Breaking Down the Florida Gators’ 2010 Recruiting Class – Part 1
Now that we know who has signed with
Florida
, we can start to analyze them with a fine-toothed comb throughout the spring and summer and project what they will do once they suit up for the Gators. In four neat parts, I’ll give my early thoughts about each of the signees and how they may contribute in 2010.
Gideon Ajagbe
LB – 6’2″, 197 lbs. – Coconut Grove, FL – Ransom Everglades
Ajagbe is fairly small for a linebacker in terms of bulk, but so was a former Gator by the name of Earl Everett when he came to Gainesville. His athletic ability is what drew Florida to him. The coaching staff wants him to get up in the 230-pound range and hopes he won’t lose any speed in doing so. Expect Ajagbe to redshirt while he gets accustomed to Florida’s conditioning regimen.
Neiron Ball
DE – 6’4″, 210 lbs. – Jackson, GA – Jackson
Ball is in much of the same boat as Ajagbe in that his speed and overall ability led the Gators to him, but he will need to put on some weight to play his position at the next level. Due to Ball’s acceleration, he can end up being a pass-rush specialist for the Gators, but may also do well as a blitzing outside linebacker. He’s another good candidate to redshirt although being enrolled early may have helped him get an edge.
Mack Brown
RB – 5’11”, 185 lbs. – Lithonia, GA – Martin Luther King
Brown was one of the one’s Florida fans were most worried about when Signing Day came around. Many weren’t sure if he’d actually end up a Gator. In the end, he was true to what he had been saying throughout most of his recruitment and signed with Florida. Brown could be considered a speed back, but he seems to love contact as well. With some added bulk, Brown could do some damage between the tackles. Looking at the depth chart at running back, you would think he’s in line for a redshirt, but Brown may be too talented to keep off the field in 2010.
Trey Burton
QB – 6’2″, 203 lbs. – Venice, FL – Venice
Burton may win the award for best recruiter of the class. The minute he pledged to attend Florida, he became one of the most vocal members of the 2010 recruiting class. Burton is a dual-threat quarterback who will fit in well to an offense which allows the QB to run a good amount of the time. With Jordan Reed moving to tight end (whether it’s just part time or not), expect Burton to be right in the mix to back up starting quarterback John Brantley.
Gerald Christian
TE – 6’3″, 220 lbs. – West Palm Beach, FL – Dwyer
Ladies and gentlemen, the Florida Gators’ 2010 starting tight end. Okay that’s probably a little premature to declare, but don’t be surprised. Tight end is the thinnest position on the team right now and there’s no reason to think Christian won’t be given a chance to claim the top spot. He enrolled early, has good speed for someone his size, and comes in as one of the nation’s best high school tight ends. Expect Christian to see the field a lot during the upcoming season.
Robert Clark
ATH – 5’9″, 170 lbs. – West Palm Beach, FL – Dwyer
Clark could be in line to be the next Brandon James. He can play on either side of the ball – although we heard a lot about cornerback toward the end of the recruiting cycle – but Clark’s strongest point is in the return game. After seeing the impact James had on the Florida program over his four years as a Gator, prospects may no longer shy away from being recruited as returners first. Clark could realistically be the fastest member of the 2010 class. If he is as dynamic in the return game as expected, he should see the field immediately.
Adrian Coxson
WR – 6’2″, 194 lbs. – Baltimore, MD – City College High
Coxson was one of the last recruits to join the class, but his commitment wasn’t much of a surprise. Some see him as a throw-in at the end of the cycle, but that’s not the case at all. He’s a very talented receiver with the size to make an immediately impact. With the entire receiving corps getting an overhaul in 2010, the freshmen will be given an opportunity to fight for playing time. However, Coxson is one of four true receivers in the class (not to mention some athletes who could become full-time receivers) so he may be in line for a redshirt. Fall practice will determine which ones play immediately and which ones we’ll have to wait until 2011 to see.
Come back tomorrow for the next part.