UF
QB
Tramell Jones -Mandarin -6'0-200
Grade -C+ - Never been a real fan of Jones. Small, is not very athletic and his skill set is not great. Florida obviously felt the same thing as they were still trying to sign another QB up till today. Jones will not play the next two years as DJ Lagway will be only a sophomore next fall. Would not surprise me to see him transfer or get recruited over.
RB
Byron Louis-American Heritage 5'11-200
Waltez Clark-Tampa Plant-6'1-200]
Chad Gasper-Katy Jordan-5'10-200
Grade A- Napier has as good eye for running back talent. Jadan Baugh was a 3* and he leads Florida with 603 yards, 5.07 yard average and 7 touchdowns. Montrell Johnson was a running back he found at Lafayette and brought with him. He has close to 600 yards. Louis is a very good back. He does not have elite size or speed but Louis is very productive. He runs hard. He has pretty good feet. I think Clark gives you a back with both size and speed. Landed 4* KD Daniels last year gives UF a great two year haul of Daniels, Louis, Clark Gasper and Baugh.
WR
Naeshuan Montgomery - Miami Central-6'1-170
Vernell Brown -Orlando Jones-5'11-170
Mulzz Tounkara-Clear Springs-6'4-200
Grade B- UF came into the day thinking they were landing Dallas Wilson and Jaimie Ffrench. They did not land either five star receiver. Florida under Napier does this every year. Get their fan base all lathered up about certain recruits and comes up short. Vernell is a very good WR. I have him rated as the top slot in Florida. I have always felt he would be a better CB in college. Montgomery is a kid who’s nice but not a #1 or #2 receiver. UF sort of struck out considering they were using Lagway to attack top flight receivers. Last year they signed Tank Hawkins who had ten receptions for a 100 yards as a freshman. TJ Abrams had one reception. Their receiver room is solid but not spectacular.
TE
Micah Jones-Madison Central-TE-6'5-240
Grade -C - Jones looks awkward on film. He is so big and long for a tight end. It would not surprise me to see this kid play defensive end in college. He has the size. He just is not very fluid for a tight end. He lacks great speed and quickness. He is someone that has to grow into his body. He has good hands. He can run solid routes. Last year Amir Jackson was signed. UF does not really use tight ends in their passing game under Napier. He can block. He looks like a high risk-high reward prospect.
OL
Tavaris Dice-Langston Hughes-OT-6'4-290
Jahari Medlock-Chares Drew-6'6-280
Daniel Pierre Louis-6'5-290
Grade C+ Florida has recruited well at most of the other positions under Napier. Their OL Classes are not impressive. If there is one area that Napier needs to improve to close the gap between their program and the rest of the SEC its OL. Dice has the athletic ability to play tackle. You will see him move his feet. He does well in space. He needs to get bigger and stronger. You will see him get out into space and is impressive. He is just very light at this time. Medlock is listed at 6'6. The size is there. His frame will allow him to add on weight. He is a little stiff. You will see him maul guys. He plays defensive end so you know the kid is athletic. He is raw. Louis is a project and most likely will get recruited over. Fletcher Westphal (Class of 2024) will be a player to keep an eye on. Their two year haul for an SEC program is not very impressive.
DE
Jayden Woods-Mill Valley-6'3-240
Jalen Wiggins-Rickards-6'5-250
Grade A- Woods has some nice moves. He is not super athletic. He beats guys with power. He is strong against the run. Like the way he penetrates the offensive line. He does not have a ton of pass rush moves. Wiggins is versatile. He gives you a guy who can play inside or out. He can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. He is strong against the run. He can set the edge on run plays. They have LJ McCray on the bench. They don't have that super twitch type end in either class but these guys are ideal for playing in the SEC.
