Florida Gators 2012 Recruiting Class: The Offense

Over the next four (or five years) we’re sure to look deeper at each player that signed with the Florida Gators as part of the 2012 recruiting class, but with National Signing Day now behind us we can take a quick glance now. The class may not be complete with Stefon Diggs waiting until February 10 to make his decision known, but the 23 strong make up the bulk of the class the will be judged over the next few seasons; and here is the offense…

For just the list, click here. Rankings will be added to that list over time.

Raphael Andrades, WR – The Tallahassee, FL product wanted to be a Gator. In fact, he wanted to play for Florida so much that he was considering walking on if he wasn’t offered a scholarship even though he had offers from Arkansas, Stanford and Vanderbilt. Andrades won’t blow you away with his rankings, but is a good addition to the class and a wide receiver with great hands. Known as a good route runner, he should pick up the offense easily.

Jessamen Dunker, OL – If feels like many forgot Dunker was part of this class the moment D.J. Humphries committed. Although Humphries is rated as one of the top overall prospects in the nation, Dunker is no slouch. The 6’6”, 315-pound offensive lineman has great size and strength and shouldn’t get pushed around at the college level. Like Humphries, he may be asked to provide immediate depth along the line.

Austin Hardin, K – Included here because he will mainly be looked at to add points to the scoreboard. Many wondered what the Gators got when watching Hardin struggle in the Under Armour All-American Game, but many factors contributed to his performance. He mentioned not finding rhythm with his holder throughout the week and was fighting off being sick. Under normal circumstances, Hardin has a strong leg and good accuracy and should be Florida’s kicker of the future.

D.J. Humphries, OL – The crown jewel of the class, Humphries was rated as high as second overall by some recruiting services (Rivals). At 265 pounds, he will have to add some weight to hold up in the SEC, but that may be the only “needs work” we can find. Humphries is a relentless blocker that could earn playing time early. 2012 will be a chance for him to adjust to the speed and size of players in the college game. In 2013, expect him to be inserted firmly into the lineup.

Matt Jones, RB – Committed for so long, Jones seemed to be the forgotten man at times. He ended up being the only running back taken as part of the 2012 class when Mike Davis decided to take his talents elsewhere, but he’s a great one in his own right (and one that seems to have his head on straight). Jones won’t wow you with breakaway speed, but he’s a power runner who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. He could turn into the mauler of the group among the running backs and is expected to get carries early.

Skyler Mornhinweg, QB – A project of sorts, we shouldn’t expect to see Mornhinweg on the field for quite some time. With two true sophomores ahead of him on the depth chart, the new Gators quarterback has time to learn the offense and develop his game. An accurate passer and a tough player, he has potential, but we need a few years to realize it.

Latroy Pittman, WR –With Andrades, Pittman forms a formidable receiving unit. If Diggs is added to the mix, the receiving corps gets a big boost. The Gators held on to Pittman throughout the process and couldn’t be happier. When Florida didn’t get Nelson Agholor, everyone immediately turned to Diggs, but Pittman can make an impact as well. Expect him to be inserted into the rotation early with increased playing time coming in a season or two.

Kent Taylor, TE – The nation’s best tight end (according to Rivals) is the perfect complement to the other TE on this list – Colin Thompson. Taylor should fit the Cornelius Ingram/Aaron Hernandez role perfectly and will immediately push Josh Reed and A.C. Leonard for playing time. A good route runner and great pass catcher, Taylor is expected to provide much more than just blocking to the offense.

Colin Thompson, TE – The blocking from the tight end group could come from Thompson. More of a traditional TE as opposed to the hybrid type we’ve seen lately that is just as much wide receiver as tight end, Thompson will do the dirty work while the other members of the unit may get the glory. Thompson became somewhat of a hero among fans as the most vocally pro-Florida commit among the bunch almost immediately after he made his commitment.

Check back later today as we take a look at the defensive side of the 2012 class.

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