College football

Gators in lead but pursuit continues

By Times Staff
Published January 3, 2006

We are now in the home stretch of recruiting with less than a month to go until national signing day on Feb.1. Looking at the Sunshine State, Florida is leading the charge. In fact, the Gators have the nation's top recruiting class, according to Scout.com. Coach Urban Meyer is sitting on 27 commitments and looking to get as many as five more.

Likely headed to Gainesville are linebackers Brandon Spikes (Shelby, N.C.) and A.J. Jones (Middleton). Jones could commit to Florida anytime; Spikes will likely make his decision during the All-American Bowl Saturday.

The hot name in the state is running back C.J. Spiller (Lake Butler Union County). He grew up an FSU fan, but UF and Miami will make it interesting. Southern Cal is in the mix but he likely will stay in state.

A new name on UF's radar is offensive tackle Ian Symonette (Houston). The Gators were on him early then fell behind Miami and others. Now Florida might have a realistic shot at him. Symonette is originally from the Bahamas and would love to play as close to home as possible. Miami is still in the mix but he might prefer a smaller town. LSU is also trying to land him.

Another name rising in Gainesville is defensive back Patrick Robinson (Miami Gulliver Prep). Robinson has long been leaning toward FSU but it appears Florida and Miami are now involved too. Running back Mon Williams (Mesquite, Texas) is a top prospect and the Gators are trying to hold off Texas A&M for him.

Florida State is loading up on offensive linemen. The Seminoles have four O-line commitments and would like to sign seven to eight. Daron Rose (Jefferson), Andre Smith (Birmingham, Ala.), and Brandon Walker (Coffeyville, Kan.) are possibilities. Rose will likely stay in state and choose among FSU, UF and USF.

Smith is the nation's top offensive lineman, according to Scout.com, and No.2 overall. Alabama is a top contender but Southern Cal is a player (he has family in Los Angeles) as well as the Seminoles, LSU, Miami and perhaps UF or Tennessee. He will visit FSU this month and seeks early playing time.

Walker is one of the nation's top junior college offensive guards and FSU is trying to catch Oklahoma for him. Also, FSU is after defensive end Kevin McNeil (Kingsland, Ga.), and is competing against Georgia and Louisville.

Miami is hot after Spiller, Robinson, Smith and Symonette. Running back Emmanuel Moody (Coppell, Texas) is trying to decide between USC and Miami. He committed to Texas at one time. Jai Eugene (Destrehan, La.) is the nation's top cornerback and if he does leave Louisiana, Miami could be the team. But the 'Canes are battling LSU, Florida, USC and Tennessee.

USF would love to keep Rose at home. It would be a signing day upset if they land him as Florida State is the team to beat. USF looks to sign some quality offensive linemen and Rose would certainly be the gem of their recruiting class. Another area of concern for Jim Leavitt is defensive end. One prospect they are after is Darrell Roseman from Dunedin. The Bulls trail Auburn for him. Look for USF to possibly go the juco route for defensive ends as well.

Jamie Newberg is a national recruiting analyst for scout.com

[Last modified January 3, 2006, 04:37:28]