Monthly Archives: February 2015

Randy Shannon Paying Immediate Dividends For The Florida Gators, Picks Up Two Commitments

IMG_1578

When new head coach Jim McElwain took over the reins of the Florida Gators football program he stressed the point of regaining a recruiting presence in the talent laden areas of Florida, Miami in particular.

To that end, his first position coach hire was Randy Shannon. The former Miami Hurricanes head coach has spent almost his entire career in Miami, first as a star linebacker on a national championship squad, then as an assistant, as defensive coordinator, and finally as head coach.

While his time as head coach was largely forgettable in the win/loss column, his ties to the high school programs in and around Miami are deep and are already paying dividends for the Gators.

After picking up linebacker Rayshad Jackson from Miami (FL) Norland in the last recruiting cycle, Shannon and the Gators picked up two more commitments from Miami on Tuesday when 2016 linebacker Vosean Joseph, also from Norland, and 2016 DE Eric Mitchell from Miami Central both pledged to the Gators.

Joseph (6-1 210), like Jackson, is an undersized but athletic linebacker whose strength is his speed and versatility.

Projected as an outside linebacker he could bulk up and play inside as well and could even play as a defensive back in nickel and dime situations.

Here’s what Larry Blustein of South Florida High School Sports had to say about Joseph:

“Here is one of those talented athletes who has the chance to be very special because he plays the game fast, strong and at a high level. While he will be a very good offensive player, his instincts on defense certainly will showcase his football skill level. Has very good speed and is not easy to bring down.”

Mitchell (6-3 225) is another undersized but very athletic player. A good pass rusher with a quick first step, he’s still a little under the radar but called Florida his “dream school” in an interview with 247sports recruiting analyst Ryan Bartow.

Last season he had 70 tackles, 18 sacks, and an interception. He’s projected as a weak side defensive end at Florida.

Blustein:

“After watching him play last year – in a number of games when he was at Miami Jackson – this is indeed a rising junior who has the chance to be very special. While he can play on the offensive side of the ball as a tight end, what he does on defense is going to turn heads in a major way. Mitchell is a tremendous football prospect that will make an impression in the off season and throughout the spring. He is a cat-quick pass rusher who will get after just about anyone.”

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2704700/highlights/186402375/v2

So it hasn’t taken long for Shannon and the Gators to make their presence known not only in south Florida in general but in some of the richest high school programs as well.

Luther Campbell, the brash and always outspoken former lead man for the hip hop group 2 Live Crew and now defensive coordinator at Norland, has been talking a lot about Florida’s new recruiting presence in Miami.

A few days ago he tweeted this about Joseph:

And then this about Mitchell after the Gators offered him:

And then finally this:

So fellow Norland alum Shannon has been busy working his old Miami pipelines and the other state schools have been put on notice that the Gators are back with a strong in-state recruiting presence.

It’s Official: CeCe’s A Gator!

IMG_1424

The end of the CeCe Jefferson recruiting saga has arrived.

See whole story here.

Jefferson, the #2 ranked defensive end in the nation, committed to Florida last Wednesday, national signing day, on live tv in a ceremony with friends and family.

Problem is he did not fax in the letter of intent (LOI) despite signing it in public.

This led to much speculation and anxiety on the part of Gator fans.

Originally he said he hadn’t faxed it on Wednesday because there were no fax machines at his signing day party. He maintained at the time that he would fax it in on Thursday.

When it didn’t arrive on Thursday morning, school message boards and social media, Twitter in particular, lit up with speculation and accusations about his intent.

Adding to the confusion was an SI report that new defensive line coach Terrell Williams was leaving to take a job with the Miami Dolphins and would be replaced by Texas defensive line coach Chris Rumph. See story here

This led to speculation that CeCe might be having second thoughts about Florida and whether or not he was misled by Florida in regards to the coaching change.

ESPN national recruiting analyst put in his two cents claiming that CeCe and his family were well aware the change was in the works.

And this

And this

And finally this

The last was on response to this tweet from CeCe:

His father, Leo Jefferson, got in on the situation with a message to Zach Alboverdi which he revealed via Twitter.

Leo himself later tried to clear up the confusion with this tweet.

CeCe then offered insight as well.

And

And finally

Rumph did indeed take over for the departed Williams and eventually CeCe’s dad had a conversation with new Gators defensive coordinator Geoff Collins which appeared to assuage the anxiety on his part.

So after days of confusion, anxiety, and speculation, CeCe has at last faxed in his LOI and is now a Gator.

A guy that I described before signing day as one who “loves the (recruiting) game” made sure he played it out as long as he could and got maximum airtime as a result.

