By Mike Lilly
The state of Florida never disappoints with the amount of talent they produce each recruiting cycle. Here are some names that are already at the top of many lists, as well as some names we should be paying attention to on the recruiting trail:
Jaime Ffrench
Jacksonville, FL (Mandarin)
#16 NAT, #3 WR, #3 FL
It’s easy to see what Ffrench brings to the table from a talent perspective, but where he will end up on signing day is still a mystery. The 6’1″, 185-pound receiver holds over 30 offers, including offers from Alabama, Ohio State, and Tennessee.
Fresh off a visit to Tennessee, Ffrench is keeping his options open after breaking off his Alabama commitment after coach Nick Saban retired. There is still a lot of movement to be made, but I would look for connections the 5-star receiver has already made with coaches like wide receivers coach Brian Hartline at Ohio State to make a difference down the stretch.
Early Prediction: Ohio State
https://twitter.com/jaimeffrenchjr/status/1760795051402068218
Jesse Harrold
Tampa, FL (Robinson)
#126 NAT, #14 EDGE, #16 FL
A dynamic multi-sport athlete and standing in at 6’5″, 230 pounds, Jesse Harrold possesses traits everyone looks for in an edge rusher. Harold currently holds 23 offers, including offers from Penn State, Colorado, Auburn, and, most recently, Syracuse.
If you look at recruitments that have been picking up steam in the new year, Harrold’s certainly fits that bill with 19 new offers in 2024. We are early in this one, but keep an eye on some mutual interest with Harrold and coach Deion Sanders and the Buffs.
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Early Prediction: Colorado
https://twitter.com/JesseHarrold4/status/1754981321036709951
Ben Hanks Jr.
Miami, FL (Booker T. Washington)
#154 NAT, #20 CB, #23 FL
Confidence is something that every corner has to have, and Hanks certainly doesn’t lack it. The 6’1″, 170-pound defensive back currently holds 24 offers, including offers from Miami, Georgia, and Florida.
Coming off an impressive 2023 junior season at Booker T. Washington with 6 interceptions (3 returned for touchdowns), Hanks has a slew of visits scheduled to a variety of ACC and SEC schools. The leader in this one isn’t clear, but look out for coach Mario Cristobal and the Canes to have a great shot at landing anyone that’s in their own backyard.
Early Prediction: Miami
Dallas Golden
Tampa, FL (Berkeley Prep)
#91 NAT, #9 S, #11 FL
If you’re looking for a safety who can make an impact on kick and pun returns just as well as make plays on defense, look no further than Dallas Golden. The talented athlete stands in at 6’1″, 180 pounds, and currently holds 41 offers, including offers from Clemson, Florida, and Notre Dame.
While we’re still early in the process for Golden, there seems to be a lot of buzz and mutual interest with coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame. I would look for Golden to keep taking visits and with all of his options, but give an early lean to the Irish.
