BATON ROUGE, La. -- It would be easy to be put off by the turmoil surrounding LSU in the past week. The Tigers not only lost the national championship and their wide receivers coach, but also two of their star recruits in the past two days.
But, as LSU coach Les Miles alluded to in his season-ending press conference, there is still talent preparing to enter the program. The Tigers’ 2012 class ranks 13th with 21 commitments tallied.
One of those is four-star wide receiver Avery Johnson, an Ely High School product from Pompano Beach, Fla. Johnson is ranked as the 12th-best wideout in the class of 2012, and the No. 82 prospect in the ESPN 150.
But, as LSU coach Les Miles alluded to in his season-ending press conference, there is still talent preparing to enter the program. The Tigers’ 2012 class ranks 13th with 21 commitments tallied.
One of those is four-star wide receiver Avery Johnson, an Ely High School product from Pompano Beach, Fla. Johnson is ranked as the 12th-best wideout in the class of 2012, and the No. 82 prospect in the ESPN 150.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Junior defensive tackle Damien Jacobs underwent a minor surgical procedure on a finger 0n Thursday, but it won't keep him from participating in spring practice.
Jacobs tweeted that "surgery went well" and thanked people for their prayers. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound juco transfer from East Mississippi Community College is one of six players who enrolled earlier this month. He is expected to push for playing time at defensive tackle.
Jacobs tweeted that "surgery went well" and thanked people for their prayers. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound juco transfer from East Mississippi Community College is one of six players who enrolled earlier this month. He is expected to push for playing time at defensive tackle.
Offseason to-do list: Eastern Division
January, 19, 2012
1/19/12
4:28
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By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
You've already seen Chris Low's to-do lists for the Western Division teams, so now it's time to check out what the East teams need to take care of before next fall:
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
- Two major areas new offensive coordinator Brent Pease needs to hit during his first offseason with the Gators is running back and wide receiver. Florida must find a downhill running back for Pease's offense, and a reliable go-to wide receiver -- two things Florida lacked in 2011.
- With quarterback John Brantley graduating, Pease must find a new starting quarterback. That means developing rising sophomores Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel, who struggled in relief of Brantley at times last season, and Tyler Murphy, who has yet to take a snap.
- Toughen up mentally and physically. The Gators ranked 89th nationally in penalties, and were called out by coach Will Muschamp as being too soft in his first season. Soft can't win in the SEC.
Bullard, Poole jump in final ESPNU 150 
January, 19, 2012
1/19/12
3:31
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By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -– Now that the season is over and the all-star games are completed, ESPNU has released its updated top 150 rankings.
The Gators still have eight committed prospects on the list. Safety commit Marcus Maye (149) is a new addition to the ESPNU 150, while wide receiver commit Latroy Pittman (157) just barely dropped out after previously being ranked the No. 106 player.
After his strong performance at the U.S. Army Bowl in San Antonio, Florida offensive tackle signee D.J. Humphries moved up one spot from the No. 8 to No. 7 player in the country.
The Gators still have eight committed prospects on the list. Safety commit Marcus Maye (149) is a new addition to the ESPNU 150, while wide receiver commit Latroy Pittman (157) just barely dropped out after previously being ranked the No. 106 player.
After his strong performance at the U.S. Army Bowl in San Antonio, Florida offensive tackle signee D.J. Humphries moved up one spot from the No. 8 to No. 7 player in the country.
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Thursday's episode of RecruitingNation
January, 19, 2012
1/19/12
2:51
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By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
Tune in to ESPNU at 5:30 p.m. ET today for RecruitingNation. Tom Luginbill, Craig Haubert and national and local writers from RecruitingNation break down the latest recruiting news from across the country.
Thursday's show will look at the impact on Gunner Kiel’s decision to attend Notre Dame, what the pledge does for the Irish and where does LSU go now at quarterback? There will also be analysis on Mario Edwards’ decision to eliminate Texas from consideration on Thursday, what Jameis Winston is going to do and how Oklahoma is going do to recover from losing one of its best recruiters.
