Florida Gators 2011 Recruiting: Key Areas for Will Muschamp

As the 2010 season winds down, Florida Gator fans are looking ahead to the Will Muschamp era. What’s the first thing Muschamp should do to win Gator fans over? Recruit, recruit and recruit.

As of right now, the Orange and Blue is ranked 18th on rivals.com thanks to a pair of decommitments in the past week from Ryan Shazier (Ohio State) and Nick Waisome (Florida State).

Don't worry Gator fans. He has a month to hit the recruiting trail and sign the next great All-Americans in Gainesville. Let's look at the returning depth, commits and needs at each position. (Note: I'm under assumption everyone except Janoris Jenkins will be returning next season.)

Quarterbacks

Key losses: None

Returning: John Brantley (R-Sr.), Jordan Reed (R-So.), Trey Burton (So.), Tyler Murphy (R-Fr.)

Commits: Jeff Driskel

Needs: None

With Driskel on board, the Gators are probably done recruiting quarterbacks. Driskel is listed as the top quarterback by rivals.com, and is seen by some as the next Tebow at Florida. He has the size (6-3, 225 lbs.) and mobility (4.52) that fits perfectly into the spread offense.

What remains to be seen is his role in the pro-style offense. How will he adjust? Earlier this year, Driskel said he wanted to give baseball a try at Florida as well. What happens if he plays lights out as a high school senior, and is picked within the top 10 rounds? Will he sign? If Brantley transfers, will this impact his ability to play from Day 1?

Running Backs

Key losses: Emmanuel Moody

Returning: Jeff Demps (Sr.), Chris Rainey (R-Sr.), Mike Gillislee (Jr.), Mack Brown (R-Fr.)

Commits: Mike Blakely

Needs: 1 or 2

As proven by the 2010 Gators, a team can never have too many running backs. Their depth was crushed by the injury bug this season. With Florida’s imminent transition to a pro-style offense the team will look to recruit backs with bigger bulk.

The Gators have inked Mike Blakely for the 2011 class. Blakely is rated 4 stars by rivals.com, and is listed as the sixth best running back in the class. It appears he’ll stick with the Gators despite the coaching change.

As for other options for the Gators, Demetrius Hart, from Orlando, is another option. Hart, a 4-star recruit, is the top all-purpose running back on the rivals.com board. He’s currently a Michigan commit, but is taking a wait-and-see approach with Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez and his job status. Hart and teammate (and Alabama commit) Hasean Clinton-Dix, are slated to visit Florida officially in early January.

The final option could be Isaiah Crowell from Columbus, Ga. Crowell’s frame (5'11", 210) is the best for the pro-style attack. Florida has offered the 4-star recruit, but no word yet on whether he’ll visit Florida officially.

Fullbacks

Key losses: None

Returning: Steven Wilks (R-Sr.), T.J. Pridemore (R-Jr.)

Commits: Hunter Joyer

Needs: None

Ah yes, the fullback. The fullback, outside of goal line and short yardage situations, has mostly disappeared since the graduation of Billy Latsko in 2006. Remember how key Latsko was to Florida’s offense after he was inserted into the offense in the game against Georgia in 2005? Florida only lost twice afterwards, and won a national championship. Plus, this position will be a must for a team looking to use a pro-style offense.

Joyer, from Tampa, is touted as the top fullback by rivals.com. The 245-pound bruiser, who runs a 4.6 40, has a chance to make a huge impact on next year’s team. He could be used as a short yardage back, a blocker in the backfield, and someone to haul in catches as a safety valve. Neither Florida fullback has shown any of these capabilities. A couple of weeks ago, he pledged to honor his commitment to Florida.

Wide Receivers

Key Losses: Carl Moore, Justin Williams

Returning: Deonte Thompson (R-Sr.), Frankie Hammond, Jr. (R-Jr.), Omarius Hines (R-Jr.), Andre Debose (R-So.), Robert Clark (So.), Stephen Alli (R-So.), Solomon Patton (So.), Quinton Dunbar (R-Fr.), Chris Dunkley (R-Fr.)

Commits: JaJuan Story, Javares McRoy

Needs: 2 or 3

Here’s a position where things aren’t too bad depth-wise for the Orange and Blue. The problem? No go-to guy. Thompson was pegged as “the man,” but has shown his case of stone hands all season. He leads the team with 36 receptions, but has one touchdown. In fact, RB/WR Chris Rainey’s three touchdown receptions leads the team. However, I will admit the touchdown stat is rather misleading given the fact Florida’s “three-headed monster” has tossed 12 touchdowns through 13 games.

Other players simply haven’t been given a shot to showcase their skills. Case in point…Andre Debose. He returns kickoffs for scores against LSU and South Carolina, but doesn’t see a major role in the offense. Yes, he battled the injury bug, but there’s no reason the former 5-star stud should have 10 receptions for 96 yards for an entire season.

