Chomping At Bits: Could Florida Gators Land No. 1 Recruiting Class?
by FlaGators on Jan 8, 2012 11:58 AM EST
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Gators in position for highly ranked recruiting class: The Gators' class currently ranks No. 3 at Rivals, and No. 4 at both Scout and ESPN. I guess with a few more additions it's possible, but to me at least, it doesn't matter. (Hays Carlyon, The Florida Times-Union)
Jonathan Bullard brings class to 19: As pointed out in the article, the Gators' lack of depth at the defensive line looks to be solved in this recruiting cycle. (Rachel George, Swamp Things/Orlando Sentinel)
Tracy Howard has Gators in final three: Defensive back recruit Tracy Howard has the Gators in his final three, along with LSU and Southern Cal. Those close to Howard say that LSU leads at the moment, but he'll decide on February 1st. (Sun Sentinel)
Gators still have a lot to learn: As the Gators road woes continue, the Gators basketball team looks quicken the learning curve as the SEC schedule heats up. (Associated Press, Tampa Bay Online)
Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers highlights:
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if we land Howard, Diggs, and Jenkins it may be the best recruiting class we’ve had in recent memory…CWM is doing a great job at putting together a class…
That he has. Don’t forget about Nelson Agholor (yeah, I know things have cooled a bit, I guess) … but you never know.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Nelson will be ours. Trust me.
Listen to them, the children of the night. What sweet music they make.
I believe Nelson will be a Gator
more than I believe Diggs will be one. While both are still high on UF both are waiting to see who the OC will be, thing is Agholor seems to be leaning heavily toward the Gators even though he hasn’t officially said that, Marcus Maye, one of his real good friends and Austin Hardin, both UF commits seem to think it’s all but declared.
Coach Boom: Emperor Palpatine, I mean Saban, when I get to Florida who should I get to run my offense?
Emperor Pal ...err Nick Saban: Charlie Weis is better. He goes in first and screws the offense. Mike Shula is better. He leaves the fanbase devoid of hope and life. Oh, really, fool? Really.
[Notices Kerwin Bell walking up.]
Nick Saban: Stop looking at me, Bell.
Wasn't the 2010 class regarding as one of the best recruiting hauls ever?
October 28th, 2011-- a date which will live in infamy--
OTTOTD.com
Yes, and now it is considered one of our worst ever. Because people left and all…
Editor at Alligator Army.
but at the time it was an all-time great class
Even if we land those 3 I don’t think I would rate this class the best one of the last 5 years.
October 28th, 2011-- a date which will live in infamy--
OTTOTD.com
You're overreacting
every major contributor from the defense except for Bostic came from the 2010 class. The offensive contribution is virtually nonexistant since Burton cooled off, but it’s still a decent class.
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by Chekhov's Spread Gun Option on Jan 8, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
The perception though, is that it was a massive failure. But yeah, the DL and some of the others have been huge. But perception (due to its billing at the time) is everything.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Yeah but we tend to forget
That offense’s main problems start up front on the o-line and the 2010 class was lacking in that reguard and the ones prior to it. Not to mention one of our other glaring weaknesses being RB depth and the inability to land more than 1 RB in a class for the past 3 classes.
Coach Boom: Emperor Palpatine, I mean Saban, when I get to Florida who should I get to run my offense?
Emperor Pal ...err Nick Saban: Charlie Weis is better. He goes in first and screws the offense. Mike Shula is better. He leaves the fanbase devoid of hope and life. Oh, really, fool? Really.
[Notices Kerwin Bell walking up.]
Nick Saban: Stop looking at me, Bell.
True. We’ve needed a running back for years. And yeah, offensive line … ugh.
Editor at Alligator Army.
LSU is the front runner for Howard? I thought UF was?
What players have UF as the front runner, and who do you expect to sign with UF?
Yeah, Howard was supposed to announce at the All-American game, but postponed his announcement until national signing day.
