Five to Follow: Pass Catchers
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.
Up today are the pass catchers.
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At wide receiver the Gators were able to land two solid additions in 2015, reeling in Kalif Jackson, who enrolled early and is already on campus as well as four-star Antonio Callaway. With the shift in offensive philosophy, look for Jim McElwain and company to try to add a couple more vertical threats in 2016.
The Gators were also able to land two tight ends in 2015 in Camrin Knight and early enrollee Daniel Imatorbhebhe to add to what was an already deep group. Still, look for Florida to try to add one tight end more in 2016.
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.
Sam Bruce | Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas | 5-foot-8, 185-pounds
What was Said: "I can see myself in this offense definitely. I can definitely make a great impact in the offense I believe."
Competition: Miami commit, Florida State, Ohio State and Oregon
Watch video highlights of Bruce by clicking here.Click The Skinny: Though this Rivals100 member remains committed to the Miami Hurricanes he is still looking at others. Florida hosted him on campus this past weekend for their spring football game, where he got a chance to see the Gators offense firsthand. Bruce is keeping close watch on the Gators offense this season and his close friend Jordan Scarlett, who is an incoming freshman. The Gators seem to be chipping away at his Miami pledge, so look for UF to keep up their efforts by dropping by the always-loaded St. Thomas Aquinas the maximum two times this spring. Here to view this Link.
Nate Craig-Myers | Tampa (Fla.) Catholic | 6-foot-2, 198-pounds
What was Said: "He just tells me I am a great player that can come in and bring a lot of recruits with me, because I am a top recruit," Craig-Meyers said of McElwain. "He said a lot of players would want to play with me. He said, why not come to Florida and play in my own backyard and have my family come watch."
Competition: Auburn commit and Florida State
Watch video highlights of Craig-Myers by clicking here.Click The Skinny: This five-star has been keeping lines of communication open with other schools despite his commitment to Auburn. Florida State has gotten him on campus a few times already this spring, and seems to be the team in the best position to pull off the flip. He keeps saying he wants to visit UF, but hasn't made the trip to Gainesville as of yet. Look for UF to drop in this spring in hopes of getting a return visit out of the top overall player in the state of Florida for the class of 2016.Here to view this Link.
Christian Roberson | Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern | 6-foot-4, 231-pounds
What was Said: "I actually plan to go to Mississippi State with my family on April 11. I think that's for a spring practice," Roberson said. "I've never been there so I'm excited to get there. I would say it's a little bit early to say for sure but I do have a favorite and I'd say that's Florida. I'm really excited to see Florida and Mississippi State."
Competition: Mississippi State
Watch video highlights of Roberson by clicking here.Click The Skinny: After a visit to Gainesville earlier this spring Florida is in the drivers seat for this three-star. The Gators are looking to add a tight end in the 2016 class that possesses the ability to catch and block, so look for Florida coaches to see Roberson in action this spring at his school that always produces division one talent.Here to view this Link.
Elijah Stove | Niceville (Fla.) | 6-foot, 177-pounds
What was Said: "Offensively they think I can move around from side to side and try to find the best way to find a mismatch," explained Stove. "Defensively it would be at corner whenever they need me on 3rd and long or prevent something like that. I am open to both I just want to play."
Competition: Auburn, Georgia, Michigan and Ohio State
Watch video highlights of Stove by clicking here.Click The Skinny: This Rivals100 member has a top five currently, but Auburn, Florida, and also Georgia might be in the best position to land him early on. Each visit Stove takes to Gainesville the Gators trend up more and more. The need for playmakers along with the Florida staff telling him they want to get him on the field as quick as possible, whether that be offense or defense, is what impresses Stove the most.Here to view this Link.
Binjimen Victor | Coconut Creek (Fla.) | 6-foot-4, 173-pounds
What was Said: "I have a great connection with the receiver coach, [Kerry] Dixon and also coach Mac [McElwain] every time I am down there he tells me he needs me there. They tell me to come and make an impact at Florida and that they really
Related: Gators in good shape for Victor
Competition: Miami, Louisville, LSU, Ohio State, Tennessee and others
Watch video highlights of Victor by clicking here.Click The Skinny: After two visits to campus this spring the Gators have set themselves up to be a contender for the Rivals250 pass catcher. Though UF seems to have the edge now, Victor expects a multitude of schools to drop by this spring. He doesn't seem to be in any hurry to make a commitment just yet. Victor is one of the top, if not the top overall target at the wide receiver position in 2016, so look for UF to continue to stay in touch in attempt to extend whatever lead they may be compiling. Here to view this Link.