With a record 98 underclassmen declaring early for the 2014 NFL Draft it was imperative for the college football powerhouses to have a strong recruitment class, and none more so than the Florida Gators.
The 2013 season was the Gators’ worst since 1979. A 4-9 record, which included their first ever defeat to an FCS team when Georgia Southern pulled off an upset, meant they missed the Bowl season for the first time since 1990. Head coach Will Muschamp was lucky enough to keep his job, however, offensive coordinator Brent Pease was not.
The group of 24 players includes one five-star, 12 four-star and 11 three-star recruits. But what is key is the positions of the talented players. First of all, the five-star recruit is defensive back Jalen Tabor. The Gators are in a bit of a hole at the position with three of their top players in Marcus Roberson, Loucheiz Purifoy and Jaylen Watkins all leaving for the NFL so it bodes well that Tabor is joined by four-star corners Duke Dawson and J.C. Jackson to solidify the back end of the defense.
However, the biggest addition is that of quarterback Will Grier. The second-ranked duel-threat quarterback committed to the university back in December 2012 and has not looked back. Grier displays a strong, accurate arm and has the running ability to change the course of a game. While it is harsh to discard Jeff Driskel so quickly after broken leg, he has had enough time as starter to display his talents and it is clear he is not the right man to fill a void that has lingered since Tim Tebow left for the NFL. Florida’s best chance to win long-term is through Grier.
A pair of defensive tackles in the shape of Thomas Holley, who was the second best defensive tackle recruit in the nation, and Khairi Clark will help shore up the defensive line which will be missing Dominique Easley.
When it is all said and done Alabama and their talent laden class will be the best of 2014 as they go in search of more national glory. Nevertheless, Florida’s will make the biggest difference in the short term as the look to put a miserable 2013 behind them.