National Signing Day wrapped up a week ago, and Gators fans are still basking in the glory of Florida's strong finish to the 2017 recruiting cycle.
The Gators landed six commitments last Wednesday, and 10 during the final five days of the cycle, to finish with a 23-member class that ranks ninth in Rivals' team recruiting rankings. Many expected Florida to finish with a class in the teens after it stood at 35th a week ago following Elijah Blades de-commitment, but the Gators made a considerable climb up the rankings.
In the process, Florida addressed key positions of need and balanced the numbers on the roster. Now, Inside the Gators takes a closer look at where the 2017 roster currently stands.
------
* Q&A: West Virginia beat writer shares insight about Seider
* Roundtable: North Texas, ECU beat writers answer questions about Davis
* Parental Roundtable: Q&A with Chad Wilson - father of Quincy and Marco
* Recruiting Roundtable: Class Roundup
* Redshirt Report: Quincy Lenton
------
QUARTERBACK - With Del Rio sidelined for the spring with a shoulder injury and Allen not arriving until the summer, Florida will have only three scholarship signal-callers available during the spring. Toney, listed as an athlete on most recruiting services, is not a prototypical fit at quarterback for a pro-style offense, but he'll possibly see most of his work with the 3's in spring while Franks and Trask receive the bulk of the snaps with the 1's and 2's.
RUNNING BACK - Scarlett headlines this group, which more than made up for the departures of Cronkrite and Herndon with two promising additions in Davis and Lemons during the 2017 cycle. Scarlett and Perine could end up being Florida's top two options in 2017, but the Gators could end up finding ways to get Thompson, Davis and/or Lemons involved as well. Florida may be deeper at running back now than it was a year ago.
WIDE RECEIVER - With Worton no longer on the roster and Jackson making the move from wide receiver to tight end midway last season, Florida will have nine scholarship receivers this season. All nine of those wideouts are talented enough to challenge for playing time in 2017. McElwain really has done a heck of a job thus far infusing talent into a position that often lagged during the Will Muschamp era.
TIGHT END - Florida's numbers at tight end look better with Jackson now at that position. Goolsby and Lewis will lead the way this spring, but Gamble could jump in and perhaps make a statement for playing time. Despite Zech Byrd's situation looking foggy, even if he doesn't ever sign, six tight ends is still a solid number for the Gators.
OFFENSIVE LINE - Two years ago, pizza delivery guys and bartenders were second string during the spring. Now, the numbers situation is looking much more promising. Despite losing Sharpe and Dillard, Florida returns the majority of its rotation for 2017 while adding two talented freshmen in Rivals250 members Telfort and Moore. This spring and fall could be sink or swim for some third- and four-year linemen looking to finally crack the rotation.
DEFENSIVE LINE - Although Caleb Brantley and Joey Ivie were considerable losses in the interior, Florida addressed its defensive tackle depth nicely in the 2017 cycle with three four-star tackles. Those three players, or at least 1-2 of them, will have to see action immediately next season due to the numbers there. At both defensive end spots, Florida has an array of options at what is one of the deepest positions on the roster.
LINEBACKER -Florida's linebacker corps will be one of the youngest groups on the roster in 2017, after losing three upperclassmen in Davis, Anzalone and McMillian. Reese, Johnson and Joseph should all play big roles, while Moon could also get involved considerably. Florida's four 2017 signees at the position, Garcia and Jackson will compete to fill out the rotation. The numbers will be somewhat on the low side in the spring, though - Florida will have just six linebackers fully available (five returning scholarship players and Garcia), while Houston (suffered a torn ACL last summer) will be non-contact.
SECONDARY - Florida addressed the departures of Tabor, Wilson and Maye nicely by laying a foundation for the future with six defensive back signees. However, that group won't arrive until the summer. The Gators' numbers in the secondary are replenished but there will be a lot of young players competing for spots in the rotation. The spring will give some of those who are returning a head start, but we won't get a clear picture of how the rotation will truly shake out until fall camp - considering a number of true freshman could see immediate action in 2017.
SPECIAL TEAMS - Florida returns its main specialists, including Pineiro and Townsend, who should make for one of the best kicker-punter tandems in the country in 2017. Florida will have plenty of options to choose from for kickoff and punt returner during the spring and fall, but expect Callaway to continue to be involved in that capacity.
------
Thank you for reading this Inside the Gators article. To discuss it, please visit the Alligator Alley Forum.
