sitions.
The first Wednesday in Feb used to be like Christmas for recruiting fans. Every weekend before NSD you would hear all the rumors. I can go back to when David Warren was in high school and I would call in Bill Buchalter 800 number to find out where his recruitment stood. Antoine Smith pulled the shocker of all shockers on NSD and chose FSU. Now with the early NSD the first Wednesday in Feb is just another day. With that being said FSU has been busy over the past month filling out their roster. From Portal additions to some players who fell through the cracks, FSU has 39 newcomers on their roster come this fall. That is close to half the roster. I will break down FSU class along with Miami and UF. All three programs are trying to get back to not only winning state championships but national championships. Where does each program sit after NSD has come and gone?
FSU
QB
Kevin Sperry (3) (Guyer HS-Denton, TX) 6'1-200
Thomas Castellano - TRANSFER PORTAL-Boston College - 5'9-200
Grade C - Honestly the entire class comes down to one player Thomas Castellanos. If FSU hits on TC and he can get FSU back to 8-9 wins and possibly in contention for the ACC crown then he is worth the take. TC is going to have to stay healthy. That is priority number one. TC also needs to play like he did early in his career at BC. Do that and FSU will have a turnaround season. While the rest of the recruiting class is important, TC is the single most important recruit this cycle.
RB
Ousmane Kromah (4) (Lee County HS-Leesburg, GA) 6'0-210
Grade A- Kromah is a difference maker. He is the top back FSU has signed since Cam Akers and Dalvin Cook. Kromah is the one freshman we feel could make an impact YEAR 1. FSU is going to run the ball and they need the backs who are on the current roster along with Kromah to bring back the rushing attack in 2025.
WR
Jayvan Boggs (3) (Cocoa HS-Cocoa, FL) 6'1-200
Jordan Scott (3) (Southwest MS CC-Summitt, MS) 6'7-220
Teriq Mallory (3) (Chesire Academy-Chesire, CT) 6'5-190
Squirrel White - TRANSFER PORTAL - Tennessee 5'10-170
Duce Robinson -TRANSFER PORTAL-USC - 6'6-220
Grade A-Landing Robinson was huge. He is better than Johnny Wilson when he came to FSU. Duce was very good for USC. He is a miss-match for opposing defenses. Duce should be an impact player. White should give FSU some deep speed. He is small but you can’t hit, what you can't catch. I don't expect any of the freshman to do much. It will be interesting to see what Jordan Scott can do.
TE
Chase Loftin (3) (Millard South-Omaha, NE) 6'6-215
Tae-shuan Gelsey (3) (Riverside HS-Jacksonville, FL) 6'4-215
Markeston Douglas-TRANSFER PORTAL - ASU-6'5-280
Randy Pittman - TRANSFER PORTAL-UCF-6'2-225
Grade B- Big fan of Loftin. Gelsey is a wide receiver who will end up moving to TE. Douglas can block. Pittman can bring a versatile TE to the offense. The TE room will be its best since MN has taken over.
OL
Mario Nash (4) (Kemper County-Dekalb, MS) 6'4-290
Chasten Brown (4) (Northside HS-Warner Robins, GA) 6'7-280
Sean Poret (3) (Riverwood HS-Atlanta, GA) 6'5-270
Chavez Thompson (3) (Cocoa HS-Cocoa, FL) 6'1-310
Luke Petlbon-TRANSFER PORTAL-Wake-6'3-290
Micah Pettus-TRANSFER PORTAL-Ole Miss-6'7-350
Adrian Medley-TRANSFER PORTAL-UCF-6'5-300
Gunnar Hansen-TRANSFER PORTAL-Vandy-6'5-330
Grade B- The portal takes should make the OL much improved. There are no ELITE prospects in this group but the floor has been raised. It is a numbers game and bringing in 8 new players should net you 2-3 starters in year one. If FSU can get production from the portal players the offense will not look anything like it did in 2024.
