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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2017 23:26:33 GMT -5
Zach A. at SEC Country grades the UF 17 recruiting class:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Here are the grades for Florida’s 2017 class.
Quarterback: B UF signed two prospects at the position, though athlete Kadarius Toney could eventually play wide receiver. But the Gators nabbed an Elite 11 finalist and two-time state champion in Jake Allen.
Running back: A+ The Gators hit a home run here. They landed their top target in Adarius Lemons — once ranked the state’s No. 1 back — and Malik Davis, the all-time leading rusher in Hillsborough County who was pursued late by Clemson, Georgia and Miami.
Wide receiver: A This wasn’t a position of need after signing five receivers in 2016, but UF landed a pair of Under Armour All-Americans for the second straight year in Daquon Green and James Robinson, who could be an immediate-impact player.
Tight end: A- The Gators wanted two prospects at this position after not signing any in the last class. They inked the state’s No. 1 tight end in Kemore Gamble, but 3-star commit Zech Byrd wasn’t able to sign because of academics.
Offensive line: B Contrary to popular belief, offensive line wasn’t a priority because Florida returns 13 players for 2017. However, quality depth was needed and that’s what UF got with 4-star linemen T.J. Moore and Kadeem Telfort, the state’s No. 3 offensive tackle.
Defensive line: A Defensive tackle was the Gators’ second-biggest need and they signed three prospects in Kyree Campbell, Elijah Conliffe and T.J. Slaton, a top-100 prospect. Elite 4-star defensive end Zachary Carter also committed to Florida over Alabama and Clemson.
Linebacker: B- UF certainly added depth at this position with four signees, though none of them were highly coveted or highly touted. However, Ventrell Miller and Nick Smith may very well prove to be better than their 3-star ratings. Randy Shannon knows linebackers.
Defensive backs: A Cornerback was the No. 1 need for the Gators and they landed some studs. The de-commitment of 4-star recruit Elijah Blades did not hurt the CB class, but missing on some top-flight safeties keeps this grade from being an A+.
Overall: A
Jim McElwain, his assistant coaches and the recruiting staffers filled their biggest needs with quality players and signed Florida’s first top-10 class since 2014.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2017 0:02:46 GMT -5
EARLY ENROLLEES (5) Kyree Campbell DT / Woodbridge, Va. / Wyoming Seminary Upper School (Pa.) • Finished his senior season at Woodbridge High School with 62 tackles (18 for loss), eight sacks, four pass deflections, two interceptions and three blocked kicks • Played in the 2016 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl • Attended Freedom High School in Woodbridge, VA prior to enrolling at Wyoming Seminary College Prep in 2016 • Named to the Virginia 6A all-state first team as a senior in 2015 • Posted 12.5 sacks as a sophomore and helped the Freedom Eagles reach the playoffs for the first time in school history • Played for coach Kevin Kelly
Kemore Gamble TE / Miami / Southridge • Helped the Spartans to the 2016 FHSAA Class 8A State Championship o After starting the season 2-2, Southridge won nine-straight games en route to the state championship • Totaled 15 receptions for 184 yards and five touchdowns in 2015 • Participated in The Opening Miami 2016 • Traveled with WarZone, a 7-on-7 all-star football squad, to the Pylon 7v7 Nationals in Dallas in summer 2016 • Went to high school with fellow signee Shawn Davis • Played for coach Billy Rolle
James Houston LB / Fort Lauderdale / American Heritage • Suffered an ACL injury that prevented him from playing his senior season • Totaled 37 tackles (20 solo), a sack, an interception and a forced fumble during his junior season in 2015 • Played for coach Patrick Surtain
Kadeem Telfort OL / Miami / Booker T. Washington • Helped the Tornadoes to a 9-4 record and a semifinal appearance in the 2016 FHSAA Class 4A State Championship • Previously played at Miami Norland with current Gator linebacker Vosean Joseph • Played for coach Tim “Ice” Harris
