While Billy Donovan has already pulled in one great big man prospect for the 2010 recruiting class he may not be finished. Rumors are the staff have been going after 6′8 JUCO center Ricardo Ratliffe very hard in the last few weeks. Ratliffe is considered by most the #1 junior college player in the country and it is very apparent why. The 6-8 226 pound power forward averages 27 points and 11 rebounds per game along with his freakish athletic ability.

Florida was not even considered a major player up until a few weeks ago, but his close friendship with Vernon Macklin and the Gators depth issues make him a solid candidate for immediate help. Another positive working the the Gators favor is that Ratliffe plays just right down the road in Ocala, which has made it easy for him to attend several games at the O’dome this year.

To this point Ratliffe has been a very tough one to figure out. One reason is because he is being recruited by a long list of schools. He has currently narrowed his list to seven schools, but the leaders appear to be Florida, Arkansas, and Missouri. Some sources say that if Florida had been recruiting him harder he probably would already be committed, but they have gotten into the game late. The feeling is if Florida continues to go hard though, they have a great chance at landing Ratliffe and giving themselves plenty of big men next year.

By: Calvin McDermid