GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Less than a week ago, things didn’t look so good for the Gators, or third-year coach Jim McElwain. On Wednesday, however, McElwain was all smiles, beaming about his class that defied all expectations and made a late entry into the top 10 on the 247Sports Composite.

Last week, Florida’s 2017 recruiting class hit rock bottom. Four-star CB Elijah Blades decommitted. Four-star OT Kai Leon Herbert chose Miami over UF. The Gators had 14 commitments, and were ranked No. 30.

It turned out rival fans, and plenty of media members, were premature in writing off Florida’s recruiting class. As the saying goes, it was darkest before the dawn.

Overall class rank: No. 10
SEC rank: No. 5

5-stars: 0
4-stars: 11
3-stars: 12

The positive momentum started with a Saturday commitment from 3-star LB Nick Smith. Landing a 3-star linebacker doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it got the ball rolling.

Smith’s commitment was followed by weekend pledges from 4-star CB Brad Stewart and 3-star S Donovan Stiner. With three new commitments, the Gators were suddenly on a roll.

Florida picked up a big-time commitment on Tuesday from 4-star DT Elijah Conliffe, a position of need. Wednesday morning the Gators added another 4-star defensive tackle, the massive 6-foot-4, 360-pound Tedarrell Slaton, UF’s highest-rated in-state signee (No. 12).

The good news for McElwain and company rolled in throughout the day Wednesday. Slaton’s announcement was followed by commitments from 2-star LB Lacedrick Brunson, 4-star CB Christopher Henderson, 3-star DB Brian Edwards, controversial 4-star WR James Robinson and 3-star RB Adarius Lemons.

Of the National Signing Day commitments, three were necessities (Slaton, Henderson and Edwards) while two were simply icing on the cake (Robinson and Lemons).

McElwain and his staff have had their ups-and-downs when it comes to defensive recruiting in their first two classes. With depth issues at defensive tackle, linebacker and defensive back in 2016 and eight starters leaving for the NFL, the pressure was on to build depth. It might have been at the last second, but McElwain rallied to meet those needs.

With Conliffe, Slaton and early enrollee Kyree Campbell all on board, the Gators suddenly have a solid defensive tackle class, something that could not have been said last week. McElwain hopes that the veteran linemen will mentor the signees.

“Here comes the important part now,” McElwain said. “Guys like Khairi Clark, Taven Bryan, and those guys, making sure they help, just like guys help them on the inside. Just like Joey (Ivie) did with them, and Caleb (Brantley). Being able to really push those guys and teach them what it is to play.

“Obviously, as you know, they’re going to have to play against Michigan that first game. There’s going to be a lot of new bodies in some of those spots. We’re going to have to grow up quickly.”

The linebacker class lacks star power – a trio of 3-star players and the 2-star Brunson – but Randy Shannon has proven that his development skills at the position trump the star ratings. Shannon, who was promoted to defensive coordinator after the Outback Bowl, also proved valuable in helping land key defensive back commits out of South Florida.

“Well, from the time we were able to hire Randy, he’s been a right hand guy of mine,” McElwain said. “Comes with unbelievable credibility from that area as well. We’ve had some other guys down there helping. But his name, recognition, more so how he is also a part of wanting to make sure that he affects young men’s lives in a positive way, he knows he can be trusted.

“He’s a heck of a ball coach, too, now. That transition into the defensive coordinator spot was something that was pretty simple and we could make in a hurry. We’re excited about that.”

Depth in the secondary for 2017 has been an issue on Florida’s roster for well over a year now. The Gators were thin in that unit last season, and Teez Tabor, Quincy Wilson and Marcus Maye have all departed. With six total defensive backs, including four pledges added within the past five days, McElwain has securely built for the future. With this kind of incoming talent, one can bet that the Gators will continue to be known as DBU.

On offense, Florida wasn’t particularly hurting, but managed to add depth across the board. The late additions of Robinson, who reportedly had his offer pulled earlier in the week after a marijuana citation, and Lemons, whose commitment status frequently changed throughout the recruiting process due to off-the-field issues, help give the class that final push into the top 10.

“Obviously, as in all players, the important thing is you do your research and your background,” McElwain said on signing Robinson. “My guess is there’s a few people in this crowd right here that have some regrets on things they’ve done, and yet at the same time take responsibility for it.

“Here is the good thing: We get an opportunity to be involved in his life. We get an opportunity to help him move forward, as we do all the players on this team. I’m excited about him being a Gator.”

As recently as Tuesday, Robinson’s signing appeared about as likely as the Gators landing in the top 10, but McElwain kept faith in both. On National Signing Day, McElwain’s the one smiling while his critics are forced to reassess the Gators’ recruiting efforts.

All recruiting rankings cited are 247Sports Composite.