Gator Chomp: Whole Lotta “Rumph” Shaking Going On, Florida Gators Hire Chris Rumph

IMG_1434

It’s official.

One day after an SI story reporting that Texas defensive line coach Chris Rumph would be replacing the departing Terrell Williams as the Florida Gators defensive line coach, the school made it official.

Rumph, who was reportedly considered originally for the position, comes to Florida from Texas where he was defensive line coach and assistant head coach last season.

“Chris and I obviously have some experience working together from our days at Alabama,” Florida head coach Jim McElwain said. “He joins a group of like thinkers on our staff and is someone who will positively affect our players’ lives – both on and off the field.”

At Texas, his unit finished 11th nationally in sacks and he coached All-American Malcolm Brown who was a finalist for both the Nagurski Award and the Outland Trophy this past season.

Prior to Texas, Rumph spent three seasons as the defensive line coach at Alabama during a couple of their championship runs. All three of his units were top ten nationally including top rankings in 2011, where they set a modern era record giving up only 183 yards per game, and in 2012 where opponents averaged only 250 yards per game overall.

At Clemson from 2006-2010 he coached All American Daquan Bowers and all five of his units finished top 25 nationally in both scoring and total defense.

He’s considered one of the top position coaches in the nation and is a fantastic recruiter.

Most analysts consider this hire to be an upgrade overall and he’ll have some good young talent to work with as he takes over.

And on a good note for anxious Gator fans, five star defensive end CeCe Jefferson has reportedly met Rumph previously as a recruiter for Alabama.

Stay tuned to Swamp Music for more Gator Chomps and the latest in Florida Gator athletics news and analysis.

Swamp Rumors: Controversy In Gainesville, CeCe Jefferson’s Unfaxed LOI, Williams Replaced By Rumph?

IMG_1424

The Florida Gators closed strong in recruiting reeling in a couple five star and several four star recruits on national signing day.

However, one five star, DE CeCe Jefferson, who committed to the Gators on live tv yesterday, has not faxed in his Letter Of Intent (LOI) as of Thursday morning.

This has led to much anxiety for Gator fans worrying they might lose their top defensive recruit before he ever gets started at Florida.

Adding to the confusion and wild speculation is a report from SI that defensive line coach Terrell Williams who was hired only one month ago has decided to return to the NFL taking a position on the Miami Dolphins staff.

Texas defensive line coach Chris Rumph, reportedly a candidate for the job originally, apparently has taken Williams place on the Gator staff.

This has led to speculation that perhaps something underhanded has taken place between CeCe’s camp, who are acting as if they were unaware the personnel change was in the works, and the Florida Gators coaching staff.

To set the scene, the hold up on the faxing of the LOI is that CeCe’s dad Leo won’t sign it.

This is where the confusion comes in. Exactly why won’t he sign it?

As a result, a Twitter battle of sorts has ensued.

CeCe’s dad appears to link his refusal to sign the LOI with the departure of Williams.

CeCe, for his part, appears to act as if he was unaware the change was coming.

However, ESPN recruiting analyst Derek Tyson claims that CeCe and his family knew well in advance that Williams was leaving.

Adding…

And…

And finally…

In an Alligator Army story by Andy Hutchins CeCe’s dad was quoted saying he doesn’t want his son at Florida.

“I’m a die-hard Gator fan, but personally, I want CeCe to go somewhere else,” Jefferson said. “I wanted to get him away from home. I didn’t want him in Gainesville, to tell you the truth.”

To make the situation even more confusing Rivals national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell refutes reports that the dad is the hold up to the faxing of the LOI.

What’s the real story?

The old saying goes “there’s two sides to every story and the truth is found somewhere in between.

As an aside, Tampa Bay Times reporter Antonya English had a little fun with the Terrell Williams situation.

So now Williams is gone and Rumph is headed to Gainesville?

If so, it’s a good get for the Gators as Rumph, who coached All American defensive end Daquan Bowers at Clemson and was on the Alabama staff under Saban along with coach McElwain, is not only a great position coach but a fantastic recruiter as well.

However, Rumph to Florida is not a done deal just yet either according to Ryan Bartow of 247sports.

“We’ve learned that in the last 30 minutes, Rumph met face-to-face with Texas head coach Charlie Strong.

Our source indicated, it’s a ‘possibility’ Rumph may stay at Texas after this meeting or opt for Florida. It’s something he’s yet to discuss with his family, according to a contact familiar with the situation.

Rumph is slated to meet with his family to talk about the new option this afternoon.”

But where does this leave CeCe?

Twisting in the wind at this point.

However, anxious Gator fans can likely relax as these types of things happen every year and in almost every case the kid ends up at the school to which he committed.

