2/11/2016 football Edit

10 top in-state targets for the 2017 recruiting cycle

Blake Alderman

Inside the Gators Recruiting Analyst

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 in-state prospects who will most likely be some of Florida's most prominent targets in 2017.

With the amazing amount of in-state talent this recruiting cycle, Florida shouldn't have to leave the state's border much this time around.

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 the Sunshine State who are worth keeping an eye on this recruiting cycle.

10 TOP 2017 IN-STATE TARGETS

Bio: Despite his early commitment to the Auburn Tigers, the five-star big man has visited Florida a couple times here in the past year. The staff will look to continue their efforts in hopes of a flip down the road. The Gators will be pitching early playing time to Ashley as they attempt to persuade him from leaving the state for college.

Bio: Florida offered this four-star back over the summer and have been his outright leader since. He doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to make a commitment anytime soon and steadily continues to pick up offers. Clemson is a new school that seems to be on Carter's radar after he visited there for a Junior Day last month.

Bio: This five-star currently has Ohio State as his leader, but the Gators are also in the mix after a recent visit to Florida for a Junior Day. The Gators still have some work to do coming off that visit, but Gator fans can expect his high school quarterback, 2017 UF commit, Jake Allen, to stay in his ear about coming to Fl;orida with him.

Bio: The Gators are the current team to beat for this four-star big man out of South Florida. He’s visited Gainesville a few times over this past year and has the staff pitching early playing time in the trenches.

Bio: The Gators have been aggressively recruiting this four-star back dating back to before National Signing Day. The staff under Jim McElwain has had success every recruiting cycle at landing top running backs. A wrench in his recruiting process, as far as Florida is concerned, is his stated desire to leave the Sunshine State.

Bio: After missing out on tight ends in the 2016 cycle, Florida will likely look to add a couple this cycle. McKitty is from the Tampa area and grew up watching the Gators on Saturdays. After backing off an early commitment to Miami it seems McKitty will take his time the second go around, but Florida is in great shape early on.

Bio: Early on Parks seems to be wide open with his recruitment. He’s visited Florida’s campus a few times in the past and admittedly grew up a big fan of the Gators. However he is putting fandom to the side when it comes to his college choice. Florida State and Alabama seem to be in the mix early as well.

Bio: This five-star wide out has Florida among schools sticking out, but Clemson is currently his outright leader. However the Gators do have closeness in their corner as Robinson can easily visit Gainesville at any time he pleases. The Gators just hired Lakeland native Torrian Gray from Virginia Tech, so perhaps he can make up some lost ground with the talented pass catcher.

Bio: The Gators had to go out of state for two of their three linebackers in the 2016 class, but there are plenty of top options instate in this cycle. Florida did a good job of getting in the mix early with Wilder early on. Growing up Wilder kept a close eye on the stellar defense the Gators have played over the years. Miami is a factor for him, but so are the Gators. This could be one of the first head-to-head battles between Jim McElwain and Mark Richt.

Bio: Wilson is the younger brother of Florida cornerback Quincy Wilson. Marco has visited Gainesville numerous times in the past and is very high on the Gators. However, he claims no leaders early on and says he plans to do his due diligence and visit the numerous schools that have offered him before ultimately making a commitment. He missed the 2015 season with a knee injury. It will be interesting to see how well he comes back from that.

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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:

• 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