DE
Lajesse Harrold (4) (Gaither HS-Tampa, FL) 6'5-215
Tyon Lee (3) (Pace HS-Milton, FL) 6'4-250
Darryl Desir-(3) (Miami Norland-Miami, FL) 6'5-240
James Williams- TRANSFER PORTAL-Nebraska-6'6-250
Deamontae Diggs-TRANSFER PORTAL-Coastal Carolina-6'5-260
Deante McCray-TRANSFER PORTAL-WKU-6'4-290
Grade B- NUMBERS, NUMBERS, NUMBERS - FSU has a major hole at DE. With Pat Peyton gone there is no known pass rusher on the team. FSU needs someone from this group to step up. Lee has the college ready body. Playing in Pensacola and going to the ACC is a major jump in competition. Williams the Nebraska DE has to be the GUY.
DT
Kevin Wynn (4) (Greene County HS[Greensboro, GA) 6'2-340
Mandrell Desir (3) (Miami Norland-Miami, FL) 6'3-250
Tyeland Coleman (3) (Northwest MS-CC-Senatobia, MS) 6'4-290
Jayson Jenkins-TRANSFER PORTAL - Tennessee-6'6-290
Grade B- If not for Darrell Jackson coming back this group would be listed as a C. Jackson coming back is like landing a big time HS recruit. If he can put it all together, Jackson could be an All-ACC type player with an outside shot at being an All-American. Jenkins gives FSU a big body inside. Wynn should play next year.
LB
Ethan Pritchard (3) (Seminole HS-Sanford, FL) 6'2-200
Elijah Herring - TRANSFER PORTAL - Memphis- 6'2-230
Caleb Lavalle -TRANSFER PORTAL - UNC - 6'2-230
Stefon Thompson -TRANSFER PORTAL-Nebraska -6'1-240
Grade C+ -Considering FSU did not do well in HS recruiting this position was saved by the portal. I like the little I have seen out of Lavalle. Pritchard is a year away from contributing. Herring should be a starter.
DB
Shamar Arnoux (3) (Carrollton HS-Carrollton, GA) 6'2-175
Max Redmon (3) (Cardinal Newman, West Palm, FL) 6'2-190
Gregory Thomas (4) (American Heritage-Plantation, FL) 6'2-190
Antonio Cromatie (3) (Carrollton HS-Carrollton, GA) 5'11-170
Grade B- -Landing Arnoux saved the DB class. Redmon and Thomas are two good players but both may end up at the same position. I like this group as it continue to keep the secondary stocked.
Ath.
K/P
Bruno Reus (3) Venice HS-Venice, FL) 6'0-190
Final Thoughts: Considering where FSU was at the end of the season and how they closed both in HS and Portal recruiting this team should be improved in 2025. While we all have doubts after a 2-10 campaign there is enough talent on the roster along with what they brought in to turn this thing around.
Miami
QB
Luke Nickel-(4) Milton HS-Alpharetta-GA-6'2-210
Carsen Beck -TRANSFER PORTAL-UGA-6'5-225
Grade A- Landing Beck was huge. Now Miami can RS Nickel and have Emory Williams be their backup. Beck had a down year in 2024 but don't let that fool you. He put up monster numbers in 2023. He is a very good QB who will have an elite OL and very good run game. Nickel is someone that Mike Norvell wanted badly. FSU made a run at him but Luke stuck to Miami. He is the future of Miami's program.
RB
Girard Pringle - (4) 5'10-190-Armwood-Seffner, FL-5'10-190
Grade B- Miami did not need to sign a ton of running backs. They return two of the very best in the ACC next year (Fletcher/Lyles). Pringle is more like a Clinton Portis type back. He has very good speed and quickness. He will be a depth piece in 2025.
WR
Joshua Moore- (4) West Broward-Pembroke Pines, FL-6'4-210
Malachi Toney (3) American Heritage-Plantation, FL -5'11-180
Daylyn Upshaw (3) Central HS-Phenix City, AL-5'11-180
CJ Daniels -TRANSFER PORTAL-LSU-6'2-210
Grade B+ Toney should be ranked higher than a 3*. He dominated in the playoffs and was a big reason why AH won a state title. Moore was unstoppable anytime West Broward threw him the ball. He was very impressive against Cardinal Gibbons last year. He has both the size and speed you want in a receiver. Daniels is a nice pick up and should provide some experience out of the portal.
