A collection of 166 of the best football players in America brings with it plenty of action and a glimpse at the future. This week from the Nike campus in Beaverton, Inside the Gators was able to take note of many Florida targets and the lone commit competing at ‘Football Heaven.’
Here is a closer look at those on the defensive side of the ball.
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* Rundown of the Florida defensive targets at The Opening
* 2019 Rivals100 defensive end has top nine
* Recruiting Wire: Four-star decommits
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DEFENSIVE LINE
PERFORMANCE: Defensive tackle Nesta Silvera was tremendous during drills. In fact, he might have been the best defensive lineman we watched this week. He was explosive and powerful and was able to beat some of the best offensive linemen in his reps including Justin Dedich, one of the better center prospects in the nation.
Dennis Briggs is also going to be very good at the next level. He showed very good pad level and balance during drills. He showed good technique at times, but was inconsistent against some of the better tackles in the group. He was better by Monday than at the beginning of camp and showed a better range of moves than he used at the Rivals Camp in Orlando.
Dante Stills, who plans to visit Florida now that The Opening Finals are over, had a very good week. He showed very good quickness during one-on-one drills and a good first step. He has great hands and a variety of techniques to make plays.
The final target we were able to see, Rick Sandidge, is still a bit of an in-between type player. His week was a mixed bag. Against some of the bigger interior offensive linemen, he struggled some, but he showed an ability that could translate into a strong-side defensive end against some of the offensive linemen.
RECRUITING: Florida is in the running for all four of the lineman listed above that we watched over the week, with the Gators being in the best shape for Stills. Briggs enjoyed his time visiting Florida right before The Opening, but likes Miami and Florida State a little more. Silvera is one to watch out for. He is committed to Miami, but has visited Florida and will visit the Gators again. Sandidage didn't have a lot to say about the Gators.
