Team Recruiting Countdown: No. 8 Florida Gators

No. 8 Florida Gators (SEC No. 3)

2008 Haul: 22 signees, 7 Athlon Consensus 100

Scouting Report:

A national championship and a Heisman trophy quarterback. One would think that Urban Meyer could sit back and enjoy his successes for a moment. But the “what have you done for me lately” mantra of most athletic directors (and fans for that matter) offers little rest for the weary. Meyer certainly did not rest this recruiting season as he re-stocked his roster, once again, with top-flight talent.

For the Gators, nowhere is talent more needed than in the defensive backfield. Florida finished last in the SEC in pass defense allowing nearly 260 yards a game. Two starting freshman return but the leader, Tony Joiner, departs due to graduation. Who steps in to replace him? The best safety class in the nation. Will Hill (Jersey City, N.J.) and Dee Finley (Auburn, Ala.) are two complete players that will excel in every aspect of the safety position. They are big, physical enforcers as well as solid man-to-man defenders. Janoris Jenkins (Pahokee, Fla.), Jeremy Brown (Orlando, Fla.) and Adrian Bushell (DeSoto, Texas) will step in and compete for playing time at corner, if not add needed depth. Jenkins is the most talented of the trio.

Another way to slow down a strong passing attack is to get a great pass rush (see Super Bowl XLII). With the early departure of Derrick Harvey to the NFL, depth along the entire D-line could be used. William Green (Hoover, Ala.) is the next speed edge rusher to come through Gainesville. He will need some weight but has great quickness and power off the edge. Omar Hunter (Buford, Ga.) is a rare commodity up the middle: a defensive tackle that can play all four downs. He is built like a tank and plays the pass as well as any tackle prospect in the nation. Louisville’s Amobi Okoye is a solid comparison. Also, linebacker Brendan Beal (Bethlehem, Penn.) could be moved to end where he could use his size and strength to hold the edge.

Talent is not needed at the wideout spot in Gainesville, but 2008 was a case of the rich getting richer. Four very talented pass catchers are headed to Florida this fall, but what makes this wide receiver class so special is the balance. Carl Moore (Roseville, Calif.) is the top JUCO offensive talent in the nation. He is a Terrell Owens clone and will step in and make an immediate impact. He is supremely talented. Omarius Hines (Corsicana, Texas) is an incredibly polished, heady wideout with great hands and wonderful route running skills. He is the possession guy. Frankie Hammond Jr. (Hallandale, Fla.) is the burner that will stretch the field. He will also be a dynamic return man. Sprinkle in T.J. Lawrence (Lakeland, Fla.) and the Gators have one of the best wideout classes in the nation.

Jeff Demps (Groveland, Fla.) will, along with USC transfer Emmanuel Moody and redshirt frosh Chris Rainey, make an effort to keep Tim Tebow from taking such pronounced beatings in the run game. The Heisman Trophy winner could use all the help he can get from the running game.

If Beal is not moved to end, the linebacking corp is set for years. An already very young starting group adds great depth with Beal and Lerentee McCray (Dunnellon, Fla.).

Much has been made of the job Pete Carroll has done recruiting nationally. Urban Meyer and staff are beginning to recruit on the same level as USC. Out of the 22 newcomers in 2008, less than half are from the state of Florida. Meyer went out and signed players from 10 different states and took some kids from rival backyards. Hunter and T.J. Pridemore are both from Buford, Ga. – which is just down the road from Athens. Sam Robey is a big offensive lineman from Louisville, Ky., and Finley was snaked away from the hometown of the Auburn Tigers.

Top Prospect: Will Hill – ATH – Jersey City, N.J. (6-3, 205) AC100 No. 5

Hill has some of the quickest feet in the nation. As is the case in a lot of places, the best athlete on any given high school team will generally play quarterback. Hill played quarterback for Jersey City but will probably find himself in a different position in college. Some say safety. Some say wide receiver. Some even say in the backfield at running back.

Wherever he ends up, he will have the ball in his hands. He is impossible to tackle in the open-field and will run away from smaller defenders with his speed. This makes returning kicks a possibility, and he is an intriguing fit at safety. He is a monster in the secondary. He will take receivers heads off if they come over the middle. He has the range to play in a two-deep zone and the athletic ability to be matched-up man-to-man on the outside in blitz packages. He is simply a wonderful athlete.

Hill, named New Jersey’s Offensive Player of the Year, threw for 947 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for 960 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2007.