As for who the Gators lead for, like Diggs and company, I’m not so sure. Everything I read and/or hear something, there is always another report of said player liking someone else a little more. Most of them now, are going to wait until Feb 1.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Yeah I have read some articles that state UF is in the lead for Howard then after reading the above article, it says LSU leads for Howard. I just want NSD to get here already, I am tired of waiting.
by Dave Theriault on Jan 8, 2012 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
Right before the Army game
Howard siad it was between UF and LSU, which looks really well for UF since prior to the last few weeks it was widely thought to be between UF and FSU. Looks UF is the leader with LSU taking FSU’s spot.
Coach Boom: Emperor Palpatine, I mean Saban, when I get to Florida who should I get to run my offense?
Emperor Pal ...err Nick Saban: Charlie Weis is better. He goes in first and screws the offense. Mike Shula is better. He leaves the fanbase devoid of hope and life. Oh, really, fool? Really.
[Notices Kerwin Bell walking up.]
Nick Saban: Stop looking at me, Bell.
If scouting services are to be believed, then the fact that CWM has been able to recruit a class that competes, or maybe beats, Alabama’s is more proof that its easier to recruit at UF.
by GatorJustin on Jan 8, 2012 1:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions
At best, it’s a draw. Alabama is slightly more of a “national brand” so they have that appeal, where the Gators can draw more talent from home. Put a coach like Satan … I mean Saban at the head of ‘Bama, and they’ll always be dangerous.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Agreed, it’s more about Saban’s rep and getting players to the NFL. Muschamp knows this, which explains why he wants UF to become a “Pro-Style” program.
by Dave Theriault on Jan 8, 2012 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
Right. My point is Bama should have a better class because of the national brand, high profile, multiple national championship coach, tradition and history of successful players. But UF, coming off its worst season in 30 years, losing a highly thought of coach and replacing him with an assistant coach, and lack of great pro players (compared with Bama, Miami, FSU, etc.), may somehow surpass them all in recruiting this year. Plus, as stated in another, if Muschamp misses on a Florida recruit, he has other that can replace that kid. If Savant misses on an Alabama recruit, he has to go out of state to replace that kid and probably has to compete with that kids favorite team to get him.
by GatorJustin on Jan 8, 2012 3:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
F. Tablet autocorrect severely altered my post. Hopefully my point was made even if its barely legible. Long story short, when Bama misses on a few kids, it can have a huge effect on that class. If UF misses, we have other in state kids we can recruit plus the same out of state kids Bama recruits.
by GatorJustin on Jan 8, 2012 3:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
But, ‘Bama being ’Bama … doesn’t really miss all that much. Same as USC, Notre Dame (back in the day), it goes in cycles.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Compared to Miami, FSU, OSU, Bama, LSU, etc.? Id challenge you to review the past 20 years of pro bowls and see how it stacks up.
by GatorJustin on Jan 8, 2012 7:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn’t say Pro-Bowls, because those are a joke. Fan voting – popularity contests is all they are. In all the sports, they are worthless.
All-Pro would be the thing.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Miswrote. Meant All-Pro. And I’m baiting a bit because Ive heard the Stat before. Its not pretty or close.
by GatorJustin on Jan 8, 2012 7:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Oh, carry on. I haven’t seen the stat, but I’d guess and say that we don’t have that many, because since I’ve been following football (roughly 1992), I haven’t seen many Gators who are All-Pros.
Editor at Alligator Army.
I would say we have better current players in the NFL then them all right now
including a playoff winning qb
October 28th, 2011-- a date which will live in infamy--
OTTOTD.com
by Sveet on Jan 8, 2012 9:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
you could put together a pretty decent starting lineup using current Gators in the NFL and I would like their odds against former players from any other school in the nation. Especially with Tebow at QB, throwing to Percy, Louis Murphy, David Nelson and Hernandez, while the Pounceys Gilbert & Carlisle, protect him….
In all kinds of weather...