DT
Joseph Mbatchou-Grayson-6'5-280
Stephon Shivers-Brentwood-6'5-270
Jeremiah McCloud-Lee County-6'3-280
Grade A - Florida is recruiting SIZE. Matchup is big. He is a big bodied kid who is only going to get bigger. He needs to get lower in his stance. He does not have very good technique. He shoots straight up and is going to have problems playing with leverage at the next level. Shivers has size. You watch this kid he can move for a big guy. He has a clip where he is playing running back and he takes a hand off and goes the distance. Guys his size should not move like this. Shivers has strong hands. He is someone that could end up a star on the offensive line. McCloud is a kid that I really like. He is athletic for a big man. He will go up and knock a pass down and then intercept it. He can play defensive end or tackle. He does not give up on plays. You look at who they pulled in this year and in 2024, Florida should have a solid two deep inside the next couple of seasons.
LB
Ty Jackson-Seminole Ridge-6'1-200
Myles Johnson-TR Miller-6'1-220
Grade B - Jackson was a kid who flew under the radar till this past spring. He does not go to camps. He does not do any off-season events. Jackson does show up on film. He hits you and the ball carrier goes backwards. He does have some false steps on defense. You would like to see him be a little more instinctive. He is someone that run. He can go sideline to sideline. Johnson is a thick backer. He is someone that can play inside or out. He plays the run well. Does hesitate at times. Another physical backer. Runs around blocks. He is someone that struggles in coverage.
S
Hylton Stubbs-Mandarin-6'1-190
Lagonza Hayward-Toombs County-6'1-200
Grade and I like Stubbs but not sure he stays at safety. He is a kid that can play the run. He can come up into the box and be used as an extra backer. He can cover. You will see him go over and make some plays in coverage. He is someone that takes chances. It will be interested to see if he can get away with what he does in college. Hayward is a highly regarded athlete. You will see him return kicks on special teams. He is another big, physical safety. Would not be surprised to see him play backer in college. He is a little more natural of an athlete. Gregory Smith was signed last year. He gives you more size and length as well. This room is pretty good moving forward.
CB
Ben Hanks-Booker T-6'1-170
Grade A - First saw him as a freshman start at Doral Academy and realized Hanks was really good. Saw him in back to back weekends in the playoffs and Hanks had pick sixes in both games. Believe he had five interceptions in two playoff games. He is someone that you don't want to throw on. Hanks will make you pay. His father was a very good player at UF. Hanks will play and possibly start as a freshman. Signed Teddy Foster last year and he is a good athlete but does not want to hit anyone. Only issue is 2 Corners in two classes is a concern.
K/P
Evan Noel - StStanislaus-6'2-155
Hayden Craig-Brighton Academy-6'2-190
Final Thoughts: When you look at their classes Florida matches up well with anyone in the SEC at QB (Lagway) and their running backs. Their receiver room is good but not elite. Teams like Texas, Alabama, Tennessee and LSU have better players. Florida has a defensive line that is impressive. Size, athletic ability and Florida should be deep up front. Their OL is going to be reason 1, 2 and 3 why this team does not win enough games to make the playoffs. Not sure if Lagway can overcome that next season.
Miami
QB
Luke Nickel - Milton -6'2-205
Grade B+ I had Julian Lewis the number one rated QB in Georgia, Nickel was the 2nd rated QB. I know Coach Mike Norvel really liked Luke as well. He is a kid that has pretty good arm strength. He is accurate when there is time for him to throw. He is a good enough athlete to run the ball. Miami got a good one at the QB spot and he should be able to compete for a starting job in two years. Judd Anderson who Miami signed in 2023 is a very large quarterback. He reminds me of Mike Glennon.
RB
Girard Pringle-Armwood-5'10-190
Grade B Pringle reminds me of Clinton Portis who played at Miami. He gives you a back with both speed and quickness. Pringle is a kid that can be used in the passing game. It would not surprise us to see him return punts and kicks on special teams. Miami did not need multiple backs as they have Jordan Lyles and Mark Fletcher on the roster.