*******************************

Now Mike Farrell published a story with quotes by the father alleging missteps by the Gators coaching staff that give him cause for concern.

CeCe’s father claims that he is not the reason for the hold up but rather CeCe is.

“Five-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson has yet to sign his letter of intent for Florida and his father, Leo Jefferson, explained why on Thursday.” According to Farrell.

“Leo said CeCe himself is not ready to sign it.

‘He told me that yesterday after his announcement,’ Leo said, adding he would have been glad to sign and fax the letter to Florida if that’s what his son wanted.”

The problem? They were left unaware of the coaching change.

“The Florida staff never told us he (Terrell Williams) was leaving,” Leo said in the Farrell story. “We don’t know (Rumph) at all.”

He then goes on to explain that they won’t hold up CeCe regardless of what he decides.

“Regardless, ‘if CeCe wants to go to Florida, we are on board,’ Leo said.”

Then he lists a series of grievances against the UF staff which includes keeping the coaching change secret as well as cutting the in-home visit extremely short, not calling after not receiving his LOI, and not continuing to recruit him as hard.

“The staff should have considered being honest with us about the (coach) change,” Leo said. “They haven’t pursued CeCe nearly as hard as others and I’m not sure why.”

The story gets more bizarre by the second.

*******************************

** updated 3:30 central 2/5**

Now the dad Leo has tweeted this:

What exactly they’re holding out for is not clear.

So round, and round, and round we go, where this drama stops, nobody knows.

Grab the popcorn.

******************************

** updated 6:09 pm central 2/5**

From CeCe:

And…

And finally…

So it’s plausible that he may want to wait and be assured of who will be his position coach. That’s perfectly understandable.

What is unclear is why they simply couldn’t have made that point clear from the get go. The outlandish statements and accusations, the back and forth about who’s responsible for the hold up, and the different messages sent to different media folks takes this story from strange to bizzare.

There’s only one question left…

Can I get a refill on the popcorn and the coke?

*******************************

**updated 9:47 pm central**

And now a couple more tweets from Leo Jefferson.

A sentiment with which most would concur. It’s sad to see some of the accusations bandied about and the things people will tweet to people they’ve never met. It’s shameful and not at all helping the situation.

So it appears they’ve circled the wagons and are sticking with the change in coaching staff angle.

It will be interesting to see his the defensive line coach situation evolves. Hopefully a replacement will be named quickly.

********************************

**Final update 2 pm central 2/6**

The Florida Gators did indeed hire Chris Rumph to replace the departed Terrell Williams, announcing it this morning. Story

The hire appears to be good both because he’s a great coach and fantastic recruiter and because he already has a relationship with CeCe as he recruited him while at Alabama.

Here’s what CeCe had to say to Gainesville Sun sports reporter Zach Abolverdi.

However, his dad still doesn’t appear impressed and denies knowing anything about Rumph in Abolverdi’s latest story.

“I don’t know him. We’ve never met,” Jefferson said. “CeCe’s not going to be spending time with the head coach or the defensive coordinator. He’s going to be with that D-line coach the majority of the time.”

But, regardless, Leo appears to be ready to acquiesce if CeCe is still intent on Florida.

“Whenever he feels comfortable with him and he’s ready to send (his LOI) in, that’s fine.”

So it appears all is good with CeCe and Florida.

Now about that LOI…

********************************

**Final, final update**

Now it appears CeCe will prolong the process even further.

We thought CeCe loved the recruiting game, but he has taken this to new levels. He loves it so much he’s not ready to be done with it apparently.

Can I get a refill on my popcorn?

********************************

** update Sunday 2/7 1:45 **

A couple of CeCe retweets on Sunday make him look like a guy who is planning on signing with Florida.

Matt Rolin is a future defensive teammate of CeCe’s assuming he dies indeed sign with the Gators. No need to retweet that if he’s planning on looking elsewhere right?

Similarly, no need to retweet a commitment story if his plan is to look elsewhere. Right????

Hmmmmm…

**update 4 pm central**

CeCe is attending tonight’s Florida-Kentucky basketball game with Gator signees Tyler Jordan and Daniel Imatorbhebhe.

Reports are that he will meet with head coach Jim McElwain while in campus. It’s not clear exactly what is to take place during the meeting, but no LOI is expected at this time.

Still a highly fluid situation and still looks good for the Gators to eventually get CeCe’s signature.

**update 6:30 central**

CeCe tweeted some new info thus evening.

So I guess coach Collins, the Gators defensive coordinator had a conversation with Leo and smoothed things over. It appears all parties are now on the same page and CeCe will be sending in that LOI.

Still no ETA on it but best guess will be no earlier than Monday.

