Florida Football Recruiting 2012: Latest News on the Gators Biggest Targets

I've been saying for months now, a prime candidate needs to make a home stretch surge for the No. 1 class is Florida. The Gators already sit inside the top five right now, with their current commits, but are still in good position for more prime time recruits.

Florida already has 17 commitments and seven are among the top 120-players in the country or so. There's great value in this class and the Guys in Gainesville are not done yet.

Here's the latest news on some of their biggest remaining targets.

Florida State in Driver's Seat for Howard?

Earlier in the process, many felt, Tracy Howard, a top tier CB prospect from Florida was down to Miami and FLorida. Yet, Howard has maintained he is more open than that and is open to leaving the state.

Yet, according to Scout.com, Florida State could be the team to beat for Howard's services. Also, look out for LSU.

Gators in Top Three for Harvey-Clemons

Josh Harvey-Clemons was thought to be Florida State lean through the process, but things have changed. The 6'4", 207-pound LB/WR has FSU on the outs of his top three.

Harvey-Clemons likes Alabama, Georgia and Florida as his main schools right now. The Gators are going hard for the athletic freak, as he could play either WR or OLB in Gainesville.

Bullard Has Been Quiet

Not much has changed with four-star DE Jonathan Bullard of North Carolina. Bullard has methodically gone through the process and Clemson and Florida seem to be the two main schools in the mix.

Clemson has a pledge from his buddy Carlos Watkins, while his teammate Raheim Ledbetter is a UF pledge. Also, look out for South Carolina. 

5-Star OT Young to Decide on NSD

Avery Youg, the five-star OT prospect, has a main list of Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Florida. Young has already tripped to Gainesville, Tuscaloosa and The plains.

He will pay a visit to Athens next weekend and maybe a fifth school could jump into the fray. Look for a decision not to come until signing day.

Still in It for Nation's Top Pass Rusher?

With the news that Urban Meyer has gotten Ohio State into the Noah Spence sweepstakes and deep into his top five, rumors ran wild.

However, settle down Gator fans, Spence also has UF in his top five. Penn State, Maryland and Rutgers round out the list.

Will Muschamp and Dan Quinn will be at Spence's home this Sunday.

Speaking of in-Home Visits...

Jordan Jenkins and his family hosted Bryant Young, Brian White and Dan Quinn in their home earlier this week. According to Scout.com, the trio spent over 2.5 hours selling Florida to Jenkins and the visit went very well.

Murphy Could Announce at the Army Game

Five-star OT Kyle Murphy of California is slated to play in the U.S. Army game this coming Janurary. Murphy also looks to be aiming to make his announcement during the game too.

Florida is one of five schools that also includes USC, Oregon, Stanford and Cal.

Fowler Giving Info 3-for-1

Dante Fowler could be part of a trio that lands at Florida. Fowler gave inside knowledge on a couple Florida prospects.

Fowler says Nelson Agholor is likely going to Florida or Notre Dame, and Tyriq McCord could end up at USC or South Carolina or Florida, as well.

Diggs' Mother Enjoyed Trip to Gainesville

Although five-star ATH/WR/DB/RS Stefon Diggs could not make the trip to Florida for the Florida State game, his mother did indeed go to Gainesville.

Per Scout.com, Diggs' mother enjoyed herself and had an "amazing" time. The Gator staff also had an in-home visit with Diggs and both sides are setting up a date to have Stefon officially visit UF.

Florida Was at Marshall's Home Last Night, Await His December 6th Decision

Keith Marshall, the speedy five-star RB prospect from North Carolina, has eliminated North Carolina and Notre Dame. Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Clemson remain in contention. 

Florida had an in-home visit with Marshall on Thursday night and Georgia will be there this weekend. Marshall will then take the weekend to make his decision and announcement on December 6th in the afternoon.