GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- It’s time to dip in to the GatorNation recruiting mailbag and answer the questions you want to know. Because of the amount of questions we’ve received, we won’t be able to get to all of them today, but we encourage you to ask your questions on our Insider fan forum, "The Chompions Club."
@TWelte15 - So after losing Jordan Jenkins, where are we with Darius Hamilton?
A: Hamilton and Jenkins are being recruited for two separate positions, so the loss of Jenkins to UGA shouldn’t affect Hamilton in one way or another. Hamilton wants to play defensive tackle, but at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, it’s likely he will start off as a strong side defensive end and eventually move to tackle. That he is bringing his mom for an unofficial visit to Florida is big news for the Gators. He recently visited Gainesville and the fact his family is paying for another visit should tell you just how interested he is in the Gators.
@TWelte15 - So after losing Jordan Jenkins, where are we with Darius Hamilton?
A: Hamilton and Jenkins are being recruited for two separate positions, so the loss of Jenkins to UGA shouldn’t affect Hamilton in one way or another. Hamilton wants to play defensive tackle, but at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, it’s likely he will start off as a strong side defensive end and eventually move to tackle. That he is bringing his mom for an unofficial visit to Florida is big news for the Gators. He recently visited Gainesville and the fact his family is paying for another visit should tell you just how interested he is in the Gators.
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After a junior season in which he made 84 tackles, including an outrageous 45 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, defensive tackle Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly County) arrived for Rising Seniors last month in Atlanta with an offer from Clemson and some of the most impressive highlights in the entire Peach State. After dominating in practice all week and impressing in the Georgia Junior Bowl, Adams has since picked up offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Kentucky.
“It has been good getting all of these big-time offers,” Adams said. “I know playing in this Rising Seniors game helped me a lot with my stock. It feels good to know I have the grades and chance to go to a big-time college and play football.”
Maryland coaches came by his school last Friday, and the Terrapins are contemplating offering soon. LSU is expected to stop by this week, while FSU, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas A&M are showing interest.
“It has been good getting all of these big-time offers,” Adams said. “I know playing in this Rising Seniors game helped me a lot with my stock. It feels good to know I have the grades and chance to go to a big-time college and play football.”
Maryland coaches came by his school last Friday, and the Terrapins are contemplating offering soon. LSU is expected to stop by this week, while FSU, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas A&M are showing interest.
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Dunker cleared to enroll, Williams waiting
January, 10, 2012
1/10/12
3:39
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Offensive lineman Jessamen Dunker became the sixth Florida recruit to enroll early, but there is some uncertainty about whether defensive tackle Quinteze Williams will be able to do so this week.
A UF official confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the NCAA Clearinghouse approved Dunker's transcript, and he should be enrolled in classes today. However, there were still some questions regarding Williams' situation, and the school is hopeful it will be resolved by the end of the week.
If Williams is unable to enroll this spring, he will join the rest of UF's signing class and enroll in the summer.
Dunker (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) played tackle at Boynton Beach, Fla./Boynton Beach High School but is expected to start his collegiate career at left guard. That's the weakest position on the offensive line heading into spring practice and Dunker could end up winning the job by the time the season begins.
Williams (6-4, 295), who played at Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek High School, was going to compete for playing time in the tackle rotation.
On Monday, five other players enrolled early: offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, defensive tackle Damien Jacobs, receiver Latroy Pittman, defensive back Willie Bailey and linebacker Antonio Morrison.
A UF official confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the NCAA Clearinghouse approved Dunker's transcript, and he should be enrolled in classes today. However, there were still some questions regarding Williams' situation, and the school is hopeful it will be resolved by the end of the week.
If Williams is unable to enroll this spring, he will join the rest of UF's signing class and enroll in the summer.
Dunker (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) played tackle at Boynton Beach, Fla./Boynton Beach High School but is expected to start his collegiate career at left guard. That's the weakest position on the offensive line heading into spring practice and Dunker could end up winning the job by the time the season begins.
Williams (6-4, 295), who played at Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek High School, was going to compete for playing time in the tackle rotation.
On Monday, five other players enrolled early: offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, defensive tackle Damien Jacobs, receiver Latroy Pittman, defensive back Willie Bailey and linebacker Antonio Morrison.
Anthony Bennett talks about final five 
January, 10, 2012
1/10/12
2:46
PM ET
By
Paul Biancardi | ESPN.com
Anthony Bennett, No. 7 overall in the ESPNU 100 and the best remaining available post player, has narrowed his choices down to five -- Florida, Kentucky, UNLV, Oregon and Washington.
