We can squawk all we want about whether this class ends up top 10, top 5, etc. But the bottom line is we are likely to sign top 10, five star talents, centerpieces, on both sides of the ball. I can’t remember the last time we did that. Maybe 2010 although that didn’t have a headliner at the most important position QB. I believe all the top end talent was on defense that year. Not all 5 stars (and even 4 stars for that matter) are created equal and we have a couple guys who fit that mold. It’s a different feel than what previous coaches signed. WM (defense heavy) JM (no top 10 overall talent) and Mullen’s (no top 10 talent, non-qualifiers to boost overall ranking). Heck, it’s a different feel than Billy’s transition class where he had little time and first full class. Our 4 stars are nicely ranked (not low 4 stars) as well. I’m not going to look it up and don’t have the data but my guess is this class is still around top 5 talent when you look at a star per player ranking. Combine that with the portal which we are getting top end quality this year as well and it bodes well for the future. If fans are patient (I think most are it’s just the loud minority who aren’t) I honestly believe this is a playoff team in 2025 with how experienced the elite talent on the team will be.
I mean there’s still some holes in this HS recruiting class but that’s what the portal is for….to supplement it
Im wit ya and if not 25 then 26. I think it will start turning around. Talent is coming in and takes 2-3 years for each class to show its true worth. Shemar and the first class are going into year three next year. That was a small class yet still the first class to see year three. Hopefully we have 2-3 more starters from the portal as we a going to need them if we are going to have a winning record next year.
I was just trying to think myself through this class and it’s pretty solid. Of course give me more los guys and X left us a hole. Thanks kid, wait till the last minute and walk out the back door.
Uftaipan shut me up when I was posting about how great the class is a while back. As in, have they signed yet head? Pretty good point, and yes the class was rattled with decommits. Well we will know tommorrow. The 5 game of'er at the end of the year hurt damit. Think Napier and staff had to patch some holes in the bottom of the hull to keep this class from sinking. Neverthless, provided DJ and the bulk of the class stay together (I hope we sign at least 20) it is still good, although Billy was flirting with a really special group prior to the last few weeks. I was happy to see Billy making hay in the transfer portal. Picked up some needed additions this weekend. (Thankfully) I'm hoping Billy might have a surprise or two in store, you know the NIL offers and counter offers will be flying the next 24 - 36 hours. It's an auction!
I’m not in charge so I don’t get to make the decisions and I don’t get fired but I would probably raid the portal instead of going after any more high school kids unless they were very very good and had a chance to play as a freshman. Smith, Mincy Yes, but none of these guys that are going to be great players three years from now are going to help us. Napier needs to win a few extra games this year. I’m thinking with a lot of help from the portal he might can get to seven.
I surely agree. Although picking up Smith would be one hell of a get. last I checked he was #1 or #2 in most services. Besides, that reciever coach at Ohio State has not accepted a "Pro" position that everyone was hoping for, so I see the odds as being very low for the Gators flipping him.
Its just about how big of a bag you want to throw at the guy...gone are the days when you could throw 5 double cheeseburgers at a guy like Desmond Watson and he would sign with a Sharpie covered with ketchup on it right on the spot.
On a per player average (including transfers), we are currently behind: Georgia Ohio State Alabama Texas Florida State Texas A&M Source: 247 rankings
This of course concerns me EE - I would not be surprised to see some changes in the recruiting rankings once the "Auction" is over.
I'm seeing UF at 92.00 and FSU at 91.93. Overall, the quality of our classes seem to be improving. 2022 - 88.88 2023 - 91.41 2024 - 92.00 (as of now)
Agree on portal. In the dynamic of transfers and nil, you can’t count on the time to develop folks (yet). Need on the field players. Unless the “new” class rankings include portal players….
This is how Clemson, and initially Georgia, built up their rosters as well. Do it enough years and it starts to show. We need quality depth and contributors with a few high end difference makers in each class, and then need to repeat it until you have a roster full of contributors with those difference makers pushing the rest to the next level.
