Two months into his new job, Gators coach Will Muschamp has his first real test.
With 17 recruits orally committed to UF, and seven already enrolled in classes, Muschamp and his staff are looking for a strong finish today, when athletes can first sign national letters of intent.
But that could prove difficult with his inaugural class.
Since taking over for Urban Meyer, Muschamp has gained commitments from three recruits: Miami Monsignor Pace High safety Jabari Gorman, Middletown (Conn.) Xavier High linebacker Graham Stewart and Coconut Creek North Broward Prep defensive end Tevin Westbrook.
Over the first two months, though, Muschamp also lost commitments from Groveland South Lake High cornerback Nick Waisome, Plantation High linebacker Ryan Shazier and Kirtland (Ohio) Lake Catholic High offensive lineman Chase Hounshell.
“That’s what happens in a transition year,” ESPN recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg said. “It’s awfully tough to do with a short recruiting window.”
Even though building relationships with recruits in two months is a lot to ask of coaches, Muschamp and his staff have been hard at work trying to assemble the Gators’ 2011 recruiting class, which is currently ranked 17th by Rivals.com.
Although fans may be disappointed with UF’s class, it shouldn’t come as a surprise.
“It’s kind of what we expected,” Newberg said. “Remember back to Urban Meyer’s first class? It was pretty much the same type of thing. This is par for the course when there’s a coaching change.”
In Meyer’s first year recruiting for Florida, his class ranked 15th and only had 18 signees.
Muschamp has already accomplished his goal of getting early enrollees. That includes four-star quarterback Jeff Driskel, four-star running back Mike Blakely and four-star tight end A.C. Leonard.
Florida wide receiver commit Ja’Juan Story, who has wavered since Meyer resigned, will make his decision between UF and Ohio State at 9 a.m. at Brooksville Nature Coast Technical High.
The Gators remain in contention for several of the nation’s top uncommitted recruits, many of whom will make decisions today.
Marcus Roberson, the nation’s No. 2 cornerback, will announce at Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas today.
Five-star linebacker Curtis Grant will sign his letter of intent in a 1:30 p.m. ceremony at Richmond (Va.) Hermitage High.
Moreno Valley Rancho Verde High wide receiver Junior Pomee, whose finalists are UF and USC, will announce at 7:30 tonight.
Four-star defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan will announce at 11 a.m. at Lake City Columbia High.
“They’ll get a few kids, not necessarily from their top list,” ESPN recruiting analyst Corey Long said. “But [Muschamp] might get a shocker or two.”