Kadarius Toney ATH / Eight Mile, Ala. / Blount • Finished his senior season with 2,894 yards and 32 touchdowns through the air and also ran for 894 yards and 15 touchdowns • Named the 2016 Class 6A Back of the Year • Made the 2016 AL.com Super All-State team • Played in the 2016 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic • Named Offensive MVP of the 2016 AL.com All-Coastal Alabama team • Passed for 3,604 yards and 37 touchdowns and rushed for 896 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2015 • Selected to the AL.com Coastal Alabama first team and Class 6A All-State second team during his junior season • Helped Blount to a 20-5 record in his last two seasons • Played for coach Lev Holly SIGNEES (18) Jake Allen / 6-3, 200 QB / Fort Lauderdale / St. Thomas Aquinas • A two-year starter for one of the state’s football powers, St. Thomas Aquinas, Allen completed 60.9 percent of this throws (157-of-258) as a senior for 2,311 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions • Led his team to a 13-2 record his senior year and won the 2016 FHSAA Class 7A State Championship, where he threw for 323 yards and five touchdowns • Senior season: completed 141 of 235 attempted passes for 2,127 yards and 26 touchdowns; recorded career-high long pass of 59 yards; rushed for 33 yards on 11 carries with one touchdown. • 2016 Elite 11 finalist • Junior season: completed 130 of 205 attempted passes for 1,691 yards and 18 touchdowns. • Sophomore season: completed 63 of 120 attempted passes for 751 yards and six touchdowns; rushed for 19 yards on eight carries. • Played for coach Roger Harriott Lacedrick Brunson / 6-2, 210 LB | Miami | Miami Jackson • Named to the Class 5A All-Dade First Team defensive squad in 2015 and 2016 • Totaled 84 tackles (62 solo) and seven sacks in six games during his junior season • Played for coach Lakatriona Brunson, who was hired at Jackson in 2016 and is the first female high school head football coach in the state of Florida Zachary Carter / 6-4.5, 250 DE | Tampa | Hillsborough • Helped the Hillsborough Terriers to an 8-2 record in 2016 • As a sophomore and junior: totaled 149 tackles (86 solo), 7.1 tackles per game, 14 TFL, 8.5 sacks for 56 yards, 13 QB hurries, and 5 deflected passes. • Defensive lineman on the 2016 All-Hillsborough County First Team • Named the Tampa Bay Times’ Blue Chips Player of the Year for the 2016 season • Played for coach Earl Garcia • A power forward in basketball, he averaged 11.3 points and 8.8 rebounds in 2015-16 as a power forward. Elijah Conliffe / 6-4, 305 DT | Hampton, Va. | Hampton • Named to the Daily Press’ 2016 All-Stars Defensive Team • Competed in the 2016 VHSCA All-Star Game • 2015 Conference 10 Defensive Player of the Year • Played for coach Michael Smith Malik Davis / 5-11, 190 RB | Tampa | Jesuit • Ran for a county-best 2,469 yards and 33 touchdowns during his senior season • Led the Tigers to a 12-1 overall record and the 5A state championship game • PrepStar Magazine All-Southeast Region Class of 2017 • Finished his career at Jesuit as the all-time rushing leader in the county with 7,025 career yards, surpassing the mark of 5,765 set by former Sickles and current Clemson standout Ray-Ray McCloud • Also totaled 83 touchdowns during his career • During four seasons, three as a starter, Davis averaged 8.5 yards an attempt, including 11.5 yards per carry as a senior • Named the 2016 Hillsborough Offensive Player of the Year by the Tampa Bay Times • Selected to the 2016 Class 5A All-State team • Won the 2016 Guy Toph Award, which is given every year to Hillsborough County’s most outstanding football player. He is the third Gator in the last five years to accept the award, one being current NFL cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III • As a junior, he ran for 2,337 yards and 28 touchdowns • Played for coach Matt Thompson Shawn Davis / 5-11, 190 DB / Miami / Southridge • Helped the Spartans to the 2016 FHSAA Class 8A State Championship • After starting the season 2-2, Southridge won nine-straight games en route to the state championship • As a junior in 2015, he finished with 27 tackles and two interceptions • Went to high school with fellow signee Kemore Gamble • Played for coach Billy Rolle
Brian Edwards / 6-3, 195 DB | Hollywood, Fla. | Miramar • Named to the 2016 Class 8A All-State First-Team Defensive Squad • Selected to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s 2016 All-County 8A-6A Second-Team Defense • Also competed in the high jump at Miramar and was named to the 2016 All-County 4A-3A Second Team • Played for coach Pierre Senatus Daquon Green / 6-1, 185 WR | Tampa | Tampa Bay Tech • Totaled 131 yards on 21 carries in three seasons, and caught 115 passes for 2,255 yards and 26 touchdowns in four seasons o Senior season: recorded 639 yards on 41 receptions and nine touchdowns o Junior season: rushed for 27 yards on six carries; caught 31 passes for 734 yards and ten touchdowns o Sophomore season: rushed for 105 yards on 14 carries; caught 27 passes for 560 yards and four touchdowns o Freshman season: caught 16 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns • Played in