TE
Brock Schott-(4) Leo HS-Leo, IN-6'4-220
Luka Gilbert-(4) Lakota West-West Chester-OH-6'7-230
Jack Nickel-TRANSFER PORTAL-UAB-6'4-260
Alex Bauman-TRANSFER PORTAL-Tulane-6'5-245
Grade A-Big fan of Schott. Gilbert is a project but the physical tools are there. Landing Bauman from Tulane gives them a legit option to throw the ball to. Miami has one of the best incoming group of TE in the country.
OL
Seuseu Aiofaitull-(4) Bishop Gorman-Las Vegas, NV-6'3-280
Max Buchanan (3) Seminole HS-Sanford, FL 6'4-275
Jaden Wilkerson (3) Edgewater HS-Orlando, FL-6'6-330
Demarcus Campbell (3) Orlando Christian-Orlando, FL-6'6-300
James Brockermeyer-TRANSFER PORTAL-6'3-290
Grade A- Miami probably landed the top Center in the portal and followed it up with potential two of the top centers in HS. With an already stacked offensive line the only question mark was center. You win in the trenches and once again Miami signed a very good OL class.
DE
Hayden Lowe-(5) Oaks Christian-Westlake, CA-6'5-250
Herbert Scroggins-(4) Benedictine Mil School-Savannah, GA-6'2-240
Grade A- Miami needed a pass rusher and got one in Lowe. It will be interesting to see if he can make an impact in year one. Scroggins was much underrated. Miami has enough guys at DE. Now they need one of these guys to develop into a big time pass rusher.
DT
Donta Simpson-(3) Chaminade Madonna-Hollywood, FL 6'3-280
Mykah Newton (3) Newberry HS-Newberry, FL -6'2-260
David Blay-TRANSFER PORTAL-Louisiana Tech-6'4-300
Grade C+ -Blay saves this class. He was a must get for their DT class. If not for him, Miami probably has a D- type DT class. Blay is a space eater and was very productive at Louisiana Tech.
LB
Kellen Wiley-(4) Armwood-Seffner, FL-6'4-225
Ezekiel Marcelin-(3) Miami Central-Miami, FL-5'11-210
Grade B-Wiley is a big, long, athletic prospect. He is someone that I felt FSU should make a run at. It would not shock me to see him move to DE down the road. Marcelin is not the biggest linebacker but his instincts are very good. He is always around the football. Can he be this team’s version of Jonathan Vilma?
DB
Bryce Fitzgerald (4) 6'1-175 Columbus HS-Miami-FL -6'1-175
Amari Wallace (4) 5'10-175-Miami Central, Miami, FL 5'10-175
Jaboree Antoine (4) 6'1-170 -Westgate-New Iberia, LA-6'1-170
Chris Ewald (4) 6'0-170-Chamiande-Hollywood, FL 6'1-170
Xavier Lucas-TRANSFER PORTAL-Wisconsin-S-6'2-200
Ethan O'Connor-TRANSFER PORTAL-Washington State-6'1-175
Emmauel Karnley-TRANSFER PORTAL-Arizona-6'3-190
Charles Brantley-TRANSFER PORTAL-Michigan State-6'-0-170
Zechariah Poyser-TRANSFER PORTAL-Jacksonville State-6'2-200
Grade A++ - You could argue that Miami signed the best DB class in the country. They just missed out on Ben Hanks and DJ Pickett. Miami defensive backfield last year was trash. Probably the worst defensive backfield in the ACC. This year they are bringing in a ton of guys to fix the problem. They have added size, length, speed and quickness in the defensive backfield. This group will go from one of the worst to best next season.
Final Thoughts: Miami will most likely have a better roster in 2025 than last year. That is important but so is the health of Beck. If he can regain his confidence and play like he did in 2023, Miami should be tough to beat. Miami will have the best OL in the ACC. Their defense should be much improved. Beck is the key to their success. This team could go 7-5 to 11-2/10-3.
UF
QB
Tramell Jones (3) Jacksonville Mandarin-Jacksonville, FL-6'0-200
Harrison Bailey TRANSFER PORTAL - Louisville-6'5-330
Grade B- Not a big fan of Jones. He broke his ankle and was already limited mobility wise. He is a kid who lacks great size. With the addition of Harrison Bailey, I expect Jones to RS. Bailey is a big get because if Lagway gets injured, Bailey can actually perform well enough to win some games.