Best of the Rest:

Matt Patchan – T – Seffner, Fla. (6-6, 275) AC100 No. 31
Omar Hunter – DT – Buford, Ga. (6-0, 300) AC100 No. 41
Dee Finley – S – Auburn, Ala. (6-3, 210) AC100 No. 53
William Green – DE – Hoover, Ala. (6-4, 220) AC100 No. 60
Brendan Beal – LB – Bethlehem, Penn. (6-4, 240) AC100 No. 71
Janoris Jenkins – CB – Pahokee, Fla. (5-11, 180) AC100 No. 74
Omarius Hines – WR – Corsicana, Texas (6-1, 185)
Lerentee McCray – LB – Dunnellon, Fla. (6-2, 205)
Jeff Demps – ATH – Groveland, Fla. (5-8, 170)
Carl Moore – WR – Roseville, Calif. (6-4, 220)*

Sleeper: Frankie Hammond – WR – Hallandale, Fla. (6-0, 165)

If there is such a thing as a much-publicized sleeper, then Hammond is it. This kid has speed to burn. He will be an instant impact player in the return game and with his blinding speed, Hammond will find his way onto the field in some capacity next season. He will need a good deal of work on learning the wide receiver position but has plenty of physical ability.

* - Sierra C.C.

Terrelle Pryor: Ohio St, Penn St, Michigan

I will be very happy when Terrelle Pryor finally ends this nonsense that has been his recruitment process. Yes, it is the most important decision he will likely make in his life but it is time to end the suspense.

There is only one thing that really matters: where will Terrelle Pryor go to college?

Two words: Ohio State.

The Buckeyes have been the leading candidate for Mr. Pryor since day one. Not only that but it is a perfect fit. He will be used in exactly the same fashion as Timmy Tebow was used his freshman year in Gainesville. Expect Pryor to get 75-100 snaps next season as Todd Boeckman finishes his career at OSU in Chris Leak like fashion. The Buckeyes kept some very talented defensive players from leaving early and will be loaded on defense, much like the Gators of two years ago. He will have a chance at a national title in year No. 1.

Lets consider the hoops angle. Yes, he says basketball will not even be an option. But you know, just in case, a recent No. 1 overall pick and national championship appearance isn't bad to have in your back pocket.

Not to mention Mike Adams, one of the best offensive line prospects in the nation, said during a Signing Day interview that Pryor will be headed to Columbus. The quarterback's coach at Jeannette High has too, in fact, given his "endorsement" of The Ohio State.

National title chance. Top-flight hoops program. Great rushing attack to back you up. OSU has been the leader since the beginning. His coach says its the Buckeyes. His friends and fellow recruit say OSU.

Terrelle Pryor is going to play football at The Ohio State University.

I would personally like to see him at Oregon - for a variety of reasons, some of which will remain unspoken - but it will not happen. Unfortunately, he would have been a blast to watch play in that Chip Kelly offense, but its not likely.

Terrelle, I have already figured it out. You can go ahead and sign now, lets end this thing and make it official.

Having said all of that, something is up. That fact that a father and son had not sat down one time in the last two years and compared college choices is unfathomable. You mean to tell me, the first time the No. 1 prospect in the nation and his father ever spoke about where they wanted him to go was the night before Signing Day? Something isn't right. I have no proof of anything; I have no inside information. But the logical train of thought is pretty clear. We will have to wait and see.

Hey, THE Reggie Bush just lost a settlement case with a former financier. He had to pay him back his money.

Early Theme in Signing Day: SWITCHES

Florida has already lost two prospects in LB/S Ramon Buchanan and C Ricky Barnum.

Now Auburn has lost one of its top playmakers: wide receiver Jarmon Fortson from Columbus, GA has signed with FSU. Fortson is a great looking pass catcher. He is built like a tank and had a stellar performance in the Georgia Dome in the state semis this season. Auburn will miss Mr. Fortson.

It does not end there, however. Georgia lost one its top players in tight end Dwayne Allen. Allen signed with the Clemson Tigers.

That is four top SEC targets that have left the league.

Purdue also lost one of its top targets too. Troutwood, OH wide receiver Ray Roundtree signed today with the Michigan Wolverines. Rich Rod and Co. are making a very strong push on Signing Day.

Ramon Buchanan: DOUBLE SWITCH

Urban Meyer and company once again take an early hit on Signing Day. After stealing Melbourne, FL linebacker/safety Ramon Buchanan away from the Hurricanes, a second dose of their own medicine early on Signing Day has the linebacker/safety prospect bailing on the Gators and signing with Miami.

Listed at both linebacker and safety, what position he ends up at depends more upon team need than his ability. Florida has young linebackers who all return, so safety might be a better fit. In addition, Buchanan would need to add at least 30 pounds if he expects to play linebacker.

