Weekend Recruiting Visitors

Jan 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp on the field prior to kickoff of the Sugar Bowl against the Louisville Cardinals at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

This is the final weekend for recruiting visits and it looks like there will be three in on official visits and two on unofficial.

Wide receiver Ryan Timmons, from Frankfort, Kentucky has seen his recruitment blow up after a monster senior season where he had over 1,000 yards receiving and 1,000 yards rushing. The Gators got in on this one late as did major player Ohio State as both schools look for speed and playmaking ability at the receiver position. He is expected in Gainesville today to check out the school and program and may very well visit Ohio State as well before the weekend is over. Contrary to internet reports Ohio State has not stopped recruiting him.

"Ryan Timmons ‏@Rimmons_5“I didnt know schools stoped recruiting me ? The things people make up…”"

It’s looking more and more like it’s a battle between OSU and UF for Timmons and Clark. There is a chance one school could take both guys if they wanted in but more likely that they split.

Defensive end Jaynard Bostwick is finally headed to Gainesville today for that long awaited official visit. Bostwick is likely the only tackle left on the board as Montravius Adams is likely choosing between Clemson and Georgia and JUCO Jarran Reed appears to be leaning elsewhere. Bostwick will be a huge get for the Gators as they lose their top two tackles from last season. Muschamp and company had their in home visit with the family earlier in the week and by all accounts everything went well. His childhood favorite Miami is still in play here and this one likely sets up as a UF-Miami battle with the Crimson Tide likely on the outside looking in. Depending on how things play out this weekend the Gator staff feels real good about this one, but as always it will be a wait and see.

JUCO quarterback Tanner McEvoy will be in today as well to check out the school. The Gators looking for someone to come in and provide immediate backup depth behind Jeff Driskel with the transfer of Jacoby Brissett have settled on the 6-6 McEvoy to provide that. He formerly was expected to trip to Wisconsin but offensive coordinator Brent Pease apparently talked him in to tripping to UF. Depending upon how things go this weekend, the Gators feel strongly about this one.

Another qb in town this weekend will be commit Max Staver out of Brentwood, Tennessee who is coming on an unofficial visit. The reports are that Staver is fine with the staff recruiting a JUCO qb. He has made it clear that the expectation on his end is to come in and compete to earn an opportunity. It does seem odd with three scholarship qb’s and two walk-ons as well as Staver and another qb committed already for next cycle in Will Grier that the staff would be seeking yet another qb in this cycle. Apparently, the staff doesn’t feel strongly about the prospects of the guys on campus and is looking for a more experienced guy as Driskel’s backup this coming season. After Driskel, only Tyler Murphy has taken a snap and that was only a few in mop up time. Staver is a very strong commit and not likely to decommit before signing day.

Finally wr James Clark will also be in town this weekend on an unofficial visit as he has used all his officials. Like Timmons, he came late to the party and is being recruited strongly by both UF and Ohio State. Clemson has been after him hard as well, but there were reports yesterday that head coach Dabo Swinney canceled his in-home visit which could only mean they are out of the sweepstakes whether by their choice or Clark’s choice. The Gators feel strongly they can sway him, but there are strong indications that OSU feels pretty strongly on this one as well. It’s another wait and see how this weekend plays out. Hopefully by Monday there may be some stronger indications one way or another. Stay tuned.

Finally, the Florida staff had their in-home visit with four star cornerback Jalen Ramsey last night and all indications are that it went well. However, it appears the Ramsey family is shutting things down from now to signing day. They are not taking any more media requests or making any public statements. What that means is anybody’s guess at this point. The feeling here is that it bodes well for either Florida or Florida State. USC folks feel strongly they keep him in the fold. UF and FSU camps also all feel strong in their ability to flip him. Two teams are going to be awfully disappointed on signing day. The feeling here is that it’s likely going to be down to UF and FSU come signing day.

Stay tuned to HailFloridaHail for the latest updates as signing day approaches and check in for up to the minute signing day coverage here and on Twitter @HailFloridaHail.