What In-State Prospects are the Gators Focusing On?

The state of Florida is flooded with top prospects year in and year out. Over the past few years, UF has let some of these top in-state guys leave the state and go to other programs, but Billy Napier is trying to change that. Which of Florida’s top players are giving UF a look?

Cormani McClain – 5 Star CB

McClain is the the highest rated player in Florida, and the 3rd best player nationally according to 247 Sports. McClain has said that UF currently sits atop his recruitment, but that doesn’t mean that the Gator staff can take their foot off the gas.

McClain is a freak athlete, and Andrew Ivins of 247 sports wrote that he “…hand checks like a seasoned vet” and “[is] comfortable in both press and off-man coverage.”

Landing McClain would be a huge pickup for the Gators, and give Napier lots of momentum as he continues to create his 2023 class.

Francis Mauigoa – 5 Star OT

Mauigoa has had a relatively quiet recruitment, and isn’t giving lots of hints as to where he may go. He was in town for the Gators’ spring game, and loves how Napier has employed a system with 2 OL coaches on the field. He’s said that he believes 2 coaches will improve his development.

Mauigoa is ranked as the 2nd best player in the state and 8th overall in the country. He has freakish strength, and moves very well for someone his size (6’5”, 330).

Mauigoa attends IMG, which is turning into a hot spot for UF recruiting. Napier landed Knijeah Harris a week ago, as well as Kamari Wilson last year, so that newly formed pipeline may help in landing Francis.

Malik Bryant – 4 Star LB

Malik Bryant recently named a top 5 of Alabama, Florida, Miami, USC, and UCF. He’s the 8th best player in Florida and 35th in the nation.

Bryant is great in pass rush, and has an electric first step that allows him to get around offensive tackles. He’s also capable in pass coverage, making him a versatile defender who can play just about anywhere.

Bryant has an official visit scheduled to Gainesville, he’ll be in town on June 10th. He’s a big fan of Napier and has expressed his confidence in coach’s abilities: “Give him about 5-6 years, he’ll definitely have one or two national championships under his belt.”

Cedric Baxter Jr. – 4 Star RB

247 Sports has Baxter as the 4th best RB in the nation and 12th best player in Florida. He named a top 5 of Arkansas, Florida, Miami, Texas, and Texas A&M.

Baxter has a visit to Gainesville under his belt, and is familiar with coach Napier and the Gators. The former FSU commit has great size at 6’1”-215, and has the ability to break arm tackles, but also has enough speed to get around the edge and win foot races against corners.

Baxter has a few similarities to current Gators RB Montrell Johnson, and would greatly benefit from running behind him.

Other In-State Targets

Derrick LeBlanc – 4 Star DL

Will Norman – 4 Star DL

Treyaun Webb – 4 Star RB

Aidam Mizell – 4 Star WR

Sharif Denson – 4 Star CB

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