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Florida football: Gators stand to gain from Willie Taggart firing

By Matthew Clark

GAINESVILLE, FL- SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Dan Mullen of the Florida Gators looks on during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL- SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Dan Mullen of the Florida Gators looks on during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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The big news in Florida this weekend wasn’t that Florida football lost Saturday, but that Florida State parted ways with head coach Willie Taggart.

Well, Florida football fans can’t joke at Willie Taggart’s expense anymore.

I mean, we can, but why kick a guy when he’s down.

In just his second year at the helm of Florida State, the university decided it had seen enough after the Seminoles’ loss to Miami Saturday, and relieved Taggart of his coaching duties.

I can’t say as I was surprised. By the timing? Yeah, but surprised they let him go, not really.

I guess the biggest thing is that the university was willing to raise $17 million to buy out Taggart and that boosters really got behind that idea.

But, Florida State’s loss can be a gain for Florida football.

No, I don’t mean Taggart should be put on Dan Mullen’s staff. What I do mean is we can let the recruiting wars commence.

And, it all starts with Deerfield Beach 4-star running back Jaylan Knighton. On Monday, following the news of Taggart’s dismissal and what I can only assume was a meeting with his advisors, Knighton de-committed from Florida State, via Twitter.

https://twitter.com/jaylan_knighton/status/1191410389940146177

"“Obviously, everyone has heard the news about the changes taking place at Florida State,” Knighton tweeted. “Understanding that there will be a period of time before the FSU program finds new leadership, my family, coaches at Deerfield and I have decided it’s in my best interest to decommit from Florida State.”"

And here’s where Florida football can capitalize:

"“Being an early enrollee, time is of the essence for me so my support system and I will immediately start the process of trying to find the right place for me to pursue my academic and athletic goals. While FSU even during this time of uncertainty, will remain an option for me, I will be reopening my recruiting at this time.”"

Knighton is the 11th-highest-rated running back of the class of 2020 according to ESPN and is the 15th-overall best prospect in the state of Florida.

This kid has tremendous cutting ability and breakaway speed. He’s also powerful enough to bowl over opposing safeties and linebackers — at least on the high school level.

With Lamical Perine graduating this season, the Florida football program could use another talented running back to work with Dameon Pierce and Malik Davis.

Knighton has led the Bucks to a 7-3 record overall this season — including a 48-18 thumping of Hallandale Friday night.

It is recruits like Knighton who are dismayed over the termination of Taggart’s contract at Florida State that Florida football should set a keen eye to.

Next. 2 recruits the Gators want to sway. dark

No. 10 Florida football will take on Vanderbilt at noon, Saturday, Nov. 9 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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