Florida Gators recruiting mailbag: November 23rd edition

The Florida Gators recruiting efforts took a back seat when Jim McElwain left as head coach of the Gators.

Prospects are now in a wait and see mode as the Gators look for their next head coach before the early signing period.

Gator Country’s members have a lot of questions about how the 2018 class will shake out and who are the top prospects that the Gators are still after.

We answer your questions in this week’s Florida Gators recruiting mailbag.

Well let’s dive right in to this week’s recruiting mailbag:

 

15gator05: Do you think Matt Corral sticks if Chip Kelly is the new head coach?

AS: I think it all depends on how their meetings go but right now I think he would stick with Florida. Kelly will have a lot of options at the quarterback position as well.

 

Tleebow: Any unofficial visitors this weekend?

AS: Yes, there will be a few unofficial visitors at the game on Saturday. I’ll have a list closer to the game on Saturday.

 

Johnagator: Have you confirmed that Corral will be at the FSU game?

AS: Corral is not visiting Florida on Saturday because he was planning on using it as an official visit. As we first reported on Monday the Gators coaching staff and administration are not allowing official visitors until a new coach is hired.

 

RVG: When is the new coach allowed to begin recruiting?

AS: The day he’s hired he’s allowed to start recruiting and is allowed to get on the road recruiting.

 

Macbgator: Any new names for linebacker position??

AS: No, until the new coach is hired no new names will appear on the board. Once the new coach is hired then things will get rolling with new names and new visitors.

 

Juggernautz: Which assistant coaches should be retained when Chip Kelly takes over the helm?

AS: I’ve been very open that both JaJuan Seider and Tim Skipper should be retained by Florida for not only recruiting reasons but because they can coach many different positions. Both are really good coaches as well.

 

BLZNAZN69: At 185 lbs, is Corral physically ready to start as a true freshman in the SEC with the expectation we will be running a spread offense that could require him to run behind a historically porous offensive line?

AS: He would need to gain weight for sure but that’s a good thing about coming in as an early enrollee in January. Also remember the offensive linemen are asked to do new things with a spread offense so it could play to their advantage since it isn’t just straight power blocking, it’s more zone blocking schemes.

 

Gatordon: Are the commits commenting about Chip Kelly?

AS: They’re all commenting on the rumors and stuff flying around yes. The ones I’ve talked to have been fired up about the notion that he’s the coach because of his offense and his ability to win. Recruits will like the hiring of Chip Kelly.

 

Gatordon: If it is Chip Kelly, will he have coaches familiar with recruiting Florida?

AS: That will be the biggest key for him is getting a coaching staff that has recruited in the SEC and has ties in Florida. That’s a huge key to success for any coach but more importantly someone like Kelly who has been away a few years.

 

UFMBA14: What would you have projected our final class ranking at a few weeks ago compared to what you would project it at if Chip Kelly is announced as head coach?

AS: That’s tough to say but I would say still a top 10 class and maybe better because Kelly should be able to lure some big defensive prospects in and also gain some offensive linemen to the class.

 

Heights112: If Corral sticks, is taking a flier on a lower ranked duel threat quarterback possible? If yes, who are some names?

AS: I think it’s a possible for sure because the depth at the position is low now that Luke Del Rio is not returning. So I think they could very well look at a few guys but a new coach will have to add names to the board at the position.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.