Florida 2011 Football Recruiting: Which Recruits Could Start in 2011?

Florida just announced they will unveil life-sized statues of their three Heisman winners at their spring game in a few weeks. But the Gators have more pressing matters on the field. Will Muschamp replaced Urban Meyer, and has ushered in a revolution—both offensively and defensively—as the Gators look to become more of a pro-style program.

Muschamp signed a 19 player, top-15-type of recruiting class in his initial recruiting crop as headman in Gainesville. Part of the reason why the Gators are expected to be a major player in the SEC is due to their talent level.

Meyer stocked The Swamp with a plethora of five and four-star recruits, and got a couple of No.1 ranked recruiting classes under his belt during his tenure at Florida.

But which of the 2011 incoming recruits will be able to stake a claim on the field early? Let's see.

5. Graham Stewart, LB

Stewart is a 6'1", 220-pound linebacker with 4.5 speed and solid instincts. He has the skill set to play the second-level flanks, or man the MIKE spot for new defensive chief Dan Quinn. He's a former strong safety type, so an outside linebacker spot will likely be best for him.

He loves to mix it up, and plays with his hair on fire. Stewart has a big-time motor and is uber-competitive to make stop after stop. He will be great as a zone defender underneath, as he plays with solid instincts and awareness.

Florida loses Brandon Hicks and A.J. Jones, with Jelani Jenkins seemingly being the top returner at linebacker. Stewart's effort, motor and intensity could impress the new Gator defensive coaches and get him on the field early in Gainesville.

4. Hunter Joyer, RB/FB

Joyer may surprise Gator fans for being on this list, but with Charlie Weis going to a traditional pro-style offense, I said in the past to look for the return of a fullback on to the Gator roster. Joyer was a bruising running back in high school, who at 6'0", 245 pounds could transition well to a fullback.

The Gators have not really used a fullback type under Meyer. He would go with an extra tight end or "wing back" in power sets for his spread option attack. Weis is just about an 180-degree turn, and a fullback will be needed to complete his idealistic rushing attack.

With no one on the roster with true fullback skill set, Joyer could be called upon early to make an impact.

3. Marcus Roberson, DB

Roberson finally settled on Florida after pledging to Texas Tech and Auburn all within the final week of National Signing Day. He hails form a powerhouse Florida high school program in St. Thomas Aquinas (FL), and is a 6'1", 170-pound defensive back that can play safety and corner.

Roberson is a very solid athlete with a great plant and drive—as he is rarely sticky in transition—and has length to press well at the line. He feels he is a big corner and not a safety, but he may end up at safety for the Gators in time.

Ahmad Black and Will Hill are both gone, and the two deep middle spots are open in the Florida back end. If Roberson comes in and wants to get on the field early—and decides safety is the way to go to make that happen—he could be a significant starter in 2011.

2. Jeff Driskel, QB

Driskel is the top QB prospect in the 2011 class, and I expect big things form him before he leaves Florida. He is already enrolled as a mid-year player, and will take part in spring practices. 6'3", 225 pounds and blessed with just about every physical tool a QB needs to be successful, Driskel is the real deal.

Yet the plan, ideally, is for John Brantley to hold onto the job for his final go at Florida, while Driskel watches and learns. Maybe even redshirts. But Brantley struggled last year, and Weis may be enamored with Driskel enough to give him the job as a true freshman. He did the same thing with Jimmy Clausen.

I would imagine Driskel being too good and flashing too much potential not become Brantley's backup and see a few snaps, at least, as a true freshman.

1. Mike Blakely, RB

Blakely has Mark Ingram type skills and size at 5'9", 200 pounds. He's know as a decisive runner who makes quick decisions with the ball to beat linebackers to creases and alleys. Blakely also has very good force in his pads and solid run strength.

He plays a position that is easiest to have an early impact at, and is a natural runner who also can provide a quarterback a solid option on underneath checkdowns, flats and swings out of the backfield. Talk is also that he could return a few kicks for Florida too.

Jeff Demps, Mack Brown and Mike Gillislee all return. But as Weis is an NFL guy and the two-back mantra that is now across the league, Blakely could supplant one of the incumbents for one of the backfield roles—getting some carries as a true freshman.