Assessing Florida’s 2016 recruiting class entering January

Christmas came early for Jim McElwain in the form of immediate help at quarterback and at kicker, but the first-year Florida football coach isn’t finished with his 2016 recruiting wish list yet.

The Gators have 25 commitments – including three former junior college standouts who have already signed their letters-of-intent, according to the latest 247Sports composite rankings. They are in position to finish with one of the top-ranked recruiting classes in the SEC and nation following a string of high-profile gets in December with more potentially to come.

McElwain, however, has reason to be happy with what he has already. Florida desperately needed to upgrade at quarterback and at the kicker position and has done that with the additions of four-star quarterback recruit Feleipe Franks and junior college kicking standout Eddy Pineiro.

McElwain, however, is far from done. His team still lacks in playmakers on offense, although the addition of a number talented incoming receivers should help.

The Gators will also look continue upgrading along the offensive line and add depth at linebacker.

ASSESSING FLORIDA’S 2016 CLASS
Current commits or enrollees: 25 (avg. star 3.3; last year 3.3)
Current big-name targets: OLB Lyndell Wilson, WR Nate Craig-Myers, CB Kristian Fulton, DT Shavar Manuel, WR Binjimen Victor, DE Brian Burns.
Biggest positions of need: QB, K, OL, LB
National/SEC rank: 8/5

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John Hollis

John Hollis is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Georgia and Florida.