Florida Gators Football: 5 Most Important Recruits Visiting This Weekend

This weekend's matchup against Florida State is not only crucial for the success of the Florida Gators' football season—it is also very important for the Gators' recruiting efforts.

Florida will play host to several top prospects from both the 2012 and 2013 recruiting classes as they hope to make a positive and lasting impression on some of these premier high school players.  

Here are the five most important recruits for the Gators who are visiting The Swamp this weekend.

1. Jeremi Powell, OLB

Jeremi Powell is a 4-star linebacker according to Rivals.com and has been committed to the Florida Gators since mid-February.

Even though he has verbally pledged to Florida, the Gators need to target Powell as someone who can do some recruiting for them during the game. In relation to the linebackers in the 2012 recruiting class, the Gators are not expected to bring in a deep class. The importance of keeping Powell in this class and having him talk to other recruits like Josh Harvey-Clemons is very high.

I believe there is zero percent chance Florida loses Powell's commitment, but his presence around other recruits who aren't as sure could be monumental in their recruitment.

2. Stefon Diggs' (WR) Mom

This weekend has been targeted as a huge weekend in terms of 5-star wide receiver Stefon Diggs' recruitment.

For a while, Florida has been considered the clear leader for Diggs, but after a resurgence of Auburn in his recruitment, it was unknown whether Diggs would be visiting Gainesville or Auburn this weekend.

It turns out it will be neither (he is attending his little brother's championship game back home), but the news remains positive for Florida.

Diggs' mother will be making the trip down to Gainesville this weekend along with Jelani Jenkins' parents, who are family friends of Stefon Diggs. It has been widely accepted that Diggs' mother will be the biggest factor in his decision, and impressing her will be just as important as impressing Diggs.

Florida fans should be encouraged by this news, especially with his mother making the trip with Jenkins' family. Hopefully the combination of Jenkins' family and the atmosphere at Florida will be enough to push the advantage in Florida's favor.

3. Kelvin Taylor, RB

Running back Kelvin Taylor won't be enrolling at a university until 2013, but the top junior prospect will be an important recruit to impress this weekend against Florida State.

Taylor will be considered a lock for Florida since former Gator running back Fred Taylor is his father, but Alabama has become a major player as of late after his visit on Nov. 5.

Running back is arguably the most important position for the Gators to recruit over the next few years. As they continue their transition to a pro-style offense, it will be important for Florida to establish a strong running game.

And Taylor, who could be the top running back in the state of Florida, will be a huge part of that transition.

Florida needs to put the full-court press on Taylor this weekend, because losing him to Alabama would be a detrimental loss for Florida considering his relation to Fred Taylor.

4. Avery Young, OT

Four-star offensive tackle Avery Young will be heading down to Gainesville this weekend for his next official visit. Young, who is listed at 6'6" and 273 pounds, has said Auburn is his leader at the moment.

However, many recruiting analysts believe Florida is still the favorite to land the coveted offensive lineman since Auburn has been his only official visit so far.

Next to running back, the offensive line is perhaps the biggest area of need for Florida as they move into the future. The Gators have already received pledges from D.J. Humphries and Jessamen Dunker, but the addition of Young would help solidify the Gators' offensive line class for 2012.

Young is also a player who could come into Florida and earn some immediate playing time as a freshman. Therefore, securing a commitment from Young will be of paramount importance in determining the success of this recruiting cycle.

5. Dante Fowler, DE

Perhaps the most important recruiting visit this weekend will be current Florida State commit and 5-star defensive end Dante Fowler.

Fowler, who has been committed to FSU for more than a year, has been very open to his recruitment by the Gators, as he keeps in regular contact with head coach Will Muschamp.

Muschamp has been persistently selling early playing time to Fowler, who could have huge success in the 3-4 defensive system at Florida. Despite his commitment to FSU, Fowler has also visited Florida a few times in the past and has yet to officially close his recruitment, which gives the Gators hope that they can still flip his commitment.

Florida was considered the early leader for Fowler, but the departure of Urban Meyer allowed FSU to step in and secure a commitment. Muschamp hasn't let that hinder his efforts with Fowler, and this weekend's visit could be the deciding factor in his recruitment process.

If he does decide to switch his commitment, Fowler has publicly said he will make the announcement on National Signing Day.