Pre-Spring Five to Follow: Offensive backfield

The high school spring evaluation period is already underway, running from April 15th until May 31st. Florida will wait and go out on the road next week (Monday 25th). So, this week Inside the Gators will run down five prospects to follow at each position this spring. They aren't the top five prospects or targets at each position, but rather five prospects who bear watching.

What Was Said: “They really want me and they seem like great dudes. I have a great relationship with Coach [Tim] Skipper, but I talk with Coach [Torrian] Gray almost every day. When he was at Virginia Tech he talked to me all the time.”

Competition: Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, South Carolina, and others

The Skinny: Barrett is still fairly open with his recruitment but the Florida Gators have gotten a chance to host Barrett numerous times on campus. The Gators like Barrett as an athlete but offering the choice to play running back or defensive back. Barrett is one of those players that can make plays with the ball in his hand that could provide a spark to the Gators offense. A recent visit to Auburn also impressed Barrett so watch out for the Tigers, who were able to sign his former teammate Nate Craig-Myers this past February.

What Was Said: “They’re [Florida] talking about I can come right in and start and play that position [Kelvin Taylor] played.”

Competition: Clemson and Oklahoma

The Skinny: At this time it seems Oklahoma may be in the drivers seat for the four-star back. He hasn’t visited Norman yet, but has plans to sometime this summer. Davis has been a frequent visitor to Gainesville in the past, and is learning more about the coaching staff. His recruitment likely will not heat up until the fall as he is taking things slow.

What Was Said: “I love what I know and want to know more,” Lemons recently told THI. “I like the direction, they really have it going. They have a chance to be just as good next year and beyond.”

Competition: North Carolina commit

The Skinny: The Gators were recruiting Lemons extremely hard before he committed to the Tarheels, and likely will continue this coming spring evaluation period. With the level of talent Lemons has many top schools in the South will likely continue to recruit Lemons, and the Gators will hope to keep him close to home.

What Was Said: “I’m going to take my time,” Sermon said. “But since I’m graduating early, I’m thinking about making my decision in November.”

Competition: Auburn, Georgia, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Tennessee

The Skinny: Sermon recently narrowed his options down to a top six, which includes the Gators. The four-star back visited Gainesville back in January and is one of the Gators top targets at the running back position in 2017. Sermon has the combination of size and speed that fits well into the Gators offense.

What Was Said: "I'm neutral with everybody right now. I have to figure out what school has the best academics for me, and football-wise I want a team that throws to the running backs instead of just handing it off to them all the time."

Competition: Auburn, Clemson and others

The Skinny: Coming off an injury last season it’s expected that many colleges coaches will come out this spring to check out Wilson in action. His high school relies on the run so Wilson has a chance to put together solid stats for his senior season. The Gators offered last spring and likely will be out to see him in the spring with his close proximity to Gainesville. Clemson was the school Wilson was highest on early on in his recruitment.

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