RB
Waltez Clark-(4) Tampa Plant-Tampa, FL -6'1-200
Chad Gasper -(3) Katy Jordan-Fulshear-TX-5'10-200
Byron Louis-(3) American Heritage-Plantation-5'11-200
Grade A- One thing Napier has done well is evaluate and develop running backs. Clark is an under the radar back. Louis performed at an elite level in the state finals. This group adds to a talented running back room. UF will be able to run the ball next season.
WR
Vernell Brown (4) Orlando Jones-Orlando, FL-5'11-170
Dallas Wilson-(4) Tampa Bay Tech-Tampa, FL-6'3-200
Naeshaun Montgomery (3) Miami Central-Miami, FL 6'1-170
Mulzz Tounkara-(3) Clear springs-League City, TX-6'3-200
J'Michael Sturdivant - TRANSFER PORTAL-UCLA-6'3-200
Grade A-Sturdivant will start for UF. He gives them a big bodied receiver. He was impressive the couple times I saw UCLA play. Go and watch the USC game. He made an impact in that game. Dallas Wilson is the crown jewel of this class. Brown may end up playing CB in college.
TE
Micah Jones-(3) Madison Central-Madison, MS-6'5-250
Cameron Kossman-Marquette SR-Chesterfield, MO-6'6-240
Grade B-Both guys bring size. They are raw but it would not surprise me if one of these two made an impact next season.
OL
Tavaris Dice-(4) Langston Hughes-Fairburn-GA-6'4-300
Jahari Medlock-Charles Drew-Riverdale, GA-6'6-280
Daniel Pierre Louis-(3) Seminole Ridge-Loxahatchee, FL - 6'4-290
Grade-C - At UF you can't sign an OL class like this. The one thing that is going to hold UF back is their OL. UF needed to hit the portal and they brought in no one. This could be the Achilles heel of the Gators football team.
DE
Jayden Woods-(4) Mill Valley-Shawnee-KS-6'3-240
Jalen Wiggins (4) Rickards-Tallahassee, FL 6'5-255
Kofl Asare TRANSFER PORTAL-UMASS-6'5-250
Grade B- Wiggins will probably kick inside to tackle. He is a big, athletic kid that fits more of interior lineman than a guy who plays on the outside. Woods and Asare will most likely be depth pieces this year.
DT
Stephon Shivers-(3) Brentwood Academy-Brentwood, TN-6'5-365
Jeremiah McCloud (3) Lee County-Leesburg -6'3-280
Joseph Mbatchou-(4) Grayson HS-Loganville-GA-6'5-275
Grade B- Shivers film is quite impressive. Guys his size should not move like that. Not sure the level of comp. He dominates the guys that are lined up against him. McCloud was a big time get for UF. It would not surprise me if he turned into an ALL-SEC type player down the road.
LB
Ty Jackson-(4) Seminole Ridge-Loxahatchee, FL-6'1-220
Myles Johnson (3) TR Miller-Brewton, AL - 6'1-220
Grade C-Jackson was rated high but was injured this past year. Johnson is a project. UF did not sign a very good linebacker class. They also lost Shemar James.
DB
Ben Hanks (4) Booker T. Washington-Miami, FL-6'1-170
Hylton Stubbs-(4) Mandarin HS-Jacksonville, FL-6'1-200
Lagona Hayward-(4) Toombs County-Lyons, GA-6'1-200
Onis Konanbanny-(4) Heatwood, Columbia, SC-6'1-180
Michael Caraway-TRANSFER PORTAL-Southern Miss-6'2-200
Grade A- Hanks is 1A or 1B in Florida. Watched him play three playoff games and he had to of picked off 5-6 passes and returned a couple for TD'S. If he keeps his head on straight, Hanks will play on Sundays. Onis was a good get late in the process. Stubbs is a safety but may convert into a linebacker.
K/P
Hayden Craig-(3) Bridgton Academy-Bridgton, ME-6'2-190
Evan Noel-St Stanisiaus-Bay Saint Louis-MS) 6'2-200
Tommy Doman - TRANSFER PORTAL-Michigan-6'4-220
Final Thoughts: This past season UF got off to a rocky start. They were on the verge of a total collapse until LSU and Ole Miss decided to play like the game did not matter. UF finished strong and now some have unrealistic expectations. Their schedule is brutal. This class is pretty good but it still lacks at some key positions.
