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The signees: Byran Jones, 6-foot-3, 305 pounds, Jacksonville Forrest; Matt Patchan, 6-6, 260, Seffner Armwood; Sam Robey, 6-4, 275, Louisville (Ky.) Trinity; David Young, 6-6, 290, Edwardsville, Ill.
The star: The Gators pulled off one of the coups of the recruiting season when they lured five-star tackle prospect Matt Patchan away from Miami. His father was a standout offensive lineman for the Hurricanes and Patchan grew up a UM fan. Patchan also stood out as a defensive end in high school and he may be the nation's most athletic offensive tackle prospect.
The sleeper: Before David Young broke both kneecaps late in his junior season, the Florida coaches had him rated among the top offensive tackle prospects in the nation. He limped through his senior season on two bad legs. If he fully recovers (which he's expected to do), he could be a future starter at tackle.
One that got away: Two weeks after committing to Florida on his visit to Gainesville, Lakeland Lake Gibson guard Ricky Barnum decided to visit Michigan and then pulled the trigger for the Wolverines on National Signing Day, a move that surprised UF coaches. Barnum's departure opened up the scholarship for Young, who may have a bigger upside than Barnum.
Grade: A. Patchan could play as a true freshman after participating in spring practice and he has a big upside. The other three players are considered excellent prospects. With the depth UF has developed on the offensive line, Jones, Robey and Young will have the benefit of a redshirt season to physically develop.
Top target in 2009?: Johnnie Farms, 6-3, 285, Perry, Ga. The strong and athletic Farms has already received scholarship offers from Florida, Alabama, Georgia and LSU. He attended UF's Junior Day last month and currently lists Florida as his leader, with Alabama at No. 2.
http://gatorsports.com/article/20080214/NEWS/291219969/1090
Go Gators!
The star: The Gators pulled off one of the coups of the recruiting season when they lured five-star tackle prospect Matt Patchan away from Miami. His father was a standout offensive lineman for the Hurricanes and Patchan grew up a UM fan. Patchan also stood out as a defensive end in high school and he may be the nation's most athletic offensive tackle prospect.
The sleeper: Before David Young broke both kneecaps late in his junior season, the Florida coaches had him rated among the top offensive tackle prospects in the nation. He limped through his senior season on two bad legs. If he fully recovers (which he's expected to do), he could be a future starter at tackle.
One that got away: Two weeks after committing to Florida on his visit to Gainesville, Lakeland Lake Gibson guard Ricky Barnum decided to visit Michigan and then pulled the trigger for the Wolverines on National Signing Day, a move that surprised UF coaches. Barnum's departure opened up the scholarship for Young, who may have a bigger upside than Barnum.
Grade: A. Patchan could play as a true freshman after participating in spring practice and he has a big upside. The other three players are considered excellent prospects. With the depth UF has developed on the offensive line, Jones, Robey and Young will have the benefit of a redshirt season to physically develop.
Top target in 2009?: Johnnie Farms, 6-3, 285, Perry, Ga. The strong and athletic Farms has already received scholarship offers from Florida, Alabama, Georgia and LSU. He attended UF's Junior Day last month and currently lists Florida as his leader, with Alabama at No. 2.
http://gatorsports.com/article/20080214/NEWS/291219969/1090
Go Gators!
