Gifts the Florida Gators fan base would like for Christmas
As the end of 2016 approaches and the holiday season is upon us, Inside the Gators' own version of Santa Claus is back to place some presents under the Gators fan base's Christmas trees. What is on Florida's Christmas wish list for 2016?
--An effective quarterback for the long-term: Florida fans have waited too long for stability at the quarterback position since Tim Tebow's departure. After John Brantley graduated in 2011, seven different Gators signal-callers have transferred from the program: Jacoby Brissett, Tyler Murphy, Max Staver, Jeff Driskel, Skyler Mornhinweg, Will Grier and Treon Harris - and Grier's short starting stint before his PEDs suspension was the closest thing to what the fan base has desired at the position. Luke Del Rio (1.358 yards, 8 TD, 8 INT on 56.7% passing) hasn't been the answer this year, while Austin Appleby is on the way out after the Outback Bowl. The Gators will hope this present can come in the form of Feleipe Franks, Kyle Trask and/or 2017 commit Jake Allen - or perhaps another late addition in this recruiting cycle.
--A strong finish on the recruiting trail in the 2017 cycle: So far, Florida's recruiting efforts in this recruiting cycle haven't met the fan base's expectations. After missing out on a number of early-enrolling top targets like cornerback Shaun Wade (Ohio State), wide receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones (Michigan) and Jerry Jeudy (Alabama), and offensive linemen Navaughn Donaldson (Miami) and Alex Leatherwood (Alabama) - while seeing defensive tackle Fred Hansard flip from Florida to Penn State - the Gators currently stand at 24th in Rivals' latest team recruiting rankings and 12th overall in star average. If today were the end of the 2017 recruiting cycle, that would be UF's lowest ranking in more than a decade. However, National Signing Day is still 38 days away.
--At least 1-2 more recruiting aces on the coaching staff: For quite some time now, the Florida fan base has clamored for a boost on the recruiting trail for the coaching staff via new hires. With Geoff Collins now off to Temple as its head coach, that opens up some possibilities for the Gators. If Randy Shannon does happen to be promoted to defensive coordinator, Florida can address an opening on its staff with the hiring of a top-notch recruiter. It remains to be seen whether Florida will choose to shake things up on the offensive staff.
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* Best Guesses on Filling Remaining Needs (I)
* Best Guesses on Filling Remaining Needs (II)
* More info comes to light on UF's $60 million stand-alone football facility
* Early Enrollee Preview: Toney focused on playing quarterback
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--At least one five-star recruit: Florida has had at least one five-star in all but two of its recruiting classes (2005, 2011) since Rivals began handing out star ratings in 2002. However, Reggie Nelson was the No. 7 overall recruit in the 2005 class, and the 2011 class was Will Muschamp’s first at UF. Florida isn’t in the hunt for very many five-star recruits currently, but the Gators are still under consideration by five-star defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon, who also has Alabama and Michigan in the mix. The Gators will get Solomon’s final official visit on Jan. 27, 2017.
--More depth at defensive tackle: It’s no secret that the Gators have a huge need at defensive tackle, with Caleb Brantley likely off to the NFL Draft and Joey Ivie graduating. Florida has just Khairi Clark, Taven Bryan, Luke Ancrum and Jachai Polite as its primary returning options in 2017, while it has just one defensive tackle committed in the 2017 cycle, Kyree Campbell. Three others at the position (Hansard, Javier Edwards, Jordon Scott) have decommitted from UF. Regardless, the Gators are still in the hunt for Solomon and Tyrone Truesdell, among others.
--Key pieces on defense, special teams returning to school: The Gators are likely to lose cornerbacks Jalen “Teez” and Quincy Wilson, as well as defensive tackle Caleb Brantley, to the NFL Draft. However, a number of key Gators are still mulling decisions. It would mean a huge deal for Florida if defensive back Duke Dawson and linebacker Alex Anzalone decided to return to school for their final seasons. Johnny Townsend returning for his redshirt senior season would give the Gators a key weapon on special teams and one of the best punters in the country in 2017.
--A win in the Outback Bowl against Iowa: Florida cannot afford to end its 2016 season for the second straight year on a three-game losing streak. The Gators could use a victory against the Hawkeyes to enter the offseason with some confidence and momentum, and to improve the national perception of the program a bit.
--A standalone football facility that'll compete with the best of them: The UAA has already delivered a holiday treat with the completion of the renovation for Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center, but Florida's proposed $60 million standalone football facility is a present that won't arrive for nearly another two-and-a-half years. Information about the project was released this week – and the construction of the football facility won’t be completed until June 2019. When this present does arrive, it’ll be a massive addition for the Gators football program.
--An NCAA Tournament trip for Mike White’s group: The Gators have gotten off to a good start in White’s second season, going 9-3 with quality wins against Miami, Seton Hall and St. Bonaventure. Florida’s three losses have come against top-25 teams in Duke, Gonzaga and FSU. At this pace, with a solid performance in SEC competition Florida should reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2013-14 season, when the Gators made the Final Four under Billy Donovan.
And for everybody who follows ITG, a warm, safe and happy holiday season!