Luginbill and Haubert will also review the new ESPNU 150 rankings that were released on Thursday and highlight some of the big risers and fallers.
The broadcast can also be seen on WatchESPN.
Thursday's show will look at the impact on Gunner Kiel’s decision to attend Notre Dame, what the pledge does for the Irish and where does LSU go now at quarterback? There will also be analysis on Mario Edwards’ decision to eliminate Texas from consideration on Thursday, what Jameis Winston is going to do and how Oklahoma is going do to recover from losing one of its best recruiters.
Luginbill and Haubert will also review the new ESPNU 150 rankings that were released on Thursday and highlight some of the big risers and fallers.
The broadcast can also be seen on WatchESPN.
GatorNation brings you the latest installment of Chomp Confidential, a look inside Florida football recruiting for GatorNation subscribers only. As with anything exclusive, what's reported in the weekly Chomp Confidential must stay here. A few things discussed in this week's update:
• Big recruiting weekend
• Latest on Diggs
• Miles a LB
• Big recruiting weekend
• Latest on Diggs
• Miles a LB
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Ja'Quay Williams to visit two SEC schools
January, 18, 2012
1/18/12
3:08
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By
Jamie Newberg | ESPN.com
Ja’Quay Williams (Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek), an Auburn commit, will visit two of the Tigers' rivals over the next two weekends.
“Ja’Quay will go to Georgia this weekend and Florida the next weekend,” said Chip Walker, Sandy Creek’s coach.
It will still take a lot to pry away this Williams from Auburn. Gene Chizik has not named an offensive coordinator to date and there are strong indications the Tigers will go to more of a pro-style system, which is something Williams likes.
“Ja’Quay will go to Georgia this weekend and Florida the next weekend,” said Chip Walker, Sandy Creek’s coach.
It will still take a lot to pry away this Williams from Auburn. Gene Chizik has not named an offensive coordinator to date and there are strong indications the Tigers will go to more of a pro-style system, which is something Williams likes.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- There is so much going on with recruiting right now, we could aggregate all day. Might just have to. Anyway, there's no time for chit-chat. Here we go, starting with a major project by RecruitingNation to revisit the Class of 2008. It was a great year for the Gators on the field. In recruiting? Not so much.
Re-ranking 2008’s top 10 classes (Insider)
Florida had ESPNU's No. 4 class in 2008. This time around the Gators aren't in the top 10. A pair of national championships prove Alabama landed the top re-ranked class, while Miami’s top-ranked class falls flat. Here are a few videos: Class Rankings: Craig Haubert looks at the class rankings for 2008 and puts together a new top 10. The big hits: Haubert looks at some of the players the ESPN scouts were right about. The big misses: Haubert looks at some of the players the ESPN scouts were wrong about.
Re-ranking 2008’s top 10 classes (Insider)
Florida had ESPNU's No. 4 class in 2008. This time around the Gators aren't in the top 10. A pair of national championships prove Alabama landed the top re-ranked class, while Miami’s top-ranked class falls flat. Here are a few videos: Class Rankings: Craig Haubert looks at the class rankings for 2008 and puts together a new top 10. The big hits: Haubert looks at some of the players the ESPN scouts were right about. The big misses: Haubert looks at some of the players the ESPN scouts were wrong about.
Chat wrap: Derek Tyson on recruiting
January, 18, 2012
1/18/12
2:19
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By GatorNation staff | ESPN.com
In case you missed today's chat with GatorNation recruiting expert Derek Tyson, you can read the complete transcript here. Tyson will do a live chat every Wednesday leading up to National Signing Day, so come back next week with fresh questions!
Bradley Beal's more than a jump-shooter
January, 18, 2012
1/18/12
12:38
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By
Paul Biancardi | ESPN.com
Here is a look at Bradley Beal's progress report thus far at Florida:
What he's doing well:
He was one of the elite players in the Class of 2011 based on his scoring ability. He can put the ball in the basket in a variety ways but his calling card is his smooth jumper with high release point and textbook rotation and release.