Meh
Alabama draws better RBs and develops better interior linemen (they don’t recruit those better though). Florida gets better QBs, better DBs (generally), better TEs (lately), and better DEs. Florida is just as national as any school, and under Meyer, crushed the rest of the SEC at recruiting nationally. Muschamp has taken Florida back to a more local market because of 2010, but the Gators still grab high end national recruits at a high rate.
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by Chekhov's Spread Gun Option on Jan 8, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
UF isn’t quite the national brand that most Gator fans think though. We’ve posted the numbers here many times, and they are behind the likes of USC, Notre Dame, FSU, Nebraska, Miami, Penn State, Texas …
While there is no questioning that the Gators are a tier 1 program, the appeal nationally, doesn’t add up all the time.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Branding ≠recruiting
I wrote an article back in 2010 about recruiting. From 2002 to 2010, UF outrecruited every school in the nation, except for USC. Alabama was obviously dealing with the pre-Saban stupids until 2007, and since 2008, Saban has edged the Gators by about 100 points/year (roughly 1 4star recruit). Still, when the Gators hit a home run class, it has been better than any other school in the SEC. The Gators have three of the top 6 all-time recruiting classes according to Rivals. USC has the other 3.
Sure a lot of that talent comes from in-state, but UF has crushed out of state recruiting as well (Jarvis Moss, Chris Leak, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden, Percy Harvin, Carlos Dunlap, Aaron Hernandez, Jelani Jenkins, the entire 2010 class). And that’s not counting the Georgia guys, who I consider local.
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by Chekhov's Spread Gun Option on Jan 8, 2012 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
All we’ve got to do, is beat the SEC in recruiting every year and the rest will take care of itself. But one four-star difference is interesting, I’d have thought it was a little wider. That’s interesting. Thanks!
Editor at Alligator Army.
Do you actually believe that?
Florida has won three NCs in the last 15 years. None of those schools that you listed can say that, and do you honestly believe that Miami, Penn St, and Nebraska are bigger national names than Florida at this point? Look I get it…Florida doesn’t have the “history” of some other schools, but they’ve also had so much success in the last 2 decades that they’re now comparable to virtually every elite program historically save a select few. Let’s also not forget that this is a recruiting discussion, and in the lifetime of any current recruit, Florida has been THE best program in the country. That is a statement I make with complete confidence…There is no other program in the country that has been as good as Florida for the last 20ish years, and yet to believe that “UF isn’t quite the national brand that most Gator fans think”. Sometimes, I really worry about you.
contributing author - Alligator Army
I agree that there hasn’t been a better team since 1990, as I think that’s the number. And yeah, as I’ve said before, I firmly believe that after 10 years, the cycle starts over. 10 years being the cut-off for “We won a national championship” talk and all that by the fans, because that’s like 5 full recruiting classes (for the most part) come and gone (gone as in graduated or whatever).
But Miami (because of the pub they got in the late 70’s, through the 80’s), FSU (80’s and 90’s) and teams that have been around forever, like, Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, Oklahoma, Texas etc… they always attract more viewers. Which is what I was saying.
Editor at Alligator Army.
That’s what I thought. Look them up … they aren’t quite what you would think.
Editor at Alligator Army.
ok, here are the bowl game numbers in recent history
2010 – Outback – 7.05 – highest rated non-BCS game, and outdrew both the Fiesta and Orange
2009 – Sugar – 8.5 – not great for a BCS game, but was that us or Cincy?
2008 – BCS – 15.8 – 9th highest bowl rating since 1998
2007 – Capital One – 9.13 – higest rated non-BCS game by A LOT, and outdrew the Fiesta, Orange, and Sugar
2006 – BCS – 17.4 – 4th highest bowl rating since 1998
2005 – Outback – 2.38 – worst showing by far
2004 – Peach – 5 – a terrible game, with an interim coach, and still the 2nd highest non-BCS bowl
This paints a pretty strong picture of our draw. Twice we’ve had the highest non-BCS bowl, and outdrew BCS bowls in the process. Since 1998 Florida has the
4th
9th
19th
highest rated bowl games.