The first Wednesday in Feb used to be like Christmas for recruiting fans. Every weekend before NSD you would hear all the rumors. I can go back to when David Warren was in high school and I would call in Bill Buchalter 800 number to find out where his recruitment stood. Antoine Smith pulled the shocker of all shockers on NSD and chose FSU. Now with the early NSD the first Wednesday in Feb is just another day. With that being said FSU has been busy over the past month filling out their roster. From Portal additions to some players who fell through the cracks, FSU has 39 newcomers on their roster come this fall. That is close to half the roster. I will break down FSU class along with Miami and UF. All three programs are trying to get back to not only winning state championships but national championships. Where does each program sit after NSD has come and gone?
FSU
QB
Kevin Sperry (3) (Guyer HS-Denton, TX) 6'1-200
Thomas Castellano - TRANSFER PORTAL-Boston College - 5'9-200
Grade C - Honestly the entire class comes down to one player Thomas Castellanos. If FSU hits on TC and he can get FSU back to 8-9 wins and possibly in contention for the ACC crown then he is worth the take. TC is going to have to stay healthy. That is priority number one. TC also needs to play like he did early in his career at BC. Do that and FSU will have a turnaround season. While the rest of the recruiting class is important, TC is the single most important recruit this cycle.
RB
Ousmane Kromah (4) (Lee County HS-Leesburg, GA) 6'0-210
Grade A- Kromah is a difference maker. He is the top back FSU has signed since Cam Akers and Dalvin Cook. Kromah is the one freshman we feel could make an impact YEAR 1. FSU is going to run the ball and they need the backs who are on the current roster along with Kromah to bring back the rushing attack in 2025.
WR
Jayvan Boggs (3) (Cocoa HS-Cocoa, FL) 6'1-200
Jordan Scott (3) (Southwest MS CC-Summitt, MS) 6'7-220
Teriq Mallory (3) (Chesire Academy-Chesire, CT) 6'5-190
Squirrel White - TRANSFER PORTAL - Tennessee 5'10-170
Duce Robinson -TRANSFER PORTAL-USC - 6'6-220
Grade A-Landing Robinson was huge. He is better than Johnny Wilson when he came to FSU. Duce was very good for USC. He is a miss-match for opposing defenses. Duce should be an impact player. White should give FSU some deep speed. He is small but you can’t hit, what you can't catch. I don't expect any of the freshman to do much. It will be interesting to see what Jordan Scott can do.
TE
Chase Loftin (3) (Millard South-Omaha, NE) 6'6-215
Tae-shuan Gelsey (3) (Riverside HS-Jacksonville, FL) 6'4-215
Markeston Douglas-TRANSFER PORTAL - ASU-6'5-280
Randy Pittman - TRANSFER PORTAL-UCF-6'2-225
Grade B- Big fan of Loftin. Gelsey is a wide receiver who will end up moving to TE. Douglas can block. Pittman can bring a versatile TE to the offense. The TE room will be its best since MN has taken over.
OL
Mario Nash (4) (Kemper County-Dekalb, MS) 6'4-290
Chasten Brown (4) (Northside HS-Warner Robins, GA) 6'7-280
Sean Poret (3) (Riverwood HS-Atlanta, GA) 6'5-270
Chavez Thompson (3) (Cocoa HS-Cocoa, FL) 6'1-310
Luke Petlbon-TRANSFER PORTAL-Wake-6'3-290
Micah Pettus-TRANSFER PORTAL-Ole Miss-6'7-350
Adrian Medley-TRANSFER PORTAL-UCF-6'5-300
Gunnar Hansen-TRANSFER PORTAL-Vandy-6'5-330
Grade B- The portal takes should make the OL much improved. There are no ELITE prospects in this group but the floor has been raised. It is a numbers game and bringing in 8 new players should net you 2-3 starters in year one. If FSU can get production from the portal players the offense will not look anything like it did in 2024.