"I feel like I've taken a step forward in my recruiting process," the Canadian native said. "I plan on making my decision in April after going on my visits. The pressure now has been lifted because I can now deal with just these five schools and watch the teams play and the coaches coach their teams.
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We officially said goodbye to the 2011 season Monday night and crowned the Alabama Crimson Tide as college football's new champions. Now, it's time to shift our focus to 2012. Here's to hoping the Mayans were wrong:
1. Alabama: The defense will get hit the hardest by graduation and the NFL draft, but Alabama's offense should be better. While it's almost a forgone conclusion that junior running back Trent Richardson will declare for the NFL draft, Alabama returns a veteran offensive line, has a good set of up-and-coming receivers and has some pretty talented running backs to work with, including pounder Eddie Lacy. Oh, and that quarterback ain't too bad, either.
2. LSU: The Tigers might have come up short in the big one, but it's not like LSU is going anywhere. That defense that ranked second nationally was made up by a slew of youngsters. LSU returns double-digit starters next year, including most of its front seven. A major bright spot for this team is that former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger will now get his chance, and has skill that Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee lacked.
3. Georgia: The Bulldogs might return more starters next year than LSU. After surpassing expectations and challenging LSU for the SEC title, the Bulldogs should enter next fall as the favorites in the SEC East. Stud quarterback Aaron Murray returns and so do most of his weapons. With arguably the easiest schedule (again) in the SEC, Mark Richt will be expected to take his Dawgs back to Atlanta.
1. Alabama: The defense will get hit the hardest by graduation and the NFL draft, but Alabama's offense should be better. While it's almost a forgone conclusion that junior running back Trent Richardson will declare for the NFL draft, Alabama returns a veteran offensive line, has a good set of up-and-coming receivers and has some pretty talented running backs to work with, including pounder Eddie Lacy. Oh, and that quarterback ain't too bad, either.
2. LSU: The Tigers might have come up short in the big one, but it's not like LSU is going anywhere. That defense that ranked second nationally was made up by a slew of youngsters. LSU returns double-digit starters next year, including most of its front seven. A major bright spot for this team is that former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger will now get his chance, and has skill that Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee lacked.
3. Georgia: The Bulldogs might return more starters next year than LSU. After surpassing expectations and challenging LSU for the SEC title, the Bulldogs should enter next fall as the favorites in the SEC East. Stud quarterback Aaron Murray returns and so do most of his weapons. With arguably the easiest schedule (again) in the SEC, Mark Richt will be expected to take his Dawgs back to Atlanta.
Four-star DE McCalister sets decision date
January, 9, 2012
1/09/12
7:17
PM ET
By
Jamie Newberg | ESPN.com
Four-star defensive end Alex McCalister (Clemons, N.C./West Forsyth) will make his decision in about eight days as to which college he'll attend, according to his head coach, Adrian Snow.
“Alex will make his decision next Tuesday here at the school gym,” Snow said. “It will be either Georgia Tech, Florida or North Carolina.”
McCalister, 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, has only officially visited Notre Dame so far. Last week he made an unofficial visit to North Carolina, and this weekend he will take an official to Florida.
“Alex will make his decision next Tuesday here at the school gym,” Snow said. “It will be either Georgia Tech, Florida or North Carolina.”
McCalister, 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, has only officially visited Notre Dame so far. Last week he made an unofficial visit to North Carolina, and this weekend he will take an official to Florida.
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Junior college defensive tackle Visesio Salt (Walnut, Calif./Mt. San Antonio) has decommitted from Florida and switched his pledge to Utah. Salt confirmed the switch via text message Monday night.
Salt was one of two juco defensive tackle commits for the Gators. The other, Damian Jacobs (Gray, La./East Mississippi CC) has already enrolled at Florida.
In addition to Jacobs, the Gators have defensive tackle commitments from Jafar Mann (Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson) and Dante Phillips (Venice, Fla./Venice).
Salt was one of two juco defensive tackle commits for the Gators. The other, Damian Jacobs (Gray, La./East Mississippi CC) has already enrolled at Florida.
In addition to Jacobs, the Gators have defensive tackle commitments from Jafar Mann (Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson) and Dante Phillips (Venice, Fla./Venice).
Anthony Bennett narrows it down to five
January, 9, 2012
1/09/12
3:46
PM ET
By
Dave Telep | ESPN.com
Over the weekend, Mike George of CIA Bounce relayed some Anthony Bennett (Brampton, Ont./Findlay Prep) news. The No. 7 overall prospect in the ESPNU 100 trimmed his list to five programs --Washington, Florida, UNLV, Oregon and Kentucky.
Bennett trimmed off Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Missouri, West Virginia and Ohio State.
