Five-Star Challenge Florida Recruiting Notebook
ATLANTA, Ga. | Inside the Gators has the latest on four of Florida's top targets who participated in the Rivals Five-Star Challenge.
GRAY IS THE REASON WHY
Lakeland (Fla.) five-star wide receiver James Robinson took his first flight ever in his life on his trip to Atlanta for the Five-Star Challenge. For the most part it’s been Clemson and Florida mentioned as the two on top for the Rivals100 pass catcher, but after the spring evaluation period a few other schools have joined in the pursuit.
“Ohio State. Alabama. Oklahoma is coming real hard,” stated Robinson.
In the past Robinson has noted that the Gators were his dream school growing up, but early on in his recruitment Florida wasn’t mentioned much. However, now the Gators are his stated outright leader.
There is one reason for the Gators assent - the addition of Lakeland native Torrian Gray to the Florida staff.
“They tell me to stay home. I actually hit up Coach Gray last night (Thursday?). I told him I wanted to get up (to Gainesville) for a couple summer practices. He wants to step in my life and become more like a father figure because I never had one. I want to go up for probably three or four practices. It’s probably be this month or going into next month.”
Going forward the 6-foot-3, 198-pounder is unsure of when he would like to end his recruitment. As for now his focus is centered more on summer visits
“I’m trying to get to Ohio State, might go back up to Clemson, (maybe) Michigan State.”
GATORS LOSING GROUND FOR FOUR-STAR TACKLE
One of the top prospects in the Sunshine State, also happens to be one of the highest rising players in the latest round of Rivals rankings. Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage offensive tackle Kai-Leon Herbert has not only seen his stock skyrocket, he has seen an uptick in interest from programs outside the area.
Throughout last fall and heading into this spring, Florida was the stated team to beat for his services. That was then, this is now.
According to Herbert, he is now looking at six schools.
"Michigan, Florida, Miami, Auburn, Mississippi State and Tennessee. My list is in no order,” explained Herbert. “I’ve been talking with the other schools and it’s been really good.”
When asked which school is recruiting him the hardest Herbert mentioned Michigan. However there are four programs the 6-foot-4, 279-pounder feels are doing a good job recruiting him.
“Florida, Michigan, Miami and Auburn,” said Herbert. “Constant contact and when we talk, it’s natural conversation. It’s not just the generic recruiting.”
Going forward Herbert plans to make his commitment sometime before the end of summer. The only visit he has set in stone for the summer is a trip to Michigan on June 17th.
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