With the Gators hours away from the season opener against Massachusetts, football is back in Gainesville.
And so is the future of the program – the recruits.
Florida expects multiple commits to attend the season opener, including St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback Jake Allen.
Feels like Christmas. #CollegeGameDay
— Jake Allen (@Jakeallen_14) September 3, 2016
Allen’s been committed to the Gators for more than a year, and he’ll be joined by Jordon Scott, who verbally committed to UF in May.
Florida also expects 2017 commits linebacker Ventrell Miller, James Houston and Marco Wilson on campus Saturday.
On my way to Gainesville #GatorNation
— MARCO WILSON❗️ (@MjW_era) September 3, 2016
Jaleel McRae and Jaquaze Sorrells, Florida’s two commits in the 2019 class, also have indicated they plan on attending the game.
61 miles away from the ville
— 90 (@jaquaze90) September 3, 2016
But perhaps the most significant recruiting focus will be on prospects in the 2018 class.
While the Gators currently have a commitment from four-star Clearwater running back Adarius Lemons, the staff is looking to add 1-2 running backs in the 2018 class.
Florida has been in heavy pursuit of five-star Orange City tailback Lorenzo Lingard, and he’ll be in Gainesville on Saturday to see how the Gators balance the current depth at the running back position.
Lingard has Alabama and Florida State near the top of his list, but the Gators have picked up ground recently.
Four-star Armwood wide receiver Warren Thompson will be among those making his first trip to The Swamp for Saturday’s game.
Thompson has shown interest in Miami and Florida State, but has kept his recruitment very open at this point. Florida will have a chance to pitch the proximity of Gainesville to Seffner to the Thompson family, as his mother will join Thompson for the weekend.
Apopka offensive tackle William Barnes, who picked up an offer from the Gators in June, is expected to take in the game as well on Saturday.
Barnes has been recruited by coach Mike Summers, who wanted to get him back on campus “as soon as possible” after he camped over the summer.
Check out the full list of recruits who have indicated they plan on attending the game:
2017 – St. Thomas Aquinas (Fl.) – QB Jake Allen (UF verbal commit)
2017 – American Heritage (Fl.) – DB Marco Wilson (UF verbal commit)
2017 – Kathleen (Fl.) LB Ventrell Miller (UF verbal commit)
2017 – American Heritage (Fl.) – LB James Houston (UF verbal commit)
2019 – New Smyrna Beach (Fl.) – S Jaleel McRae (UF verbal commit)
2019 – Largo (Fl.) – DE Jaquaze Sorrells (UF verbal commit)
2018 – Armwood (Fl.) – WR Warren Thompson
2018 – University (Fl.) – RB Lorenzo Lingard
2018 – Apopka (Fl.) – OL William Barnes
2018 – Armwood (Fl.) – DE Malcolm Lamar
2018 – Trinity Christian (Fl.) – S Tyreke Johnson
2018 – Deerfield Beach (Fl.) – LB Kenny Bastida
2019 – Dunnellon (Fl.) – WR Maurice Goolsby
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