WR
Joshua Moore - West Broward-6'4-210
Malachi Toney-American Heritage - 5'10-180
Daylan Upshaw-Central (AL) 5'11-180
Grade A Miami turned Moore commitment from Florida earlier this year. They had to hold on. Moore was quite impressive when I went to watch him play this fall. He is a big kid who just overpowers smaller defensive backs. He has good hands. He is someone that could see the field early. Toney was a kid who reclassified. He got much bigger and stronger between last season and this year. He was asked to move from WR to QB as AH team lost their starting QB two weeks ago. He is such a good athlete that Heritage is moving on. Miami signed some good receivers last year as well. This position group two years ago was not very good. Going into 2025, Miami receiving corps should be a strength.
TE
Brock Schott-Leo HS (IN) 6'4-220
Luka Gilbert - Lakota West 6'7-235
Grade A- Miami has recruited the TE position exceptionally well since Mario got to Miami. Schott was a kid FSU got on early but never got much traction. He pulled the trigger for Miami and never wavered. Gilbert looks like an in line guy who will help block in the run game.
OL
Seuseu Alofaltull-(Bishop Gorman) C-6'3-280
Max Buchanan-(Seminole) C/G 6'4-275
Jaden Wilkerson (Edgewater) OT-6'6-330
Demetrius Campbell (Orlando Christian) OT-6'6-300
Grade A- As long as Mario is at Miami they will recruit the offensive line well. The Vegas lineman is considered one of the top 2-3 center prospects in the country. Buchanan is a kid that our Osceola staff really likes. Wilkerson and Campbell are projects but if you are going to take guys with upside they should look like those two.
DE
Hayden Lowe-Oaks Christian - 6'4-250
Herbert Scroggins-Benedictine Military-6'2-235
Grade A Lowe has a chance to make an impact right away. He reminds me of the Cali kids that USC used to get under Pete Carroll. His first step allows him to get by tackles. He relies on his quickness to make plays. He is raw but the upside is evident on film. You will see him get under a tackle. He plays with good leverage. Needs to learn some more moves. Scroggins is a project. You can turn on the film and see what Miami likes in this kid. He is super quick off the ball. You will see him use his quickness to put pressure on the quarterback. He has some length. You can use him as a stand-up end or put his hand in the ground. You will see that he is fluid in his hips. He can redirect very well. He is quite impressive. Add these two to a deep and talented defensive end room and Miami will be able to rotate a ton of kids into games.
DT
Donta Simpson-Chaminade-6'3-290
Mykah Newton-Newberry - 6'2-260
Grade C+ Last year Miami landed five star DT prospect Justin Scott. They have Armondo Blount, Aratvius Jones and Daylan Russell. Miami was not going to sign elite DT after their class in 2024. Simpson is a nice rotational player. Not sure Newton does much at Miami. He is a depth player.
LB
Kellen Wiley -Armwood-6'4-225
Ezekiel Marcelin-Miami Central - 5'11-210
Grade C+ Miami lost Gavin Nix to Oregon on NSD. They also lost out on TJ Alford who they thought would flip. Wiley is a project but I really like his potential. He has size, length and is athletic. Marcelin is just a good football player. He is not real big or fast. You watch him play live and Ezekiel is instinctive. Neither guy is a sure thing. Last year Miami signed an elite LB class. This year they added two guys who are depth guys.
S
Bryce Fitzgerald-Columbus-6'1-170
Grade C+ Miami needs two safeties in this class. They landed a star in Zaquan Patterson last year. Fitzgerald should be a solid starter at Miami. He is someone that has played since his freshman season. Miami will need to hit the portal to add a couple more safeties.
CB
Amari Wallace-Miami Central - 5'10-170
Chris Ewald - Chaminade-6'0-170
Jaboree Antoine-Westgate-6'1-170
Grade B- Landing Antoine was huge. He is a versatile athlete who can play corner or safety. Had the chance to watch him this spring and Antoine was quite impressive. Ewald should be a solid nickel back. Wallace is a guy who will be a depth guy. Not landing DJ Pickett or Ben Hanks held this class back. Miami was in on both players early on but faded late.
Final Thoughts: Miami has recruited very well on the offensive and defensive lines the past two recruiting classes. That is how you build championship teams. They also have very good running backs. They will most likely try and sign a portal QB and try and upgrade in the secondary.
