By: Nick Marcinko -- September 19, 2023 The Florida Gators signed 20 freshmen out of the 2023 recruiting class, a number of which have made a significant impact through three games of the 2023 season. 16 of Florida’s 20 freshmen have appeared in at least one game this season, combining for 561 snaps through three games, an average of 187 snaps per game from rookies. Evaluating Florida’s freshmen class through three games | GatorCountry.com
Isn't Castell a 3* star recruit? Lol, at those ranking services. It looks like General Napier and his "army" seem to be good at finding talent. That is a plus added to the fact that the 2024 class has for sure 5* star recruits that Napier seem confident enough to recruit. Napier is best of both recruiting world types of coach...He can find underrated talent and sign them... he can find can't miss 5* star talent and sign them... all that's left is one question. Can he develop that talent and I say yes, he can develop that talent. In that facet of coaching he seems to be one of the best already. But don't expect perfection just yet. He still needs time to develop that talent he's acquiring. But so far so good. I am pleased with his approach to build from the solid foundation upwards. Unlike some coaches that grab a hodgepodge of mercenaries for hire thought NIL considerations via the transfer portal. That approach seems to get some early success, but it's an illusion... that cerates a ghost of a program on shaky ground. That is no way to build a program... you have build it from the ground up. And even though some people were impatient with Napier's approach, he's proving all those doubters he was right all along. Start from a solid foundation and go from there. Napier is the right man for the job.
Anyone who can't see the upgrade in several key areas and the reasonable expectation of eventual improvement in others is either not looking very hard or just refuses to see it.
Hit the mark BIGTIME with this post Rick! I have noticed that Napier and staff seem to identify talent outside of the ratings services. Give me 22 Ahmed Black types everyday and a month of Sundays!
Napier appears willing to put the best players on the field without regard to their youth. How many times did we have coaches refuse to put the best players on the field citing youth or lack of "familiarity" with the system? It seems that our coaching staff gets them familiar with the system pretty quickly.
Exactly Rick. Coach looks for character as much, if not more, than athletic ability. Certainly more than "stars" because he has a great eye for under-valued talent. Then he builds cohesion with a group of athletic, high-character guys.
The only recruiting lists I pay attention to is our offer list and our commit list. Our army ranks recruits comprehensively and thoroughly. Internet sites are jokes.
I would say evaluating football talent is not only his strongest asset, but he is willing to put it on the field (notably lacking in recent history here)! Also, so far, he seems willing to adapt his staff with an eye to choose and promote talent there as well. Those are strong assets, especially suitable for the head coaching position. I am hopeful that he continues that trend, and patient enough to watch it happen. Great recruiting!
Instant difference makers: Kelby, Searcy, Castell, Wilson Ready to play a role as frosh: Jackson, Jean, Harris, Webb Still too early to tell: the rest
This is pretty cool. Obviously a demonstration that the staff recruits well but also that they will put the best players on the field. They will keep improving as the season progresses, as well.
I don't remember when we've had such meaningful contribution from true freshmen before. Usually, I'm so hyped for recruiting season and signing day, then when those players get to the season we barely see any of the top recruits play. If I'm a high school guy trying to figure out where I want to go, I'd have to be excited seeing what Trey Wilson and Jordan Castell are doing just three weeks into their freshman season.
