I think Smith is just enjoying the attention and OV experience. He is frequently discussed in our circles due to his perceived relationship with Lagway. He is one of the best receiver prospects in Florida (maybe ever) so we watch and try to interpret his every move.
I agree.. I agree... BUT I also STRONGLY believe that we need to look at the, "long game" when it comes to recruiting at the University Of Florida. Florida now has the brand new facilities, the RIGHT head coach, and the RIGHT assistant coaches. (Having two OL coaches was a brilliant move by Napier. How many offensive linemen on other teams will get ticked off with their current position coach and will come back to Florida? It's the long game folks.) Florida also has the weather...the beaches, etc. Combine all of that with the fact that Florida will start winning on the field this year. All of the above will entice a much higher level of athlete... which is already happening. But the REAL difference will be when we have 5-Star players who committed to other teams start to enter the portal and come home to the Gators. THAT will happen!
DBL - Right on brother. We are right back to Bear Bryants famous "If Florida wakes up" comments about the inherent potential of this state and the University. But all the advantages in the world are negated if the management does not stay on top of the game. UF was on top in 2009 and then the roof caved in. We have a chance to climb back up now. I believe it's possable under Napier and the Universities committment to football. The sleeper shall AWAKEN!
Guess they, PSU, didn't green light him. They got like 2-3 other slot WR's the last few days so i'll take it
Will know Monday. Not sure he really wanted to be a Gator or fell in love during visit but think he commits to us today to save his spot in UF class. Agree that he is incredibly fast player that will create challenges for opponents on field. Small player that lacks size/muscular frame and needs to put on weight to play in SEC. Not sure he will be able to take pounding. His tape indicates he was the fastest player on field in HS and did not have much quality competition. That will change in the SEC. Will not simply be able to run by secondary. WR recruiting class not as good as last year but has some speed. Offense needs to score more points this year to attract talent. Currently opposing coaches during recruiting talk about Billy as employing a RPO system that features run heavily and is not pass oriented with sophisticated passing schemes. Also suggest QB does not have as much discretion to change play calls.
At 10.3 100 at that age you will run past most db in the SEC in 40-50 yards. That is borderline speed to skip college football and concentrate on a professional career in track. Not everybody is close to that speed in the SEC.
He's not a running back. He's a blazing fast slot receiver that might catch 3-4 passes/game. He will force the D to put a smaller/faster defender on him which creates opportunities in the running game. If he has to go one-on-one with Gervon Dexter in the gauntlet drill, yeah, he won't survive. But he's running in space and can brace for contact, therefore will rarely be involved in a big collision. There are defensive mismatches all over the field and players like Hawkins help to expose these. We NEED Hawkins and three more just like him.
Yep and I also remember him going to the league and doing very well also. Ultimately his speed opened up the game for guys Hillard and Anthony
You beat me to it. Devonta is a toothpick (170 lbs) yet dominated college and just had 1196 yards for the Eagles.
