Take Five: Border Wars Recruiting
Florida and Georgia have been and will forever be connected at the hip. Not only are they SEC East Division rivals, but they also share the distinction of being two of the top talent producing states in the nation who just also happen to share a common border.
With that in mind this edition of Take Five examines the recruiting border war between the two programs.
THE TOP FIVE FLORIDA PLAYERS WHO WERE HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTS IN GEORGIA
1) Linebacker Jarrad Davis - He shot out of the gates as one of the top defenders on the team as a true freshman before slumping somewhat as a sophomore. He has returned to form this year and is considered one of the best overall players on the team.
2) Wide Out Demarcus Robinson - Prior to the start of the season the case could be made that Robinson was easily the top receiver on the team and perhaps the best overall offensive player. With the 2015 season just past its halfway point, Robinson is probably no better than third in the receiver rotation. He was projected to have an All SEC type of season. What has happened here is the question?
3) Offensive Guard Antonio Riles - Taking into consideration that the redshirt sophomore is a converted defensive lineman, it's safe to say that though he is no longer starting, he is doing better than most would have projected just one short year ago. His best football is still ahead of him.
4) Defensive Back Chris Williamson - The former four-star isn't seeing much action on defense as a true freshman, contributing mostly on special teams to this point, but in a year or two it wouldn't be surprising to see him sit atop this list.
5) Kicker Austin Hardin - How shallow is Florida's roster of Peach State signees? Here's your answer - the fifth best player from the state on the Gators' roster is one of the most inconsistent kickers in the conference.
FIVE TOP GEORGIA PLAYERSS WHO WERE HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTS IN FLORIDA
1) Running Back Sony Michel - While waiting his turn the last two years behind backs such as Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb, he hasn't gotten a ton of carries, but the former five-star did rush for 410-yards last year as a freshman and has 508-yards this year.
2) Offensive Tackle John Theus - He actually visited Florida a couple of times just before committing to the Bulldogs, but the truth is he was Georgia's to lose from the start. The senior is entrenched at tackle, where has started over 40 games thus far in his career.
3) Wide Out/Returner Isaiah McKenzie - Fellow Floridian Reggie Davis has more receptions and yards, but McKenzie is considered one of the most dangerous special teams returners in the SEC.
4) Offensive Guard Isaiah Wynn - Here's another instate offensive lineman the Gators weren't able to keep home. The former four-star Army All American considered Florida, but in the end crossed the border where he played 11 games as a freshman and is a starting guard this season.
5) Kicker Marshall Morgan - Though he may only be the fifth best prospect from the Sunshine State on Georgia's roster, considering Florida's kicking situation, he may be the one the Gators could use the most. Morgan leads the Bulldogs in scoring (56 points) hitting 9-of-13 field goals while converting 29-of-29 extra points.
FIVE TOP UNCOMMITTED PROSPECTS BEING TARGETED BY THE TWO SCHOOLS
Defensive End Brian Burns - Georgia has been the leader for a while, but Burns isn't looking to commit any time soon. Florida has been after him pretty hard here lately and want him to visit again. He last visited in July and was really impressed with Gators defensive line coach Chris Rumph.
Wide Out Tre Nixon - After slow playing him somewhat earlier in the process, Florida has turned up the heat here lately. Georgia, Penn State, Florida and Auburn are schools he mentions. Nixon wants to make a decision sometime soon.
Tight End Jacob Mathis - He has been mentioning both Florida and Georgia for a while now as schools seriously in the mix. Mathis just took an official visit to Michigan and wants to see the Gators and Bulldogs. One question is, where does he stand on Florida's tight end board?
Offensive Lineman Terrance Davis - He's a big lineman that Florida has been pressing to get a foot in the door with. At this time he plans to officially visit Georgia in December. No word on anything scheduled for the Gators.
Athlete Demetris Robertson - This former Alabama commit has been to Florida once over the summer for Friday Night Lights, but has been to Georgia a few times this season already. The Gators have some work to do here to be considered a legitimate contender.
FIVE TOP COMMITTED PROSPECTS WHO WERE TARGETED BY THE TWO SCHOOLS
Wide Out Josh Hammond (UF commit) - Though he is committed to and has family ties to Florida, he still took an official to Georgia for the Alabama game. He returned saying he is solid to the Gators, but he is high on the Bulldogs as well.
Offensive Lineman Chris Barnes (UGA commit) - Florida offensive line coach Mike Summers visited Barnes during the Gators bye week. Barnes says that he plans to officially visit UF this fall.
Running Back Elijah Holyfield (UGA) - He had plenty of early interest in the Gators, but that faded and Florida has commitments from the two backs they'll take in this class.
Cornerback Chauncey Gardner (UF) - Here is another Florida commitment who took an official visit to Georgia this season. Though he plans to take more visits down the road, he seems solid to the Gators.
Athlete Randrecous Davis (UGA) - He had early interest in Florida when they offered back in the spring, but by the end of summer he had committed to Georgia.
Anthony Dasher and Blake Alderman contributed to this report