Here’s a position-by-position look at where the Gators stand and where they may end up on national signing day:
Quarterback
Needs: With only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster (senior Tim Tebow and sophomore John Brantley), the Gators are looking to sign one, possibly two.
Commitments: Jordan Reed, 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, New London, Conn.
Still on the board: Denard Robinson, 6-1, 175, Deerfield Beach.
The skinny: The Gators may be done here. Robinson is being recruited as an athlete and could end up at corner if he signs with UF, which appears a long shot at this time. Reed will be the No. 3 quarterback in the fall.
Running back
Needs: It’s not a huge need, but UF needed to sign at least one bigger back to go along with the smallish Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps.
Commitments: Mike Gillislee, 6-1, 205, DeLand.
Still on the board: Trent Richardson, 5-11, 225, Pensacola Escambia.
The skinny: Richardson is rated the No. 1 tailback in the nation by Rivals.com. He’s committed to Alabama, but the Gators are making a late push.
Wide receiver
Needs: With Percy Harvin leaving early to the NFL, the Gators are hoping to sign a playmaker and at least one more receiver, possibly two.
Commitments: Andre Debose, 6-0, 170, Sanford Seminole; Nu’Keese Richardson, 5-8, 151, Pahokee.
Still on the board: Marlon Brown, 6-5, 205, Memphis (Tenn.) Harding Academy.
The skinny: Debose is the playmaker the Gators were looking for, but he’s visiting FSU this weekend, so it’s hard to gauge how firm his commitment is to UF. Richardson, who committed months ago, may also be having some second thoughts. There is growing speculation he will visit Tennessee this weekend.
Tight end
Needs: The Gators have only one scholarship tight end on the roster (junior Aaron Hernandez), so UF would like to sign two.
Commitments: Desmond Parks, 6-4, 218, Greer, S.C.
Still on the board: Orson Charles, 6-3, 230, Tampa Plant.
The skinny: Parks is an excellent prospect, but he will need time to develop. The Gators are trying to lure Charles away from Georgia (his apparent favorite),FSU and others.
Offensive line
Needs: The Gators must replace both starting tackles and guard Jim Tartt. The goal is to sign five, a complete line.
Commitments: Nick Alajajian, 6-4, 280, Naples; Jon Halapio, St. Petersburg Catholic; Jonotthan Harrison, 6-4, 290, Groveland South Lake; Kyle Koehne, 6-6, 290, Indianapolis (Ind.) Cathedral; Xavier Nixon, 6-6, 263, Fayetteville (N.C.) Jack Britt.
Still on the board: None.
The skinny: The Gators have met their need here. Alajajian, an early enrollee, could contend for playing time at guard, and Nixon, rated the No. 1 tackle in the nation by Scout.com, might have a chance to contribute immediately at tackle.
Defensive line
Needs: Ideally, UF would like to sign two tackles and two ends.
Commitments: Gary Brown, 6-3, 275, Quincy West Gadsden; Edwin Herbert, 6-3, 295, San Francisco; Kedric Johnson, 6-4, 225, Palmetto.
Still on the board: Brandon Moore, 6-4, 280, Montgomery (Ala.) Carver; Luther Robinson, 6-3, 280, Fort Pierce Westwood.
The skinny: Moore would be a huge get if he falls UF’s way Wednesday. He’s down to UF and Alabama, long considered his favorite. Brown was a bit of a concern earlier in the week, but he reaffirmed his commitment toUF amid speculation he might visit FSU this weekend.
Linebacker
Needs: With Brandon Spikes, Ryan Stamper and Dustin Doe heading into their senior season, the Gators are looking to sign at least three linebackers, possibly more.
Commitments: Jon Bostic, 6-1, 225, Wellington Palm Beach Central.
Still on the board: Jelani Jenkins, 6-2, 220, Olney (Md.) Our Lady of Good Counsel; Jarvis Jones, 6-4, 225, Columbus (Ga.) Carver; Frankie Telfort, 5-11, 197, Miami Gulliver Prep.
The skinny: If Jenkins and Jones sign with UF on Wednesday (which is a strong possibility), this will be the strength of the recruiting class.
Safety
Needs: The Gators are pretty set at strong safety, but are looking for much-needed depth at free safety.
Commitments: Dee Finley, 6-3, 210, Auburn, Ala..
Still on the board: Joshua Evans, 6-3, 205, Irvington, N.J.; Jawanza Starling, 6-3, 210, Tallahassee Lincoln.
The skinny: Finley is already on campus and figures to be Major Wright’s backup at free safety. The Gators appear to be in good shape with Evans, who likely will be a signing day decision.
Cornerback
Needs: With both young starters (Joe Haden and Janoris Jenkins) and the backups returning, this isn’t a huge need. But with Haden a possible candidate to leave early for the NFL, the Gators would like to sign two.
Commitments: Marsalis Teague, 5-10, 170, Paris (Tenn.) Henry County.
Still on the board: Dre Kirkpatrick, 6-2, 180, Gadsden (Ala.) Gadsden City.
The skinny: Teague committed to the Gators back in the fall, but he is now wavering with Tennessee and Alabama making a late play. The consensus is Kirkpatrick will sign with Alabama. There’s a chance the Gators could get shut out here
