Five to Follow: Offensive line
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The 2016 recruiting cycle is in full swing and Florida currently sits with eight public commitments. The next big event on the calendar as far as prospects are concerned is the spring evaluation period, which runs from April 15 through the end of May. This week Inside the Gators will unveil a position-by-position look at the top pre-spring targets in our Five to Follow series.
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Up today is a position of great need, the offensive line.
Despite signing six big bodies in the last recruiting cycle the Gators will look to add a handful more this go around in order to get their numbers up. Heading into the spring evaluation period the Gators don't have any commitments at this position, but are in the running for several top tier prospects.
Here are five pre-spring top tier prospects to watch at the position.
Inside the Gators' pre-spring top five lists are based on national ranking and of course whether or not Florida is showing interest at this time. One player having an offer this early doesn't necessarily mean he will be a higher priority throughout the process. Therefore it doesn't mean he will be rated higher on our list. What you see here is solely the opinion of the staff of Inside the Gators and does not represent the opinion of the University of Florida or anyone associated with the Gator program.
Branton Autry | Coffeyville (Ks.) C.C. | 6-foot-4, 320-pounds
What was Said: "Florida offered me a couple of weeks back," said Autry in a text to ITG. "They are coming by next Thursday to see me in person."
Competition: Arkansas, Oklahoma and others
Watch video highlights of Autry by clicking here.Click The Skinny: With the need for immediate help along the offensive line the Gators could really use some help via JUCO linemen, and Autry is projected to be one of the top guys in the junior college ranks. Autry is slowing putting together a strong list of scholarship offers and will get a visit from the Gators very soon. Here to view this Link.
Parker Braun | Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola | 6-foot-3, 272-pounds
What was Said: "The offers are coming in, so it's hard to say who we like and don't because these schools are all great and you really can't say no to anyone that is offering a free education," said Parker's father Mike Braun. "He doesn't have a top five or anything like that but the overriding interest will be what can a school offer academically. The academic schools like Duke, Stanford and Georgia Tech are strong on academics and then there are schools with strong family ties like Florida and have family around him like his family here and then his grandparents in Tallahassee, and friends in Orlando. Miami is the same way with closeness too."
Related: Braun spends Friday at Florida
Competition: Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami, Ohio State, Stanford and others
Watch video highlights of Braun by clicking here.Click The Skinny: Braun, who isn't big on interviews, has seen his recruitment explode over the last several months. He is quickly making a name as one of the top linemen in the state of Florida so a lot of eyes will be on him during spring ball. The Gators did a good job of getting involved early and are selling a mix of academics and early playing time close to home. Here to view this Link.
Parker Boudreaux | Orlando (Fla.) | 6-foot-5, 291-pounds
What was Said: "He knows exactly what he is talking about and he really wants me to be a part of their family and thinks I can make a big impact on their offensive line," said Boudreaux of UF offensive line coach Mike Summers. "He said I am his top guy and he is fired up about me. He wants me to come back many times and get a better feel about Florida. He is awesome, really cool guy, and he knows what he is talking about."
Related: Boudreaux is a priority
Competition: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Notre Dame. Ole Miss, Penn State and others
Watch video highlights of Boudreaux by clicking here.Click The Skinny: After his two visits this spring to see Florida, the Gators have made a big impact on the four-star lineman and are telling him he is one of their top guys on the board in 2016. He claims over 70 scholarships offers from colleges all around the country, so expect Boudreaux to be a popular guy on the recruiting trail this spring. Recently Boudreaux named a top 10 heading into spring that featured the Gators as the lone in-state school to make the cut.Here to view this Link.
Christion Gainer | Panama City (Fla.) Bay | 6-foot-5, 280-pounds
What was Said: "Florida is in my top three, I would say they are at the top," said Gainer. "Alabama, Miami, and Florida are in my top three. Those are really the three main schools I am talking with."
Competition: Alabama, Louisville and Miami
The Skinny: The Gators have the early lead for this three-star tackle and are also recruiting his teammate Janarius Robinson as well. Many schools are expected to come by this spring to see Gainer in action, so his offer list will likely expand. Look for Mike Summers to come by sometime during spring ball to see Gainer live.
Jawaan Taylor | Cocoa (Fla.) | 6-foot-4, 345-pounds
What was Said: "They [Florida] want to come by in the spring to watch me practice and stuff. I like Florida that would be a nice offer to get."
Related: Visitor Quoteboard
Competition: Miami
Watch video highlights of Taylor by clicking here.Click The Skinny: At this time Taylor does not have an offer from the Gators, but he has visited twice this spring. Offensive line coach Mike Summers will drop by his school this spring to see Taylor live, and would like to see him drop a bit of weight as well. Taylor has started to build a good relationship with coach Summers so an offer from the Gators would be taken in high regard.Here to view this Link.