********************************

**9:30 pm central**

Does this look like a guy Gator Nation needs to be worrying about losing?

I think not!

About that popcorn…

********************************

**update 10 am central**

Finally closure?

And here’s a pic of him signing the LOI.

So I guess we’re just waiting on it to be official in Florida’s end at this point.

Man this popcorn is stale.

********************************

**final update 10:50 central**

CeCe’s LOI is finally in and he is officially a Gator.

So there you go.

Welcome to Gator Nation CeCe Jefferson!

Stay tuned to Swamp Music for more Swamp Rumors and the latest on Florida Gator recruiting and all it’s post-signing day madness.

Florida Gators 2015 Recruiting Class: Signed LOI’s (Updates In Real Time)

IMG_1283

2015 Signed LOI’s as they come in.

Tyler Jordan, OC (6-4 280) Jacksonville (FL) Bishop Kenny

Andrew Ivie, DT (6-1 265) Dade City Pasco

Jordan Scarlett, RB (5-11 222) Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Richerd Desir-Jones DT (6-4 285) Ft. Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas

Luke Ancrum DE (6-5 230) Sebring (FL)

Jabari Zuniga DE (6-3 255) Marietta (GA) Sprayberry

Antonio Callaway WR (5-11 185) Miami (FL) Booker T. Washington

Chris Williamson ATH (6-1 190) Gainesville (GA)

Kylan Johnson DQB/S (6-2 202) Dallas (TX) Skyline

Brandon Sandifer OG (6-4 330) Warner Robins (GA)

Rayshad Jackson OLB (6-2 215) Miami (FL) Norland

Martez Ivey OT (6-6 285) Apopka (FL)

Camrin Knight TE (6-4 220) Tallahassee (FL) Lincoln

Frederick Johnson OT (6-6 300) West Palm Beach (FL) Royal Palm Beach

Keivonnis Davis DE (6-4 255) Miami (FL) Central

Nick Buchanan OT (6-4 285) Dunwoody (GA) Dunwoody

Jordan Cronkite RB (5-11) Miami (FL) Central

D’Anfernee McGriff ATH (6-1 225) Tallahassee (FL)

Swamp Music’s Annual Signing Day Eve Mock Class For 2015

IMG_1283

Alright Gator fans, the Eve of National Signing Day 2015 is upon us. Less than 24 hours remain before high school seniors can officially put the pen to paper and ink the letter of intent to the team… Er, that is, school of their choice.

For the Florida Gators new coaching staff it’s been a long arduous struggle simply trying to put together a class that meets needs without reaching on prospects and handcuffing future recruiting classes.

For Gator fans who follow recruiting it’s been an even longer and extremely frustrating ride. What began 12 months ago shortly after the sun set on signing day 2014 as a very promising recruiting class with boatloads of five star talent strongly considering the Gators began to fall apart before it ever got started.

With most top prospects waiting to see how the Gators would fare during the 2014 season and thus the fate of the previous staff who were squarely in the hot seat after the disastrous 4-8 campaign of 2013, the potential top ranked recruiting class was on hold.

Slowly, but surely, the top recruits started committing elsewhere or considering other schools. One by one, big names started falling by the wayside.

What was left was an eight member class with only one four star recruit, wide receiver Derrick Dillon at the start of the dead period on December 15th.

Fast forward to signing day Eve and the class size has doubled to 16 with two four star recruits with the addition of running back Jordan Scarlett, although Dillon’s pledge is in doubt.

Perhaps more importantly the Gators still have some top targets left in the board and most appear to be trending upwards towards the Gators.

Regardless of what happens, Jim McElwain and company have done a phenomenal job not just finding solid sleeper recruits to fill in the class depth-wise but also to build momentum leading into signing day.

Now, on the eve of signing day, Swamp Music presents their predictions and prognostications for the Gators 2015 signing class.

The Gators have room for 27 signees this cycle according to the math done by Thomas Goldkamp of florida247sports.

A week ago, I felt the Gators would only sign 20-22 recruits this year but after getting the ball rolling strong and 16 commits in the fold, it’s possible they sign in the 25-27 range.

Let’s begin with the commits already in the fold that I believe stick (hint: all but Derrick Dillon).

