Five to Follow: Quarterback

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 quarterbacks.

During the last recruiting cycle the Gators failed to land a signal caller in the transition class of first year head coach Jim McElwain. This in turn creates a big need at the position for the Orange & Blue in the Class of 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.

Jack Allison | Palmetto (Fla.) | 6-foot-5, 181-pounds

What was Said: "As of right now I'm a Miami Hurricane."

Related: Summer visits on tap

Competition: Miami Commit

Watch video highlights of Allison by clicking here.Click The Skinny: Allison maintains that his commitment to the Hurricanes is strong, but he does tend to dance around answering if other schools are still in touch. Allison has a big frame and an even bigger arm, which should attract McElwain and Doug Nussmeier to at least make a stop to see him live this spring. It's really hard to tell if UF is going to be able to get a look from Allison, but I expect the staff to at least try. The Gators already know they are behind the eight ball recruiting quarterbacks, so there likely will be a few guys targeted that are already committed.Here to view this Link.

Woody Barrett | Winter Garden (Fla.) West Orange | 6-foot-2, 221-pounds

What was Said: "I really don't have a top school right now. A lot of colleges and a lot of reporters are asking where schools fall in place, but right now I'm just taking my time, scoping things out. I could name some schools, but not necessarily a top five or top 10."

Related: Barrett talks upcoming visits

Competition: Auburn, Oklahoma, Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, and Ole Miss

Watch video highlights of Barrett by clicking here.Click The Skinny: Barrett made a trip to Florida earlier this spring, but hadn't really heard a ton from the Gators staff before that. Barrett is a built more for a spread offense, but he is a passer first that uses his legs only if needed. As one of the top dual-threat passers in the state with a school full of Gators targets expect Barrett to have eyes on him this spring. He is the only quarterback on Florida's radar that is in no hurry to make a commitment.Here to view this Link.

Rex Culpepper | Tampa (Fla.) Plant | 6-foot-3, 225-pounds

What was Said: "I actually met the new head and coach and really liked him when he came by, but I haven't picked up an offer from them yet, but I hope I will. I grew up loving Florida and went to those games. I haven't ever been to a college football game other than Florida so I have a great relationship with the team because of my dad."

Related: Culpepper primed for success

Competition: Clemson, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech

Watch video highlights of Culpepper by clicking here.Click The Skinny: Culpepper claimed an offer from the old Florida staff, but it seems like the new staff is hoping to see him in action first before they extend an offer themselves. With his family ties to UF dating back all the way to his great-grandfather, it's safe to say an offer from the Gators would be a game changer for the three-star. It really is unknown what will happen down the road with an offer from UF, but at this time Culpepper seems to be the most realistic option for the Gators in 2016.Here to view this Link.

Feleipe Franks | Crawfordville (Fla.) Wakulla | 6-foot-6, 203-pounds

What was Said: "I'm still committed to LSU. I'm just going to let whatever plays out, and that's all I'm going to say about that at this point."

Related: Franks not sure about LSU's two quarterback class

Competition: LSU Commit

Watch video highlights of Franks by clicking here.Click The Skinny: This Rivals100 member has been committed to LSU for almost a year now and continues to visit Baton Rouge consistently. However being one of the top signal callers in the nation, as well as in-state, expect the new Florida staff to make their way to his high school this spring to see Franks up close and personal. With the need for a top flight quarterback in 2016, perhaps the Gators can sell Franks on an opportunity to compete for the starting job from day one. The one thing that isn't in Florida's corner is the fact that Franks could possibly enroll early, so he will likely need to see an offensive pulse this season.Here to view this Link.

Dwayne Haskins Jr. | Potomac (Md.) Bullis School | 6-foot-2, 188-pounds

What was Said: "I want to play in a pro-style offense and the Florida offense will be kind of what they did at Michigan [when Nussmeier was there]. They are going to be faster paced though and in practice they were between both shotgun and under center, so I like their style a lot."

Related: Haskins will return to Florida

Competition: Alabama, LSU, Maryland, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Rutgers

Watch video highlights of Haskins by clicking here.Click The Skinny: This Rivals100 signal caller is undoubtedly the Gators top prospect on the board at the position at this time. He took a visit a few weeks back and observed a spring practice and was impressed with the Gators offensive scheme as well as offensive coordinator Nussmeier. However with a decision expected in the next few months Haskins is going to need to make more than one visit to Gainesville before he is a realistic option. Maryland, Rutgers, and Alabama should not be taken lightly here.Here to view this Link.