DE
Lajesse Harrold (4) (Gaither HS-Tampa, FL) 6'5-215
Tyon Lee (3) (Pace HS-Milton, FL) 6'4-250
Darryl Desir-(3) (Miami Norland-Miami, FL) 6'5-240
James Williams- TRANSFER PORTAL-Nebraska-6'6-250
Deamontae Diggs-TRANSFER PORTAL-Coastal Carolina-6'5-260
Deante McCray-TRANSFER PORTAL-WKU-6'4-290
Grade B- NUMBERS, NUMBERS, NUMBERS - FSU has a major hole at DE. With Pat Peyton gone there is no known pass rusher on the team. FSU needs someone from this group to step up. Lee has the college ready body. Playing in Pensacola and going to the ACC is a major jump in competition. Williams the Nebraska DE has to be the GUY.
DT
Kevin Wynn (4) (Greene County HS[Greensboro, GA) 6'2-340
Mandrell Desir (3) (Miami Norland-Miami, FL) 6'3-250
Tyeland Coleman (3) (Northwest MS-CC-Senatobia, MS) 6'4-290
Jayson Jenkins-TRANSFER PORTAL - Tennessee-6'6-290
Grade B- If not for Darrell Jackson coming back this group would be listed as a C. Jackson coming back is like landing a big time HS recruit. If he can put it all together, Jackson could be an All-ACC type player with an outside shot at being an All-American. Jenkins gives FSU a big body inside. Wynn should play next year.
LB
Ethan Pritchard (3) (Seminole HS-Sanford, FL) 6'2-200
Elijah Herring - TRANSFER PORTAL - Memphis- 6'2-230
Caleb Lavalle -TRANSFER PORTAL - UNC - 6'2-230
Stefon Thompson -TRANSFER PORTAL-Nebraska -6'1-240
Grade C+ -Considering FSU did not do well in HS recruiting this position was saved by the portal. I like the little I have seen out of Lavalle. Pritchard is a year away from contributing. Herring should be a starter.
DB
Shamar Arnoux (3) (Carrollton HS-Carrollton, GA) 6'2-175
Max Redmon (3) (Cardinal Newman, West Palm, FL) 6'2-190
Gregory Thomas (4) (American Heritage-Plantation, FL) 6'2-190
Antonio Cromatie (3) (Carrollton HS-Carrollton, GA) 5'11-170
Grade B- -Landing Arnoux saved the DB class. Redmon and Thomas are two good players but both may end up at the same position. I like this group as it continue to keep the secondary stocked.
Ath.
K/P
Bruno Reus (3) Venice HS-Venice, FL) 6'0-190
Final Thoughts: Considering where FSU was at the end of the season and how they closed both in HS and Portal recruiting this team should be improved in 2025. While we all have doubts after a 2-10 campaign there is enough talent on the roster along with what they brought in to turn this thing around.
Miami
QB
Luke Nickel-(4) Milton HS-Alpharetta-GA-6'2-210
Carsen Beck -TRANSFER PORTAL-UGA-6'5-225
Grade A- Landing Beck was huge. Now Miami can RS Nickel and have Emory Williams be their backup. Beck had a down year in 2024 but don't let that fool you. He put up monster numbers in 2023. He is a very good QB who will have an elite OL and very good run game. Nickel is someone that Mike Norvell wanted badly. FSU made a run at him but Luke stuck to Miami. He is the future of Miami's program.
RB
Girard Pringle - (4) 5'10-190-Armwood-Seffner, FL-5'10-190
Grade B- Miami did not need to sign a ton of running backs. They return two of the very best in the ACC next year (Fletcher/Lyles). Pringle is more like a Clinton Portis type back. He has very good speed and quickness. He will be a depth piece in 2025.
WR
Joshua Moore- (4) West Broward-Pembroke Pines, FL-6'4-210
Malachi Toney (3) American Heritage-Plantation, FL -5'11-180
Daylyn Upshaw (3) Central HS-Phenix City, AL-5'11-180
CJ Daniels -TRANSFER PORTAL-LSU-6'2-210
Grade B+ Toney should be ranked higher than a 3*. He dominated in the playoffs and was a big reason why AH won a state title. Moore was unstoppable anytime West Broward threw him the ball. He was very impressive against Cardinal Gibbons last year. He has both the size and speed you want in a receiver. Daniels is a nice pick up and should provide some experience out of the portal.