QB
Tramell Jones -Mandarin -6'0-200
Grade -C+ - Never been a real fan of Jones. Small, is not very athletic and his skill set is not great. Florida obviously felt the same thing as they were still trying to sign another QB up till today. Jones will not play the next two years as DJ Lagway will be only a sophomore next fall. Would not surprise me to see him transfer or get recruited over.
RB
Byron Louis-American Heritage 5'11-200
Waltez Clark-Tampa Plant-6'1-200]
Chad Gasper-Katy Jordan-5'10-200
Grade A- Napier has as good eye for running back talent. Jadan Baugh was a 3* and he leads Florida with 603 yards, 5.07 yard average and 7 touchdowns. Montrell Johnson was a running back he found at Lafayette and brought with him. He has close to 600 yards. Louis is a very good back. He does not have elite size or speed but Louis is very productive. He runs hard. He has pretty good feet. I think Clark gives you a back with both size and speed. Landed 4* KD Daniels last year gives UF a great two year haul of Daniels, Louis, Clark Gasper and Baugh.
WR
Naeshuan Montgomery - Miami Central-6'1-170
Vernell Brown -Orlando Jones-5'11-170
Mulzz Tounkara-Clear Springs-6'4-200
Grade B- UF came into the day thinking they were landing Dallas Wilson and Jaimie Ffrench. They did not land either five star receiver. Florida under Napier does this every year. Get their fan base all lathered up about certain recruits and comes up short. Vernell is a very good WR. I have him rated as the top slot in Florida. I have always felt he would be a better CB in college. Montgomery is a kid who’s nice but not a #1 or #2 receiver. UF sort of struck out considering they were using Lagway to attack top flight receivers. Last year they signed Tank Hawkins who had ten receptions for a 100 yards as a freshman. TJ Abrams had one reception. Their receiver room is solid but not spectacular.
TE
Micah Jones-Madison Central-TE-6'5-240
Grade -C - Jones looks awkward on film. He is so big and long for a tight end. It would not surprise me to see this kid play defensive end in college. He has the size. He just is not very fluid for a tight end. He lacks great speed and quickness. He is someone that has to grow into his body. He has good hands. He can run solid routes. Last year Amir Jackson was signed. UF does not really use tight ends in their passing game under Napier. He can block. He looks like a high risk-high reward prospect.
OL
Tavaris Dice-Langston Hughes-OT-6'4-290
Jahari Medlock-Chares Drew-6'6-280
Daniel Pierre Louis-6'5-290
Grade C+ Florida has recruited well at most of the other positions under Napier. Their OL Classes are not impressive. If there is one area that Napier needs to improve to close the gap between their program and the rest of the SEC its OL. Dice has the athletic ability to play tackle. You will see him move his feet. He does well in space. He needs to get bigger and stronger. You will see him get out into space and is impressive. He is just very light at this time. Medlock is listed at 6'6. The size is there. His frame will allow him to add on weight. He is a little stiff. You will see him maul guys. He plays defensive end so you know the kid is athletic. He is raw. Louis is a project and most likely will get recruited over. Fletcher Westphal (Class of 2024) will be a player to keep an eye on. Their two year haul for an SEC program is not very impressive.
DE
Jayden Woods-Mill Valley-6'3-240
Jalen Wiggins-Rickards-6'5-250
Grade A- Woods has some nice moves. He is not super athletic. He beats guys with power. He is strong against the run. Like the way he penetrates the offensive line. He does not have a ton of pass rush moves. Wiggins is versatile. He gives you a guy who can play inside or out. He can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. He is strong against the run. He can set the edge on run plays. They have LJ McCray on the bench. They don't have that super twitch type end in either class but these guys are ideal for playing in the SEC.