Early Enrollees

* Daniel Imatorbhebhe (TE) Suwanee (GA)

* Khalif Jackson (WR) Neptune Beach (FL)

Commits

* Jordan Scarlett (RB 5-11 222) Ft. Lauderdale (FL)

* Chris Williamson (DB 6-1 190) Gainesville (GA)

* Kylan Johnson (Ath 6-3 203) Dallas (TX)

* Luke Ancrum (DE 6-5 230) Sebring (FL)

* Frederick Johnson (OT 6-7 300) West Palm Beach (FL)

* Richerd Desir-Jones (OG 6-4 285) Ft.Lauderdale (FL)

* Jabari Zuniga (DE 6-3 255) Marietta (GA)

* Rayshad Jackson (OLB 6-2 215) Miami (FL)

* Andrew Ivie (DT 6-1 265) Dade City (FL)

* Camrin Knight (TE 6-4 2225) Tallahassee (FL)

* Mike Horton (OT 6-4 310) Atlanta (GA)

* Brandon Sandifer (OG 6-4 335) Warner Robins (GA)

* Tyler Jordan (OC 6-4 280) Jacksonville (FL)

15 solid commits and one soft (Derrick Dillon) for 16 total. I expect all 15 to sign with the Gators.

Now let’s look at the guys on the board who are still looking at the Gators.

1) Martez Ivey (6-6 275 OT) Apopka (FL)

Grew up a Gator fan, don’t see anything changing that.

🐊🐊🐊

2) Byron Cowart (6-4 230) Seffner (FL)

He may be the toughest of all the recruits to read but I feel like he just needed a reason to stick with the Gators and the staff gave him that reason.

🐊🐊🐊

3) CeCe Jefferson (6-2 275) Glen St. Mary (FL)

CeCe’s another that if not for a staff change would be gift wrapped for the Gators right now. Unfortunately, there was a staff change which caused him to take a serious look around.

Now, while down to four officially Ole Miss, Bama, Auburn, and Florida, it’s likely a Ole Miss/Florida battle.

A huge Gator fan with a family full of Gator fans, from a strong Gator area. Ole Miss feels good but some echoes from around him give Gator fans reason to believe.

Going out on a limb here and will be crushed if wrong, but I’m sticking with my gut and don’t see him leaving the state when he can play for glory an hour from home.

🐊🐊🐊

4) Jeffrey Holland (6-2 230) Jacksonville (FL)

Boy the Gators looked to reel in a haul from Trinity Christian shortly after signing day last year. Now they’re poised to strike out altogether.

And they will. Holland is tied to Muschamp at the waist and there is concern about qualifying here.

πŸ…πŸ…πŸ…

5) Adonis Thomas (6-3 230) Lawrenceville (GA)

The new staff has worked their tail off to get back into this recruitment after he backed off his original verbal pledge to the Gators and committed to Alabama.

The staff did a great job giving him something to think about and he and his family were very high on Florida originally. There are also rumors of a surprise linebacker commit for signing day.

However, I think the staff changes let Bama in the door and they’ve done all they need to do to secure this commitment.

Bama

6) Jordan Cronkite (5-11 198) Miami (FL)

After picking up a commitment from Jordan Scarlett, the Gators are not done at the position. Cronkite shut his recruitment down after visiting Florida and that’s almost always a good sign.

Add in the fact that this kid has long been waiting for a Florida offer, the previous staff head-scratchingly didn’t pursue him, and you’ve got the recipe for a silent commit.

The fact that the staff hasn’t recruited any other backs since his visit tells me they are done at the position.

🐊🐊🐊

7) Deondre Francois ( qb 6-1 195) Bradenton (FL)

Francois became target number one for coach Mac as soon as he took over. He remains the top choice despite his public affirmation of his prior FSU pledge.

I, like many, believe the smoke surrounding a bogus twitter decommitment was real and in the end despite Kai Locksley flipping from FSU to Texas, I believe Francois will flip to the Gators on signing day, one of a number of splash announcements for the Gators.

🐊🐊🐊

8) Lamar Jackson (qb 6-3 185) Boynton Beach (FL)

The Louisville commit tripped to Florida last weekend and the trip have him something to think about.

Rumors from his camp is that he’s all Cardinal. I think so too for two reasons.

One, he wants to be a Cardinal. And two, the Gators are feeling good about top choice Francois.

Cardinal

9) Derrick Dillon (WR 5-11 173) Franklinton (LA)

A long time Gator commit, he starred in the Army All American game but has been trending away for the Gators for two months.

A planned unofficial to Gainesville last weekend never materialized. Thus, for all intents and purposes, he’ll be a Tiger on signing day.

πŸ…πŸ…πŸ…

10) Ryan Davis (WR 5-9 167) St. Petersburg (FL)

Davis, the speedy receiver from Lakewood high, is another who’d likely be a Gator by now if not for staff turnover.

Now the Gators are in a dogfight with Auburn. Davis is very impressed with Gus Malzahn and the Tiger offense. He seems equally impressed with the new staff and their energy level.

This could go either way but since I have to call it, I’ll say Tigers by a tail.

