Florida football : Recruits visiting Gators 1/28
By TJ Ostrander
The Florida football program will host its final official visit date for the recruits of the class of 2022. There is a list of six names who are expected to be on campus in Gainesville this weekend.
Billy Napier has made a massive effort to attempt to revive Florida’s 2022 class. The Gators had several players de-commit after the firing of Dan Mullen. Since then, it would be a fair question to ask when exactly Billy Napier sleeps? He has built a massive staff, and been recruiting nonstop.
Here are the six players from the 2022 class that will be visiting the Swamp Friday.
DJ Allen 4-star WR – Gladewater, TX
Definitely one of the most important positions where Napier needs to add depth. Florida will have Justin Shorter back, he will likely be the top target for whoever the starter is in 2022. After that, they have several unproven players. DJ Allen is a speedster wideout who had a very successful track career in high school. Don’t get excited about this one though, the experts at 247 recruiting have Allen staying in Texas, predicting a signing with TCU.
Projected top schools: TCU, Arkansas, Florida, Baylor, USC
Caden Story 4-star DL – Lanet, AL
The Florida football program has some big shoes to fill up front with the departure of Zach Carter. This weekend, 4-star DL Caden Story, visits campus and Florida hopes to add another big body upfront. In high school Story was noted for being able to stuff the run, but also showing versatility in being able to get pressure on the quarterback and make plays further downfield. Unfortunately as of now, he is another player that 247 recruiting has gone elsewhere. Story is mostly projected to head to Clemson, with a few experts thinking he will stay in state and go to Auburn. The good news is that Florida is in his top three.
Projected top schools: Clemson, Auburn, Florida
Kevonte Henry 4-star EDGE – Lawndale, CA
Let’s start by saying that Kevonte Henry is already committed to the Michigan Wolverines. Henry has been committed since 6/25/21. A 4-star edge rusher, the Gators need to add some depth for pass rushers after losing Carter to the NFL draft. Let’s see how this weekend plays out before we really get ahead of ourselves with Henry. It is always good to have the last visit before signing day though! Maybe some doubt in this young man’s mind as the future of coach Jim Harbaugh is in question.
Projected top schools: Michigan, Oklahoma , Florida , Washington, Arizona
Jordan James 4-star RB – Murfreesboro, TN
A very interesting late visit for Jordan James, who is already committed to arch-rival Georgia. James is rated the 16th overall running back in the 2022 class. Florida football is already expecting to add 4-star Trevor Etienne on signing day. Is this a good move for Napier? I wouldn’t want to scare off your already committed 4-star RB late and end up with nothing. 247 has James down as definitely signing with Georgia, big surprise he committed to them. He has taken some visits this month to multiple schools though.
Projected top schools: Georgia, Florida, Oregon, Notre Dame, Florida State
Danny Lewis 3-star TE – New Iberia, LA
Napier signed 4-star Tony Livingston back on early signing day, it’s unclear though whether he will actually be a tight end as he is also a very good blocked and may be switched to a lineman. We also have the departure of Kamore Gamble, who transferred to UCF. So there is some room to grow in this position, Keon Zipperer is expected to start in 2022. Danny Lewis is a 3-star but the Gators could definitely add another TE on scholarship. Lewis visited Alabama on the 21st.
Projected Schools: Florida, Alabama, LSU , Cincinnati, Arizona State
Matthew McCoy 3-star OT – St Augustine, FL
Our final recruit visiting this weekend is Matthew McCoy. He is the lone player visiting from inside the state of Florida. McCoy is a 3-star lineman, a month ago Napier was dying for linemen. However, Napier was able to successfully use the transfer portal and lure some excellent OL from ULL. McCoy is projected by the experts at 247 to definitely land in the Swamp. It appears the Gators will add another 3-star big body, and McCoy is big standing at 6’6.
Projected top schools: Florida, Miami, Ole Miss, Maryland, UCF