Recruiting Roundup
With one of Florida’s most accomplished classes of departing players now moving on to NFL and other post-collegiate careers, 2010 marks a vital year in rebuilding the talent pool for Gator teams going forward. Overall, the 2010 class looks to be as promising as almost any in recent memory, boasting four 5-star recruits, amid a well-rounded class of high level talent. Here’s a look at the top rated entering freshman who will soon call The Swamp their home.Dominique Easley, Defensive Tackle/End, Curtis HS (Staten Island, NY): Easley’s biggest strengths are on the pass rush, where the 250 lbs. big man boasts seemingly impossible quickness and shows a knack for timing snap counts. Though he could use a little more size if the Gators want to move him inside to the defensive tackle position, which he played some in high school, albeit against far smaller competition than SEC offensive lineman, Easley should be able to pack on a few pounds with some off-season strength and conditioning.Matt Elam, Safety, William T. Dwyer HS (West Palm Beach, FL): Elam plays towards contact, a trait that should serve him well as the Gators once again look to blend speed and toughness. A two way player in high school, Elam spelled some time at running back, though his 4.45 speed should be put to better use punishing opposing RBs who break through the line of scrimmage. Originally destined to be a Gator, Elam changed his stance after an intense flirtation with the Seminoles, though eventually Elam wised up and will start the season on the winning side of the Sunshine State.Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, George Washington HS (Philadelphia, PA): Quite simply a big man at 6’3” 310 lbs., Floyd has prototypical size for an interior defensive lineman. Equally impressive is what he can do with his massive frame, showing off rare burst for a player of his immense proportions. Floyd has all the talent in the world, with Florida as a place to tune up his technique, fundamentals and football IQ, in what should be a mutually beneficial partnership on the way to what should be a near certain NFL future for Floyd.Ronald Powell, Defensive End, Rancho Verde HS (Moreno Valley, CA): Powell has more potential than any player in Florida’s incoming class, perhaps the same could be said nationwide, the only question is whether he has the drive and motor to make good on his gifts. Already posing an intimidating figure, Powell has the figure to add a little more bulk to complement his already serviceable strength and unparalleled outside pass rush. Truly a gifted athlete, Powell saw time at TE as well in high school, hauling in 6 TD receptions his senior year.