The schools that surrounds them in those rankings…
Texas, USC, Oklahoma, FSU, Ohio State, Alabama, LSU
So tell me again. How is Florida not the “national draw” that we think it is? Sometimes it seems like your a Gator apologist…
contributing author - Alligator Army
They aren’t in the top five though. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204527804576043870683872488.html
You also have to look at regular season ratings as well.
Look, I’m not saying that the Gators don’t draw viewers, all I’m saying is that they don’t draw top of the line numbers. There isn’t any shame in which they draw.
Editor at Alligator Army.
But they do draw top of the line numbers as what I posted demonstrates
So they aren’t top 5? What is your point? Neither was Alabama, Texas, or a number of other teams that you referenced. Is Texas not a top of the line school? These numbers very clearly show that Florida is a significant national draw…your insistance on the contrary to that is at this point head shaking.
contributing author - Alligator Army
My point was, the Gators aren’t at the top, like many people seem to think. This all started because I said “the Gators aren’t quite the national brand” …
“Aren’t quite” being the key words.
Editor at Alligator Army.
When I looked at the data you used
I had to ask myself what happened to the SEC? You’re telling me that the region of the country that is vehemently passionate about football, specifically college football, doesn’t watch their team on TV? I think there are a lot variables going on here. Such as the culture, I know I always get together with friends and family to watch games, if I am not actually at the game, and that affects the ratings as well. I don’t know if that is a general consensus here in SEC country but I am just saying.
If life has taught me anything, it’s far too often statistics mean crap.
Coach Boom: Emperor Palpatine, I mean Saban, when I get to Florida who should I get to run my offense?
Emperor Pal ...err Nick Saban: Charlie Weis is better. He goes in first and screws the offense. Mike Shula is better. He leaves the fanbase devoid of hope and life. Oh, really, fool? Really.
[Notices Kerwin Bell walking up.]
Nick Saban: Stop looking at me, Bell.
Yeah, those stats say that LSU is one of the worst. Now, maybe that’s because the other large markets don’t care about LSU when compared to USC, Notre Dame … and what not.
Editor at Alligator Army.
Notre Dame, and USC
defintely have a larger national following than LSU, and even Florida. There are a handful of programs that are appealing to the casual fan. I would say that those include Notre Dame, USC, and probably Texas…
contributing author - Alligator Army
but using that definition
Alabama and Texas “aren’t quite” either, yet you specifically mentioned them along with Nebraska, and PSU. This may be an argument of semantics, but your initial point was that Florida wasn’t in the same league as those schools that you mentioned, when in fact they are…
contributing author - Alligator Army
Maybe not Nebraska and PSU, but as for the other teams, and in your previous comment above … exactly.
Editor at Alligator Army.
A few thoughts...
I think UF is the team to beat with Tracy Howard and Nelson Agholor.
I think UF will be the team to beat for Darius Hamilton after his second visit.
I don’t know about Stefon Diggs until after UF gets an OC, but I think UF has a good a chance as anyone.
I think UGA gets Josh Harvey-Clemons.
I see Diggs staying up north...
Wes Brown committing to Maryland reenforces that belief. My guess is Maryland, but I could see Virginia pulling him too. That being said, Diggs and his his entire recruiting saga has been hard to predict, so Florida is in it until he announces. I agree on Agholor and Howard, though Howard’s recent infatuation with LSU has me concerned. Regardless, we’ll have a stacked DB class with or without Howard, but I would really love to get Howard. JHC is tough to call, but I’ll agree with you on UGA, though we’re very much in it for him too. Not so sure on Hamilton, but man it would be nice to add him….fingers crossed for Jordan Jenkins tomorrow.
contributing author - Alligator Army
Is Michigan still in the mix for Diggs?
I thought they would land him, but I don’t follow recruiting as closely as I used to.
Weoejuwejhdjwe!
