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Tuesday, September, 4, 2007
7:17 p.m. Good news coming
August was a forgettable month for the Gator Nation when it comes to the recruiting process. Not only did Florida not receive a single commitment, in the last six weeks they've seen several top targets including Art Forst (Rutgers), Joe Adams (Southern Cal), Tyler Love and Burton Scott (Alabama) commit elsewhere.
The slow start however wasn't unexpected.
Several months ago at the Jacksonville (Fla.) Gator Club Gator Gathering Urban Meyer explained to the media that because of the low scholarship numbers available, Florida would be taking a different approach when it comes to recruiting this year. In the last two cycles, the UF staff inked a total of 54 players - 27 in each class.
However this year's class is expected to be much smaller - in the 17-20 signee range.
Now as we enter the month of September, watch for activity to once again pick up along the recruiting trail. Beginning Sept 1st coaches were allowed to begin making weekly calls and offers can now be extended to juniors.
Not only that, but Florida, which currently ranks an abysmal 32nd in the team recruiting rankings, should see its current five man class expand by a couple this month as several Rivals100 members who have the Gators as a finalist are expected to make their decisions public.
The first bit of news could come as early as a week from now when four-star defensive end Chancey Aghayere officially visit's the Gators.
Though he won't make his college announcement until later in the month - UF has an opportunity to shut the door on LSU, Texas and Notre Dame with a good visit.
And then a week later a couple of Rivals100 prospects from the northeast, five-star athlete Will Hill and four-star linebacker Brendan Beal, will headline a strong group of official visitors for the Tennessee game.
It wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see the Gators land both by the conclusion of that big weekend.
Florida is clearly the team to beat for Hill, who is waiting for his mother to visit and sign off on the Gators.
Beal is down to Florida and Southern Cal. His unofficial visit to Gainesville several weeks ago seems to have tipped the scales in favor of the Gators.
Five-star cornerback Patrick Johnson is currently committed to Miami, but he is scheduled to be in Gainesville that weekend as well.
Finally at the end of the month watch for the two of the top players on the board (including a five-star rated prospect) to officially visit Florida when they host Auburn. More on them later.
My advice for those worried about where the Gators recruiting efforts to date, don't be - business is about to pick up in a big way.