Recruiting Two Deep: 2018 Defense
In an effort to get you primed for the Class of 2018, we've set out to identify two of Florida's top targets at each position. To be clear, this is not a HOT BOARD where we present who we believe the Gators are firmly in the running to land. This is our opinion of what the Gators recruiting board looks like based on when offers were sent out and other feedback.
Today we finish up on the defensive side of the ball.
Where do the Gators stand for some of the nation's best? Let's dive in.
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* Expert Opinion: Breakdown of Florida's defensive back signees
* All 10 of our Class of 2017 Signing Class Reviews
* Anonymous Player: Looking at those who have left
* Anonymous Player: Tidbits on the 2016 signees
* Anonymous Player: Breaking down the offense, playcalling
* Anonymous Player: Taking a closer look at the quarterbacks
* Anonymous Player: Florida football behind the scenes
* TOTAL ACCESS: 30 DAY FREE TRIAL
* Redshirt Report: Brett Heggie
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DEFENSIVE TACKLE
What to Know: The Gators offered this four-star defender earlier this month on the evening of National Signing Day for the 2017 class. Florida has landed a few prospects from this high school in the past and hopes to continue to build on that pipeline. So far Florida, as well as in-state programs North Carolina and N.C. State have offered.
Chances: Fair. The Gators may have offered but have yet to host Davis on campus for a visit. There is legitimate interest in Davis' side, but there are still things to learn and people to meet.
What to Know: The Gators recently offered this four-star Florida State commit. According to Cooper he’s been in touch with Florida’s staff since the fall, and he’s built a solid relationship with Gators' defensive line coach Chris Rumph. Cooper is locked in with the Seminoles but said programs such as Florida, Alabama, Ohio State, and South Carolina are still in touch.
Chances: Low. Cooper seems like he will be very tough to pry away from FSU as they are the program that has been on him the longest. If Cooper decides down the line to take visits to other schools that could make things more interesting.
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WORTH MENTIONING: Taron Vincent, D’Andre Litaker, Dennis Briggs and Timaje Porter
DEFENSIVE END
What to Know: This is a position the Gators have not extended many offes thus far. Growing up, Florida was the dream school for this four-star defender. He was offered by UF last fall, and has visited Gainesville a couple of times since. Tennessee and Ole Miss are mentioned by Lamar, but by talking with him it’s obvious the Gators have the edge.
Chances: Excellent. Though he hasn’t come right out and said it, the Gators look to be the team in the best position to land this four-star. He insists he will take his time with his recruitment, but for now others seem to be trailing the Gators.
What to Know: This Nigerian Native has only played one year of football, and had a fairly productive season despite his inexperience. The three-star defender recently committed to Florida State on a junior day visit, but will likely continue to keep the lines of communications open with others.
Chances: Low. It’s obviously tougher to flip a kid than to land him outright, but new Gators defensive backs coach Corey Bell has extensive ties to Oladele’s high school, as a former head coach of Miami (Fla.) Edison.
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WORTH MENTIONING: Xavier Thomas, Dorrian Hardy, Nikolas Bonittio, and Jonathan King.
LINEBACKER
What to Know: Florida was a team this South Georgia native preferred growing up. While that doesn’t automatically make the Gators his leader, he is high on the style of defense played down in Gainesville. Florida recently hosted this four-star on campus last month.
Chances: Good. Peterson rarely gives interviews, but has stated in the past Florida is a team he has high interest in. This recruitment likely will not really heat up until the fall.
What to Know: Mitchell is a guy the Florida staff has recruited very hard for some time now, and it really heated up back in the fall when college coaches were able to contact members of the 2018 class. Florida is in Mitchell’s early top 10, but is still looking to get him on campus for the first time.
Chances: Fair. The Gators have Mitchell’s interest early, but just haven’t been able to secure a visit. The Gators were more active in the state of Virginia in 2017 and have a few other names in their sights for 2018.
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WORTH MENTIONING: Quay Walker, Otis Reese, K’vaughan Pope, and Rosendo Lewis
SAFETY
What to Know: Florida is currently the lone in- state school Johnson has high interest in. Living only 45 minutes away from Gainesville, the Gators offer the chance to play close to home so his family can watch. This five-star prospect visited Florida just last weekend and was able to meet new defensive backs coach Corey Bell for the first time. Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame, UCLA, and USC have also been mentioned.
Chances: Good. Johnson has named quite a few schools he’s interested in, but Florida is consistently mentioned. Florida will be looking to land Johnson after missing out on his former teammate Shaun Wade in 2017.
What to Know: Florida offered this LSU commit back in the fall and have hosted him on campus a few times since then. Joseph insists his pledge to the Tigers is strong, but he’s definitely keeping his options open. This is a guy that had a prior relationship with Corey Bell before his time at UF.
Chances: Good. Despite being committed Joseph is still going through with other visits and talks with other schools. Florida has a good relationship with Joseph and he knows there is a chance to see the field early.
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WORTH MENTIONING: Amari Burney, Jermaine Sherwood, Gilbert Frierson, Gurvan Hall, and Randy Russell.
CORNERBACK
What to Know: The nations No. 1 rated cornerback just recently visited Gainesville where he was able to meet with the coaching staff and get to know them more. The Gators signed three of his teammates from the 2017 class and are looking to keep their lucky steak alive going into 2018. LSU has been seen as the team to beat here due to his family ties to the state of Louisiana.
Chances: Fair. The Gators have an uphill climb here, but have several months before Surtain arrives to a final decision.
What to Know: The Gators offered last month and hosted him on campus for the first time two weeks ago. He is interested in Florida's success at his position in the past and their claim of being the real 'DBU'. Simms has yet to form a list of concrete leaders, but Florida impressed him on his visit. In-state program Georgia is a major player here as well.
Chances: Good. The Gators did a great job with Simms and his father during their time on campus last weekend. Simms was impressed with his first impressions of new coach Corey Bell and the message he had during the trip. The trick now is getting him more comfortable with the campus and staff.
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WORTH MENTIONING: Brendan Hadley-Riles, Tyson Campbell, Jordan Miner, Justin Watkins, and Sevyn Banks
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