the 2017 Under Armour All-America game • Selected to the 2016 All-Hillsborough County First Team • Played for coach Jayson Roberts Christopher Henderson (CJ) / 6-1, 175 CB | Miami | Columbus • Played in the 2017 Under Armour All-American game • In his junior and senior seasons, he recorded 636 total rushing yards on 68 carries (39.8 yards per game) and 10 touchdowns (seven rushing) • Selected to the USA National Team in its game vs. Canada • Played for coach Chris Merritt Adarius Lemons / 6-1, 195 RB | Clearwater, Fla. | Clearwater • In his high school career, Lemons rushed for 2,307 yards on 320 carries (85.4 yards per game) and recorded 27 total touchdowns (24 rushing) • Played for coach Don Mesick Ventrell Miller / 6-0, 227 LB | Lakeland, Fla. | Kathleen • Chosen for 2017 Florida All-State Class 7A Second-Team Defense • 2016 Lakeland Ledger’s Defensive Player of the Year in Polk County and Class 7A second-team All-State pick • Senior stats: 50 tackles, three sacks • Junior stats: 104 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, five pass breakups • Florida High School Football’s 2015 Class 7A All-State First Team Defense • Played for coach Irving Strickland T.J. Moore / 6-5.5, 290 OT | Charlotte, N.C. | Mallard Creek HS • Helped Mallard Creek to a 9-3 record in 2016 • Led the North Carolina team to win the 2016 Shrine Bowl of the Carolina’s • Named to the 2016 AP All-State team • Attended the same high school as former Gator and current Arizona Cardinal DJ Humphries • Played for coach Michael Palmieri James Robinson / 6-4, 205 WR | Lakeland, Fla. | Lakeland • In three seasons at Lakeland, Robinson caught 26 passes for 517 yards and five touchdowns • Helped lead Lakeland to the regional semifinals of the FHSAA Class 7A Playoffs • Selected for 2017 Florida All-State Class 7A third team defense • Played in the 2017 Under Armour All-America game • Played for coach Bill Castle Brad Stewart / 6-0, 190 DB / New Orleans, La. / McDonogh 35 • Helped the Roneagles to a 16-2 overall record in 2016 and an appearance in the LHSAA 4A state semifinals • Finished the regular season portion of his senior year with 111 total tackles, 13 pass breakups and 11 interceptions • Led a defense that allowed less than 15 points per game in 2016 • Voted the Outstanding Defensive Player on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 4A all-state team • Played both cornerback and safety in high school, earning All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016 by the New Orleans Times Picayune • The Louisiana Sports Writers Association named him the Class 4A state defensive player of the year in 2016 as well • Member of the 2016 All-Metro Large Schools Football Team as a defensive back • Received honorable mention All-Metro accolades in 2015 • Is just the second recruit from Louisiana the Gators have signed since 2001 • Played for coach Wayne Reese Tedarrell Slaton (TJ) / 6-4, 360 DT | Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | American Heritage • Helped the Patriots to FHSAA 5A state titles in 2014 and 2016 • 2017 US Army All-American • Played for coach Pat Surtain • Attended the school as UF signees Marco Wilson and James Houston Nick Smith / 6-3, 210 LB | Orlando, Fla. | Dr. Phillips • Helped the Panthers to the 2016 FHSAA Class 8A state championship game, where he totaled four tackles and a pass breakup • In his senior season, he totaled 96 tackles (15 for loss), forced three fumbles, recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass • Named to the 2016 Florida All-State Class 8A Third-Team Defensive Squad • Selected to the 2016 All-Central Florida Football First Team • Also plays basketball at Dr. Phillips • His father, Fernando, played eight seasons as defensive end in the NFL for the Panthers, Rams, Ravens, Jaguars and Vikings (1994-2001) out of Jackson State. • Played for coach Rodney Wells Donovan Stiner / 6-2, 185 S | Bellaire, Texas | Bellaire • In three seasons totaled 156 total tackles (80 solo, 5.2 tackles per game), three sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles o Senior season: recorded 56 tackles (three for loss), one sack, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries two defensive touchdowns and two pass breakups. o Junior season: recorded 60 tackles (four for loss), one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one punt block, three pass breakups and five QB hurries. o Sophomore season: recorded 40 tackles (six for loss), one sack and one forced fumble in his breakout season. • Named to the Texas High School Coaches Association 2015-16 Academic All-State Team • 2016 District 18-6A All-District First Team Defense • Played for coach Herb Kunz Marco Wilson / 6-0, 180 CB | Fort Lauderdale | American Heritage (Plantation) • Helped the Patriots to FHSAA 5A state titles in 2014 and 2016 • USA Today All-American 2016 • Senior year: totaled 20 tackles and three interceptions, including one 6-yard interception return for a touchdown • Was named a 2016 first-team defensive back on the 5A All-Broward team • Participated in the 2016 New Jersey regionals of The Opening, making the cut for the finals in Beaverton, Oregon • Sat out his junior season to recover from ACL surgery • Ran track at American Heritage, winning a 2A state championship in his junior season • Brother of former Gator Quincy Wilson (2014-16), while his father, Chad Wilson, played at Miami (FL) from 1992-94 • Played for coach Pat Surtain
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Post by canefan on Feb 2, 2017 15:13:02 GMT -5
Funny,I saw a couple of stories in the last few weeks about kids dropping UF because tbey said they couldnt trust the coaching staff there. All I read on Richt is how straight up with the kids he is. We got two new starters at corner in todays class so yo are welcome to enjoy both of those boys. We met our needs with speed at WR and three OL that can compete for playing time immediately. I recall Henderson tweeting last week he "needed ten thousand." You gedt asny signing day discount? You also heard that UF was in the 30s ranked and that UF recruiting was in disarray. Darrell, you need to quit lowering your standards by going to those scUM boards where they hardly ever get anything right. Lol! That's right ET, I heard UD was in the 30's because that's where they were at the time. I also heard that their recruiting was in disarray because Gator fans wwre in complete meltdown on the internet. You made it nice comeback, congratulations. I still think its funny that you and probably you alone actually believe that UF is the one university in all of college football that never negative recruits. Maybe someday you'll grow up and realize what's really going on around you.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2017 18:06:22 GMT -5
You also heard that UF was in the 30s ranked and that UF recruiting was in disarray. Darrell, you need to quit lowering your standards by going to those scUM boards where they hardly ever get anything right. Lol! That's right ET, I heard UD was in the 30's because that's where they were at the time. I also heard that their recruiting was in disarray because Gator fans wwre in complete meltdown on the internet. You made it nice comeback, congratulations. I still think its funny that you and probably you alone actually believe that UF is the one university in all of college football that never negative recruits. Maybe someday you'll grow up and realize what's really going on around you. When I meet the UF south Florida bagman in person, I'll take your UF does scUM crap too seriously.
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Post by canefan on Feb 2, 2017 20:52:11 GMT -5
Lol! That's right ET, I heard UD was in the 30's because that's where they were at the time. I also heard that their recruiting was in disarray because Gator fans wwre in complete meltdown on the internet. You made it nice comeback, congratulations. I still think its funny that you and probably you alone actually believe that UF is the one university in all of college football that never negative recruits. Maybe someday you'll grow up and realize what's really going on around you. When I meet the UF south Florida bagman in person, I'll take your UF does scUM crap too seriously. Run a 4.3 40 and you have a chance to meet him.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2017 9:27:01 GMT -5
When I meet the UF south Florida bagman in person, I'll take your UF does scUM crap too seriously. Run a 4.3 40 and you have a chance to meet him. This is what Mac had to say on NSD about Miami's negative recruiting without mentioning Miami by name: On facing negative recruiting from other schools "I always get a kick out of that. It's something we will never do. ... When you're at the University of Florida, you're a target because everybody knows the ability and (potential) as this thing keeps going. ... Yet our coaches will never stoop to that level ... The ability to put anything you want out there, nameless, that happens. And yet we got a good laugh out of it too, and the guys obviously jumped back on board that they were trying to sway." You know as well as I do that if scUM had the goods to turn UF in on anything they would do it. UF doesn't negative recruit let alone have a bagman. Come back to the good side Darrell. Defending scUM and attacking UF must be too uncomfortable for you.
