- 10 Pre-Spring 2022 out-of-state prospects the Gator Nation needs to know
- 10 Pre-Spring 2021 out-of-state prospects the Gator Nation needs to know
Now that the books are closed on the Class of 2022 it is time to turn our full attention to the Class of 2023. Though there are over 10 months remaining in this cycle before the early signing period, it's never too early to pay attention to those who are top targets in the recruiting cycle.
Keep in mind, the prospects listed aren't on commitment watch, or even the top targets on the board, but rather 15 prospects from out-of-state in the Class of 2023 that the Gator Nation needs to keep an eye on over the spring to see where they stand after visiting Florida and elsewhere.
Joenel Aguero – Florida was included in the top seven he released three days ago. That's the good news, the bad news is the list is full of top programs such as Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, who have fared better along the recruiting trail. The fact that he and Kamari Wilson roomed together at IMG Academy helps UF's chances. His decision to leave IMG Academy hurts.
Victor Burley – The five-star defensive lineman attended Florida's Kickoff Recruiting Event last June and then returned to campus in September to watch the Gators take on Alabama. He has a relationship with new assistant Jay Bateman, but can UF get him back on campus this spring is the question.
Keldric Faulk – He tweeted out two weeks ago that he plans to visit Florida on March 19th – it will be his first trip to Gainesville since camping with the Gators two years ago. He wasn't getting much contact from the previous staff, which caused Florida to fall down his list. We'll see if his visit in two weeks changes the momentum.
Gabriel Harris – The four-star defensive end was at one time committed to Florida State, but Florida surged with him after he camped at UF last summer. He told Luke Winstel last Sunday at UA Next Atlanta that he wanted to make a return trip to Florida. We'll see if he makes it in this spring.
Arch Manning – Don't get overly excited about his inclusion on this list. No, as is stated above, these aren't 15 prospects who Florida looks good for at the moment. Actually, he hasn't even set a spring visit to Gainesville yet. He is on here because he is the consensus No. 1 prospect in the nation and he has Florida on his list.
Tony Mitchell – Though he currently lives in Alabama, he is originally from Polk County. He has already visited Florida in the past and is scheduled to come back in two weeks. His last released leaderboard was a top seven last September, which included Florida. He already is familiar with Corey Raymond from his LSU days, and he'll have a chance to reconnect with him.
Hunter Osborne – 10 days ago he tweeted out his intent to release a leaderboard soon, but that has yet to happen. He is scheduled to visit Florida at the end of this month. With offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and others, this will be a test of how UF's new staff stacks up recruiting-wise.
TJ Shanahan – Had he not moved from Central Florida to Texas, we might be on a commitment watch when it comes to Shanahan. However, since his move, he doesn't seem to be as high on Florida. We'll see if that changes over the spring either by the staff going to evaluate him or Shanahan visiting UF.
Princewill Umanmielen – The younger brother of current Florida defensive end Princely Umanmielen, Princewill was a standout during a last June summer camp session and earned an offer from the previous staff not long afterward. We'll see what happens between him and the new staff over the spring when it could be assumed he will make a practice or two or at least the spring game.
Christopher Vizzina – There is a glaring lack of SEC caliber quarterbacks in the state of Florida, leaving the Gators needing to go into neighboring states if they are to add a high school prospect at the position this cycle. Dylan Lonergan was also under consideration for this spot, but with Vizzina already having not only visited UF, and the new staff has offered, but they also retained Chase Clark, his main contact on the staff.