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College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

Breaking Down Florida’s 2023 Recruiting Class

Area Scout Owen Helton breaks down the highlights from Billy Napier and the Florida Gator’s 2023 recruiting class

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There’s no question about it- the first year of the Billy Napier era in Florida could have been better. Let’s remember that Napier wasn’t dealt the best hand to start with though. There is a lot to be optimistic about for Gator fans heading into the 2023 season. Napier and his staff finished their first full recruiting class. They addressed weaknesses on both sides of the line of scrimmage and did a great job of replacing key departures. Let’s jump into some of the highlight of the class.

Most Important Get: Graham Mertz 

Quarterback, University of Wisconsin (Transfer)

With Anthony Richardson leaving for the NFL Draft and Jaden Rashada ending up at ASU, UF’s most important need this off-season was to reload at QB. Mertz is a well-experienced player who should take over the starting role for the Gators this fall. In my opinion he has high potential working in this offense this year, which is by far the best scheme and talent he has worked in his career. Things I like about Mertz in this offense is his ability to throw on the run, anticipation and ball placement. Shows flashes working off PA boot throws and throwing on the run after scrambling out of the pocket. He can make the layered throws in this offense and will do a good job of putting it on his weapons providing good run after the catch opportunities. He will just need to stay consistent and be a true game manager for the Gators offense this year. I’m excited about his potential as I think he was often held back by his supporting cast and offensive scheme at Wisconsin. 

Best In-State:  Ja’keem Jackson

Cornerback, Osceola High School (Kissimmee, FL)

A very talented 4-star recruit deciding to stay home and play in his home state. Jackson shows versatility as a DB coming into UF with experience playing both CB and S. I really like his cover package and confidence playing as a CB though. He shows the ability to win in multiple ways. In press man coverage, he does a good job of using his length and physicality at the LOS. Shows subtle hands to stay in phase with WRs against all types of routes. His off-man/zone coverages are my favorite part about him as a prospect due to his closing speed and peripheral vision. He does a very good job of keeping eyes on both the WR and QB to time his breaks when he’s in space. Displays good tracking ability when the ball is in the air, shows a consistent ability to high-point the ball in 1v1 situations. Not afraid to come up and provide run support, shows solid ability to tackle and set the edge on the perimeter.

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Best Out of State: Kelby Collins

Defensive Lineman, Gardendale High School (Gardendale, AL)

The highest ranked recruit landed by the Gators this off-season. Collins is a great addition that should help improve a vulnerable defense against the run from last year. For a freshman, he poses an immediate impact type threat with good height and weight. Displays good acceleration with an explosive first step to rush the passer and violent hands at the point of attack. Could be slotted in as a 3-tech DT immediately, this is where Collins did his damage in the UA All-American Game this year and was named his team’s MVP. On his film you can consistently see his heavy hands and good eyes to read run plays coming his way. Shows the ability to quickly disengage with blockers to make tackles behind or at the line of scrimmage. Very good pursuit player that will run down QB/RBs to the perimeter and finish plays.

Most Underrated: Cam’Ron Jackson

Nose Tackle, University of Memphis (Transfer)

A redshirt junior with third team All-AAC honors this past season. Jackson is a 0/1 Technique DT that can provide immediate help for the defense. An experienced player that can come in and split work with Desmond Wilson or even work alongside him in certain packages. Twitchy player for his size and wins with his power bull rush at the LOS as a pass-rusher. Has good disciplined eyes and quick powerful hands to shed against the run. Solid pursuit player that will constantly be working down the line of scrimmage to clog up cutback lanes for runners. He will be another key piece to help improve a UF run defense that finished in the bottom third among all FBS teams last season. 

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