Analysis: 1 Down, 1 Up for Florida Gators 2021 Defensive Back Recruiting
While there were whispers of the possibility in the weeks prior to the news becoming official, most were surprised to learn of 2021 cornerback Clinton Burton Jr.'s decommitment from the Florida Gators on Friday night. As Burton flipped from UF to Boston College swiftly late in the evening, a robust early haul at defensive back for Florida in the 2021 class took a significant hit.
Less than 24 hours later, tensions were cooled and excitement was back in the air when Florida got back up to four total defensive back commits, as Peters Township (Pa.) safety Donovan McMillon pledged to Florida at 7:30 P.M. on Saturday.
By consensus rankings, Florida is worse off from its up-and-down weekend as Burton is considered a four-star, while McMillon comes in as a three-star. Beyond the rankings, however, an argument can and should be made that Florida's defensive back haul improved this weekend when things are all said and done.
Burton is a highly-rated prospect for good reason, as he is one of the more fluid and naturally-talented cover cornerbacks in his class. Even considering Florida's recent cornerback recruiting hot streak, signing three outside cornerbacks in back-to-back classes paired with another two cornerback commits in 2021, Kamar Wilcoxson and Jordan Young, there was a path for Burton to find the field early in his career at Florida.
But that's just the thing: Florida has recruited cornerbacks, arguably, better than any position across the roster in the Dan Mullen era.
The safety position, on the other hand, has been hit or miss on the field and on the trail. With four seniors set to graduate following the looming 2020 season and only two true safeties in the fold - both incoming freshmen -, safeties coach Ron English's room needed to be bolstered.
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In June, Florida received a pledge from Dakota Mitchell, beginning the influx at safety in the 2021 cycle. Mitchell profiles well as a STAR nickel cornerback, but carries the flexibility to line up on the backend and will likely find playing time there. Wilcoxson, a speedy, rangy defensive back, is also versatile enough to play safety.
McMillon is in the same boat as Mitchell and Wilcoxson. With a lengthy, broad and college-ready frame that still has room for more good weight, McMillon is an enforcer in the tackle box and flats - he could easily be confused for a linebacker prospect. Not to be mistaken for a lack sound coverage skills, as McMillon certainly carries the ability to drop back as well, the Pennsylvania product could also play STAR or even sub-package linebacker and edge rusher with added strength and bulk.
The versatility that these three prospects bring to the table, paired with Young's promise as a boundary cornerback, make the defensive back class a little more balanced early on - and filled with upside. Keeping Burton and landing McMillon, along with whoever else ends up in the class, would obviously have been ideal, but the Gators are likely better off with McMillon and without Burton rather than the other way around.
The Gators aren't done recruiting either position. Florida remains in hot pursuit of top cornerback prospects Jason Marshall Jr. (Miami Palmetto, Fla.) and Nathaniel Wiggins (Westlake, Ga.), along with safeties Corey Collier Jr. (Miami Palmetto, Fla.), Terrion Arnold (John Paul Catholic II, Fla.), and Ahmari Harvey (Florida State University HS, Fla.), looking to continue adding high-caliber talent and plenty of long-term depth.
With safety needing to be a priority on Florida's 2021 recruiting board, the Gators are off to a great start. In good standing with Collier, Arnold, and Harvey, Florida is in a position to yield one of the better safety classes in the nation this year, should English and company finish strong.