Florida football: Gators trending for multiple targets in the transfer portal
By Will Thomas
Florida football has started to get some momentum rolling in the transfer portal after a slow start, hosting several key targets this week for official visits.
It seems that the visits are doing their job, as the Gators are trending to land multiple of the players they have on campus per On3.
Billy Napier and his staff know how important it is to add talent to this Florida roster ahead of a grueling 2024 schedule, and it seems that they're close to adding some important players.
If Napier is able to close on all of these guys, the attitude in Gainesville could shift in a positive way quickly.
Florida football: Plug the gaps
The Gators have done a good job of identifying exactly where they need extra help for this coming season, and scoping out the exact players they want to fill those gaps.
Here is who the Gators are trending for in the transfer portal:
Kendrick Simpkins: Simpkins, a transfer safety from Western Kentucky, is a game wrecker from the secondary. This season he racked up 6.5 sacks and four forced fumbles, which is almost unheard of from a safety. Simpkins is a violent player who would bring serious aggression into the Gators' defense.
Devon Manuel: Manuel, an OL from Arkansas, is a massive player with starting experience in the SEC. Napier is targeting him to add some more depth along the offensive line, and give the OL room another starting-caliber player.
D.J. Douglas: Douglas, a DB transferring away from Tulane, was a ballhawk in the American Conference this past season. He had three interceptions and two pass breakups to go along with 54 tackles. Landing both him and Simpkins would give Florida's secondary a huge buff.
Grayson Howard: Howard, who announced he was transferring away from South Carolina yesterday, has quickly turned into a big-time target for the Gators. Florida was heavily involved in his recruitment, and Grayson is now looking for a new school after his freshman season.