Continuing our daily look at top recruits in each SEC state, we’ll stop in Florida where the Gators are struggling to secure commitments from top players in the state following a coaching change. First-year head coach Jim McElwain has hit the recruiting season hard during his first week on campus, hoping to lure several uncommitted in-state five-stars to Gainesville.

Rival Florida State has already secured commitments from four five-stars and the Seminoles are a finalist for two others.

Top 10 recruits by SEC states

Based on 247Sports’ 2015 composite rankings by state, here are Florida’s 10 best prospects and where they’re headed:

  1. Martez Ivey, OL, 6-6, 207, Apopka (Five-star, Interested in Florida and Auburn) — The nation’s top-rated player depending on which recruiting service you trust, Ivey has the potential to be a future first-round pick with ideal size, agility and strength as a dominant tackle. His prep teammate, fullback Chandler Cox, is committed to Auburn.
  2. Byron Cowart, DE, 6-4, 250, Seffner (Five-star, Interested in Florida and Florida State) — Another uncommitted franchise player is this force off the edge, an explosive pass rusher who said recently that he was impressed by the Gators’ hire of McElwain.
  3. CeCe Jefferson, DE, 6-2, 250, Glen Saint Mary (Five-star, Interested in Florida, Alabama and Ole Miss) — Like Ivey, Jefferson will play in the U.S. Army All-American Game in January and is expected to announce his decision soon. Should he choose Florida, that could initiate a domino effect for the Gators on signing day.
  4. Derwin James, S, 6-2, 200, Haines City (Five-star, Committed to Florida State)
  5. Kevin Toliver II, CB, 6-2, 185, Jacksonville (Five-star, Committed to LSU)
  6. Calvin Ridley, WR, 6-0, 170, Pompano Beach (Five-star, Committed to Alabama)
  7. Deon Cain, WR, 6-1, 190, Tampa (Five-star, Committed to Clemson)
  8. Tavarus McFadden, CB, 6-3, 200, Ft. Lauderdale (Five-star, Committed to Florida State)
  9. George Campbell, WR, 6-3, 185, Tarpon Springs (Five-star, Committed to Florida State)
  10. Jacques Patrick, RB, 6-1, 230, Orlando (Five-star, Committed to Florida State)