(This article was originally published on July 18th and then updated with predictions on Aidan Mizell and Jordan Castell on July 26th)
Over the next 10 days, seven Florida four-star targets will make their public announcements. Inside the Gators ranks all seven of them from least to most likely to commit to the Gators.
![]() | Joenel Aguero Safety Danvers (Ma.) | ★ ★ ★ ★ | 247: 20 ESPN: 21 On3: 41 Rivals: 91 |
The Skinny: Thanks in large part to Florida signing Kamari Wilson, his IMG teammate from last season before he left the school, the Gators are in his final five. However, at this point feel more like a hat on the table rather than a legitimate threat to land him.
Prediction: Georgia
7/26 Update: As predicted, he committed to Georgia
![]() | Ricco Walker Defensive End Hickory (N.C.) | ★ ★ ★ ★ | 247: 200 ESPN: 121 On3: 218 Rivals: – – |
The Skinny: The previous Florida staff hosted him on campus last summer and then after the current staff brought him in over the spring, the Gators’ made his top 11 and then final five. Though he has a past history with current UF coach Jay Bateman, the Orange & Blue is likely closer to the bottom of his final five than they are to the top.
Prediction: North Carolina
7/26 Update: Like with Aguero above, there wasn’t much suspense here as the Tarheels won out
![]() | Payton Kirkland Offensive Lineman Orlando (Fla.) | ★ ★ ★ ★ | 247: 235 ESPN: 167 On3: – – Rivals: 226 |
The Skinny: When Florida sent both offensive line coaches to see him near the end of spring ball, even though UF’s offensive line board at that time was deeper than it is now, it appeared that he was a high priority for the Gators. Now, even with top targets going elsewhere left and right, the coaches aren’t as high on him as Kirkland is the Orange & Blue. Now, keep in mind Inside the Gators was told this after Roderick Kearney came off the board, but before Lucas Simmons did as well. Could UF come around and reevaluate him now that the board looks pretty damn bleak? There’s still almost a week to go for something to happen.
Prediction: Michigan State (unless Florida turns up the heat)
7/26 Update: When this was originally published back on the 18th, we were already informed that it wouldn’t be Florida, and that many of his finalists were backing off. I didn’t know that went as far as MSU though. I assumed they would get him by default. However, not long after we published this, the buzz about Texas began. And, that’s where he ended up
![]() | John Walker Defensive Tackle Kissimmee (Fla.) | ★ ★ ★ ★ | 247: 119 ESPN: 88 On3: 125 Rivals: 168 |