Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators
- 2/3/24 Jr. Day | 1/27/24 Jr. Day | 1/20/24 Jr. Day | 1/13/24 Jr. Day
- Jr. Day Updates
- O&B Board: Junior Day to kick off unique 2025 recruiting cycle
- Umanmielen Q&A: An in-depth look at Florida football from a player perspective
- Anonymous Player Q&A I: Thoughts on the state of Florida football
- Defensive Commits: Ranked too high, too low, or about right
- Offensive Commits: Ranked too high, too low, or about right
- Evaluating the Class of 2023: Wilson clearcut freshman of the year
TOP 100 LINEBACKER HAS FLORIDA AS A FINALIST
On Friday Port Saint Lucie (Fla.) Vero Beach four-star linebacker Tarvos Alford cut his list to a final six consisting of Florida, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, Tennessee and UCF.
On Saturday the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder visited the Gators for their final Jr. Day of the 2025 recruiting cycle.
During his time on campus he said he mostly interacted with two coaches, Florida’s defensive coordinator and his mentor.
“I spent my time with Coach [Austin] Armstrong and Coach [Ron] Roberts,” said Alford. “They let me know that I’m a need.”
Over a six hour span where he got to listen to presentations, and tour the campus and facilites, there was one thing that stood oukt to him the most.
“Getting some time with Coach Roberts was the highlight,” said Alford.
As a result of the visit, Alford said that the Gators, “Are in a great position.” However, he isn’t ready to name an outright leader. “They are all even to me.”
He will visit his finalists again over the spring and then announce on March 30.
Alford is the No. 59 ranked prospect in the nation according to the On3 Consensus.
FOUR-STAR SEES FLORIDA FOR THE FIRST TIME
Duryea (Pa.) St. Thomas More four-star defensive tackle Adam Shovlin had an opportunity to see Florida for the first time on Saturday.
He said he has three main takeaways from the trip.
“Definitely seeing the facilities, the traditions and loyalty the fanbase has, and the emphasis on people vs players,” explained Shovlin.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound lineman said that he spent most of his time on campus with support staff member Kali James.
“Coach James was super high on me,” said Shovlin. “He loves my frame and twitch off the edge.”
Coming into the weekend Shovlin had yet to release a leaderboard, but one is coming, and Florida has made the cut.
When asked where the Gators stand after the visit, he replied, “I can’t say too much on it, but I’m dropping my top schools in May. Florida is in the top five for sure.”
Shovlin is the No. 274 ranked prospect in the nation according to the On3 Consensus.
OUT-OF-STATE ATHLETE IMPRESSED BY SUPPORT OFFERED BY FLORIDA
Greer (S.C.) Riverside athlete Mikkel Skinner has early Power 5 offers from Cincinnati and West Virginia and SEC interest from Florida and South Carolina. He visited the Gamecocks last season and made his first trip to see the Gators on Saturday.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder is listed as an athlete, but judging by who he spent time with on Saturday, UF obviously sees him as a receiver.
“I spoke to Coach Billy [Gonzales] the most,” said Skinner. “He told me he really, really loves my film and that he’s gonna come visit me during spring.”
Skinner said that one thing that caught his attention during his interactions with the staff was the support UF offers its players.
“What stood out was the staff they have to help you succeed and the history of all the coaches.”
While the Gators have yet to extend an offer, if they do they are in great shape early on.
“After today I feel like Florida is automatically at the top of my list and I really love it here.”
IN-STATE LINEMAN PILING UP OFFERS
Though he has yet to be ranked by any of the four recruiting services, Ft. Laurderale (Fla.) STA defensive lineman Richard Scott III is hardly an unknown along the recruiting trail.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound edge came into the weekend with Power 5 offers from Miami, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pitt, and West Virginia. He left Florida’s Jr. Day with an offer from the Gators.
Scott III said he spent most of his time with potential position coach Mike Peterson.
“I spoke with Coach Peterson the most we talked football,” said Scott III
He also learned a few things about UF.
“My highlight of visit today was meeting the amazing staff and touring the facilities and campus,” said Scott III, before adding, “I didn’t know there were actually gators on campus. That stood out to me.”
It’s still early, and Scott III is still figuring out where things stand, but the visit did help the Gators’ cause.
“There’s no leaderboard and no visits set right now, but I loved the visit and I’ll be back.”
0 comments