Category: 2023 Recruit Profile

2023 Recruiting Profile: DL Derrick LeBlanc is one of UF’s top targets

Here is how things break down for Florida’s pursuit of 4-star DL Derrick LeBlanc.

Defensive lineman [autotag]Derrick LeBlanc[/autotag] out of Kissimmee, Florida, is a blue-chip prospect out of Osceola High and one of the best the 2023 recruiting class has to offer on the defensive side of the trench. The 6-foot-4-inch, 270-pound high school junior is a bit up-and-down in the prospect rankings depending on which you look at but nonetheless is still among the best in the country at his position.

The scouting report according to 247Sports’ Cooper Petagna describes LeBlanc as a versatile athlete with an ideal frame that still has potential for more growth along with a great deal of flexibility in the lower body. He has the ability to slot in at multiple positions on the D-line, and while his tools still need refining, he has the natural talent necessary to make the jump to the next level.

Over his three-year varsity high school career, LeBlanc has recorded 48 solo and 51 assisted tackles while amassing 17 sacks and 15 QB hurries along with six passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 31 games. In his junior season alone, he tallied 38 total tackles while sacking the opponent eight times.

Derrick LeBlanc’s Recruiting Profile

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2023 Recruiting Profile: QB Jaden Rashada has 5-star potential

Here is how things break down for Florida’s pursuit of 5-star QB recruit Jaden Rashada.

Quarterback [autotag]Jaden Rashada[/autotag] out of Pittsburg, California, is among the best prep prospects at his position in the 2023 recruiting class, landing a five-star rating from the 247Sports Composite. While not all of the scouting metrics are quite as bullish on the young pro-style passer, he certainly has the makings of a fine signal-caller at the collegiate level.

As a high school junior, he possesses a frame that can fill in well with sufficient training and a height that allows him to see over the line of scrimmage reasonably well. He is reported to have a strong pocket presence with the ability to go mobile if he feels too much pressure along with smooth throwing mechanics that allow him to deliver the ball quickly and efficiently.

Rashada played his freshman season in 2019 at Brentwood (California) Liberty before moving to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where she spent the following fall season. He returned to the Golden State in spring 2021 to participate in an abbreviated five-game football schedule with Pittsburg, where he remained for his junior fall campaign.

His father, Harlen, played at Arizona State in the early 1990s.

Jaden Rashada’s Recruiting Profile

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2023 Recruiting Profile: RB Cedric Baxter Jr. is a top UF target

Here’s a recruiting breakdown of one of Florida’s top recruiting targets, Cedric Baxter Jr.

Running back [autotag]Cedric Baxter Jr[/autotag]. is a 4-star prep prospect out of Edgewater in Orlando, Florida, who ranks among the best at his position in the 2023 recruiting cycle. Residing in Florida football’s backyard, he is an obvious target for new head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag], who has a propensity for focusing on the ground game.

Running backs coach [autotag]Jabbar Juluke[/autotag] has worked hard on building a solid relationship with Baxter, stepping up to re-offer the young running back after receiving one previously from [autotag]Dan Mullen[/autotag]’s staff. While there are a couple of other big names who are also in play, the 6-foot-1-inch, 215-pound back is receiving no shortage of attention from the Gators.

In 12 games played during his junior year, Baxter amassed 1,718 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground with an average of 8.3 yards per carry — thrice rushing for over 200 yards — while snagging seven passes for 102 yards and another score, earning him all-state recognition. His team went 10-2 and earned a district title in Florida’s second-highest classification thanks in part to his efforts.

Cedric Baxter Jr.’s Recruiting Profile

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2023 Recruiting Profile: QB Arch Manning is as good as they get

Here’s the low-down Arch Manning, along with everything you need to know about him as a Florida fan.

Quarterback [autotag]Arch Manning[/autotag], son of Cooper Manning, nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and probable Hall-of-Famer Eli Manning, as well as the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, is the highest-ranked player in all of college football for the 2023 recruiting class. A unanimous No. 1 prospect in every category, the high school junior is one of the most coveted prep prospects in recent memory.

Manning is already following in his father’s and uncles’ footsteps, playing ball at their high school alma mater Isidore Newman in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 6-foot-4-inch, 215-pound passer has already amassed 5,731 passing yards, 72 passing touchdowns and 18 interceptions in three years as a starter while earning praise for his pocket presence, solid frame, mobility and decision-making.

Getting the young Manning into an orange and blue jersey would be a major coup for Billy Napier and his staff, to say the least, but the odds of it happening appears to be very slim. However, there is still a chance and hope springs eternal.

Arch Manning’s Recruiting Profile

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Crystal Ball

No Crystal Ball predictions at this time.