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Published Apr 21, 2014
Five to Follow: The Secondary
Blake Alderman
InsidetheGators.com Recruiting Analyst
The 2015 recruiting cycle is in full swing and Florida currently sits with six public commitments. The next big event on the calendar as far as prospects are concerned is the spring evaluation period, which runs mid April 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 the secondary.
By signing the likes of Jalen Tabor, Duke Dawson and J.C. Jackson, Florida loaded up at cornerback during the last recruiting cycle. That isn't even factoring in Quincy Wilson or Deiondre Porter, who could play corner or another position. The year before that the Gators brought in Vernon Hargreaves III, Marcell Harris and Nick Washington. This year UF already has a commitment from Rivals100 defensive back Marcus Lewis. The premise being, when it comes to the secondary, don't worry, Will Muschamp and Travaris Robinson will deliver. As for this cycle, look for another cornerback and a pair of safeties if possible.
Here are five top pre-spring 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.
Carlton Davis | Miami (Fla.) Norland | 6-foot-2, 178-pounds
What was Said: "I know they produce a lot of defensive backs and they always have a ton of talent up there," said Davis of the Gators. "I know they had a bad year last year but they will bounce back and have a great one this year. I am basically just waiting to see what they do."
Competition: Alabama, Clemson, Miami, and South Carolina.
Ronnie Harrison | Tallahassee (Fla.) Florida | 6-foot-2, 192-pounds
What was Said: "I am very interested in Florida," the UNC commit told Inside the Gators. "It's away from Tallahassee and it's in the SEC and I grew up watching them and I am interested. I watched Joe Haden when he was there, Josh Evans, Matt Elam, and Louchez Purifoy. I try to model my game after a lot of them."
Competition: North Carolina.
Mike Hughes | New Bern (NC) | 5-foot-10, 160-pounds
What was Said: "They see me as a cornerback. They play a lot of man coverage and I think I can fit in really well in that system."
Competition: Clemson, North Carolina, N.C. State, and South Carolina.
Jaquan Johnson | Miami (Fla.) Killian | 5-foot-10, 172-pounds
What was Said: "Basically I can come in and they are going to give me the opportunity to play," said Johnson of the UF coach's message. "They see me like a Matt Elam safety sticking the little slot receivers."
Competition: Florida State and Miami.
Tarvarus McFadden | Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage | 6-foot-3, 198-pounds
What was Said: "I'm 6-foot-3 and I play corner, so I'm pretty sure I can play at any program," McFadden said. "That's my goal, to play early."
Competition: Auburn, Florida State and LSU.