What he's doing well:
He was one of the elite players in the Class of 2011 based on his scoring ability. He can put the ball in the basket in a variety ways but his calling card is his smooth jumper with high release point and textbook rotation and release.
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Update on Peach State 2013 DT Adams
January, 18, 2012
1/18/12
11:37
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By
Jamie Newberg | ESPN.com
Class of 2013 defensive tackle Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly County) already has scholarship offers from teams including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Clemson and Kentucky. Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart stopped by Adams' school today.
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We get asked all the time where our favorite stops are in the SEC, and a lot of times, that depends on the season.
And with Edward aboard now on the SEC blog, we were able to get out to more games this season than ever before.
We both agree that the Allstate BCS National Championship Game was the best atmosphere of the season for obvious reasons. For one, the game was in New Orleans, and the scene in the French Quarter leading up to the game went way beyond festive.
And with Edward aboard now on the SEC blog, we were able to get out to more games this season than ever before.
We both agree that the Allstate BCS National Championship Game was the best atmosphere of the season for obvious reasons. For one, the game was in New Orleans, and the scene in the French Quarter leading up to the game went way beyond festive.
Leonard Williams loves FSU visit; USC next
January, 17, 2012
1/17/12
10:18
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By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 defensive end Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland) took his official visit to Florida State this weekend and left with a new outlook on his recruitment.
Going into the visit, Williams had Auburn and Florida at the top of his list. Now he says there are no favorites.
"I don't think it's right to list a favorite right now," Williams said. "I loved my visit at Florida State, and I was really impressed with the coaches and how much the coaches and players interacted.
Going into the visit, Williams had Auburn and Florida at the top of his list. Now he says there are no favorites.
"I don't think it's right to list a favorite right now," Williams said. "I loved my visit at Florida State, and I was really impressed with the coaches and how much the coaches and players interacted.
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Florida, Indiana in Meador's top three
January, 17, 2012
1/17/12
3:57
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By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Three-star offensive lineman Jake Meador (Whiteland, Ind./Whiteland Community) officially visited Indiana and Florida this past weekend with his mom.
Meador first went to Indiana on Friday and Saturday before he traveled to Gainesville Sunday and left early Tuesday morning.
Meador, who decommitted from Ole Miss before taking these visits, said he enjoyed his trip to Indiana.
Meador first went to Indiana on Friday and Saturday before he traveled to Gainesville Sunday and left early Tuesday morning.
Meador, who decommitted from Ole Miss before taking these visits, said he enjoyed his trip to Indiana.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With just two short weeks left until national signing day, the Florida Gators have 18 verbal commitments. Florida's recruiting class is expected to exceed 25 players. Here is a look at the top five uncommitted prospects still on the Gators' recruiting board.
1. Stefon Diggs (Olney, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel)
Florida has lacked elite playmakers at the wideout position over the last two years and Diggs is electric with the ball in his hands. The Florida offensive coaches visited Diggs at his home on Monday night. It was Diggs' first chance to meet new Florida offensive coordinator Brent Pease. Diggs' mom is expected to accompany him on his official visit to Florida this weekend. The Gators have positioned themselves nicely to land the talented receiver.
1. Stefon Diggs (Olney, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel)
Florida has lacked elite playmakers at the wideout position over the last two years and Diggs is electric with the ball in his hands. The Florida offensive coaches visited Diggs at his home on Monday night. It was Diggs' first chance to meet new Florida offensive coordinator Brent Pease. Diggs' mom is expected to accompany him on his official visit to Florida this weekend. The Gators have positioned themselves nicely to land the talented receiver.
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ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 and a half years covering UF for the Florida Times-Union. He lives in Middleburg, Fla., with his wife and two sons. Email him at espndirocco@gmail.com.
Derek Tyson
Derek Tyson joined ESPN.com in 2011. He worked as a football and recruiting analyst for GatorCountry.com before joining ESPN. He currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at derektysonespn@gmail.com.