πŸ…πŸ…πŸ…

11) Antonio Callaway ( WR 5-11 185) Miami (FL)

Callaway admittedly grew up a Percy Harvin and Gator fan and named the Gators his leader last summer before backing off.

The other two schools here are Miami and West Virginia. The universal consensus is that he will not sign with Miami leaving a Florida-West Virginia battle.

Have you been to Morgantown in the winter? Antonio has and he didn’t look real comfortable in the cold, snowy conditions on his official in the pic he posted on Twitter.

School he grew up rooting for only a couple hour drive from home playing in the Swamp versus Morgantown. Nuff said.

🐊🐊🐊

12) Javarius Davis (Ath 5-9 173) Jacksonville (FL)

Davis was all but signed, sealed, and delivered to Auburn the weekend of his official visit on the 16th.

Funny thing happened on the way to the forum. Auburn filled up on db’s and the Gators new staff did a great job convincing him he has a future on offense.

Many still think Tiger, but I truly believe he’s all Gator.

🐊🐊🐊

13) Nick Buchanan (OT 6-4 280) Dunwoody (GA)

Buchanan is a kid the Gators got on late in the cycle as they seek depth on the offensive line. With five committed, they’d like two more and Buchanan is certainly one.

He’s very close to Chris Williamson who committed on Monday to Florida and to Tyler Jordan and Brandon Sandifer who are both Gator line commits.

After decomitting from Cal on Monday as expected, it’s a matter of when he announces for the Gators. Georgia is trying to work their way in but they don’t have Williamson, Sandifer, or Jordan. Good luck Mark Richt.

🐊🐊🐊

14) Tyree St. Louis (OT 6-5 300) Bradenton (FL)

The big man who is committed to Miami took an official to Florida and will be choosing between them and the Canes on signing day.

The staff loves him, I think they gave him pause to think, but my gut feeling here is that it wasn’t enough to pull him off his Cane commitment.

Cane

There’s a few more guys looking at the Gators that are not listed here and not likely to pick the Gators except for Keivonnis Davis from Miami. I believe the only way they get him is if they miss on either Cowart or CeCe and I don’t believe that’s going to happen.

I also add a plus one. A surprise recruit that may pop on signing day.

That’s eight expected on signing day plus 15 already committed plus a surprise for a total of 24 signees total.

Swamp Rumors: Final Recruiting Weekend In The Books, Time For Some Final Decisions

IMG_1283

A busy final recruiting weekend for the Florida Gators resulted in three verbal commitments. Three more came in on Monday.

The Gators are hoping the commitment train continues to roll over the next 36 hours as we approach national signing day which officially begins this year at 7 am local time Wednesday February 4th.

Offensive line is a position of extreme need for the Gators this cycle as they return only eight scholarship lineman next season.

The Gators currently have five commits along the line but could take up to three more.

The Gators are hoping one of those could be big offensive tackle Tyree St. Louis ( from IMG Academy in Bradenton (FL). St. Louis, a Miami commit, visited the Gators this past weekend and appeared to be impressed with his visit according to Andrew Spivey of Gatorcountry.com.

“It was a fun visit, I had a great time down there in Gainesville,” St. Louis said… “The basketball game was great, it was a great atmosphere there. Florida has a great fanbase.”

The Hurricanes, as the team he was already committed to, have to be considered the odds on favorite but the Gators have certainly given him something to think about.

He will likely be a signing day decision.

“I’m still committed to Miami but I’m going through the process and looking at everything,” St. Louis said. “I’m going to make my final decision on either Tuesday or Wednesday. I’m probably going to just sign and be done with it.”

Another offensive lineman the Gators would really like to reel in is Washington D.C. Friendship OT Quarvez Boulware. He also visited Florida this past weekend as well.

He is set to announce his choice of schools live on local news Tuesday evening. His finalists are Florida, Maryland, and Wake Forest.

However, at this point, Florida still has to be considered a long shot with distance from home being a major factor.

While those two recruits are a toss-up for the Gators at this point, one offensive line recruit who appears more and more likely to switch to Florida is Dunwoody (GA) offensive tackle Nick Buchanan (6-4 280) who backed off his pledge to Cal on Monday via Twitter.

Coming on the heels of an official visit to Florida there is much speculation that Florida will get the flip.

The Cal SBNation site published a story where this little gem slipped out:

“.. today the Florida Gators managed to officially flip him (Buchanan)away from the Bears in the hours leading up to National Signing Day.”

Now whether or not that was a writers slip, assuming something that is as of yet uncertified, or if the writer has some inside info is not clear.

What is clear is the consensus opinion appears to be that it’s only a matter of time before Buchanan completes the Florida flip.

