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This weekend, Jim McElwain and the Florida Gators will take a trip East — as it’s set to square off with Bret Bielema and the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Florida (6-1) is in the driver’s seat when it comes to winning the SEC East. However, Kentucky (!) is right on their tail. The Gators can ill-afford a slip-up against an opponent its favored by 3.5 points against (per Odds Shark).
While this game has obvious conference implications, it also may impact recruiting. McElwain spoke during the weekly SEC teleconference on Monday morning. He was particularly complimentary of the Arkansas football program’s recruiting within the state of Florida:
Mac on Florida players at Arkansas: 'They’re really good. Wish they were here.' #Gators #WPS
— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) November 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/SaturdayJC/status/793836991485845504
In recent years under Bielema, he’s made it a point of emphasis to lure top talent from the state of Florida — and thus away from the Gators’ program.
Former all-conference performers Alex Collins and Denver Kirkland hailed from the Sunshine State. This year, there are 10 players on the current roster from Florida — including stud DL Jeremiah Ledbetter.
Via 247Sports, Florida has the eighth-best recruiting class currently in the SEC — with Arkansas registering closely behind at No. 10.
Should the Razorbacks win on Saturday, it could help their recruiting efforts within Florida even further.
