RECRUITING REPORT CARD
UCF, A+ Even without signing a pair of offensive linemen who are committed to the 2022 recruiting class, Gus Malzahn and crew pulled together what might be the best recruiting class ever at UCF. At least on paper, this class is stellar. One major coup for this UCF staff was pulling in the most ever recruits from Central Florida in one class with four: the Henderson twins and Kameron Moore of Sanford, and Apopka’s Nikai Martinez. The class is ranked 42nd by 247 Sports, the second highest, behind FSU at No 17, of the seven Florida FBS programs.
FSU, B+ Things were looking good for second-year coach Mike Norvell’s first full recruiting cycle, but then a former Seminole All-American became enemy for a day. Deion Sanders, now the head coach at FCS Jackson State, pulled top recruit Travis Hunter away from the Seminoles and landed him at his program. The Seminoles still managed to secure the No. 17 class in the country with the top player being five-star safety Sam McGill of Lakeland Lake Gibson. The Seminoles also signed New Orleans product Bishop Thomas, who played his junior season at Orlando’s Bishop Moore Catholic.
Florida, C+
The Gators rallied from losing seven commitments following the firing of head coach Dan Mullen. UF added three players since Billy Napier, including their top recruit Kamari Wilson, who started out at Fort Pierce Westwood, but finished his career at Bradenton IMG Academy. Napier also landed Texas linebacker Christian Williams, a former Louisiana commit, and linebacker Shemar James of Mobile, Ala. The Gators were ranked 87th last week, but rallied to land at No. 50 after the early signing day.
Miami, Incomplete It’s rather unfair to grade the Hurricanes based on just nine days before signing day. UM was down to eight commitments when Cristobal took over and the ‘Canes lost one more, but then gained one during that time. UM did keep Orlando Evans safety Markeith Williams onboard as he followed in the footsteps of his head coach Kenard Lang, a former Miami All-American who had a lengthy career in the NFL. Cristobal will now have his work cut out for him in the next two months as the February signing period approaches.