Breaking: Gators Fans Furiously Down Bad, Reacts As Top 5 Recruiting Class Slips Outside Top 15 After Signing Day

Billy Napier had a disappointing first day of the early signing period on Wednesday as he watched the Florida recruiting class continue to tumble down the rankings.

The Gators sat in the Top 5 just a few short weeks ago but have fallen outside the Top 15 due to a number of flips.

On Wednesday alone, the program saw a pair of four-star defenders have a change of heart. Linebacker Adarius Hayes opted to sign with Miami while Amaris Williams flipped to SEC rival Auburn.

Other decommitments since the start of November include five-star DB Xavier Filsaime, four four-star prospects, and two three-star recruits.

Once ranked No. 3 in the 24/7 recruiting rankings, Florida sits at No. 16 on Wednesday night.

Gator fans were in full meltdown by the end of the day, with many calling for Billy Napier’s job.

Tough morning for #Florida. #FireEverybody pic.twitter.com/yss7z2Hozh

— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) December 20, 2023

While the departures are disappointing, there was a lot of good to come on Wednesday. Florida held onto a pair of five-star players, and unlike rival Florida State, they signed their top overall commit in QB DJ Lagway.

Still, Napier’s seat continues to heat up as his recruiting losses add to what have been a frustrating first two seasons on the field. Since being hired in Gainesville, Napier has posted an 11-14 overall record.

 

 

Breaking down Florida’s 2024 WR additions

The Florida Gators have added three receivers to their 2024 roster including two from the high school ranks and one from the transfer portal. Wide receiver has been considered a priority for the Orange and Blue after losing two starters in Ricky Pearsall (eligibility) and Caleb Douglas (transfer) in the offseason.

“Speed and more speed,” Billy Napier said to describe his WR additions to this point.

Jerrae Hawkins

Before transferring to IMG his junior season, the 5’9, 160-pound receiver was a decorated track athlete. Hawkins took first place at West Virginia’s AAA State track meet in both the 100-meter and 200-meter while also winning the 60-meter dash at the Florida Indoor Championships after transferring to IMG for his senior season.

“I think Tank is probably one of the more electric skill players in the country,” Napier said on Hawkins. “Tank’s been incredible to get to know and work with, and he’s — I mean, immediately, when you see this guy on ground level there’s just a different level of speed. He’ll immediately be the fastest player on our team, and I think he’s got a chance to change the game.”

Before transferring to IMG, Hawkins recorded 67 receptions for 1173 yards and 14 touchdowns during his junior season at Wheeling Park High School. At IMG as a senior, Hawkins totaled 26 receptions for 483 yards and four touchdowns. The four-star athlete is ranked the No. 44 wide receiver in the country and held 18 total offers from teams like Alabama and Miami. Penn State was heavily involved in this recruitment, but the Gators landed the speedster instead.

Tawaski Abrams

The former FSU commit also ran track in high school where he placed 13th at the FHSAA 3A track meet in the 100-meter dash that included several sub-11 second efforts. During his junior season, Tawaski Abrams was a utility player at Dunbar High School where he totaled 429 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 36 receptions. The 5’10, 190-pound receiver also recorded 248 rushing yards on 21 attempts with two touchdowns.

“TJ Abrams is almost a running back build. He’s 190 pounds at 5’10” and change. He’s got 10-inch hands,” Napier said on Abrams. “He’s long. He’s a 33-inch arm for 5’10”. He’s a big man, and he’s got a ton of versatility. 10 500 meters, now that’s rolling, especially at 190. He’s another guy. He’s taking AP Stats. His mom is awesome, and he’s just got character.”

As a sophomore, Abrams totaled 414 yards on 25 receptions and six touchdowns in just ten games played. The four-star prospect was originally committed to the Seminoles back in January, who later flipped to Florida around mid-July. The No. 55 receiver in the country held 26 total offers, but Florida State and Florida were the two teams pushing for the former Dunbar athlete in the end.

Chimere Dike

Landing the former Wisconsin transfer was likely one of the biggest pickups for the Gators in not just the transfer portal, but the entire 2024 class. Chimere Dike was the main target for Graham Mertz back at Wisconsin where he totaled 47 receptions for 689 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. With the departure of Caleb Douglas, you could argue the chemistry between both Mertz and Dike was a major win for the Gators.

“Chimere Dike is a receiver from Wisconsin who played with Graham,” Napier said. “Chim is 6’1″ and change, about 185 pounds; he’s a 10.8 100-meter guy. Very productive two years ago. He’s got flexibility inside and outside. Polished player. Very consistent, dependable player that I think brings some speed.”

The 6’1, 185-pound receiver is originally from Wisconsin where he played at Waukesha North High School. As a freshman on Varsity, Dike totaled 314 yards on 26 receptions and three touchdowns. The former four-star receiver was the No. 94 receiver in the class of 2020 and the No. 4 player in the state of Wisconsin. Dike held three offers from Iowa, Iowa State and Wisconsin back in high school and will have one year of eligibility remaining at Florida.

These three WR’s join a room that consists of Eugene Wilson, Andy Jean, Aidan Mizell, Kahleil Jackson, Ja’Quavion Fraziars, and Marcus Burke. Florida sits at nine scholarship receivers, five of which are first- or second-year players. The Gators could be looking to add at least two more additions this offseason.