He appeared to have a great visit to Florida. Here’s what he told
Jake Rowe from 247sports following that visit.

“It was real nice. It was really cool. I got to see the Swamp, got to meet the coaches, it was nice. I really liked it… just walking out into the Swamp. Walking out, it’s just amazing. A lot of the stadiums you see they go out, while the Swamp goes up. The Swamp was really steep.”

Other members of this Florida recruiting class are recruiting him hard. Good friend and Gator early enrollee Daniel Imatorbhebhe and offensive line commit had this Twitter exchange Monday night after another friend Chris Williamson committed to Florida.

No word on exactly when he will announce. It could come Tuesday, but more likely on Wednesday.

It’s been no secret that the new staff is looking for a quarterback in this class and they’ve been recruiting two who are currently committed to other schools. Deondre Francois from IMG Academy in Bradenton, previously announced he was sticking to his commitment to FSU shortly after an official visit to Florida.

Many believe that to not necessarily be the case and think that he is still mulling over the offer from Florida.

The brouhaha over a decommitment via Twitter which was blamed on hacking didn’t help to stem the tide of disbelief.

Some think the recommitment was merely a smokescreen to deflect attention while he agonizes over his decision. If so, he likely would not make the flip until signing day.

The other qb the Gators would like to flip, assuming Francois sticks with FSU, is Louisville commit Lamar Jackson (6-3 195) from Boynton Beach (FL) Community. He took an official to Florida this past weekend and appears to be torn between the two schools.

Conflicting reports have come from a variety of sources some saying Florida has a good chance at getting the flip while others claim he’s leaning toward sticking with his Cardinal commitment.

He will be a signing day announcement but the Gators have to like their chances. If the Gators do not get either Francois or Jackson, however, they likely will not sign a qb this cycle.

While the Gators have been in the midst of a commitment avalanche, all is not completely rosy. Long time receiver commit Derrick Dillon from Franklinton (LA) Pine appears to be slipping away from the Gators as we approach signing day.

After a late push and offer from the home state team LSU, which he called “a dream come true”, Dillon appears poised to make the flip on signing day.

“He’s looking at which school is going to be able to get him the ball and the relationships that he has with the coaches,” said Pine head coach Bradley Seal in a 247sports article. “That’s what he has been thinking about the most.”

While ordinarily that would benefit the team a recruit is currently committed to, with the turnover in staff at Florida, Dillon likely has a longer standing and more more complete relationship with the LSU staff who began recruiting him in earnest back in November before the new staff took over.

Additionally, a planned unofficial visit to Florida this past weekend was scuttled. The idea was to take another look at the Gators after visiting LSU which would give him the opportunity to compare and contrast as well as give the new staff an opportunity to sell him on their vision for success.

Without that trip it appears he’s set on making the signing day flip to LSU.

In his place, the Gators might extend an offer to Pensacola (FL) athlete Gerold Bright (5-11 175). According to Luke Stampini of florida247sports, the Gators may extend a signing day offer to the Utah State commit if Dillon does indeed flip. If so, expect Bright to sign with the Gators.

The Gators lost a 2016 commitment when cornerback/receiver Tre Jackson (5-10 160) backed off his verbal pledge to Florida on Monday via Twitter.

No word on exactly why he opened up his recruitment or if he’s still going to be considering the Gators moving forward.

However, historically, it has been very difficult to steal recruits out of Louisiana particularly from Baton Rouge.

The hometown LSU Tigers tend to have the state’s top recruits on lockdown.

As a quick note, the Gators appear to be trending for four of the top recruits on their board OT Martez Ivey, DE Byron Cowart, DE CeCe Jefferson, and WR Ryan Davis.

The Gators staff appears to be very comfortable with where they’re at with Ivey and Auburn not as much. Considering the Gators have long been his personal favorite, it’s not likely he signs elsewhere. He’ll choose between Auburn and Florida on signing day.

The staff reportedly had a great visit with Cowart the other day and may have answered all the questions he and his mother had for the Gators new staff. He’s another who is down to Auburn and Florida and he’ll announce on Wednesday as well.

Reports coming out of CeCe’s circle appear to be all good for the Gators with one person reportedly saying they’d be “shocked” if he doesn’t sign with the Gators.

He’s down to four, Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn, and Florida. However, most believe it’s an Ole Miss/Florida battle in the end and he’ll also be a signing day announcement.

Finally, Davis has been trending upward for the Gators since last weekend when he visited Florida and the staff laid out their plans to utilize him in their new offense. He’s down to Auburn and Florida and will be a signing day announcement as well.

At running back, the Gators are looking to take two and they very well could end up with two good ones.