TE
Brock Schott-(4) Leo HS-Leo, IN-6'4-220
Luka Gilbert-(4) Lakota West-West Chester-OH-6'7-230
Jack Nickel-TRANSFER PORTAL-UAB-6'4-260
Alex Bauman-TRANSFER PORTAL-Tulane-6'5-245
Grade A-Big fan of Schott. Gilbert is a project but the physical tools are there. Landing Bauman from Tulane gives them a legit option to throw the ball to. Miami has one of the best incoming group of TE in the country.
OL
Seuseu Aiofaitull-(4) Bishop Gorman-Las Vegas, NV-6'3-280
Max Buchanan (3) Seminole HS-Sanford, FL 6'4-275
Jaden Wilkerson (3) Edgewater HS-Orlando, FL-6'6-330
Demarcus Campbell (3) Orlando Christian-Orlando, FL-6'6-300
James Brockermeyer-TRANSFER PORTAL-6'3-290
Grade A- Miami probably landed the top Center in the portal and followed it up with potential two of the top centers in HS. With an already stacked offensive line the only question mark was center. You win in the trenches and once again Miami signed a very good OL class.
DE
Hayden Lowe-(5) Oaks Christian-Westlake, CA-6'5-250
Herbert Scroggins-(4) Benedictine Mil School-Savannah, GA-6'2-240
Grade A- Miami needed a pass rusher and got one in Lowe. It will be interesting to see if he can make an impact in year one. Scroggins was much underrated. Miami has enough guys at DE. Now they need one of these guys to develop into a big time pass rusher.
DT
Donta Simpson-(3) Chaminade Madonna-Hollywood, FL 6'3-280
Mykah Newton (3) Newberry HS-Newberry, FL -6'2-260
David Blay-TRANSFER PORTAL-Louisiana Tech-6'4-300
Grade C+ -Blay saves this class. He was a must get for their DT class. If not for him, Miami probably has a D- type DT class. Blay is a space eater and was very productive at Louisiana Tech.
LB
Kellen Wiley-(4) Armwood-Seffner, FL-6'4-225
Ezekiel Marcelin-(3) Miami Central-Miami, FL-5'11-210
Grade B-Wiley is a big, long, athletic prospect. He is someone that I felt FSU should make a run at. It would not shock me to see him move to DE down the road. Marcelin is not the biggest linebacker but his instincts are very good. He is always around the football. Can he be this team’s version of Jonathan Vilma?
DB
Bryce Fitzgerald (4) 6'1-175 Columbus HS-Miami-FL -6'1-175
Amari Wallace (4) 5'10-175-Miami Central, Miami, FL 5'10-175
Jaboree Antoine (4) 6'1-170 -Westgate-New Iberia, LA-6'1-170
Chris Ewald (4) 6'0-170-Chamiande-Hollywood, FL 6'1-170
Xavier Lucas-TRANSFER PORTAL-Wisconsin-S-6'2-200
Ethan O'Connor-TRANSFER PORTAL-Washington State-6'1-175
Emmauel Karnley-TRANSFER PORTAL-Arizona-6'3-190
Charles Brantley-TRANSFER PORTAL-Michigan State-6'-0-170
Zechariah Poyser-TRANSFER PORTAL-Jacksonville State-6'2-200
Grade A++ - You could argue that Miami signed the best DB class in the country. They just missed out on Ben Hanks and DJ Pickett. Miami defensive backfield last year was trash. Probably the worst defensive backfield in the ACC. This year they are bringing in a ton of guys to fix the problem. They have added size, length, speed and quickness in the defensive backfield. This group will go from one of the worst to best next season.
Final Thoughts: Miami will most likely have a better roster in 2025 than last year. That is important but so is the health of Beck. If he can regain his confidence and play like he did in 2023, Miami should be tough to beat. Miami will have the best OL in the ACC. Their defense should be much improved. Beck is the key to their success. This team could go 7-5 to 11-2/10-3.
UF
QB
Tramell Jones (3) Jacksonville Mandarin-Jacksonville, FL-6'0-200
Harrison Bailey TRANSFER PORTAL - Louisville-6'5-330
Grade B- Not a big fan of Jones. He broke his ankle and was already limited mobility wise. He is a kid who lacks great size. With the addition of Harrison Bailey, I expect Jones to RS. Bailey is a big get because if Lagway gets injured, Bailey can actually perform well enough to win some games.