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Post by canefan on Feb 3, 2017 10:50:01 GMT -5
LOL! If you really believe UF doesn't negative recruits then you are more in denial than I can imagine. You had kids shut UF out saying they couldnt trust the coaches there. The guy that started the rumor on UF is just another dips hit fan like anyone of us here. No connection to the university. You got two kids we were recruiting. Edwards was back and forth his entire recruitment. The story on Henderson out is he got upset because Rumpt ripped his ass after he walked off from the All Star game because he wasn't starting. You can have them. Both have a lot of potential but both would be behind Dean & Bandy at the U. As for the bagman, I could not care less if you want to believe it or not. I've been told it's a fact by people I trust and have zero reason to make it up. And as I've said before, I think all schools do pretty much everything, including Miami and UF and FSU. This ain't no Orange and green glasses.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2017 14:46:52 GMT -5
LOL! If you really believe UF doesn't negative recruits then you are more in denial than I can imagine. You had kids shut UF out saying they couldnt trust the coaches there. The guy that started the rumor on UF is just another dips hit fan like anyone of us here. No connection to the university. You got two kids we were recruiting. Edwards was back and forth his entire recruitment. The story on Henderson out is he got upset because Rumpt ripped his ass after he walked off from the All Star game because he wasn't starting. You can have them. Both have a lot of potential but both would be behind Dean & Bandy at the U. As for the bagman, I could not care less if you want to believe it or not. I've been told it's a fact by people I trust and have zero reason to make it up. And as I've said before, I think all schools do pretty much everything, including Miami and UF and FSU. This ain't no Orange and green glasses. Okay Darrell, I mean Darth Caner.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2017 14:49:27 GMT -5
After moving Skipper to defense and adding Seider, UF's last coaching hire will be to soon fill the vacant OL coach position:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida head coach Jim McElwain announced Thursday that JaJuan Seider will join his UF coaching staff as an assistant. Seider has spent the last four years as the running backs coach at West Virginia, his alma mater. “We are excited to have JaJuan in the Gator family,” McElwain said in a press release. “A lot is talked about his ability to recruit, but he is more than that – he is a great coach as well. Recruiting is about relationships and he does a great job of connecting and relating to players not only while is recruiting them, but while they are play for him and well after their playing days are over.” McElwain has tried to hire Seider in the past, but his son was battling cancer in 2015. He beat lymphoma on July 30 of that year. “I’ve always had an affinity for this university and am honored to have the opportunity to join the Florida Gators family,” Seider said. “I look forward to working with Coach Mac and his staff. I can’t wait to meet the players, spend time with them and help them achieve their goals.” With Seider’s hire, current Florida running backs coach Tim Skipper is expected to move over to the defensive side of the ball. Skipper served as McElwain’s linebacker coach at Colorado State and also coached the position from 2009-11 at Fresno State, where he was a four-year starter at middle linebacker from 1997-2000. Seider has a strong reputation as a recruiter, especially in South Florida because of his ties to the area as a native of Belle Glade, Fla. His coaching efforts are equally as impressive. Seider tutor West Virginia’s Wendell Smallwood, who was the Big 12 rushing champion in 2015 with 1,519 yards. WVU’s rushing offense ranking in the top 25 nationally the past two seasons. Seider landed coveted Miramar teammates Tyreke Cole and Jovon Durante for West Virginia in 2015 and also recruited graduate transfer Charlie Sims, who named first team All-Big 12 and Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2013. Sims has spent the last three years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Seider came to West Virginia from Marshall, where he served as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator from 2010-13. He was named Conference USA’s top recruiter in 2012 and was credited with signing the best class in the league. His top recruits was quarterback Rakeem Cato, who was named the 2012 C-USA Player of the Year. Seider also signed the nation’s No. 1 JUCO wide receiver, Angelo Jean-Louis, in 2013. Prior to Marshall, Seider was a grad assistant at West Virgina from 2008-09 after coaching high school football in South Florida for eight years. As a player, Seider transferred to Florida A&M for his final year of eligibility and won the Doug Williams Award for National Offensive Player of the Year and the Jake Gaither Award (considered the Heisman Trophy of Historically Black Colleges).
