Pre-Spring Five to Follow: Offensive line
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.
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RELATED:
* Pre-Spring Five to Follow: Offensive Backfield
* Pre-Spring Five to Follow: Pass Catchers
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What Was Said: “I am still 100% committed to Auburn, but Signing Day is not here yet.”
Competition: Auburn commit
The Skinny: Ashley has been committed to the Auburn Tigers since last May, but admits he has interest in visiting other schools. He’s been to UF a few times already, with the most recent trip for a junior day back in February. A large part in Ashley keeping UF in the picture is the closeness to home combined with the need for tackles. On his most recent visit to Auburn, Ashley left saying he was 110% committed to the Tigers, but expect the in-state schools to be in this spring to see him live.
What Was Said: “I want to make my decision either before my senior season or in the middle,” he said. “I want to enroll early so I can be on campus in the spring. I’m still thinking about all of that so we will just have to see how it plays out.”
Competition: Tennessee and Oregon
The Skinny: Brahms currently does not have an offer from the Gators, but he’s been a hot commodity on the recruiting trail with program after program extending an offer. The Gators hosted him on campus earlier this spring during one of their practices, and likely will be in to see him again this spring. The Gators have a need for tackles this cycle and are doing their homework on multiple prospects looking for the best fit.
What Was Said: “I just want somewhere I feel comfortable and a place where I feel like it’s at home with family. I want somewhere with a good atmosphere and a place where the coaches are going to push the best out of me. Playing time is always good too, I feel like Miami and Florida both offer me early playing time. A lot of other schools have a lot of o-linemen they have signed.”
Competition: Miami and Tennessee
The Skinny: The Gators have been the team to beat for this Rivals250 big man since the offer came last summer. Offensive line coach Mike Summers has been consistent in his efforts to recruit Herbert to UF. Herbert is looking to make a commitment sometime during spring football, with the Gators as the odds on favorite to land that verbal pledge.
What Was Said: “They are number two,” said Leatherwood of the Gators. “I have a really good relationship with Coach Summers. I just like the way he teaches and I got to see a lot of it today. I just want to see what else is out there but I am solid [in my commitment to Alabama].”
Competition: Alabama commitment
The Skinny: Leatherwood committed to Alabama early, but still has interest in checking out other college campuses. The Gators are running in second and recently hosted him on campus the same day as their spring football game. Leatherwood runs a similar offense to what the Gators run, and he just may be the top overall prospect on the board at the position.
What Was Said: “I’m looking at everyone right now. I don’t have a top group of schools. I’m interested in all the schools that are interested in me.”
Competition: Auburn, Georgia, Oklahoma and others
The Skinny: This junior college big man already has a list of offers from a who’s who of college football heading into the spring. The Gators were one of the first programs to throw their hat into the ring, but will have a battle on their hands if they hope to land him. Traore is currently wide open with his recruitment so the Gators could perhaps separate themselves from the pack by dropping in to see him this spring. The Gators are in the market for some experience in the trenches with the bulk of their linemen still on the younger side.
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