RB
Waltez Clark-(4) Tampa Plant-Tampa, FL -6'1-200
Chad Gasper -(3) Katy Jordan-Fulshear-TX-5'10-200
Byron Louis-(3) American Heritage-Plantation-5'11-200
Grade A- One thing Napier has done well is evaluate and develop running backs. Clark is an under the radar back. Louis performed at an elite level in the state finals. This group adds to a talented running back room. UF will be able to run the ball next season.
WR
Vernell Brown (4) Orlando Jones-Orlando, FL-5'11-170
Dallas Wilson-(4) Tampa Bay Tech-Tampa, FL-6'3-200
Naeshaun Montgomery (3) Miami Central-Miami, FL 6'1-170
Mulzz Tounkara-(3) Clear springs-League City, TX-6'3-200
J'Michael Sturdivant - TRANSFER PORTAL-UCLA-6'3-200
Grade A-Sturdivant will start for UF. He gives them a big bodied receiver. He was impressive the couple times I saw UCLA play. Go and watch the USC game. He made an impact in that game. Dallas Wilson is the crown jewel of this class. Brown may end up playing CB in college.
TE
Micah Jones-(3) Madison Central-Madison, MS-6'5-250
Cameron Kossman-Marquette SR-Chesterfield, MO-6'6-240
Grade B-Both guys bring size. They are raw but it would not surprise me if one of these two made an impact next season.
OL
Tavaris Dice-(4) Langston Hughes-Fairburn-GA-6'4-300
Jahari Medlock-Charles Drew-Riverdale, GA-6'6-280
Daniel Pierre Louis-(3) Seminole Ridge-Loxahatchee, FL - 6'4-290
Grade-C - At UF you can't sign an OL class like this. The one thing that is going to hold UF back is their OL. UF needed to hit the portal and they brought in no one. This could be the Achilles heel of the Gators football team.
DE
Jayden Woods-(4) Mill Valley-Shawnee-KS-6'3-240
Jalen Wiggins (4) Rickards-Tallahassee, FL 6'5-255
Kofl Asare TRANSFER PORTAL-UMASS-6'5-250
Grade B- Wiggins will probably kick inside to tackle. He is a big, athletic kid that fits more of interior lineman than a guy who plays on the outside. Woods and Asare will most likely be depth pieces this year.
DT
Stephon Shivers-(3) Brentwood Academy-Brentwood, TN-6'5-365
Jeremiah McCloud (3) Lee County-Leesburg -6'3-280
Joseph Mbatchou-(4) Grayson HS-Loganville-GA-6'5-275
Grade B- Shivers film is quite impressive. Guys his size should not move like that. Not sure the level of comp. He dominates the guys that are lined up against him. McCloud was a big time get for UF. It would not surprise me if he turned into an ALL-SEC type player down the road.
LB
Ty Jackson-(4) Seminole Ridge-Loxahatchee, FL-6'1-220
Myles Johnson (3) TR Miller-Brewton, AL - 6'1-220
Grade C-Jackson was rated high but was injured this past year. Johnson is a project. UF did not sign a very good linebacker class. They also lost Shemar James.
DB
Ben Hanks (4) Booker T. Washington-Miami, FL-6'1-170
Hylton Stubbs-(4) Mandarin HS-Jacksonville, FL-6'1-200
Lagona Hayward-(4) Toombs County-Lyons, GA-6'1-200
Onis Konanbanny-(4) Heatwood, Columbia, SC-6'1-180
Michael Caraway-TRANSFER PORTAL-Southern Miss-6'2-200
Grade A- Hanks is 1A or 1B in Florida. Watched him play three playoff games and he had to of picked off 5-6 passes and returned a couple for TD'S. If he keeps his head on straight, Hanks will play on Sundays. Onis was a good get late in the process. Stubbs is a safety but may convert into a linebacker.
K/P
Hayden Craig-(3) Bridgton Academy-Bridgton, ME-6'2-190
Evan Noel-St Stanisiaus-Bay Saint Louis-MS) 6'2-200
Tommy Doman - TRANSFER PORTAL-Michigan-6'4-220
Final Thoughts: This past season UF got off to a rocky start. They were on the verge of a total collapse until LSU and Ole Miss decided to play like the game did not matter. UF finished strong and now some have unrealistic expectations. Their schedule is brutal. This class is pretty good but it still lacks at some key positions.