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2017 22:57:54 GMT -5
Zach A. from SEC Country on how and why UF offered and signed a 2 star linebacker. This guy will be interesting to follow as to how he develops and plays:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida had a few surprises on National Signing Day, one of them being Lacedrick Brunson.
The Gators made a late run at the sleeper linebacker from Miami, hosting him on an official visit last weekend and accepting his pledge at the conclusion of that trip.
Brunson kept his commitment silent until Wednesday so he could announce his decision during the signing ceremony at Miami Jackson High School. Larry Bluestein has been covering, evaluating and promoting South Florida recruits since 1970. When Blustein learned of Brunson’s signing, he was ecstatic about the news. “It’s about freaking time. That was my reaction,” Bluestein told SEC Country. Blustein has been high on Brunson since his junior year. Prior to the 2016 season, he wrote the following about Brunson:
“This is a no-frills playmaker who has quickness, instincts and the ability to be one of the best in South Florida when this season is over. … There is really no getting around the fact that this may be one of those talents who blows up right in front of college coaches.”
After Brunson led all tacklers in a 12-9 upset win over Booker T. Washington, the defending state champions in Class 4A, Blustein had seen enough. “I watched him play against Booker T. and he ruined them,” Blustein said. “He was all over the field in that upset, and he was largely responsible for it. I asked myself, How is this kid not getting recruited by major college programs? “People don’t really watch kids who aren’t on big-time teams. They’ll look at them as FAU, FIU players. They won’t look at them as a Big 3 player unless a someone deems them that. But after that game, I started making calls.”
Blustein said he called the Miami Hurricanes about Brunson, but they didn’t bite. Then he reached out to Florida. Linebackers coach Randy Shannon, who’s also the area recruiter for Miami, evaluted Brunson on Oct. 21 during the Gators’ bye week.
“He’s been recruiting me since the American Heritage game,” Brunson said. “He came out, watched me play and liked what he saw. He told me I was always around the ball, I’m a sure tackler and I can run sideline to sideline.”
Shannon and the Gators kept tabs on Brunson from that point on. Despite playing in just six games in 2016, he finished the season with 84 tackles and made the Class 5A All-Dade First Team for the second straight year.
“I believe, this is what was told to me, Florida watched me and kind of kept it quiet,” Brunson said. When the time was right, they put the full-court press on him. This is a kid that should have been recruited by everybody, but not everybody does their own homework like Shannon.
Recruiting sites can only do so much. They can’t pick up on everybody. There’s almost 400 athletes coming out of Florida who can play Division-I football. That’s a lot, and you can get lost in that shuffle. Many often do. That’s how these first-round draft picks come out of nowhere.”
The Gators decided to sign a fourth linebacker after Alex Anzalone declared for the NFL Draft. During Brunson’s visit to UF, Shannon sold him on his track record with linebackers and Florida’s lack of depth at the position.
“Coach Shannon told me all the things he has accomplished with linebackers, and he feels I could be next. He can teach me to become great,” Brunson said. “He was telling me how they need freshmen who can sub in and play right away. I told him, ‘Sign me up.’ ”
Shannon is no stranger to finding diamonds in the rough. In almost two decades with the Miami Hurricanes, he recruited and developed some of the best linebackers in school history. Ray Lewis, Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams were first-round picks under his tutelage.
Lewis, however, wasn’t a big-time recruit, and Shannon has turned several sleeper athletes into NFL talent. He signed 3-star linebackers Colin McCarthy and Daryl Sharpton in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Both were drafted and had multi-year pro careers after finishing third in the ACC in tackles as seniors.
Shannon also landed a 2-star linebacker from Miami — like Brunson — named Romeo Davis. He started every game for Miami at middle linebacker as a sophomore, but injuries plagued the second half of his college career.