With Jordan Scarlett already in the fold, the Gators are strong favorites to pick up Jordan Cronkite (5-11 200) from Miami Westminster Christian.

The four star running back with an ideal package of size, speed, strength, and agility is down to two schools West Virginia, where he visited on the 16th, and Florida, where he visited on the 23rd.

He shut down his recruitment after the Florida visit canceling a planned official on the 30th and said he would make his choice known on national signing day from the two finalists.

Regardless, the timing of his shutting down his recruitment was curious, the fact that he had been eagerly awaiting a Florida offer for quite some time was telling, and factor in the snowy cold conditions he faced in West Virginia on his visit to Morgantown and all signs point to Cronkite becoming a Gator on national signing day.

Finally, Antonio Callaway (5-11 185) from Miami (FL) Booker T. Washington is another four star receiver the Gators covet.

Despite his insinuation that the Gators were out of his final list of schools over a week ago, rest assured the Gators are still squarely in the mix.

He called them his leader last summer before backing off that statement and then eventually souring a little as the season progressed.

The Gators staff succeeded in getting him to visit this past weekend and, by all accounts, the visit went well. He had previously mentioned he would know his decision by Monday.

If so, that bodes well for the Gators who got his last visit and the momentum it provides. The other major players here are West Virginia and hometown Miami. I don’t believe he’ll end up at Miami and the cold in West Virginia does not help their case.

You’ve got to believe the Gators are the leaders going into the clubhouse. It’s important they pick up both Davis and Callaway particularly with the likelihood of losing four star Dillon.

24 hours to go before national signing day and the Gators are on a recruiting roll.

Stay tuned to Swamp Music for the latest updates on Florida Gator recruiting as we count down to signing day.

Williamson Completes The Trifecta For the Florida Gators

IMG_1283

The Florida Gators completed a recruiting trifecta when Gainesville (GA) athlete Chris Williamson gave his verbal pledge to the Gators on
FoxSportsSouth Monday evening with a donning of a Gator hat and a big ole Gator chomp. His pledge gave the Gators three commitments on the day.

Williamson (6-1 190) is a lengthy athlete that projects as a corner at Florida but could get a look on offense as well.

The Gators began recruiting him late in the process after the new staff took over. He visited Florida over the weekend and was impressed enough to choose them over the Michigan Wolverines. He had also considered Cal and North Carolina but, in the end, the Gators won him over.

Williamson becomes the 15th commit in this recruiting class for Florida who have room for 27 signees.

With the three verbals the Gators picked up over the weekend, the new coaching staff is on a roll that looks like it could turn into an avalanche.

Stay tuned to Swamp Music for the latest updates on Florida Gator recruiting as we countdown to signing day.

Another recruit that appears to be trending for Florida is athlete Javarius Davis (5-9.5 173) from Jacksonville (FL) Ed White. He is down to Auburn and Florida and appeared to be leaning to the Tigers after an official visit on January 16th.

However, since then, the Gators staff has been actively recruiting him hard. While the Tigers are recruiting him as a defensive back, the Gators are looking at him on offense.

While originally he appeared to want to play on defense in college, lately he appears to be warming up to the idea of playing offense.

A quiet unofficial visit to Florida this weekend may have sealed the deal for the Gators. He is expected to announce on signing day.

Scarlett Climbs Aboard The Gator Train

IMG_1381

The Florida Gator commitment train rolled on Monday evening as four star running back Jordan Scarlett announced his pledge on Foxsports.com.

“I will be attending the University of Florida,” Scarlett said. “Go Gators!

Scarlett (5-11 222), from powerhouse Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, had been committed to Miami since last July but backed off that pledge on Sunday.

He chose the Gators over the Seminoles, the team he visited this past weekend.

It’s a major coup for Florida’s new coaching staff, particularly head coach Jim McElwain, who made recruiting Scarlett a priority as soon as he took over.

Coach Mac, as he is known to fans, has a strong track record of coaching successful running backs and that point was not lost on Jordan.

“I thought a lot about coach McElwain,” Scarlett said. “He’s a great guy. He loves running backs like me. That kind of got me excited.”

Something else that caught his attention was the depth chart at Florida. With only two scholarship backs returning, neither of which has quite proven himself as “the man” at this point, Scarlett expects to compete for playing time immediately.

“I see myself going in there and playing as a freshman,” Scarlett added.

Already having friends on the team such as defensive back Quincy Wilson helped seal the deal as well.

Scarlett becomes commitment number fifteen and the second of the day for the Gators who are picking up steam on the recruiting trail with less than 48 hours to signing day.

Is this the start of an avalanche for the Gators coaching staff?

Stay tuned to Swamp Music for the latest updates on Florida Gator recruiting as we count down to signing day.