Judging by the comments from Gators fans here and on Twitter, recruiting isn’t going so well. Since Will Muschamp was hired in December, three players have decommitted and Florida has added only one.
With a class of 15 recruits, seven of whom are enrolled at Florida, this year’s class does not rank as highly as last year’s. That class finished first or second in the team rankings by all three major recruiting services. That rival Florida State is finalizing one of the best recruiting classes in the country isn’t helping Gators fans, either.
But are the reactions fair?
Some recruiting experts say no.
“I think anything from this point is going to be a little bit of a bonus,” said Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell. “Florida fans are spoiled. They’re used to Urban Meyer pulling the rabbit out of the hat every year and finishing strong.
“That’s not going to happen this year, and I think Florida fans understand that.”
Already in this recruiting class, Florida has the country’s top quarterback prospect – Jeff Driskel, who has already enrolled. Running back Mike Blakely and tight end A.C. Leonard are top-100 recruits, and Florida has three more in the Rivals250.
“They hit a snag with the coaching change, but not as big a snag as places like Miami, Pitt,” said recruiting expert Tom Lemming. “It’s a matter of bringing in quality guys and not panicking and bringing in B-list guys to fill.
“If you’re Florida, there’s no reason to panic. They’re still doing well.”
Closing out this year and looking forward is the best strategy, they agree. First, Florida must make sure it signs all of the players in its class. Next is landing some top uncommitted prospects, and the Gators are in the running for some. Linebacker Curtis Grant and defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan are high on their board.
Recruiting analysts agreed the Gators can expect a better class next year. With more than 40 years NFL coaching experience on staff and time to build relationships with recruits, all expect another strong class in 2012.
“It’s just the way the cycle goes. Right now, I think FSU did a better job of building relationships and scouting players,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Corey Long. “(Next year Florida is) going to win some of those battles that FSU won this year. It’s frustrating, obviously, but it’s happened on both sides before.
“It’ll all work itself out. I have no doubt in my mind that Florida’s going to challenge in 2012.”