Shannon has already shown promise at Florida with the recruitment of 3-star linebackers Kylan Johnson, Vosean Joseph and David Reese, who was named a freshman All-American in 2016.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2017 12:30:13 GMT -5
DB coach Torian Gray hired away by the Washington Redskins. This from SEC Country:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida secondary coach Torrian Gray is heading to the NFL. A source close to Gray told SEC Country he has accepted a job with the Washington Redskins. Gray was hired by UF coach Jim McElwain last February after spending 10 years at Virginia Tech, his alma mater. The Lakeland, Fla., native was a major upgrade as a coach and recruiter from Kirk Callahan, who was fired in January 2016. The Gators ranked No. 2 nationally in pass defense last season under Gray. He also developed defensive backs Duke Dawson and Quincy Wilson, who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. On the recruiting front, Gray landed commitments from Lakeland recruits Ventrell Miller and James Robinson, the nation’s No. 4 wide receiver. Gray helped Florida sign five defensive backs in the Class of 2017, though he was not the primary recruiter for any of those prospects.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2017 16:19:43 GMT -5
This was already planned for - Absolutely knew Torian Gray was leaving:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s Jim McElwain already has his replacement for departing secondary coach Torrian Gray. The Gators have hired South Florida DB coach Corey Bell, who accepted that position last month after three years as Florida Atlantic’s secondary coach. “I’m very excited about the opportunity to join the Gator football family and being part of one of the most powerful brands in all of college athletics,” Bell said. “I have a lot of respect for Coach Mac and I’m looking forward to working with a great group of players and staff.” Gray accepted a job Saturday with the Washington Redskins, which was first reported by SEC Country. Bell has ties to UF defensive coordinator Randy Shannon and defensive line coach Chris Rumph. Bell served as Shannon’s director of football operations at Miami from 2007-10. He also played with Rumph at South Carolina. In addition to his college coaching experience, Bell was the head coach of American Senior High School (2011-13) and Miami Edison Senior High School (1997-2007). With his background, Bell is expected to bolster the Gators’ recruiting in South Florida and around the state. “Corey has played in the SEC and has deep roots in the state of Florida,” McElwain said.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2017 16:24:33 GMT -5
Brad Davis, 2000 Oklahoma starting OL national champion, has been hired from North Texas at the same position to UF to replace departed Mike Summers. Unless there are more staff chages in the pipeline, UF is fully staffed:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Jim McElwain has made another hire to his staff. McElwain will bring in North Texas offensive line coach Brad Davis to replace Mike Summers, who left for Louisville last month. “I can’t wait to get to Florida and get right to work,” Davis said. “I can’t wait to meet the players, spend time with them and help them achieve their goals. I’m also looking forward to bringing kids in who have values that fit the goals this championship-level program.” Davis spent last season at North Texas and was the offensive line coach at East Carolina in 2015. Prior to that, he was a coordinator and line coach at James Madison (2014) and Portland State (2009-13). Davis was an offensive line staff assistant at North Carolina in 2008 and also spent two years as a graduate assistant at Texas A&M. The Baton Rouge, La., native was a starting offensive lineman for Oklahoma and won the 2000 national championship with the Sooners. “”We are excited to have Brad join our staff,” McElwain said. “Brad has strong relationship in our recruiting areas and has won championships as a player.”
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2017 18:53:37 GMT -5
A Banner Weekend for Florida Athletics - This from floridagators.com:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – How was your weekend?
Perhaps your mood today is based on what happened in the craziest Super Bowl ever on Sunday night. Won't be hard to distinguish Patriots or Falcons fans around the office, that's for sure.
Meanwhile, if you see someone skipping toward the water cooler, there's a good chance he or she is a Gators fan.
In case you took a couple of days away or simply stayed away from sports until Sunday night, you may have missed a banner weekend for Florida's athletic department.
Where should we start?
Oh yeah, the UF men's basketball team welcomed No. 8 Kentucky to town and put a whipping on the Wildcats like never before. No, seriously.
The Gators led from start to finish in their 88-66 victory before a raucous crowd at Exactech Arena, Florida's largest margin of victory in history against Kentucky.
But there was plenty more for Florida fans to celebrate.
The UF men's tennis team hosted No. 8 Southern Cal and No. 6 UCLA on back-to-back days and sent the West Coast powers back home with losses.
