By: Ryan Tate

Is it just me or do recruits act more like NFL stars these days than high school
kids? With all the media attention these kids get it’s understandable for a 17
year-old to let it go to his head… but the epidemic is growing worse every year.
Some could compare the drama these kids put the recruiting fanatics through to the
acts of some NFL media queens.

It’s reasonable for these kids to enjoy the instant attention, especially since you
never know how long it could last; however, some seem to enjoy it a little more than
others.

Take Greg Reid for instance. The young defensive back from Valdosta, Georgia
claimed to be a lifelong Gator fan and was committed to the University of Florida
for what seemed to be forever, or so some thought. The Gators were committed to
this young athlete since he first created a stir in his sophomore year of high
school. One solid performance on national TV and a star added to his collection and
everyone wants in on him. That’s when things got a little out of hand.
Once the young DB started talking to Florida State and Georgia we true Gators can’t
help but wonder how a lifelong Gator fan could even think about going to Florida’s
two biggest rival schools. Then again he’s just a kid right?

- CONTINUE READING-……

Greg Reid is old news and if an athlete doesn’t want to play for the University of
Florida then others will gladly line up to take his place. So the dark clouds are
gone and a nice orange and blue sunset is fast approaching.
With all of the success on the defensive side of the ball the NFL seems to love
Gator Defensive men, and although we can all hope they come back like Brandon Spikes
it’s no guarantee. That being said next season the Gators depth chart will be
filled with upperclassmen on the defensive side of the ball so the Gators need some
new talent to come in and step up.

One that specifically excites me is Jelani Jenkins, an Outside Linebacker from
Olney, Maryland. This recruit has all the tools to be yet another great Florida
Linebacker. He’s 6’3, weighs in at 220lbs and is clocked in with a 4.45 40 yard
dash. He’s a nightmare for quarterbacks and running backs with his speed. He’s not
just a nightmare on the field, he’s a dream in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA that
diminishes an insecurity that haunts coaches throughout the country. This kid looks
to be the real deal and is definitely one of the most well rounded athletes in the
country.

Another recruit that could help in the same department is Jarvis Jones. This 6’3,
230lb monster is one of the smartest players I’ve seen in this year’s recruiting
class. He’s very quick and has a great view of the field. Jones sees shifts very
well and is quick to fill gaps as well as finding routes.
Then there’s Joshua Evans from Irvington New Jersey. Although he plays safety he’s
quick enough to play corner or even some offense. Even though most could never
compare anyone with Gator Great Reggie Nelson, one can’t help but think of him when
they see Joshua Evans with his fit build, speed, and the dreadlocks frayed from his
helmet. Let’s just hope is next helmet is orange!

If we turn the field and take a look at the offensive side of the ball the talent we
have is almost unbelievable. Not taking away from the defense because it is one of
the best if not the best in the nation. We’re not only returning Superman Tim Tebow
but we’re also carrying a fully loaded gun with more ammo pouring into the chamber.
Recently multiple reports confirmed that Nu’Keese Richardson and Mike Gilleslee have
both confirmed that they are solidly committed to the Gators. Now we need to keep
our fingers crossed that on signing day Andre Debose will fax his papers in to the
Swamp.

There’s also Trent Richardson. This 5’11, 220lb running back screams talent.
Richardson ran for over 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns his senior year. He is an
absolute bulldozer and it takes a small army to bring this kid down. I laugh when I
watch his highlights over and over because it really isn’t fair. He is just that
talented. It would take a lot to reel this athlete in because he is currently
committed to Alabama… However, things are looking brighter as of recently! Urban
sat down and had a great visit with Richardson and showed him how vital he could be
to the Gators running game. Let’s hope he pulls a Greg Reid move and comes on down
to title town!

With the ups and downs of recruiting Gator fans should rest assured that we will be
just fine. Urban is the best of the best in this game and if he can’t convince a
young player into becoming a Gator then it just wasn’t meant to be. And no matter
how good a recruit is there is nothing that can make up for good coaching! So even
if some of our recruits turn out like a bad MTV dating show, just sit back and enjoy
the Gator sunset because the future is bright with Coach Meyer guiding the
battleship that is Gator football!