There is no doubting his physical play and explosiveness, though. He will get handled by bigger offensive linemen but will never back down from any match-up. His attitude and demeanor are that of a linebacker. In the secondary, this should transform him into a hard-hitting enforcer of a safety. His burst and explosion are essential and will give him plenty of range, but he will need plenty of work on his deep coverage ability. Buchanan is already comfortable around the line of scrimmage, so run support will be an immediate asset.

Who’s Got It Right: PrepStar

Ricky Barnum: The Ole Switcharoo!!

The Florida Gators got a bit of their own medicine this morning. One of the top centers in the nation has switched his commitment from the SEC power to the newly energized Michigan Wolverines.

Ricky Barnum is a 6-2, 250lb center from Lakeland, FL (Lake Gibson High). Interestingly enough, the city of Lakeland sent 7 prospects to Florida last year. No such luck this season.

A couple more names fall for Michigan and they could end up in the top-5 nationally.

They need Terrelle Pryor and Nick Perry though.

Signing Day Watch List:

There will be fans of every school in America wasting many man (or woman) hours at the office Wednesday.

That is because tomorrow is college football’s National Signing Day. It is the first opportunity for head coaches to officially claim players as their own. It is also the first time head coaches can publicly comment on recruits.

Needless to say, it is an exciting time for everyone involved. Fans, coaches, players and recruiting junkies everywhere will be glued to a medium of choice waiting for those faxed letters of intent to come in.

This season, more so than in recent years, the names left yet to commit are extraordinarily talented. The top quarterback, running back and wide receiver have yet to pick a school. The 2008 recruiting national championship, very much so, still hangs in the balance.

The big three are obvious:

Terrelle Pryor - QB - Jeannette, PA
Finalists: OSU, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, LSU, PSU
Prediction: if it happens tomorrow...OHIO STATE

Julio Jones - WR - Foley, AL
Finalists: Alabama, FSU, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas Tech
Prediction: ALABAMA

Darrell Scott - RB - Ventura, CA
Finalists: Colorado, Texas
Prediction: COLORADO

Pryor is set to announce on ESPNU at 12:05 pm ET. Pryor has hinted at taking a visit to Oregon this upcoming weekend, which would push back his announcement past Signing Day. Jones is set to announce at 12:30 pm ET on ESPNU. Scott is set to announce at 12:50 pm ET on ESPNU.

Here is a list of some of the other big names announcing Wednesday, my prediction is in bold:

E.J. Abrams-Ward - ATH - Thomasville, NC
Finalists: Tennessee, North Carolina

Aaron Boyd - WR - Lexington, KY (10:30 am)
Finalists: Kentucky, Oregon

T.J. Bryant - CB - Tallahassee, FL
Finalists: USC, FSU, Miami, Florida, Alabama, LSU

Quinton Coples - DE - Chatham, VA (10:45 am)
Finalists: North Carolina, Tenn, NC St, FSU

Enrique Davis - RB - Chatham, VA
Finalists: Maryland, Oregon, Auburn, Ole Miss, Tenn

Roderick Davis - DT - Aldine, TX
Finalists: Texas A&M, Texas, Florida

J.B. Fitzgerald - LB - Princeton Junction, NJ
Finalists: Michigan, Rutgers

Jarmon Fortson - ATH - Columbus, GA (12:45 pm)
Finalists: Florida St, Auburn

Jamie Harper - RB - Jacksonville, FL (12:20 pm)
Finalists: Clemson, FSU, Florida, Miami

Brandon Harris - CB - Miami, FL
Finalists: Florida, Miami, Ohio State

Jerrell Harris - LB - Gadsden, AL (3 pm)
Finalists: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Tenn, USC

Josh Jenkins - G - Vienna, WV (9 am)
Finalists: Ohio St, WVU, Florida State

Ben Jones - OL - Miami, FL
Finalists: Clemson, Miami

Datone Jones - DE - Compton, CA
Finalists: Oregon, UCLA

T.J. Lawrence - WR - Lakeland, FL
Finalists: S. Car, Va. Tech, Florida, Michigan

Antoine McClain - OL - Anniston, AL
Finalists: Tenn, LSU, Clemson

Charles Mitchell - S - Clarksdale, MS
Finalists: Southern Miss, Nebraska, Miss St

Nick Perry - DE - Detroit, MI (3 pm)
Finalists: Michigan, USC, Mich St, Miami

Robert Quinn - DE - North Charleston, SC (10:30 am)
Finalists: Auburn, Alabama, North Carolina

Hamani Stevens - C - Hemet, CA (3 pm)
Finalists: UCLA, BYU, Oregon

Tommy Streeter - WR - Miami, FL
Finalists: Miami, Oregon, S. Car, USF

Note: Time = Player's expected announcement. All times Eastern.

Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz

This week's edition of the Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz is listed up on the site on the Athlon Sports Podcasts page.

Or you can click here to listen:

AS National Recruiting Blitz

Mitch and I break down the top-20 prospects in the Athlon Consensus 100.

The Gators are the hottest team in the nation and are pushing for the No. 1 spot.
David Cutcliffe and Duke got their QB of the future.
Can Texas Tech salvages their class.
Clemson is closing strong.
Houston Nutt and Ole Miss is looking in familiar places for talent.
USC is still waiting on some really talented kids.

We also break down all the coverage Athlon will be providing during Signing Day Week 2008. Included is a LIVE CHAT AT ATHLONSPORTS.com from 1-2 pm ET on Signing Day.

All this and more on the Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz.

Don't forget about Athlon's free recruiting forum. Sign up is free and I am there everyday talking recruiting.

Athlon Sports Recruiting Message Board

Florida Gators Make Push for No. 1

The last month has been quite a successful month for Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators. Despite rumors of some scandalous activity, Meyer contniues to rack up big names on the recruiting trail.

Some issues surrounding No. 1 ranked JUCO wide reciever Carl Moore and his girlfriend as well as Patrick Johnson's ACT test scores have not made Meyer any friends of late. Stealing Omar Hunter from Notre Dame and Ramon Buchanan and Matt Patchan (yes, technically Patchan was never committed to the U) from Miami certainly did not add to his loveable nature.

Let's keep in mind, Urban Meyer does not get paid to put smiles on people's faces. He gets paid to win football games. Monday, he added another really nice prospect to his roster. Hoover, AL defensive end William Green announced his intentions to sign with Florida next Wednesday.

Green is a really nice pick-up for the surging Florida Gators.

The 6-4, 220-pound Spain Park High product is another one of the hybrid defensive end/linebacker prospects. Some scouts see him as a linebacker, but Green is likely to be playing along the line in college. Although Green will have to add significant weight to play a pure defensive end position, he does show flashes of physicality. One thing is for sure: Green will not give up on the play. He has a wonderful motor chasing and pursuing the ball-carrier until the whistle every time.

Although the size is not there, the power and strength seem to be present. His hand technique and his pursuit angles will all develop with solid coaching. He has not learned how to shoot his hands and shed bigger blockers just yet. However, with his long arms and big frame, Green could end up a dominating end in college.

Defensive end is a position that Meyer needed to address, especially once they pulled Savannah (Ga.) Jenkins defensive end Chaz Sutton offer over fear of his grades not be adequate enough.

On a side note, Florida has gone into a lot of backyards and pulled some very talented players:

Dee Finley - S - Auburn, AL (AC100 No. 51) self-explanatory
Omar Hunter - DT - Buford, GA (AC100 No. 49) a short drive form Athens
William Green - DE - Hoover, AL (AC100 No. 63) a Birmingham suburb
Sam Robey - OL - Louisville, KY self-explanatory

Athlon Sports Recruiting Blitz:

This week's edition of the National Recruiting Blitz is up on the site.

Mitch and I break down twenty more prospects from the Athlon Consensus 100.

The overall success of the PAC-10 during this 2008 recruiting class, Florida's controversial recruiting tactics and updates on Terrelle Pryor, Darrell Scott and Julio Jones all highlight this week's edition of the National Recruiting Blitz.

National Recruiting Blitz: 01.23.08

Athlon Sports Podcasts

Every time Athlon releases 10 more names on the AC100, I look a little deeper into those ten names...

Deeper Look: No. 21-30 Notre Dame and the offensive tackle position are very well represented in this group...

Mountain Brook's Tyler Love is just one of the names I break down in this release.

Sanders' Third Choice: FSU

Clayton, OH offensive lineman Zebrie Sanders has had a tumultuous recruitment process. The 6-5, 275-pound Northmont product thought he was done with this whole circus on more than one occasion.

December 4th, Sanders was expected to commit to the Florida Gators but instead backed out of it. Was that because the Gators had pulled their scholarship offer? Sanders says that Urban Meyer, did in fact, pull the scholarship.

Then he was supposed to commit to Georgia at the Under Armor All-American Bowl. That didn't happen. Rumors again swirled about Sanders losing a scholarship offer. The young offensive tackle says that the UGA offer is still on the table. It is interesting that the college that his mother attended mysteriously got axed off his list, though.

Finally, this weekend when visiting Tallahassee, Sanders committed to the Seminoles.

Its a good thing too. The offensive line is one of the main causes of FSU's recent struggles. Without Sanders, this OL class would be very weak.

What is concerning about the names that the Seminoles have committed is who they beat out. Big Andrew Datko has offers from only FIU and UCF. He may be a really good player but those schools are not ones that FSU should be competing with.

