Billy Napier is an Elite recruiter

Not only for reasons already stated but it's bs because Mullen chased stars that never played here or likely wouldn't for reasons other programs had backed off for. Case in point, Ajei Henderson. Kid wasn't on our radar and never visited then suddenly committed late to us while everyone knew he had little chance if any to qualify. That was seen as a big time commitment and bumped our class at the time. There are others as well....

 

Also a bunch of guys coming off of serious injuries where other teams had backed off.

 

Mullen’s classes were all smoke and mirrors. So far I would give billy an A- in recruiting. It could very well be an A by signing day. I never gave Mullen more than a B-.

 

Nothing less than an A+ if this class holds.

 

Spot on. And Henderson's particular class had quite a few others than were never to quality. That said, they were extended offers that would have never been extended leading up to Mullen. I think it's fair to say admissions tried.

I'm so impressed with their recruiting that this group, as is, is a solid second cycle A. Strong QB, Solid RB, Strong WR/skill, decent OL, Strong DL, Strong DB. If an A now, how can they add the needed linemen then and it be less than an A+++?

 

This post did not age well

 

UF just signed the number one recruit in softball , m tennis, m swimming and w swimming. I don't understand why most of the Gator minor sports teams out recruit football and basketball prograns on a regular basis.

 

As indicated, Miles wrote this article on the heels of the Cormani let down. Normally Will seems to take a rational and factual analysis. In this case though, he was SUPER salty. Makes me think the article in question was obscured by his discontent and he was plagued with a bit of confirmation bias.

 

The fact Mullen had recruiting ‘season’ while billy goes hard all year makes me feel much better with our current coach on the trail.

 

I totally agree with your observations. But I would also add that IMHO, Will gets so wrapped around the axle with his stats and formulas on occasion that he can't always see the forest for the trees. His insights into the Human element of the game (particularly his takes on coaching/recruiting) range from quite limited to virtually non-existent. Don't get me wrong, I'm not dismissing his approach out of hand. But character, commitment to the team concept, and the innate ability to rise to the occasion with the game on the line (AKA the "it" factor) don't necessarily reveal themselves on a spreadsheet. I see his less than glowing assessment of Rashada's potential as a perfect case in point. Stats be damned. The kid can really spin it and he was BN's first choice at QB for '23. That's good enough for me.

 

Apples & oranges.

There wasn’t a decade long drop off in the sports you mentioned. We are a top 5 program in each one of them. And add track & field and gymnastics to the list.

Also, the NIL component is not nearly a factor with those sports like it is with football & hoops.

 

One factor is the level of competition is MUCH higher in football and hoops vs "spring sports". Also the Florida climate has to be considered.....kids in those sports are often Florida based or want to be. Add in the tradition and past success for UF in those sports

 

I agree. Many now seem to write or post what the current flavor-of-the-month is amongst social media and Internet fans.

Without using Google, is anyone else old enough to remember where the "flavor-of-the-month" originated? LOL!

 

. . . and (possibly) even improves somewhat to significantly.

 

Baskin-Robbins?

 

Baskin Robins about a million years ago?

 

Baskin Robbins?

 

I think it will improve (significantly)

People forget the state of the program -- he came in got Kamari, a top 20 class, got all those kids on campus who were out of reach previously and what he has set up for 2023 and next year already...you can't really ask for more. I think he has exceeded any of the reasonable expectations on the recruiting front.

 

It makes the head spin I'm giddy - the army of great people, the facility, the current palyers, former players, Gator Made and other programs, guest speakers, field trips, NIL, marketing, the camps, improving visits, luxury apartments - it's a whirlwind of excitement.

All that is amazing but what is lifting us even higher is Florida kids recruiting Florida kids. Florida talent is arriving and it will keep building on itself.