In atypical season, Citrus Bowl an opportunity for UF to take momentum into recruiting
Most non-playoff bowls are considered exhibition games for entertainment purposes only during the holiday season. But there is one audience the Florida Gators are looking to entertain more than any other – high school recruits.
Recruiting experts note that typically a high schooler’s decision is based on his relationship with a coaching staff and how he fits with the team’s future plans more than the result of any one game. The 2015 season, however, has been anything but typical for the Gators.
During a 6-0 start, the Florida offense under first-year coach Jim McElwain was showing marked improvement from years past, averaging 384.7 yards per game. With a thrilling 28-27 win over Tennessee and a dominating 38-10 upset of Ole Miss, the Gators were flying high. Redshirt freshman QB Will Grier was the face of a turnaround that had grabbed the football world’s attention.
Before the Gators could make it to 7-0, Grier was suspended. Without Grier, the Florida offense has become an unintimidating, ineffective unit. Through Week 13, UF’s average yards per game is down to 338.7 yards per game for the season. Since Grier’s suspension, the Gators are averaging only 299.3 yards per game.
The struggling offense and back-to-back losses to Florida State and Alabama have made Florida look like a less-desirable destination than it was in October. Four-star cornerback Jayvaughn Myers decommitted from Florida the Monday following UF’s 27-2 loss to FSU.
McElwain and his staff will be able to sign some recruits, like four-star commitment QB Feleipe Franks, with the pitch of early playing time and the chance to play in a system that fits their skill set. Many prospects, though, will also be looking for a school they feel is trending upward.
The Citrus Bowl is an opportunity for Florida to regain some momentum in January after a disappointing past two months. The result of the Florida-Michigan game alone may not sway any single recruit, but an improvement upon abysmal performances against the Seminoles and Crimson Tide would give McElwain something to sell as moving in the right direction.