Even though Sanders is a really nice prospect, the rumors about Florida and Georgia basically handing him down the recruiting ladder to FSU is troubling. It may be nothing, lets say, the media making too much of it. Then again, the O-line has been a major issue on this football team for some years now.

Florida State should be the team to beat, not a recruit's third choice.

Terrelle Pryor heading to LSU?

Life for the top prospect in the nation is hectic to say the least.

The Oregon Ducks paid the young QB a visit a few weeks ago and they ended up on his short list of favorites. Then RichRod took the Michigan job and the Wolverines took the place of the West Virginia Mountaineers on his favorites list. Texas then got kicked to the curb. Tennessee followed when offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe left for Duke.

Then Pryor showed the nation at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl why he is the No. 1 prospect in the nation. He dominated the game winning the MVP for the game as well as the U.S. Army National Player of the Year award.

There is no doubt that he is inundated with phone calls, text messages and visitors.

Pryor, however, can only visit five schools officially. He visited Columbus and the Buckeyes on Nov. 2nd. He is slated to be at Michigan this weekend - he was supposed to be at Penn St but instead is headed to Ann Arbor. That is not a good sign for JoePa.

That leaves three more officials. PSU, Oregon, Florida and maybe even Duke might get a visit. Oregon and Florida are my prediction. He has been to Penn St so many times they may not get an official visit. So that leaves one more visit date.

Who gets it? There is a new player in the Pryor sweepstakes.

Les Miles and the LSU Tigers might end up with one of those visits. The main reason Pryor is interested in Oregon is the style of offense that they run. Gary Crowton was the OC in Eugene and worked with Dennis Dixon. Crowton is now at LSU. They have been supposedly pitching Pryor on the implementation of the zone-read offense in Baton Rouge. Music to young Mr. Pryor's ears.

Will Pryor end up at or even visit LSU? Who knows. All I know is that when a player visits the Bayou, they don't forget it. It is a fabulous place to hang out in and certainly an unforgettable football experience.

The question about LSU is the QB situation. It is the most clogged of all the favorites. The controversial Ryan Perrilloux and young Jarrett Lee both would be ahead of Pryor on the depth chart.

Pryor is on record as stating that playing time is not necessarily the important issue so LSU's depth chart may not matter. Either way, LSU is a very easy sell. Great culture, great football, great women, great weather, defending National Champs and a newly designed offensive system put in place just for him.

It sounds pretty tantalizing to me. The Bayou Bengals may have something to say about this thing before its all said and done.

What about Pittsburgh? In a word, no.

The young Western PA quarterback has developed a friendship and mentor in Pittsburgh Steelers QB Charlie Batch. He was seen with Batch at the Pitt-GTown basketball game recently. Rumors about Pitt's chances at Pryor are unfounded and ridiculous. He is not headed to Pitt. The Stache has done a great job on the recruiting trail, however.

NEWLY UPDATED TERRELLE PRYOR PERCENTAGES:

Mich: 35%
OSU: 35%
Oregon: 10%
Florida: 10%
LSU: 10%
Duke: 0%
Pitt: 0%
PSU: 0%

Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz: 01.16.08

The latest edition of Athlon Sports' National Recruiting Blitz is now up on the site. AthlonSports.com

Mitch and I break down twenty more names from the Athlon Consensus 100. (51-70)

Team rankings, positional rankings and Oklahoma's recent success highlight this week's edition.

Pre-Signing Day Team Recruiting Rankings:

In the middle of November, the first edition of The UV's Unofficial Team Recruiting Rankings debuted. Notre Dame was the best class in the nation after the first unofficial rankings. Things have changed a bit since then.

Athlon's ranks were USC-1, UGA-2, OSU-3, ALA-4, MIA-5. Our rankings only act as one-fourth of the overall team rankings. Much in the same way that the Athlon Consensus 100 works, these team rankings are compiled using four expert sources. ESPN, Rivals, Scout and Athlon.



Rivals and Scout use a computer system that calculates a point total based on individual rankings and quantities. ESPN's list is a subjective group put together based on one man's opinion. Athlon's rankings are obviously subjective as well. This gives The Unofficial Team Recruiting Rankings equal parts computer and human.

Georgia's consistency at No. 2 across the board gave the Bulldogs enough to overcome Notre Dame's two No. 1's. USC and OSU have the best bang for their buck with the highest level of quality. But schools like Miami and Alabama have put together much bigger classes at the moment so they got the nod in most rankings.

