Early enrollees give Gators a boost

IN THE BAG: The Gators have locked up four-star talent at key positions—quarterback Feleipe Franks, edge rusher Anton neo us Clayton, shutdown corner Chauncey Gardner and receivers Freddie Swain and Joshua Hammond. Junior-college running back Mark Thompson should push for carries, while UF hopes Eddy Pineiro of ASA College in Miami solves the Gators’ placekicking woes. Daytona Beach defensive end Jachai Polite is a playmaker ranked No. 1 in the Sentinel’s Central Florida Super60. The Gators addressed depth concerns, with three offensive linemen, including Mount Dora center Brett Heggie.

UP FOR GRABS: UF coaches hope to lock in some key commitments and pick up a few more today. FSU is trying to poach UF defensive tackle commit Sh a var Manuel, who is ready to play in2016. Meanwhile, the Gators hope to edge the Seminoles for five-star end Brian Burns of Fort Lauderdale and lure five-star receiver and Jacksonville native Tyrie Cleveland out of Houston. Getting five-star corner Kristian Fulton away from LSU is a long shot. Two Florida commits from Alabama — safety Jeawon Taylor and Lamical Perine — now plan to make their choice official today.

OVERALL OUTLOOK: Jim McElwain’s first class needed a late surge to slip into the top 20 of the recruiting rankings. With 26commitments, including a record12 early enrollees, McElwain’s second class seems to be securely in the top 10 barring a signing day exodus. The Gators have just a few scholarships to offer, but highly coveted targets in Burns, Cleveland, Fulton and guard John Simpson, a South Carolina native leaning toward Clemson.