Ranking Florida’s chances with WR targets
Although On3 top-100 prospect Joshua Moore is now committed, the Florida Gators are not finished at wide receiver and plan to sign four this cycle.
It’s worth noting some additional targets are trending toward Florida as well, so wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales is likely to manufacture a decent class this cycle.
For our premium subscribers, Gators Online ranks UF’s chances with each notable wide receiver target.
Wide receivers Florida Gators fans need to know
1. 4-star WR Vernell Brown III, Orlando (Fla.) Jones
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 33 prospect | No. 6 wide receiver | No. 5 prospect in Florida
Notes: The major legacy target will be announcing his decision on July 21 and choosing from Florida, Ohio State, Miami and Florida State. The Gators, however, are trending heavily right now and recently earned a handful of RPM predictions. Brown has a number of family connections to the university and visited a countless amount of times over the years. That familiarity could ultimately be the difference maker.
2. 4-star WR Naeshaun Montgomery, Miami Central
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 245 prospect | No. 34 wide receiver | No. 35 prospect in Florida
Notes: Montgomery is likely attending the Grill in the ‘Ville cookout later this month and continues to feel like a top priority in Gainesville. He is also considering Penn State, LSU, Florida State and Alabama; however, neither of those programs are pushing for Montgomery like Florida is. The plan is to make a decision during the first few weeks of the season, but I could see him bumping up his timeline depending on where Florida’s wide receivers class is.
3. 4-star WR Koby Howard, Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 384 prospect | No. 61 wide receiver | No. 53 prospect in Florida
Notes: Many of you might be surprised I put Howard in this spot, but I can confidently say I’m not expecting the Gators to land some other receivers like Oregon commit Dallas Wilson and 5-star prospect Caleb Cunningham. Also, Howard has said his Florida OV is rebooked for Nov. 16. The in-state product wanted to be a Gator in the spring, but Florida wasn’t ready at the time. I can see the staff turning up the heat again depending on where the board is later this year.
4. 5-star WR Caleb Cunningham, Ackerman (Miss.) Choctaw County
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 15 prospect | No. 2 wide receiver | No. 1 prospect in Mississippi
Notes: To say Cunningham had a month to remember in June might be an understatement. He first named Auburn his leader after taking an official visit. Then a week later, Florida made its move to be neck-and-neck with the Tigers. Now, Alabama is the clear front runner ahead of a likely summer decision. It’s been a whirlwind for the rising senior. Cunningham has significant interest in UF, but it would be very surprising if it was enough to surpass other top contenders. I’m rolling with the Crimson Tide right now.
5. 5-star WR Dallas Wilson, Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Bay Technical — OREGON COMMIT
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 28 prospect | No. 5 wide receiver | No. 4 prospect in Florida
Notes: With CJ Ingram now focused on basketball and Donovan Olugbode committed to Missouri, selecting a prospect for this fifth and final spot was somewhat of a challenge. With Wilson though, he does plan to officially visit Florida during the season. Flipping him is a long shot, especially since he canceled his summer OV in favor of Miami, but the Florida Gators are still on the hunt. Wilson is one of the best nationally and boasts the size Billy Gonzales covets at the position.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
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