Texas has the top running back class with five nice prospects. They would have one of the best classes at the position in history if land Ventura (Cali.) running back Darrell Scott, whom they seem to be leading for after Longhorn tailback Jamaal Charles declared for the draft. Scott is the No. 1 running back prospect in the nation. If the Gators were to add Jacksonville star Jamie Harper and DeSoto (Tx.) product Cyrus Gray, they might be able to challenge. If the experts want to count USC transfer Emmanuel Moody, Florida might be leading.

USC is pulling off the same feat along the offensive line with six outstanding prospects. Ohio State could challenge if they were to land a kid like Josh Jenkins and Notre Dame might have something to say if they could snag Kenneth Page from the southeast.

The depth of this wide receiver class is special and there is still a lot of work to be done. With names like Muskogee's (Okla.) Jameel Owens and Foley's (Al.) Julio Jones still hanging in the balance, any number of teams could claim the title.

Florida would certainly clinch this position if they can somehow pull the upset and land Jones. Carl Moore, Omarius Hines and Frankie Hammonds round out a very well-balanced class for the Gators.

USC's class is special. D.J. Shoemate is Percy Harvin plus two inches and 30 pounds. Brice Butler might be the most polished wideout in the entire class. Oklahoma would challenge if they land Owens - which seems likely. Notre Dame recently pulled Deion Walker off the east coast and Michael Floyd is a very special player. Miami could join the action if the 6-6 Tommy Streeter gives The U a clean sweep of the Northwestern-7. (Ben Jones would have to commit as well...work with me here)

Spain Park defensive end William Green would give Alabama the best defensive line class. Miami boasts the best interior group led by Marcus Fortson, Texas A&M leads on the edge with six commits. Georgia has the second best overall class. Clemson and Oklahoma bring in the best two defensive line prospects in DaQuan Bowers and R.J. Washington respectively.

Miami has the linebacker class locked up. This class is so deep that the Canes might have five starters in the group: three linebackers, one safety and one defensive end. Michigan and Virginia Tech both have great depth in the linebacker corp. If the Buffaloes can hang onto Lynn Katoa, Colorado will have a dynamite group at linebacker.

LSU is atop the list of defensive back classes, led by Ely's (Fl.) Patrick Johnson. If Rick Nueheisel can hang onto Rahim Moore, E.J. Woods and company, UCLA might get my nod, however. It just seems so unlikely that will happen. The Gators claim the top safety group with New Jersey product Will Hill and Auburn High's Dee Finley.

The final team rankings will be released post-signing day.

Early Enrollee Tracker:

As time progresses, the list of spring enrollments will get larger and larger. In this first edition of the Early Enrollee Tracker, three southern powers, the Oregon Ducks, Sly Croom and Mack Brown will be reaping the benefits of kids getting into school early. Learning the campus, getting used to the schedule and starting a college level weight program all will dramatically aid in developing prospects.


Clemson Tigers:

DaQuan Bowers - DE - Bamberg, SC
Kyle Parker - QB - Jacksonville, FL
Tarik Rollins - LB - Hollywood, FL
Spencer Benton - K - Myrtle Beach, SC
Stanley Hunter - Duncan, SC (2007 signee)

Clemson has to be happy to see Bowers and Parker show up early. Parker, a quarterback, can never work too much on his game and Bowers is arguably the best defensive prospect in the entire nation. This Clemson team should already be really good next season, adding Bowers could make this defense very dangerous.


Florida State Seminoles:

Nigel Bradham - LB - Crawfordville, FL
Terrance Parks - CB - Creekside, GA
Vincent Williams - LB - Davenport, FL

FSU DC Mickey Andrews should be happy to see these three prospects step on campus early this spring. Like Bowers at defensive end, Bradham is arguably the best as his position nationally. Parks is also a very solid prospect.


Florida Gators:

Janoris Jenkins - CB - Pahokee, FL
Brendan Beal - LB - Bethlehem, PA
Matt Patchan - OT - Tampa, FL
Jeremy Brown - CB - Orlando, FL
Earl Okine - DE - Gainesville, FL
Caleb Sturgis - K - St. Augustine, FL

Florida's group is sick. Jenkins, Beal and Patchan are all top-100 type players. Beal and Patchan are both in the top-50 of the Athlon Consensus 100. They also enroll the top offensive JUCO player in the nation, 6-4, 220-pound wide receiver Carl Moore.

JUCOS:
Carl Moore - WR - Roseville, CA
Troy Epps - DT - Union, SC


Oregon Ducks:

The Ducks bring in one of my favorite players in the nation: Darron Thomas. Thomas is a lighting quick Dennis Dixon clone with 20 more pounds of weight. Among the other early signees/enrollees are three JUCO kids as well. Bruising running back LaGarrette Blount could be an immediate fix to a running game that could lose Jonathan Stewart. Don't let Blount's power and size fool you, he can really move well in space too. Blount decommitted from FSU and signed with Oregon on JUCO Signing Day.