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by Chekhov's Spread Gun Option on Jan 8, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
No Michigan for Diggs.
They were in the picture, but never really a factor. I’d say either Florida, Maryland, Auburn, Virginia or Cal.
I don't see Howard leaving the state.
I think it would take a lot to pull him from Florida.
I don’t see Wes Brown’s commitment to Maryland having much impact on Diggs. It won’t hurt UM, but I don’t see it coming into play.
I like Florida’s chances with Jenkins.
I think UF has a better shot at Harvey-Clemons than Darius Hamilton
What I’ve heard with Hamilton is that UF has lost interest in him.
Coach Boom: Emperor Palpatine, I mean Saban, when I get to Florida who should I get to run my offense?
Emperor Pal ...err Nick Saban: Charlie Weis is better. He goes in first and screws the offense. Mike Shula is better. He leaves the fanbase devoid of hope and life. Oh, really, fool? Really.
[Notices Kerwin Bell walking up.]
Nick Saban: Stop looking at me, Bell.
Re: recruiting class
I won’t be able to consider the class a success unless we sign 25. Depth is an obvious problem, and we’ve recently seen the problem with having too many small recruiting classes.
And what’s the story with early enrollees? We have them by now, right?
In all kinds of weather we'll all stick together
Speaking of 25....
…that is the max for SEC schools to sign, right?
The reason I ask is that Bama has 25 verbals. But I’m hearing Jordan Jenkins is probably going to commit Bama over UF. So how will that work? Does someone decommit or does bama have to pull a scholly?
by GoGators82 on Jan 8, 2012 3:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We can sign more than 25 I believe.
With EEs and Jucos
October 28th, 2011-- a date which will live in infamy--
OTTOTD.com
I think the new rule is 27 max for SEC schools (including EE’s). Is that correct? Or am I just talking out of my ass? I might just be talking out of my ass.
by CanWeBeMature on Jan 8, 2012 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
I got confused. They’ve changed it a couple times in the past couple of years. It’s 25 now: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6623466
by CanWeBeMature on Jan 8, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
Early enrollees count towards the previous class
Bama will probably be able to sign 26 or 27 if they want to.
Weoejuwejhdjwe!
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by Chekhov's Spread Gun Option on Jan 8, 2012 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
I we're a top 5 class
that would certainly be a success in my book – especially from where we just finished 2011.
In all kinds of weather...
like I said on Twitter...
as long as we stay above UGA, FSU, Miami, and USCe It’s a winning class, and poised us to lead the sec east. we will only be down 1 more year at this rate. maybe even come out on top with our lack schedule in 2012. I’m proud of muschamp and what he’s been able to do when all this craziness has been going down with UF. if he lands agholor and Howard, I’ll be sold.
I just heard Meyer is changing the name of his system from the Spread to the Cut-n-Run.
by Jon Heist on Jan 8, 2012 6:32 PM EST via Android app reply actions
as long as we stay above UGA, FSU, Miami, and USCe It’s a winning class, and poised us to lead the sec east.
Yeah, that’s a solid plan. Look nationally next.
Editor at Alligator Army.
If we get the guys were “supposed” to get, we will have the best class I think. Howard, agholor, diggs, and if we pull jenkins today I think we will have the best class. Also we are supposed to be in the lead for treat elston too, not as herold as the other guys but another good safety prospect. we also have a shot with darius hamilton too, he canceled a visit to come to florida again with his family, that is a good sign in my opinion and would be another great pull from out of state. So hopefully we get some of these guys and even if alabama stays number one we will have a very good class full of talent. I’m excited to see how it pans out, and for the future of the program I think muschamp is doing a great job.
by RNappy20 on Jan 9, 2012 9:21 AM EST via Android app reply actions
we also have a shot with darius hamilton too, he canceled a visit to come to florida again with his family, that is a good sign in my opinion and would be another great pull from out of state.
Well that’s great news. This class is already so defensively loaded, but yet another piece can’t hurt.
Editor at Alligator Army.
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