The Canadian is an athletic, explosive, hybrid 4-man who has been able to combine strength and explosion with a firmed up stroke from 3-point range. The combination crafted him into one of the elite prospects in the Class of 2012.
Bennett’s recruitment has been slow developing. He was never going to sign early and still needs to shore up his academics. He has visits remaining and plenty of time to investigate his schools.
Bennett trimmed off Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Missouri, West Virginia and Ohio State.
The Canadian is an athletic, explosive, hybrid 4-man who has been able to combine strength and explosion with a firmed up stroke from 3-point range. The combination crafted him into one of the elite prospects in the Class of 2012.
Bennett’s recruitment has been slow developing. He was never going to sign early and still needs to shore up his academics. He has visits remaining and plenty of time to investigate his schools.
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BCS National Championship predictions
January, 9, 2012
1/09/12
3:31
PM ET
By
Chris Low and
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
We’ve dissected this game, written about this game and analyzed this game from every angle.
The picks are in for Monday night’s Allstate BCS National Championship Game, and we have a split decision:
Edward Aschoff: Stopping LSU has proved futile for every team that has had to face the Tigers this season. From LSU’s hard-nosed running game to its ferocious defense, LSU has truly been a force to reckon with. I picked against the Tigers when these teams first met, and for good reason. Alabama had all the tools to be victor on that day. However, I was wrong and I don’t like to make the same mistake twice. LSU has proved itself too many times for me to pick against the Tigers in what will basically be a home game. This season has been too special for LSU to fall at the very end of one of the most demanding years in NCAA history. … LSU 20, Alabama 17
Chris Low: After bouncing back and forth, I’ve made my pick. It wasn’t easy even if we are in the Big Easy. In short, as good as LSU is and has been this season, Alabama is better. The Crimson Tide will be ready for the option this time on defense. They won’t bog down inside the 30 on offense, and aided by the fact that the game is being played indoors, the kickers won’t miss four field goals again. There’s no question that LSU drew the short end of the stick in having to beat Alabama again to win the national title, especially when you’re trying to beat Nick Saban three straight times. And beating Saban twice in the same season is unheard of. It will once again come down to a handful of plays, and when Alabama needs one, Trent Richardson will deliver this time. It’s too bad that one of these teams has to lose. But as I left Bourbon Street on Sunday night, the last thing I heard was “Sweet Home Alabama” blaring from one of the clubs. Revenge will indeed be sweet for the Crimson Tide. ... Alabama 21, LSU 13
The picks are in for Monday night’s Allstate BCS National Championship Game, and we have a split decision:
Edward Aschoff: Stopping LSU has proved futile for every team that has had to face the Tigers this season. From LSU’s hard-nosed running game to its ferocious defense, LSU has truly been a force to reckon with. I picked against the Tigers when these teams first met, and for good reason. Alabama had all the tools to be victor on that day. However, I was wrong and I don’t like to make the same mistake twice. LSU has proved itself too many times for me to pick against the Tigers in what will basically be a home game. This season has been too special for LSU to fall at the very end of one of the most demanding years in NCAA history. … LSU 20, Alabama 17
Chris Low: After bouncing back and forth, I’ve made my pick. It wasn’t easy even if we are in the Big Easy. In short, as good as LSU is and has been this season, Alabama is better. The Crimson Tide will be ready for the option this time on defense. They won’t bog down inside the 30 on offense, and aided by the fact that the game is being played indoors, the kickers won’t miss four field goals again. There’s no question that LSU drew the short end of the stick in having to beat Alabama again to win the national title, especially when you’re trying to beat Nick Saban three straight times. And beating Saban twice in the same season is unheard of. It will once again come down to a handful of plays, and when Alabama needs one, Trent Richardson will deliver this time. It’s too bad that one of these teams has to lose. But as I left Bourbon Street on Sunday night, the last thing I heard was “Sweet Home Alabama” blaring from one of the clubs. Revenge will indeed be sweet for the Crimson Tide. ... Alabama 21, LSU 13
Four-star cornerback Tracy Howard (Miramar, Fla./Miramar) will visit USC this weekend, according to his mother, Shaiy Howard.
Howard, who is ranked in the ESPNU 150 as the No. 1 corner and the No. 18 player in the country, was also planning to visit Alabama before signing day, but that visit appears unlikely at this point.
Howard has already visited West Virginia and Florida State and is still planning to visit Florida and LSU before making a decision. Howard’s mother also said that her son’s last visit will likely be to LSU, but the visit dates are not firm.
Howard recently told HornsNation that Florida and LSU were his leaders.
Howard, who is ranked in the ESPNU 150 as the No. 1 corner and the No. 18 player in the country, was also planning to visit Alabama before signing day, but that visit appears unlikely at this point.
