One of the ongoing critiques we have had about the Gators during the Billy Napier Era has been the instance of running a bunch of two tight end sets despite not having the cache of tight ends to justify the formation. And, for a team that wants to use as many tight ends as they do, Florida seems to constantly come up short in recruiting for the top-rated prospects.
It's that in mind that Florida is slated to get a visit from a prospect who may not be rated as "elite" but would also check a ton of boxes the Gatros are in need of.
Florida Gators hoping to flip Carson Sneed from Tennessee
Carson Sneed is a 6'5" tight end from Nashville. ESPN and Rivals have him listed as a four-star, while On3 and 247 have him as a three-star. He is currently committed to Tennessee, but Florida is working to try and flip him.
On his 247 profile, Andrew Ivings wrote prior to his junior year that Sneed "Hasn't proven to be a real vertical threat in the passing game."
Sneed puts that all to the rest on film during his junior year and, at times, looks like a mini Kyle Pitts on the field. For someone who is 6'5" and north of 240 pounds, he moves like someone who is 180 pounds. When he does get downfield, he keeps opposing secondaries guessing with enough subtle fakes, and when he plants his foot to fake a post and run a corner route, he is lethal.
Sneed also has go up and catch it ability and even plays a bit of EDGE that terrorizes opposing QBs.
The only reason why he would be a three-star is, as Ivins admits, that he hasn't "verrified his size" and/or has paid the "camp tax" to get a rankings boost.
Sneed is committed to Tennessee, but On3 reported this week that Sneed is going to take a visit to Florida in June. If Gator fans are longing for a pass-catching tight end, Sneed is going to be one to keep an eye on.