of interest: Michigan, Florida State, USC, and Rutgers

Spencer Adams - The staff LOVES Adams’s speed, which is comparable to Ted Ginn’s in the hurdles. Adams is really high on Florida and could play S or CB in Gainesville. Don’t be surprised if this one goes UF’s way. He visits the weekend of the UT game.
Other Schools of interest: Clemson, Michigan, Miami, North Carolina, and N.C. State

D’Anton Lynn - Reportedly Lynn is very high on the Gators, but he still hasn’t made it to Gainesville for a visit yet. Lynn is one to watch, especially if Finley gets away.
Other schools of interest: Nebraska, Penn State, Southern California, and Texas Tech

Darren Sewell - Sort of a plan B prospect at this time. Sewell is talented, but not getting a whole lot of looks from major schools as of now. He plays alongside Cookie Buchanan.
Other schools of interest: Arkansas, Central Florida, Rutgers, and South Carolina

Others to watch: Mark Barron, Jordan Byas, P.J. Smith, and Brynden Trawick

Analysis: Hill looks good to go for Florida. Adams could fill in at the other safety spot (if Finley bails) or could be brought in as a big corner. Regardless, those three players are the main ones in play at safety.

Special Teams

Committed to Florida:
Caleb Sturgis - Upon further review…it would be nice if Sturgis was available for the Gators THIS year. He will quickly become a factor in the kicking game when he arrives on campus.

I figure will will probably only take one or two RB's since Moody has transfered to UF.