Story and McRoy are a pair of 4-star recruits from the state of Florida that will add speed and depth to the position. Kelvin Benjamin, a 4-star recruit from Belle Glade, appeared to be Seminole. It’s reported that after a conversation with Muschamp, Benjamin postponed his date of his announcement and plans on visiting the campus of the Orange and Blue.

Tight End

Key Losses: None

Returning: Gerald Christian (So.), Desmond Parks (R-So.), Michael McFarland (R-Fr.)

Commits: A.C. Leonard

Needs: None

Yet another position of promise, but uncertainty. Gerald Christian, a former Army-All American, played as a freshman, but didn’t record a single catch all season. Burton and Reed are two guys who played well at the position, but are part-time tight ends who may end up at other positions.

A.C. Leonard is a 4-star recruit from Tampa. He’ll add depth and athleticism to an already crowded position. The good news is rivals.com compares him to former Gator great and current New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez. We all know how well Hernandez turned out. The bad news? He hasn’t played since mid-October because of a suspension due to an on-field incident.

Despite his suspension, Florida stuck by him, but will he stick with them? As of now, he’s committed to the Gators, but he’s still pondering his future.

Offensive Line

Key Losses: Mike Pouncey, Carl Johnson, Marcus Gilbert, Maurice Hurt

Returning: Xavier Nixon (Jr.), Jon Halapio (R-So.), Matt Patchan (R-Jr.), Sam Robey (R-Jr.), David Young (R-Jr.), Nick Alajajian (R-So.), Chaz Green (R-Fr.), Ian Silverman (R-Fr.), Jonotthan Harrison (R-So.), Leon Orr (R-Fr.), Kyle Koehne (R-So.)

Commits: Trip Thurman, Chase Hounshell, Tommy Jordan

Needs: None

What was supposed to be the strength of the team turned out to be a complete bust in 2010. To be perfectly frank, the line has been a liability the past two seasons. In 2009, Patchan fails to block a defensive end who delivers a big hit on Tim Tebow. The back of Tebow’s head hits Gilbert’s knee, who was beaten on the play.

Also, Arkansas’ front four whipped Florida’s O-line all game and deserved to win the game. This year, the line regresses even further. Pouncey has trouble merely snapping the ball. Nixon is especially prone to false starts. By the way, did anyone else notice several of Florida’s offensive linemen on the ground every play?

With that said, 2011 can only be an improvement. Eleven underclassmen return for Muschamp’s first year. Maybe this is the year they’ll get back on track. Jordan and Hounshell are a pair of 3-star recruits from Connecticut and Ohio, respectively. Thurman is a 3-star recruit from Delaware. Despite the coaching change, each guy appears likely to remain firm in their commitment to Florida.

It’s very rare for offensive linemen to play as true freshmen. For this reason, I’m predicting all three will redshirt,hit the weight room, learn the playbook, and play in 2012.

Defensive Linemen

Key Losses: Justin Trattou, Lawrence Marsh, Terron Sanders, Brandon Antwine, Duke Lemmens

Returning: Sharrif Floyd (So.), Jaye Howard (R-Sr.), Omar Hunter (R-Jr.)Dominique Easley (So.), William Green (Sr.), Lerentee McCray (R-Jr.), Kedric Johnson (R-So.), Earl Okine (R-Jr.), Lynden Trail (R-Fr.)

Commits: None

Needs: 5 or 6

Clearly, the defensive line needs more work. Sharrif Floyd showed promise as a true freshman. Trattou and Lemmens were decent at best. Howard played well at times, but looked lost at other times. The remaining defensive tackles were, by and large, no shows.

This is where Muschamp must make his mark in his first year at Florida. He’s looking to play some 3-4 defense at Florida. He’ll need several bodies to play on the defensive line.

Jeoffrey Pagan, a one-time Gator commit, is a must get for Muschamp. He decommitted a few weeks ago after defensive line coach Dan McCarney accepted the head coaching job at North Texas. The guy has the size and the tools to play in the 3-4 scheme. He’s 6'4", 272 pounds, and runs a fast 4.6 40. Unfortunately, Pagan tore his ACL and MCL and had surgery last month. His status for 2011 is unknown at this point.

Timmy Jernigan, a 4-star recruit who hails from Lake City, is another target for Muschamp. While the Gators aren’t in the top five, Muschamp’s impressive resume might convince the Sunshine State native to take a second look at the Orange and Blue.

Viliami Moala is a 4-star recruit from Sacramento. His 326-pound frame is the perfect size to plug holes in the 3-4. Though Florida hasn’t officially offered, Florida is one of several schools he’s looking at. However, Moala holds several offers from West Coast schools, and it would be a shock to see him turn them down to head to Gainesville. Nevertheless, Muschamp’s known for his recruiting. Hey, you never say never.

Lonnie Gosha is a 4-star tackle from Lake Butler, Florida. He hasn’t officially visited Florida, but has picked up an offer. This recruit is another Muschamp must keep in-state.

