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As we head down the recruiting home stretch, here’s a look at some key defensive recruiting targets for the class of 2020.

As much as I, and most of the recruiting world, would love to know where stud offensive tackle Marcus Dumervil from St. Thomas Aquinas will sign (I'm betting on LSU or UF), today will be a focus on the defensive side of the ball.

Keep in mind that, just because a player commits to a particular school, it honestly does not mean all that much. That’s especially true down here in Florida. I am around prospects every week. A commitment may not be worth more than a dollar bill in South Florida in particular. 

So, look for a few surprises – good and bad – prior to National Signing Day. With that in mind, this article will feature a handful of prospects that could truly shape Florida’s win-loss column during the next three to five years. Let’s start in the trenches.

While the University of Florida defense really gets after the quarterback, there’s still plenty of room for improvement moving forward. It may surprise some, but the Gators allow a robust 157.6 yards rushing per game and 4.7 yards per carry. That’s just not getting it done.

Yes, Florida registered a whopping 29 sacks thus far this season, but that just further adds to the concern over the rush defense. Sacks count against rushing totals (unlike the NFL). While a stark improvement may not be realistic this year, the recruiting trail may be the ultimate answer.

Defensive tackle Timothy Smith, 6-4, 340, Sebastian River, FL is committed to Alabama - for now. Will he flip to the Gators? Maybe another school? It can be difficult trying to figure out where the massive defensive tackle may be leaning, as seen by his 247Sports Crystal Ball. The Gators (and other programs, undoubtedly) continue to go after Smith. Here’s why landing the behemoth interior lineman matters.

If the Gators can start stuffing the inside running game – think Auburn, LSU, and South Carolina games – it completely sets the stage for Florida’s elite pass rushers to do their thing: Get after the quarterback! 

Florida will not be void of pass rushers after this season. Plenty of talent is coming down the pipe in that department. One cannot teach size, however, and that’s why one could argue that signing Smith is a huge priority for the Gators. Maybe even the top priority.

With Lamar Goods (6-3, 310) and Gervon Dexter (6-7, 286) already in the fold, adding Smith would be an A+ interior defensive line haul. Do not forget Johnnie Brown either. He’s a great athlete that can play inside or outside. Combining size and athleticism, the three commitments plus adding Smith would make game planning against the Gators even more difficult than it already is. 

Now let us move to a few talented linebacker and/or defensive end recruits.

With defensive end Antwuan Powell, 6-3, 235, Chesapeake, VA (Indian River) and outside linebacker Derek Wingo, 6-2, 215, Fort Lauderdale, FL (Saint Thomas Aquinas) coming to Gainesville, the Gators could be selective down the stretch. Here are two things to consider.

First, if an elite pass rusher wants to jump on the ship, this year or any other, it’s truly difficult to say no. One never knows what’s going on behind the scenes with recruiting. Perhaps a defensive end prospect or two will visit Florida in December or January that nobody is currently discussing. It would not be shocking.

The one defensive end prospect that the Gators could land, albeit unlikely, would be Zykeivous Walker, DE, 6-4, 245, Ellaville, GA (Schley County). He's probably headed to play for the Dawgs, but then again, stranger things have happened. This is recruiting after all.

Do not forget about Brenton Cox transferring from Georgia either. He’s essentially a recruit. He’s the type of versatile defender that can play in space or in the opponent’s backfield. Cox plays on the edge; the Gators might be in a more difficult situation with inside linebacker recruiting.

Will the Gators pass on a true inside linebacker? Maybe a ‘flip’ from another program down the stretch? Hard to say, just yet. As stated earlier, this is Florida. With Florida State and Miami struggling, do not be surprised if the Gators raid one or both of those classes. Just never know. It was not a great year for inside linebackers within the state of Florida. Just the way it goes.

The Gators did not sign a true middle linebacker last year either, but did sign three rangy athletes that play linebacker. Within defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s scheme, he can move players around. One should worry less about what a prospect is listed as coming to Florida and more about where the Gators eventually place the player. Grantham knows what he’s doing.

For instance, Ty’Ron Hopper was about 200-pounds when he signed with UF. He could be a 230-pound inside linebacker by 2020. In fact, Hopper already ascended in weight to 215-pounds, according to the floridagators.com website.

College weight programs are just different than they used to be. Kids run faster and get bigger in what seems like incredibly short amounts of time. Considering Florida has an elite strength and conditioning coach in Nick Savage, maybe the Gators will pass on an inside linebacker again this year.

As for cornerback, the Gators already secured three commitments. Two very good prospects hail from Texas in Avery Helm and Jahari Rogers. Helm and Rogers can play the exterior of the defense, and the perfect slot cornerback will be Lakeland High School talent Fenley Graham. While he only stands at 5-8, this kid can fly and he’s very tough. I watched him kid play live - he can play with anyone. Graham will be a welcome addition in Gainesville.

One player that committed to Oregon long ago could still be intriguing down the stretch: Avantae Williams, S, 5-11, 175, Deland, FL is a stud. He is a great athlete that could play a myriad of positions, honestly. It’s just rare that an elite Florida high school defensive prospect leaves the south/southeast, let alone travels across the country. While I have no inside knowledge of his situation, admittedly, just do not be surprised if Williams ends up at a different program. It would be shocking if the Gators were not kicking the tires on this particular commitment, all the way through national signing day. Williams is a great prospect.

Wild card:  Marc Britt, ATH, 6-2, 190, Miami (Christian School) – Still deciding between a handful of schools, he is the type of athlete that can play on both sides of the football. Regardless of what side of the ball the Gators (or other programs for that matter) recruit Britt, situations change once a prospect enrolls. Players usually jump at the chance to earn playing time, so even if he comes to UF as a defensive back or wide receiver, that’s not what’s important. 

If the Gators need him to move, Britt possesses the physical talent to make it happen. Just keep that in mind Gator fans. The more versatile a player can be, the better. Britt has set his commitment date for November 1st, so make sure to keep an eye on him.

As recruiting moves towards January, look for a few names to emerge. It happens every year. This list could be vastly different in a mere six or seven weeks. That’s recruiting.