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10 top out-of-state targets for the 2017 recruiting cycle

Each year, Inside the Gators kicks off the next year's recruiting class by taking a look at 10 top target both in and out of state.

So, it's time to look at 10 top out-of-state prospects who will most likely be some of Florida's most prominent targets in 2017.

Note: The below list is the opinion of Inside the Gators and not the coaching staff of the University of Florida. The prospects are listed alphabetically and is are not the top 10 targets in-state, but rather 10 top targets from outside of the Sunshine State who are worth keeping an eye on this recruiting cycle.

10 TOP 2017 OUT-OF-STATE TARGETS

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Bio: Florida hit the state of Alabama hard in 2016 and likely will continue along that path in 2017. Benton is one of the state’s top defenders and is a guy the Gators have seen multiple times already. Pulling him out of Alabama will be tough, but the Gators have shown they aren’t scared to go toe-to-toe with Nick Saban for a prospect.

Bio: The Gators hosted this four-star athlete on campus for their most recent Junior Day. On that visit Dallas was told the staff was going to be prioritizing him. The question down the road will be at what position to play Dallas? While he plays mostly quarterback for his high school team, he could play wide receiver or defensive back on the next level.

Bio: The Gators were the first to offer this Georgia linebacker after his took a visit to Gainesville for Florida's January Junior Day. He is a massive linebacker that likely will pick up many more offers before it’s all said and done. The Gators did their part by getting on him early and hopes that will pay off for them down the road.

Bio: The Gators had Jim McElwain stop by Handy-Holly’s school not too long ago and he was offered shortly after that. Florida was the first big school to offer and is a program Handy-Holly has high interest in. The next step will be getting him to take a visit to campus.

Bio: Florida recently offered this Rivals100 defensive tackle and is a school sticking out. Hansard has yet to visit the Gators, but he is interested in the number of defensive linemen the Gators have produced in the past. Getting him on campus for a visit is the next priority for Florida.

Bio: The Gators are very high on this top 20 prospect who hails from Detroit. The Gators were able to host Peoples-Jones on campus over the summer where the staff made sure to spend a lot of time with him. Growing up Peoples-Jones watched the Gators and likes a lot of things about UF, but he also is high on Michigan, Ohio State, and Southern Cal as well.

Bio: This five-star cornerback has spoken highly of the Gators over the last several months. This in due in part to the Gators production over the years at the cornerback position and the fact that UF is pitching early playing time. Poole has yet to visit Gainesville, so the staff awaits for him to make the trip down. Georgia is also a major player for his commitment as well.

Bio: This four-star back recently visited Gainesville for the Gators first Junior Day. He is very open with his recruitment currently, but does have a good deal of interest in Florida. He is planning an extensive SEC tour of visits this coming off-season.

Bio: This is yet another Peach State prospect who recently visited Gainesville for the Gators first Junior Day of the 2017 cycle. Florida's pitch to him was their dire need at the defensive tackle position, and the Rivals100 defender left campus after his visit noting the Gators as his current leader.

Bio: This massive Georgia tackle was on campus for the Gators first Junior Day. The Florida staff made sure to tell him he is a priority. The Gators will be looking to take several defensive tackles and have their sights set on Webb. The four-star left campus high on the Gators, but claims no leaders early on.

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2016 PARTING THOUGHTS:

Josh Grady Parting Thoughts: I | II | III

Anthony Harrell Parting Thoughts: I | II

ALLEY EXCLUSIVE:

**Ask former Florida QB Josh Grady any question you want about Gators Football**

RELATED LINKS:

Ten top in-state targets for the Class of 2017

Redshirt Report: Jabari Zuniga

Class of 2016 Great Eight Signees

Signing Class Positional Grades - Offense

Signing Class Positional Grades - Defense

Impact Analysis: What Treon Harris moving to wide receiver would mean

Class of 2016 Recruiting Superlatives

Take Five: New Gators defensive backs coach Torrian Gray

Video | Florida adds offensive firepower with Cleveland

A closer look at Florida's post Signing Day football roster

Coaches talk signees and early enrollees

Florida hires new secondary coach

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