Linebackers

Key Losses: A.J. Jones, Brandon Hicks, Lorenzo Edwards,

Returning: Jon Bostic (Jr.), Jelani Jenkins (R-So.), Ronald Powell (So.), Dee Finley (Jr.), Chris Martin (R-Fr.), Neiron Ball (So.), Gideon Ajagbe (R-Fr.), Darrin Kitchens (R-Fr.), (R-Fr.) Michael Taylor

Commits: Clay Burton

Needs: 2 or 3

Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic picked up valuable starting experience this season. It should pay dividends come 2011.

Burton, the younger brother of Trey, is rated 3 stars by rivals. He switched his commitment from Notre Dame about two months ago. He says he’s sticking with the Orange and Blue and will not waiver from his commitment.

Curtis Grant, a 5-star from Virginia, is rated the top middle linebacker in the country by rivals.com. He’s compared to Ray Lewis by the people at rivals. Need I remind anyone of the last recruit who hailed from Virginia for Florida. He currently plays for the Vikings. Hint. Hint.

Florida’s offered him, and they’re one of several schools he’s looking at. Perhaps playing time in the 3-4 will influence him to suit up for the Gators.

Lamar Dawson is another middle linebacker the Gators are looking at. He’s the third ranked middle linebacker by rivals, and is listed as 4 stars. The Gators have formally offered, and are in the mix to sign him. Unfortunately, my gut feeling tells me the Danville, Ky. Native will sign with our old friend, Charlie Strong at Louisville.

Tony Steward, the top-ranked outside linebacker from St. Augustine, is on the Orange and Blue’s radar. Unfortunately, they aren’t in his top five, and may not be likely to sign him. This might be one of the instance where Muschamp can pull off his magic. Convince him to take a visit, talk with him and who knows, maybe he ends up a Gator after all.

Watch for the Gators to possibly sign Stephone Anthony, the fourth-ranked outside linebacker from North Carolina. They’ve formally offered him, and one of several schools he’s considering. With Florida’s success record of putting players in the NFL, might Anthony consider himself another Brandon Spikes, and leave play for the Gators.

Secondary

Key Losses: Janoris Jenkins, Ahmad Black

Returning: Jeremy Brown (R-Jr.), Cody Riggs (So.), Moses Jenkins (R-Sr.), Joshua Shaw (R-Fr.), Jaylen Watkins (So.), Will Hill (Sr.), Josh Evans (Jr.), Matt Elam (So.)

Incoming: Louchiez Purifoy, Chris Johnson, De’Ante “Pop” Saunders, Valdez Showers

Needs: 1 or 2

A few weeks ago, Florida picked up good news when Moses Jenkins was granted a fifth-year by the NCAA after missing most of 2009 with a concussion. Fans might be grumbling about the waiver after he was shredded by Florida State in the regular season finale.

Though a true freshman, Riggs was burned more often than I cared to see. I saw more bad plays than positive.

Let’s face it. To be perfectly frank, the unit, except Ja. Jenkins and Black, were awful. I will say Brown was decent given the fact he’s missed the last couple of seasons with a back injury.

Purifoy is listed as a 4-star athlete on rivals, but is projected to play in the secondary at the next level. The Tampa native is committed to Florida, but will take visits to Alabama and Auburn.

Johnson is a 3-star safety from Ocala. With Florida having only three safeties on scholarship, his presence will be needed. He is solid as a rock in his commitment to the Orange and Blue.

Saunders is a 3-star athlete from DeLand many feel is very underrated. He plays numerous position in high school, but is projected for the secondary in college.

Showers is a 3-star cornerback from Michigan who spurned offers from the likes of Auburn, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Northwestern. In all likelihood, he’ll remain firm to play for the Orange and Blue.

As mentioned earlier, Clinton-Dix is an Alabama commit Muschamp is working to sign. The top-ranked safety in the country is compared to Darren Sharper by the folks at rivals.

Also, keep on eye on Marcus Roberson, a4-star cornerback who’s is checking in as the second-ranked cornerback by rivals.com. Florida’s shown interest by offering a scholarship, and he appears to have interest in them as well. However, nothing is set in stone, and he has yet to visit the Gators officially.

Kickers and Punters

Losses: Chas Henry

Returns: Caleb Sturgis

Commits: Kyle Christy

Needs: none

The Gators have been blessed with some excellent punting the past several years. Eric Wilbur, Chas Henry and now Kyle Christy. The seventh-rated punter in the country picked up an offer while at camp over the summer, and accepted shortly thereafter. Christy now has the responsibility of replacing not just the reigning Ray Guy award winner, but probably the greatest punter at the University of Florida.

I’m not thrilled with the kicking of Sturgis, but I doubt Muschamp will hand out another scholarship to a kicker.

I’m not saying each and every guy will suit up with the Orange and Blue. However, these are just a few of the kids the Gators have reached out to. There will be some I haven’t mentioned that will decide to play for the Gators. One things certain, if Muschamp signs 70 percent of the recruits I’d like for them to sign, he will haul in another top five recruiting class at Florida. At this point, he’ll have to prove he’s not Ron Zook, part deux.