The Gators’ offensive struggles have cost them two consecutive games against Southeastern Conference foes this season.
But those woes may soon extend beyond the box score.
“If they don’t get things together, it could start to have an effect [on recruiting],” 2012 wide receiver recruit Latroy Pittman said.
A 6-foot-1 prospect from Citra North Marion High, Pittman orally committed to UF on Aug. 18, making him the first member of UF’s 2012 recruiting class.
The wide receiver was in attendance for the LSU game and said the Gators’ offense , which is in its second season under offensive coordinator Steve Addazio, was a hot topic of discussion among many of the recruits in the south end zone Saturday.
Pittman said he discussed the offense with a handful of UF commits, including Oviedo Hagerty High quarterback Jeff Driskel, Groveland South Lake High defensive back Nick Waisome, Brooksville Nature Coast High wide receiver Ja’Juan Story and Kirtland (Ohio) Lake Catholic High lineman Chase Hounshell.
Pittman didn’t know where to begin when describing the Gators’ offensive issues but said the play-calling is part of the problem.
That isn’t the only cause for the Gators’ offense ranking 96th nationally, though. According to Pittman, the struggles are a personnel issue as well, citing breakdowns in the offensive line’s blocking and receivers not getting open down the field. He added that quarterback John Brantley needs to, “let loose” and live up to expectations.
Despite the offense’s struggles, Pittman insists he is 100 percent committed to Florida, though.
“I’m still all Gator, but it leaves me with some concerns,” Pittman said. “I understand they lost a great senior class and it’s hard to replace great talent and leadership in one year.”
Other recruits, however, might not be so understanding of UF’s offensive ineptitude.
According to multiple reports, four-star running back Mike Bellamy, a Clemson commit, left The Swamp at halftime because the game, and the Gators’ offense was “boring.”
Despite Bellamy’s commitment to Clemson, Florida has had its sights on him. But the offensive woes could take UF out of play for the Punta Gorda Charlotte High star altogether.
And Bellamy wasn’t the only one unimpressed with the offense.
According to 247Sports.com, four-star tight end A.C. Leonard left UF’s 33-29 loss to LSU disappointed, saying that the game was tough to watch.
The Jacksonville University Christian star, who Rivals.com ranks as the No. 4 tight end in the nation, reaffirmed his commitment to UF after the team’s annual Friday Night Lights camp this summer, but he has since seemingly soured on his commitment.
“Yeah, I guess,” Leonard told 247Sports.com when asked if he was still orally committed to UF.
Oral commitments are non-binding until a national letter of intent is signed on or after National Signing Day on Feb. 2
