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You might be surprised at the top college program that recruited Florida players in June

jon santucci and chris boyle, the gainesville sun
·8 min read
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June has officially come to a close — as has the recruiting process for many of the top high school football players in the state.

The first month of the spring recruiting season means the start of official visits and, as expected, a flurry of soon-to-be seniors announcing their college decisions.

Three of the top 22 players on the USA Today Florida Network top 100 — wide receivers Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and Nathaniel Joseph — verbally committed during the past month. And they’re certainly not alone.

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Buchholz Bobcats defensive end Gavin Hill (6) tackles University Titans quarterback Tazz Figueroa (9) during the first half at Citizens Field in Gainesville on Nov. 19, 2021. Hill committed to the University of Florida on June 25.
Buchholz Bobcats defensive end Gavin Hill (6) tackles University Titans quarterback Tazz Figueroa (9) during the first half at Citizens Field in Gainesville on Nov. 19, 2021. Hill committed to the University of Florida on June 25.

Here’s a look at the 10 schools we think did the best job in Florida during the month of June and five schools to keep a close eye on going forward.

Top Ten

IMG Academy's Carnell Tate (17) eyes a touchdown catch for the Ascenders at Lancers Stadium, Sept. 3, 2021.
IMG Academy's Carnell Tate (17) eyes a touchdown catch for the Ascenders at Lancers Stadium, Sept. 3, 2021.

1. Ohio State

If it feels like Florida boundaries should be redrawn to add Columbus, there’s a good reason. Ohio State has dominated the state this cycle with six commitments. The Buckeyes put an exclamation point on an already loaded class with the top two receivers in the state (and maybe the nation) in Tate and Inniss. Anything the Buckeyes do in Florida between now and December will just be showing off.

Bartram Trail High School’s Sharif Denson practices with a teammate at the school on Aug. 4, 2021.
Bartram Trail High School’s Sharif Denson practices with a teammate at the school on Aug. 4, 2021.

2. Florida

Billy Napier and his staff had a great close to the month, picking up commitments from defensive lineman Gavin Hill, cornerback Sharif Denson, edge rusher Isaiah Nixon and offensive lineman Tommy Kinsler in an eight-day period. The Gators now have eight players committed from Florida and, from what we’re hearing, are doing a great job building relationships around the state.

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Robert Stafford of Eau Gallie breaks up a pass intended for Devin Alves of Melbourne on Nov. 4, 2021.
Robert Stafford of Eau Gallie breaks up a pass intended for Devin Alves of Melbourne on Nov. 4, 2021.

3. Miami

The Hurricanes ended the month on a high note. Joseph, the electric slot receiver/kick returner, who committed on Tuesday, immediately becomes the No. 2 overall player in the Hurricanes class. Four-star athlete Robert Stafford announced his commitment on Thursday. Landing fast-rising signal-caller Emory Williams earlier in the month adds depth to a talented quarterback room. The Hurricanes are heavily linked to several of the state's top uncommitted players, renewing optimism in the belief that "The U" might finally be back.

Andrew Jackson's Grayson Howard (10) talks with King Massey (51) during a scrimmage on May 20 at Andrew Jackson High School Stadium in Jacksonville.
Andrew Jackson's Grayson Howard (10) talks with King Massey (51) during a scrimmage on May 20 at Andrew Jackson High School Stadium in Jacksonville.

4. South Carolina

The Gamecocks had Kelton Henderson, tight end Connor Cox and safety Cameron Upshaw commit on June 12. They added standout linebacker Grayson Howard a few days ago. That’s a solid June haul for South Carolina. Howard and Henderson both are four-star players who could make an early impact.

Olsen Patt Henry of First Baptist Academy makes a play against Immokalee during a scrimmage at FBA.
Olsen Patt Henry of First Baptist Academy makes a play against Immokalee during a scrimmage at FBA.

5. Clemson

Much like Ohio State, this is another case of quality over quantity. The Tigers landed commitments from First Baptist wide receiver/tight end Olsen Patt Henry and Kylen Webb. Both four-star players are explosive playmakers who likely will rise up recruiting rankings before national signing day.

Cardinal Gibbons athlete Jesse Anderson verbally committed to Pitt on Tuesday.
Cardinal Gibbons athlete Jesse Anderson verbally committed to Pitt on Tuesday.