DT
Joseph Mbatchou-Grayson-6'5-280
Stephon Shivers-Brentwood-6'5-270
Jeremiah McCloud-Lee County-6'3-280
Grade A - Florida is recruiting SIZE. Matchup is big. He is a big bodied kid who is only going to get bigger. He needs to get lower in his stance. He does not have very good technique. He shoots straight up and is going to have problems playing with leverage at the next level. Shivers has size. You watch this kid he can move for a big guy. He has a clip where he is playing running back and he takes a hand off and goes the distance. Guys his size should not move like this. Shivers has strong hands. He is someone that could end up a star on the offensive line. McCloud is a kid that I really like. He is athletic for a big man. He will go up and knock a pass down and then intercept it. He can play defensive end or tackle. He does not give up on plays. You look at who they pulled in this year and in 2024, Florida should have a solid two deep inside the next couple of seasons.
LB
Ty Jackson-Seminole Ridge-6'1-200
Myles Johnson-TR Miller-6'1-220
Grade B - Jackson was a kid who flew under the radar till this past spring. He does not go to camps. He does not do any off-season events. Jackson does show up on film. He hits you and the ball carrier goes backwards. He does have some false steps on defense. You would like to see him be a little more instinctive. He is someone that run. He can go sideline to sideline. Johnson is a thick backer. He is someone that can play inside or out. He plays the run well. Does hesitate at times. Another physical backer. Runs around blocks. He is someone that struggles in coverage.
S
Hylton Stubbs-Mandarin-6'1-190
Lagonza Hayward-Toombs County-6'1-200
Grade and I like Stubbs but not sure he stays at safety. He is a kid that can play the run. He can come up into the box and be used as an extra backer. He can cover. You will see him go over and make some plays in coverage. He is someone that takes chances. It will be interested to see if he can get away with what he does in college. Hayward is a highly regarded athlete. You will see him return kicks on special teams. He is another big, physical safety. Would not be surprised to see him play backer in college. He is a little more natural of an athlete. Gregory Smith was signed last year. He gives you more size and length as well. This room is pretty good moving forward.
CB
Ben Hanks-Booker T-6'1-170
Grade A - First saw him as a freshman start at Doral Academy and realized Hanks was really good. Saw him in back to back weekends in the playoffs and Hanks had pick sixes in both games. Believe he had five interceptions in two playoff games. He is someone that you don't want to throw on. Hanks will make you pay. His father was a very good player at UF. Hanks will play and possibly start as a freshman. Signed Teddy Foster last year and he is a good athlete but does not want to hit anyone. Only issue is 2 Corners in two classes is a concern.
K/P
Evan Noel - StStanislaus-6'2-155
Hayden Craig-Brighton Academy-6'2-190
Final Thoughts: When you look at their classes Florida matches up well with anyone in the SEC at QB (Lagway) and their running backs. Their receiver room is good but not elite. Teams like Texas, Alabama, Tennessee and LSU have better players. Florida has a defensive line that is impressive. Size, athletic ability and Florida should be deep up front. Their OL is going to be reason 1, 2 and 3 why this team does not win enough games to make the playoffs. Not sure if Lagway can overcome that next season.
Miami
QB
Luke Nickel - Milton -6'2-205
Grade B+ I had Julian Lewis the number one rated QB in Georgia, Nickel was the 2nd rated QB. I know Coach Mike Norvel really liked Luke as well. He is a kid that has pretty good arm strength. He is accurate when there is time for him to throw. He is a good enough athlete to run the ball. Miami got a good one at the QB spot and he should be able to compete for a starting job in two years. Judd Anderson who Miami signed in 2023 is a very large quarterback. He reminds me of Mike Glennon.
RB
Girard Pringle-Armwood-5'10-190
Grade B Pringle reminds me of Clinton Portis who played at Miami. He gives you a back with both speed and quickness. Pringle is a kid that can be used in the passing game. It would not surprise us to see him return punts and kicks on special teams. Miami did not need multiple backs as they have Jordan Lyles and Mark Fletcher on the roster.
