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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Derwin James, S, 6-2, 200, Haines City (Five-star, Committed to Florida State)
- Kevin Toliver II, CB, 6-2, 185, Jacksonville (Five-star, Committed to LSU)
- Calvin Ridley, WR, 6-0, 170, Pompano Beach (Five-star, Committed to Alabama)
- Deon Cain, WR, 6-1, 190, Tampa (Five-star, Committed to Clemson)
- Tavarus McFadden, CB, 6-3, 200, Ft. Lauderdale (Five-star, Committed to Florida State)
- George Campbell, WR, 6-3, 185, Tarpon Springs (Five-star, Committed to Florida State)
- Jacques Patrick, RB, 6-1, 230, Orlando (Five-star, Committed to Florida State)