6. Pitt

The Panthers got commitments from five Florida players in June and it’s a really impressive haul: edge rusher Antonio Camon, running back Montravious Lloyd, Jesse Anderson, cornerback Shadarian Harrion and offensive lineman Tai Ray. These are five talented athletes from winning programs, and all have the feel of players who have gone somewhat underappreciated during the recruiting process. A lot to like here.

More: Exclusive: Cardinal Gibbons 3-star ATH Jesse Anderson announces college decision

Jordan Hall (far right, white shirt), a four-star linebacker headed to Michigan State, sits with other students at IMG Academy on Feb. 22, 2022.
Jordan Hall (far right, white shirt), a four-star linebacker headed to Michigan State, sits with other students at IMG Academy on Feb. 22, 2022.

7. Michigan State

The Spartans added a pair of top 100 players in June: linebacker Jordan Hall and offensive lineman Clay Wedin. Both players are easy to project at the next level and could provide immediate depth. Michigan State already has talented cornerback Eddie Pleasant III in its 2023 class.

Naples' Jonas Duclona (2) runs back a fake punt during a Florida 6A District 14 high school football game between Naples and Barron Collier on Oct. 1, 2021, at Barron Collier High School in Naples. Naples led Barron Collier 47-0 at halftime and won 61-0.
Naples' Jonas Duclona (2) runs back a fake punt during a Florida 6A District 14 high school football game between Naples and Barron Collier on Oct. 1, 2021, at Barron Collier High School in Naples. Naples led Barron Collier 47-0 at halftime and won 61-0.

8. Cincinnati

The Bearcats, fresh off their first College Football Playoff appearance, continue to do an impressive job in Florida. Luke Evans, Naples' Jonas Duclona, Manny Covey and James Jenkins all committed during the first week of June. That’s an impressive 48-hour period for any program.

Estero's Jason Duclona (2) is tackled by Island Coast's defense on Oct. 22, 2021, at Estero High School.
Estero's Jason Duclona (2) is tackled by Island Coast's defense on Oct. 22, 2021, at Estero High School.

9. Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights have done a nice job of adding Florida talent: Estero's Jason Duclona and Vilay Nakkoun, linebacker Abram Wright, cornerback Bo Mascoe and offensive lineman Mozell Williams. Duclona was one of the top players at the FHS7v7A state tournament and can help on either side of the ball.

Jones tight end Dylan Wade verbally committed to Maryland on Monday.
Jones tight end Dylan Wade verbally committed to Maryland on Monday.

10. Maryland

The Terrapins closed the month in strong fashion with a pair of Jones pass-catchers — tight end Dylan Wade and wide receiver Derrick Rogers — and cornerback Jonathan Akins. Maryland landed a trio of talented players from winning programs. That’s a good plan.

More: Exclusive: Jones 3-star TE Dylan Wade announces college decision

More: Exclusive: Jones three-star WR Derrick Rogers announces college decision

Honorable mention: Illinois, Minnesota

Five schools to watch

Alabama

The Crimson Tide have taken some of the Sunshine State’s top talent the past two seasons — seven signees in 2021 and five last season. So far, Alabama’s lone Florida commitment is safety Elliot Washington. But that number could grow. Several of the top players, including offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, edge rusher Damon Wilson and running back Richard Young, took official visits in June.

Oklahoma

The Sooners landed talented wide receiver Keyon Brown in June, but don’t think Oklahoma will stop there. Several Florida athletes, including linebackers Troy Bowles and Lewis Carter, offensive lineman Payton Kirkland, edge rusher Rueben Bain and Young visited in June.

More: Exclusive: Dr. Phillips 4-star OT Payton Kirkland announces his Top 5 schools

Tennessee

The Volunteers signing class doesn’t have any Florida commits. Yet. But considering the number of Florida athletes who have Tennessee in the top schools they’re considering, that could change in a hurry. Running back Treyaun Webb, defensive lineman Wilky Denaud, cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson, offensive lineman Lucas Simmons, wide receiver Aidan Mizell and Francis Mauigoa are among the players to watch.

More: Exclusive: Trinity Christian 4-star RB Treyaun Webb announces his Top 5 schools

More: Exclusive: John Carroll Catholic DL Wilky Denaud announces his top four schools

Texas A&M

Jimbo Fisher’s staff landed two of the state’s top three players in 2022 — defensive linemen Shemar Stewart and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy. No Florida players currently are committed to the Aggies, but wide receivers Tyler Williams and Andy Jean and Eugene Wilson were among the players to visit in June. Wilson, out of Gaither High in Tampa, has A&M in his top two alongside Florida.

