So, what does our current board look like today for the remaining OL guys that are still out there? Seems like OL is a big focus for the remaining handful of slots we have in this class. How many more do we need in addition to the two that we currently have committed for 2023? I guess the answer to that question has to assume that either Livingston is enrolling in the 2022 class or not, at this point.
I'm hoping for two "big uns" and a linebacker and Mr. McClain and then 1 more 5 star at ANY position!
The one I'm fixated on is Zalance Heard from LA. I think he may be a longshot; LSU is 100% CB'd. But if we get him on campus, maybe CBN can work some magic with this kid. He's exactly what we need for the class and for the OL next year. Would be a huge get for the program.
Interesting tidbit...Offensive Tackle Max Mitchell went to the same high school as Zalence Heard, and he was just drafted in the 4th round this year after being developed by Napier and Sale at Louisiana. That can do nothing but help.
Besides O'Cyrus Torrence, who on the OL may turn pro after the 22 season? Gouraige and White? Are there any who might transfer to get PT?
There will be transfers but I’d think the pecking order is getting finalized as we speak. Next week things will be set in stone.
The good news is Billy says they know for certain their top 8. We will likely have a 2-deep unit out to 10 before the Utah kickoff. Most programs carry between 15-17 scholarship OL on the roster. Unless I counted wrong, UF has 16 on ships plus several preferred walk-ons. We have 2 OL committed in the 2023 recruiting class. I think it is safe to say Torrence, Gouraige, and White are NFL bound if they show out as expected so 16-3+2=15. Josh Braun could be an NFLer too. Unless there is possible attrition the coaches know about, we could only be looking to add another OL or two. I don't think this will be a class in which we sign 5. It looks more like signing 3 to 4 based on the coaches being able to attract who they want. Keep in mind that Billy brought Torrence and Waites with him from Louisiana. Me? Given the few slots available for the OL, I'd be cherry picking. Scarcity could create a demand for the last couple of slots. I'd at least be holding back a bit until we get closer to early signing day unless a top player or two pops before then.
Honestly, no clue who could play into the class that we don't know about now. I just wouldn't take a reach on a player who is going to be 3 years before he's ready to get on the field.
I suspect Sale will show his worth when the season starts. He was probably hired because of his success developing OL and not on his recruiting prowess. I don't buy the idea that every position coach has to be a great recruiter. He has Katy and Napier working with him so that should be enough. He might just need some time getting acquainted with high school coaches in the state since he's never recruited Florida. To me the big draw for high school OL is going to a program where they have two position coaches and much more individual attention.
Nice post. But if we do not land this cycle some really good players and lose the three you mentioned, what's behind them? Really means a lot because we know we have to have a good>great OL. No more "Delance" wiffs.
Attrition once guys figure out they aren’t in the two deep is what I’m anticipating, especially among upper class men.
Some significant attrition has to occur in order to make way for the tidal wave already coming for '23. I've seen that there are no max. limits on HS signees this year, only the 85 total max. will matter. And as things stand now, we may go to a total of between 28-30 Fr. signees, which means a lot of people are going to have to find a new place to play or give up scholarship FB. We have a very small class of graduating seniors and juniors, meaning a really big squeeze is all but inevitable. I hope that the qualitative improvement that process brings about will establish a base roster that can be built into a powerhouse in the next few years.
We'll be up to our armpits in PWOs for certain. Congrats on the tix...that's some very cool schytt. Go Gators!
You are probably right, but OL is one of our strongest units on the team and O'Cyrus Torrence may be UF's best player. If I were to add a 4th OL to the NFL, it would be Josh Braun. He is OL 5 or 6 and is going to play starter snaps even if he is not a starter as he can play LG and RG. Here is a projected look at the 22 OL: Experience and size should lead the Gators’ offensive line this season | GatorCountry.com LT: Richard Gouraige - Austin Barber LG: Ethan White - Richie Leonard OC: Kingsley Eguakun - Jake Slaughter RG: O'Cyrus Torrence - Josh Braun RT: Michael Tarquin - Kamryn Waites Remaining OL: 11. Will Harrod 12. Riley Simonds Jalen Farmer Christian Williams David Connor Yousef Mugharbil Billy said he has his top 8. He is working on a top 10 by Utah. With these numbers and talents, I think he can have a top 12. The OL is deep. As said above in my previous post, I may not have the scholarship numbers at 16 right. I also didn't list the preferred walk-ons.