The Gators lost the doubles point in both matches but stormed back to improve to 6-0 and establish their place as a national contender in 2017.
"It feels great for our guys to get some validation for the hard work they've been putting in,'' Florida head coach Bryan Shelton said. "It's very early in the season – we haven't even gotten into the conference stuff. We just can't get ahead of ourselves."
Meanwhile, as the UF men played at home, the No. 1-ranked UF women's tennis team trekked to the West Coast to face No. 3 Pepperdine in a huge early season test.
Florida 5, Pepperdine 2.
Florida head coach Roland Thornqvist: 450 career wins.
The Gators won the doubles point and Josie Kuhlman, Brooke Austin, Anna Danilina and Kourtney Keegan clinches singles win as Florida improved to 3-0.
"It was high-level tennis throughout,'' said Thornqvist, who is now 375-47 in 16 seasons at UF. "I thought we were outstanding."
The Gators return home to face Oklahoma State and Stanford on Feb. 18 at the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex if you want to catch the nation's top team in action.
If you are scoring at home, that is four wins for the Gators over top 10 opponents in three different sports in two days.
As they like to say around these parts, "It's Great To Be A Florida Gator."
That certainly was true over the weekend.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2017 10:07:43 GMT -5
This on the size of the 2018 recruiting class from Zach A. at SEC Country:
As Jim McElwain tries to rebuild Florida football into a championship program, one of his mottos is “recruit daily or die.” Join us here on SEC Country for a daily recap of the latest UF recruiting news, tales from the trail and perspective on what it all means for the Gators.
Looking ahead Florida coach Jim McElwain and football staff members were on vacation for a few days, but progress is being on the Gators recruiting class of 2018.
UF has 82 recruited players on scholarship and 11 seniors for 2017, though wide receiver Dre Massey and guard Antonio Riles could return for one more year with medical redshirts.
Assuming both do, the Gators will have 12 available scholarships for the 2018 class before attrition. Antonio Callaway, Martez Ivey, CeCe Jefferson and Jordan Scarlett are all expected to leave early, bringing the numbers to 16.
Given the amount of Will Muschamp signees who haven’t played and the influx of McElwain players, Florida will likely have about five transfers between now and the next signing day. That would allow UF to sign 21 recruits for 2018, give or take.
Nine players on the roster this time last year are no longer with team via transfer or injury.
Here are Florida’s three biggest needs for the Class of 2018.
1) Safety Starting safeties Marcell Harris and Nick Washington are redshirt seniors this year. The Gators will return Quincy Lenton, Jeawon Taylor and Donovan Stiner in 2018, leaving them with little depth and experience at the position. UF has not signed an elite safety prospect since 2013. That needs to end in this recruiting cycle.
2) Wide receiver Florida will likely lose Callaway along with senior slot receiver Brandon Powell. The following season, Massey and Tyrie Cleveland could be gone. UF must sign a few 2018 wideouts to keep the numbers at 10 or higher. Fortunately for the Gators, they have several targets at the position as well as a commitment from 3-star WR Jalynn Williams (St. Petersburg, Fla.).
3) Offensive line The Gators should return everyone but Ivey for 2018, but they could lose as many as six offensive linemen after that season. Florida needs to sign at least four line prospects in the 2018 upcoming class to combat those departures. Barring transfers, four or five signees would give the unit a dozen or more returning linemen for 2019, plus the incoming recruits. Here’s how the class breakdown could look:
QB: 1 RB: 2 WR: 4 TE: 1 OL: 4 DT: 1 DE: 2 LB: 1 DB: 5
Should UF get any transfers in, the 21 give or take for the 18 class would have to come down.
Rumor has it that an OL from Tampa who started 8 games for Clemson last season before injuring his shoulder has applied for a hardship transfer to play closer to home due to family health problems. If that is approved, he could play immediately. If the hardship is not approved, he could still transfer, but he'd have to sit out a year. In that case, I hear he is looking at both UF and LSU. I can't see this happening as UF is fine at OL although the rumor has been persistent.
I also keep hearing a rumor that I consider to be far fetched about UF attempting to get the SEC to approve a graduate senior transfer QB from Notre Dame when UF doesn't otherwise qualify at this time due to Virginia TE graduate senior transfer Jake McGee not completing his requirements to graduate from UF.
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