Florida football: One last OT could round out the 2023 class

Billy Napier and his staff have put together an incredible 2023 recruiting class, especially as its their first year in Gainesville, and they haven’t coached a game yet.

After Friday Night Lights, the Gators gained some serious traction on the trail, and are now looking to close out a top ten class in the country.

With an elite defensive class, speedy receivers, and Marcus Stokes + Treyaun Webb being honorary recruiters, all Napier needs at this point is a great offensive tackle to finish up the 2023 cycle.

He’s got two great options, and based on his recent success there’s no reason why he can’t go get who he wants.

Zalance Heard

The 6’5”-300 pound beast out of Monroe, Louisiana is the 7th best OT in the 2023 class, and the 60th ranked player in the nation, per 247 Sports.

Heard recently announced that he’d be committing on September 1st, and dropped his top 5 schools: Florida, Houston, LSU, Nebraska, and FSU.

Being from Louisiana, LSU is the team for Napier and co to beat. But there’s no reason why UF can’t go steal Heard from the Tigers.

Heard would be an incredible get for the Gators on the trail for multiple reasons, not just that it would send a message to LSU and the whole country.

Zalance is an animal on the field, and isn’t afraid to use his size to destroy defenders in his way. He has good speed and motion for his size, giving him the ability to move up to the second level and end a linebacker’s day.

300 pounds isn’t a bunch of bad weight either. Heard is freakishly strong. He’s able to throw opposing d-linemen to the ground with one arm, and flatten guys at the next level.

Heard would be the perfect addition to UF’s class.

Monroe Freeling

Freeling, out of South Carolina, is ranked as the 8th best OT and 62nd overall player in the class of 2023 by 247 Sports. He has a top 7 of Florida, Michigan, Miami, Ohio St, Notre Dame, Georgia, and Clemson.

He’s 6’7”-283, with plenty of room to add muscle to his frame. He’s also got great footwork and athleticism that come from his basketball career.

Brian Dohn of 247 said of Freeling, “Physical with strong initial punch. Plus body control”, and “Remains engaged, drives legs and finishes blocks even when pushing defender 20 yards down the field.”

While it’s no easy task taking a blue chip lineman from the likes of Clemson and Georgia, Blue Chip Billy is the guy who can get it done.

Like Heard, landing Freeling would send a message to the country that Florida football is back, and here to stay.

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