Rivals analysts Rob Cassidy and Mike Farrell join Inside the Gators staffers Blake Alderman and Mark Wheeler for this in-depth discussion of Gator football recruiting.
This was written before Florida received a Christmas Day commitment from TJ Moore
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* Rivals250 lineman commits to Florida
* Giving Gators fans gifts on Christmas Day
* Best Guesses on Filling Remaining Needs (I)
* Best Guesses on Filling Remaining Needs (II)
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1. In your opinion what is the reason Florida isn't closer to the top of the Rivals Team Recruiting Rankings at this point?
Alderman: I think a lot of where Florida’s overall ranking is right now (24th) is due to the fact that they only have 14 kids currently committed. Sure there are some schools higher up with roughly the same number of commitments that have done a better job on the trail, but there are also several schools ahead of Florida who have quite a few more commitments. The way for Florida to rise up this ranking is to add some of these top targets left on their board with a strong finish. It should also be noted that Florida’s class is 12th if you count star average, so it’s not like the Gators have a class full of bums. It’s just easier to stress the recruits missed rather than appreciate the ones that have remained solid.
Cassidy: Florida State’s stranglehold on recruiting in the state hasn’t helped. And, to be honest, Alabama’s dynasty hasn’t been kind to Florida either. Just two seasons removed from a coaching change, the rebuild of a recruiting reputation is a process.
Farrell: Florida has a nice average star ranking so right now it’s about numbers more than anything else. They are behind a lot of teams with 20 or more commitments who will flatten out while Florida has a chance to shoot up the rankings with some big commitments.
Wheeler: As is discussed above and ad nauseam on the Alley, one of the reasons Florida is outside of the top 20 right now mostly has to do with the numbers game. Teams such as Kentucky – with seven more commits, but a much lower star-average – won't be ahead of the Gators come signing day. Five weeks from now when it all works itself out Florida should end up in the top 15, but it will take some unexpected big surprises for the Gators to crack the top 10.
2. Who are a couple highly rated uncommitted prospects who Florida is likely, or at least have the best chance, to land in this class?