Howard has already visited West Virginia and Florida State and is still planning to visit Florida and LSU before making a decision. Howard’s mother also said that her son’s last visit will likely be to LSU, but the visit dates are not firm.
Howard recently told HornsNation that Florida and LSU were his leaders.
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Five University of Florida recruits -- including two who have a chance to play significantly in 2012 -- have enrolled early and are eligible to compete in spring practice.
Defensive tackle Damien Jacobs, offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, receiver Latroy Pittman, defensive back Willie Bailey, and linebacker Antonio Morrison were on the Gainesville campus today, the first day of the spring semester, a UF official confirmed this morning.
Humphries, a five-star recruit from Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek, and Pittman, a four-star recruit from Citra (Fla.) North Marion, are expected to compete for playing time in the fall at two of Florida's biggest positions of need. Humphries (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) is ESPNU's top-rated offensive tackle. Pittman (6-0, 195) is ESPNU's No. 16 receiver.
Defensive tackle Damien Jacobs, offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, receiver Latroy Pittman, defensive back Willie Bailey, and linebacker Antonio Morrison were on the Gainesville campus today, the first day of the spring semester, a UF official confirmed this morning.
Humphries, a five-star recruit from Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek, and Pittman, a four-star recruit from Citra (Fla.) North Marion, are expected to compete for playing time in the fall at two of Florida's biggest positions of need. Humphries (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) is ESPNU's top-rated offensive tackle. Pittman (6-0, 195) is ESPNU's No. 16 receiver.
Jordan Jenkins set to announce tonight
January, 9, 2012
1/09/12
11:37
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
Four-star defensive end Jordan Jenkins will announce his college decision between 7 p.m.-8 p.m. ET today live on “The Next Class” on Fox Sports South.
Jenkins, the No. 5 defensive end and No. 61 player overall according to ESPNU, will choose between Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Auburn.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound athlete was a standout at the Under Armour All-America Game last Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla., as he totaled eight tackles, including two sacks.
Florida is recruiting Jenkins to play its Buck position. The Buck is a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position that Ronald Powell played this past season.
Jenkins, the No. 5 defensive end and No. 61 player overall according to ESPNU, will choose between Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Auburn.
The 6-foot-3, 235-pound athlete was a standout at the Under Armour All-America Game last Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla., as he totaled eight tackles, including two sacks.
Florida is recruiting Jenkins to play its Buck position. The Buck is a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position that Ronald Powell played this past season.
Future Gators star in All-America games
January, 8, 2012
1/08/12
3:53
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. –- Several future Florida Gators were on display at the Under Amour and Army All-American games this week. A total of nine verbal commits participated in the two games, and with the amount of prospects still on Florida’s recruiting board, that number is sure to grow. Here’s a closer look at the top performers from this week.
Florida commits
D.J. Humphries
Florida commits
D.J. Humphries
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Kent Taylor could take more visits
January, 7, 2012
1/07/12
8:37
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 tight end Kent Taylor has been committed to Florida since Oct. 27, but he might take some other official visits depending on one thing.
“It depends on who Florida gets for their new offensive coordinator,” Taylor said. “It depends on whether I like him or not. Maybe I will. But if they get someone I like then Florida is where I want to go.”
Taylor is rated as the No. 4 tight end and the No. 147 player in the ESPNU 150.
“It depends on who Florida gets for their new offensive coordinator,” Taylor said. “It depends on whether I like him or not. Maybe I will. But if they get someone I like then Florida is where I want to go.”
Taylor is rated as the No. 4 tight end and the No. 147 player in the ESPNU 150.
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Muschamp played huge role with Bullard
January, 7, 2012
1/07/12
6:33
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
The relationship that four-star defensive end Johnathan Bullard (Shelby, NC/Crest) built with Florida coach Will Muschamp was ultimately the deciding factor in him choosing the Gators over Clemson and South Carolina.
“Coach Muschamp actually reached out to me the first week he got the job,” said Bullard, who stands 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds. “He told me that he would love to have me. He recruited me hisself. I talked to him the most out of every head coach. That showed me that he really wanted me.”
“I also built a great relationship with Coach Young, Coach [Dan] Quinn and my recruiting coordinator. Everything just felt right, so I went with my heart and chose the Gators.”
“Coach Muschamp actually reached out to me the first week he got the job,” said Bullard, who stands 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds. “He told me that he would love to have me. He recruited me hisself. I talked to him the most out of every head coach. That showed me that he really wanted me.”
“I also built a great relationship with Coach Young, Coach [Dan] Quinn and my recruiting coordinator. Everything just felt right, so I went with my heart and chose the Gators.”
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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.