Darron Thomas - QB/ATH - Aldine, TX
John Boyatt - S - Napa, CA
Carson York - OL - Coeur d’Alene, ID

JUCO signees:
LaGarrett Blount - RB - Perry, FL
Lonnell Rice - DT - Palm Desert, CA
Justin Thompson - DT - Los Angeles, CA

Texas Longhorns:

Dan Buckner - WR - Allen, TX
Mark Buchanan - OL - Austin, TX
Tre Newton - RB - Southlake, TX
David Snow - OL - Gilmer, TX
Dravannti Johnson - Nederland, TX
Brock Fitzhenry - WR - Giddings, TX
Blake Gideon - S - Leander, TX
Justin Tucker - K - Austin, TX

Just another huge group of early enrollees. Buckner had a nice game in San Antonio in the U.S. Army AA Bowl. Snow, Buchanan, Newton and Johnson are all promising prospects.


Mississippi State Bulldogs:

Phillip Freeman - OT - Wesson, MS (JUCO)
O'Neal Wilder - WR - Carthage, MS (2007)
Mike Hunt - S - Meadville, MS (2007)
Nelson Hurst - TE - Plainfield, IN

Hurst is technically the only actual early enrollee but I am sure that Sly is happy to have them on campus this spring.

Stayed tuned to The Unofficial Visitor for more of the Early Enrollee Tracker.

Gators: Hottest Team in the Nation?

Colorado had a nice stretch landing a lot of top notch talent. Ty Willingham and U of W are putting together a really nice class after a strong few months. Illinois, Minnesota and Oregon are all riding high right now as well. Down south it has been the Miami Hurricanes, Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide.

After a slow start, relatively speaking of course, the Florida Gators have come on with full force over the past few weeks.

It started with a pair of really nice wide receiver prospects. Super-sleeper, super speedy Frankie Hammonds and the polished, naturally gifted Omarius Hines both committed to the Gators.

Urban Meyer followed that up by signing the nation's top offensive JUCO prospect in wide receiver Carl Moore. Moore is a freak of an athlete with huge upside and potential to start right away. Another stellar wideout at Florida...shocking.

They were not satisfied though. They picked up two role players in defensive tackle Bryan Jones, who has great size at 325 lbs, and o-line prospect Sam Robey. They went into Kentucky for Robey leading me to believe that Meyer really likes what he brings to the table.

Then the Gators pulled somewhat of a recruiting upset. Seffner (Fla.) offesnive tackle Matt Patchan is arguably the best tackle in the nation and is a Miami legacy. Patchan's father played at Miami. So for Florida to snag this talented young blocker was a bit of a surprise.

The dominence is far from over. Wednesday night South Lake's Jeff Demps committed to Florida over Tennessee. The talented young running back picks the Gators over the Vols despite UT head coach Phil Fulmer recently hiring Sean Drayton away from Gainesville. Drayton was the running backs coach.

Demps has a lot of slot receiver in his game as well so it will be interesting to see where Meyer inserts him. They also have Savannah, GA product Franklin Green committed as well. The recent complaints about not having a true running back will not be answered by these two though. USC tranfer Emmanuel Moody looks to change that. Moody could be the starting tailback next year.

Memo to the rest of the SEC: the Florida Gators are not slowing down either. Big time defensive tackle prospect Omar Hunter has recently re-opened his recruitment. Florida looks to be the favorite for the 5'11" 320 hole-plugger from the Peach state.

Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz

This week's edition of the Athlon Sports National Recruiting Blitz is up on the site...

Athlon Sports Podcasts

Mitch Light and I break down prospects 61-80 from the Athlon Consensus 100 as well as give our analysis of all the high school all-star games. Florida, Clemson, Miami, Minnesota and Oregon all came up in discussion also.

National Recruiting Blitz

Miami legacy commits to Florida

Urban Meyer does it again. And he is not making friends.

Luckily for him he does not get paid to make friends, he gets paid to win football games. He is doing what he needs to do to accomplish those goals despite receiving some criticism for his recruiting tactics.

Big time offensive line prospect Matt Patchan, son of a former Miami Hurricane player, chose the Florida Gators over the favored Canes.

Maybe the most important point of evaluation for offensive lineman is the mental attitude. Or more importantly, how does the mental makeup translate into the trenches. Killer instincts or mean streaks are needed to be top flight players along the offensive line. Coaches want a player that never stops beating defenders into the ground. Patchan has that edge to his game.

The 6'7" 280 lb Seffner-Armwood product is arguably the best o-line prospect in the nation and is an excellent pick-up for the Gators.

