Florida Gators commentary in five parts, as in there’s one, two, three, four, five of them.
We’re at that critical point of the year. Critical in that National Signing Day is fast approaching and there are still some recruits on the table. From the desired to the impossible to the probable, they’re out there undecided about their next destination. The Florida Gators are still looking for a few bodies. With the class coming together nicely and nearly full, there are a few final pieces to put into the puzzle. The final set of prospects that may or may not join the Gators’ 2013 recruiting class.
1. The odds that the nation’s top prospect—Grayson (Loganville, FL) defensive end Robert Nkemdiche—commits to Florida are slim-to-none. It would take the miracle of all miracles for the Gators’ coaching staff to pull it off. Because of that we have never really expected Nkemdiche to fully consider Florida an option. Yes, he recently visited Gainesville and does like the program and where it’s headed, but it’s long been thought to be a battle between LSU and Ole Miss with the Rebels holding the lead. Nkemdiche would be a VERY-nice-to-have that’s not going to happen.
2. New Smyrna Beach (New Smyrna Beach, FL) wide receiver James Clark will make one final visit before NSD and it will come on Saturday when he makes the trek to Gainesville. The 5’10”, 175-pound Clark recently visited Ohio State and only had great things to say about Columbus and the Buckeyes. He is still considering the Gators, but also mentions Clemson, Nebraska and Northwestern. Clark will announce on NSD. If he does choose the Buckeyes, take a couple of ibuprofen Florida fans and quickly move on. We can expect many more recruiting battles to come with that Urban Meyer guy and his merry band of coaches at Ohio State.
3. With Adam Lane and Kelvin Taylor headed to Florida, the Gators have done well in the running back department in the 2013 class. Despite the two already aboard, there are running backs that have Florida among their finalists. One of those is South Plantation (Plantation, FL) back Alex Collins. Collins recently visited Arkansas and enjoyed the trip, but still lists five among his finalists. He will make his decision on February 4, deciding between Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Miami and Wisconsin.
4. West Centennial (Port St. Lucie, FL) defensive tackle Jaynard Bostwick is coming to Gainesville over the final weekend of the recruiting cycle. The 6’4″, 291-pound DT is excited for the visit, but don’t expect commitment news–he will announce his decision on NSD. The four-star Bostwick is down to his final three–Alabama, Florida and Miami–and will make his decision known on February 6. Despite being listed at 291, Bostwick is closer to 315, making him a true defensive tackle. He has had good things to say about the Gators and has developed a good relationship with the defensive coaches over the course of his recruitment.
5. Lake Gibson (Lakeland, FL) fullback Kennard Swanson wants to be a Gator, but whether that happens or not is still up in the air. Florida is waiting to see if he’ll have the grades to qualify or if he’ll have to go the JUCO route. Swanson wants to be a Gator and Florida wants him as a part of the class. We should known more about his situation next week. Rumor has it that the Gators are holding a spot in the class for him and will make their final decision on NSD.
Nice update.
1) LSU seems even more unlikely than Florida at this point for Nkemdiche. The fact that he canceled his OV to Baton Rouge speaks volumes to that. Not saying that we are going to get RN, but if we were to the staff was smart to schedule him for an earlier OV, just to ensure he get on campus.
2) Clark does seem to be wide-open. I don’t understand why we are going after so many WRs this cycle. Isn’t 5 enough?
5) According to Clark’s high school coach, as of today he is planning to go JUCO because his grades weren’t good, so he looks like he could be an option for Florida further down the road if he gets good enough grades.
Who doesn’t love recruiting?