Live Blog: Gators 2020 National Signing Day Press Conference
It's National Signing Day and Florida coach Dan Mullen is scheduled to speak with the media.
The Gators have signed everyone expected to sign today, such as wide receivers Xzavier Henderson and transfer WR Justin Shorter. But as far as closing the deal on other guys, Florida has had another empty day on NSD like it did on Early Signing Day in December.
That was highlighted by the No. 2 safety in the country, Avantae Williams, choosing Miami over the Gators. The decision was unexpected and is a huge hit to the future of UF's safety room. Also, Dalton, Georgia, running back Jahmyr Gibbs went with his original commitment, Georgia Tech, instead of Florida.
These two misses hurt the Gators, but Williams hurts more, as he was expected to sign with UF and Gibbs was expected to stick with the Yellow Jackets.
Now, Florida awaits the decision of defensive end Princely Umanmielen, who decides between Auburn, Baylor, Texas and Florida.
This class is still a top-10 class, but will now in all likelihood finish at eight instead of seven, behind Auburn.
Stay tuned to the All Gators Live Blog for Mullen's thoughts on his 2020 recruiting class.
Live Blog
1:01 p.m. Mullen talks about the addition of Lorenzo Lingard. Says "we had to get the one" in regards to picking up
1:02 p.m. Mullen talks about not getting Avantae Williams, says it's "not that big a deal," to miss on him since the Gators already had a top DB class in the country.
1:03 p.m. "We'll start the process and go one at a time with those guys," in regards to beginning the process to getting the transfer players eligible.
1:08 p.m. "We have some really solid young guys, now we got to get that depth of not just bodies but guys ready to play," in regards to offensive line recruits. He referenced Ethan White as a guy that needed development and is now ready to play.
1:10 p.m. "Mismatch on the outside," Mullen says talking about transfer WR Justin Shorter. Talks about high school and college film and his impression of his new receiver.
1:12 p.m. When asked about like big wide receivers: "I like guys that can catch, run and score touchdowns," Mullen said.
1:15 p.m. When asked about who in this class people might sleep on, and guys that people are not necessarily talking about right now, Mullen's first mention was Tre'Vez Johnson.
1:16 p.m. "I think Ethan White was our lowest rated recruit last year and he played the most."
1:24 p.m. "We vet, we do our homework." Mullen on bringing in transfer players, said he and his staff don't just bring in guys for the sake of doing it. He brings in guys that he thinks can specifically help his program
1:25 p.m. "We might shift certain duties around," Mullen said. "But we probably will hire a tight ends coach." Mullen said in regards to filling the void left by tight ends coach Larry Scott, who left the program to be the head coach at Howard University.
1:29 p.m. "I wanted him to be able to get somewhere he's going to be able to highlight his skills, enjoy himself and get on the field." Mullen on Feleipe Franks and his decision to transfer to Arkansas.
1:30 p.m. "Knowing Tim, and I love Tim, I just don't think coaching football and the coaching lifestyle, fits his mission in life," Mullen on the thought of Tim Tebow ever possibly getting into coaching. "He's too busy to be sitting their texting 17-year-old recruits all day long.
1:33 p.m. "They finished every workout," Mullen said on the players that enrolled early in the program. Says they all are in "pretty good shape."
Recruiting is not officially over for the Gators, as 4-star athlete Marc Britt has postponed his decision until Feb. 20. UF currently sits at No. 8 in the 247 recruiting rankings, exactly where it started the day.