More: Exclusive: Lakeland 4-star WR Tyler Williams announces his Top 10 schools

UCF

The Knights didn’t gain any commitments in June and even lost top-rated edge rusher Isaiah Nixon to Florida. But there still are several reasons for hope. Defensive lineman John Walker, linebackers Andrew and Michael Harris, wide receivers Lamar Seymore and Daidren Zipperer, tight end Randy Pittman and cornerback Braeden Marshall are among the players to watch here.

More: Exclusive: Lake Brantley twins, 4-star linebackers Andrew, Michael Harris announce Top 3

More: Exclusive: Daidren Zipperer, rising receiver recruit at Lakeland High, releases top-6 list

#Committed

Florida high school football players who announced commitments to Power 5 programs in June

ACC

Boston College: Nate Johnson (Clearwater Central Catholic ATH), Ryan Mickow (St. Thomas Aquinas OL); Clemson: Olsen Patt Henry (First Baptist Academy TE), Kylen Webb (Sumner ATH); Duke: Kimari Robinson (St. Thomas Aquinas CB); Florida State: Roderick Kearney (Orange Park OL); Georgia Tech: Elijah Douglas (Pine Forest DL); Louisville: Jordan Church (IMG OL); Miami: Nathaniel Joseph (Edison WR), Robert Stafford (Eau Gallie ATH), Emory Williams (Milton QB); North Carolina: Zachary Tobe (Ocoee S); Pittsburgh: Antonio Camon (Tampa Bay Tech EDGE), Montravious Lloyd (Lakewood RB); Jesse Anderson (Cardinal Gibbons ATH), Shadarian Harrison (Lakeland CB); Tai Ray (Apopka OT); Virginia: Jarvis Lee (Clay CB), TeKai Kirby (St. Thomas Aquinas TE); Wake Forest: Antonio Robinson (Florida Christian CB)

Big 12*

Cincinnati: Luke Evans (Chaminade-Madonna CB), James Jenkins (Carrollwood Day OL), Manny Covey (Bradford RB), Jonas Duclona (Naples CB); Iowa State: Brendan Black (Bolles OL); Oklahoma: Keyon Brown (Rickards WR); West Virginia: Corey McIntyre Jr. (Treasure Coast DL)

Big 10

Illinois: Nathan Guinn (Vero Beach TE), Jaheim Clarke (Riverdale S), Calvin Smith (Ocoee LB), Rico Jackson (Dillard OL), Teremun Lott (Inlet Grove ATH); Indiana: Amare Ferrell (Columbia S); Iowa: Kendrick Raphael (Naples RB); Maryand: Dylan Wade (Jones TE), Derrick Rogers (Jones WR), Jonathan Akins (Madison County CB); Michigan State: Jordan Hall (IMG LB), Clay Wedin (Carrollwood Day OL); Minnesota: Donielle Hayes (Pine Forest WR), Kerry Brown (Naples S); Northwestern: Camp Magee (Edgewater TE); Ohio State: Brandon Inniss (American Heritage WR), Carnell Tate (IMG WR); Penn State: King Mack (St. Thomas Aquinas S); Purdue: Zion Gunn (Winter Park CB); Rutgers: Jason Duclona (Estero ATH), Abram Wright (Fleming Island LB), Bo Mascoe (Rutgers CB), Vilay Nakkoun (Orlando Christian ATH), Mozell Williams (Hawthorne OT)

Pac-12

Oregon State: Zakian Saez (St. Thomas Aquinas EDGE); Stanford: Sedrick Irvin Jr. (Columbus RB); Utah: Mike Mitchell (Middleburg RB)

SEC

Arkansas: Isaiah Augustave (Naples RB); Florida: Isaiah Nixon (Lakewood EDGE), Sharif Denson (Bartram Trail CB), Gavin Hill (Buchholz DL), Tommy Kinsler (Trinity Catholic OT); South Carolina: Grayson Howard (Andrew Jackson LB), Kelton Henderson (Lehigh ATH), Connor Cox (Bolles TE), Cameron Upshaw (Taylor County S)

* BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston will join the Big 12 in 2023.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: College football teams did best recruiting Florida in June?