WR
Joshua Moore - West Broward-6'4-210
Malachi Toney-American Heritage - 5'10-180
Daylan Upshaw-Central (AL) 5'11-180
Grade A Miami turned Moore commitment from Florida earlier this year. They had to hold on. Moore was quite impressive when I went to watch him play this fall. He is a big kid who just overpowers smaller defensive backs. He has good hands. He is someone that could see the field early. Toney was a kid who reclassified. He got much bigger and stronger between last season and this year. He was asked to move from WR to QB as AH team lost their starting QB two weeks ago. He is such a good athlete that Heritage is moving on. Miami signed some good receivers last year as well. This position group two years ago was not very good. Going into 2025, Miami receiving corps should be a strength.
TE
Brock Schott-Leo HS (IN) 6'4-220
Luka Gilbert - Lakota West 6'7-235
Grade A- Miami has recruited the TE position exceptionally well since Mario got to Miami. Schott was a kid FSU got on early but never got much traction. He pulled the trigger for Miami and never wavered. Gilbert looks like an in line guy who will help block in the run game.
OL
Seuseu Alofaltull-(Bishop Gorman) C-6'3-280
Max Buchanan-(Seminole) C/G 6'4-275
Jaden Wilkerson (Edgewater) OT-6'6-330
Demetrius Campbell (Orlando Christian) OT-6'6-300
Grade A- As long as Mario is at Miami they will recruit the offensive line well. The Vegas lineman is considered one of the top 2-3 center prospects in the country. Buchanan is a kid that our Osceola staff really likes. Wilkerson and Campbell are projects but if you are going to take guys with upside they should look like those two.
DE
Hayden Lowe-Oaks Christian - 6'4-250
Herbert Scroggins-Benedictine Military-6'2-235
Grade A Lowe has a chance to make an impact right away. He reminds me of the Cali kids that USC used to get under Pete Carroll. His first step allows him to get by tackles. He relies on his quickness to make plays. He is raw but the upside is evident on film. You will see him get under a tackle. He plays with good leverage. Needs to learn some more moves. Scroggins is a project. You can turn on the film and see what Miami likes in this kid. He is super quick off the ball. You will see him use his quickness to put pressure on the quarterback. He has some length. You can use him as a stand-up end or put his hand in the ground. You will see that he is fluid in his hips. He can redirect very well. He is quite impressive. Add these two to a deep and talented defensive end room and Miami will be able to rotate a ton of kids into games.
DT
Donta Simpson-Chaminade-6'3-290
Mykah Newton-Newberry - 6'2-260
Grade C+ Last year Miami landed five star DT prospect Justin Scott. They have Armondo Blount, Aratvius Jones and Daylan Russell. Miami was not going to sign elite DT after their class in 2024. Simpson is a nice rotational player. Not sure Newton does much at Miami. He is a depth player.
LB
Kellen Wiley -Armwood-6'4-225
Ezekiel Marcelin-Miami Central - 5'11-210
Grade C+ Miami lost Gavin Nix to Oregon on NSD. They also lost out on TJ Alford who they thought would flip. Wiley is a project but I really like his potential. He has size, length and is athletic. Marcelin is just a good football player. He is not real big or fast. You watch him play live and Ezekiel is instinctive. Neither guy is a sure thing. Last year Miami signed an elite LB class. This year they added two guys who are depth guys.
S
Bryce Fitzgerald-Columbus-6'1-170
Grade C+ Miami needs two safeties in this class. They landed a star in Zaquan Patterson last year. Fitzgerald should be a solid starter at Miami. He is someone that has played since his freshman season. Miami will need to hit the portal to add a couple more safeties.
CB
Amari Wallace-Miami Central - 5'10-170
Chris Ewald - Chaminade-6'0-170
Jaboree Antoine-Westgate-6'1-170
Grade B- Landing Antoine was huge. He is a versatile athlete who can play corner or safety. Had the chance to watch him this spring and Antoine was quite impressive. Ewald should be a solid nickel back. Wallace is a guy who will be a depth guy. Not landing DJ Pickett or Ben Hanks held this class back. Miami was in on both players early on but faded late.
Final Thoughts: Miami has recruited very well on the offensive and defensive lines the past two recruiting classes. That is how you build championship teams. They also have very good running backs. They will most likely try and sign a portal QB and try and upgrade in the secondary.