Big time defensive tackle prospect, Omar Hunter, has recently decommitted from Notre Dame and has Florida at the top of his short list. He has really played well in Orlando at the Under Armor AA game. At 5'11" 315 lbs, Hunter would be another monster pick-up...literally.

Photo by Athlon Sports

US Army All-American Announcements:

Every year the US Army AA game affords plenty of action for recruiting fans. It pits top flight talent versus top flight talent allowing evaluators to really get a look at prospects with the lights on. It gives football fans a taste of the future. And then there are the announcements.

This year there are plenty of big names making their picks on Saturday...

Predictions:

Shayne Hale - Ohio State
Young Hollywood Johnson - Florida (LSU is major player)
Solomon Koehler - Arizona
Ryan Williams - Va. Tech
MarQueis Gray - Minnesota
Brandon Smith - Michigan

Covaughn Deboskie was supposed to announce as well but it has leaked out that he chose the Cal Golden Bears. He is a nice pick-up for Jeff Tedford and Co.

The US Army All-American Game airs Saturday, Jan 5th at 2pm EST on NBC

New Year's Decommitments: Hunter/Johnson

Two major names celebrated their New Year's with two not-so-surprising resolutions. Both of these kids have had rumors swirling around their recruitment for some time now. They both just made it official this week.

Buford, GA defensive tackle prospect Omar Hunter has decommitted from Notre Dame and Ely High (Fla.) standout Patrick Johnson broke off his ties with Miami. Neither is a shock. Johnson has been rumored to have been decommitted for a long time and stories about Hunter had surfaced a few weeks ago.

Both of these players are considered top-100 type players. Both will be featured soon on the Athlon Consensus 100.

The Hunter loss hurts Notre Dame just a bit more however. Notre Dame's top priority this season in recruiting was defensive and offensive line play. Charlie Weis has done a great job of addressing those issues with names like Trevor Robinson, Ethan Johnson and many others. Hunter was a linchpin of the D-Line class though. With the new 3-4 scheme, it is imperitive that a big, versitile tackle can play head-up on the center. It is just a tough task to find guys like that and Hunter is one of them.

Miami is still loaded on the defensive side of the ball in this class. The-U has the best linebacking class in the nation and recently added top-flight safety and former FSU commit C.J. Holton. Plus, I think Patrick Johnson was a bit overrated. When a kid brings this much turmoil upon himself so early in his career, I back off.

Hunter's finalists: Auburn, Florida, USC (my guess is Auburn)
Johnson's finalists: Florida, Florida St, LSU (my guess is Florida)

USA Today All-American 1st Team

The first team looks pretty predictable. Offense:

QB - Terrelle Pryor
RB - Darrell Scott
RB - Bryce Brown (2009 class)
WR - Julio Jones
WR - Michael Floyd
TE - Kyle Rudolph
OL - Matt Patchan
OL - Mike Adams
OL - Michael Brewster
OL - Trevor Robinson
OL - Josh Jenkins
K - Blair Walsh

Not to many surprises here. I would have liked to see Kavario Middleton (Wash.) as the first team TE. I think he is just a touch better than Rudolph. But that is splitting hairs, Rudolph is deserving also. One call that I love is Mike Floyd over A.J. Green. Green is not the second best WR in this class. A top-25 player? Yes. Not top five. I actually like D.J. Shoemate and Jameel Owens more. The Trevor Robinson pick in interesting. Matt Kalil, Tyler Love and Tyron Smith are names that are better prospects. Kalil obviously not deserving due to his season.

Bryce Brown will be sick. He is the only 2009 prospect on the first team.

Notre Dame landed three of these first teamers (Floyd, Robinson, Rudolph). OSU would get three with Terrelle Pryor and two first team hog-mollies in Brewster and Adams.

The Defense:

DL - Nick Perry
DL - Marcus Fortson
DL - DeAngelo Tyson
LB - Shayne Hale
LB - Nigel Bradham
LB - Arthur Brown
LB - Brendan Beal
DB - Patrick Johnson
DB - Nolan Brewster
DB - TJ Bryant
DB - Will Hill

Again, not many surprises. I have only been covering recruiting since about 2000 but I cannot remember two brothers on the either side of the ball on the USA Today AA First Team. Bryce is Arthur's little brother. The Perry and Brewster picks are interesting. I would have liked to see E.J. Woods or maybe Rahim Moore in there instead. Maybe DaQuan Bowers on the line.

Miami has three of these defensive AA's (Fortson, Johnson, Brown). Who knows, it could be more.

All in all, two pretty predictable teams. Can you imagine the the speed of this linebacker group with Shayne Hale bringing pressure? What about Scott, Pryor and Brown out of the back field? Its spelled S.P.R.E.A.D.