Florida Gators Football: 5 Recruits Who Will Turn Gators Around in 2012

It is clear that the Florida Gators will need a drastic turnaround in 2012 after going just 6-6 this past season.

The first step of that turnaround comes through recruiting. Bringing recruits in the program that have the right work ethic and skill set can do wonders for a team's next several seasons.

Will Muschamp has done an excellent job in recruiting thus far. The Gators currently have the No. 4 recruiting class in the nation, according to Rivals.com.

Some of the 2012 Florida commits possess these important attributes and intangibles and have the potential to make an immediate impact in their first year.

Here are the five recruits that will turn around the Gators in 2012. 

1. TE Kent Taylor

Even though Charlie Weis is no longer the offensive coordinator, tight end Kent Taylor could be a huge part of the Gators' offensive plans in 2012.

As a junior, Taylor caught 35 passes for 571 yards and nine touchdowns.

Taylor is a dominant, receiving tight end who stands at a tall 6'5" and displays the reliable hands that have been absent in the current Florida wide receivers and tight ends.

One aspect of Taylor's game that helps him stand apart is his speed for a tight end. Taylor is just a freak athlete who will be able to add to his size once he enters the Florida's strength program.

If Taylor can get involved in the offense early in his career, it is likely that he could become the program's next Aaron Hernandez. 

2. DT Visesio Salt

The Gators' most recent commitment is junior college defensive tackle Visesio Salt, and he will be a recruit to watch in 2012.

Salt's size is the first thing that stands out about him. At 6'3", 340 pounds, Salt will be an instant presence in the trenches, and it fills the team's glaring need of size on the defensive line.

With senior Jaye Howard concluding his college football career, Salt should have the opportunity for a lot of playing time.

As a junior college player, Salt also provides a higher level of maturity and experience than the incoming high school recruits. Combine him with players like Dominique Easley and Sharrif Floyd, and Salt's career at Florida could get off to a very fast start.

3. S Marcus Maye

Marcus Maye has been committed to the Florida Gators for more than a year now and could be less than a year away from being an impact player in the Florida secondary.

Maye played both ways in high school, but with his bigger frame, he will be a safety in college. Maye has excellent speed for a safety and can produce some big hits.

What sticks out about Maye, though, is his attitude and commitment to the Gators. After being committed for more than a year, many recruits often waver on their original commitment. But Maye has been solid since verbally committing to Florida, and he will bring in the kind of attitude the Gators need in their locker room.

Maye has all of the intangibles and will be a instant leader in the secondary along with Pop Saunders and Matt Elam. 

4. RB Matt Jones

Running back Matt Jones's importance to the Florida Gators in 2012 grew exponentially after the de-commitment of Mike Davis earlier in the year.

At 6'3", 225 pounds, Jones is a power running back that will provide the Gators with a prototypical pro-style running back that this offense has desperately needed. 

While he might not possess the top-end speed that Florida fans have become accustomed to in the past, Jones will bring an effective rushing attack between the tackles. With his massive size at his position, it will be tough for defenses to bring Jones down on initial contact. 

As the only running back commit in the 2012 recruiting class, Jones will be a recruit that could turnaround the Gators in 2012. If he can add some more weight, Jones has the potential to transform into a top-tier college running back.

5. OL D.J. Humphries

The Gators highest-rated recruit is offensive lineman D.J. Humphries. The top-ranked offensive tackle will be a player who could fight for a starting job in 2012.

Humphries' biggest strength will be his speed. His feet move very fast for an offensive lineman, and his quick first step gives him a big advantage when facing opposing defensive lineman. However, at only 275 pounds, Humphries will have to bulk up in order to have a chance against SEC defensive linemen.

Humphries is scheduled to enroll early in January, which will give him a head start in the strength program as well as establishing himself in the depth chart. 

I expect Humphries to compete for a starting roll when fall rolls around and be an impact offensive lineman for years to come, similar to the Pouncey twins in 2007-2010.