Tag: Tony Mitchell

New projections tie two 2023 targets to A&M

New projections tie two 2023 targets to A&M

It’s June, and as we say here at Aggies Wire, recruiting never stops. We’re finally getting towards the halfway point final stages of the decision-making process for some of the top football prospects in the 2023 recruiting class, with a spotlight shining on two of the major Texas A&M targets, 5-Star defensive back prospect, Tony Mitchell, and 4-Star Wide receiver prospect, Hykeem Williams.

The Aggies are in contention for both prospects with the usual suspects such as Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Ohio State, Florida, etc., looking to continue their incredible momentum from the 2022 recruiting campaign in which they signed the greatest recruiting class in modern history, inking a number of prospects that chose Texas A&M last minute, with a notable amount flipping to the Ags during their signing announcements.

In an updated announcement, On3 Sports writer Tim Verghese posted his new predictions on where Mitchell and Williams will land, with Texas A&M coming out on top for both prospects, coming as a huge surprise to many, aside from yours truly, of course.

After a recent June 10th unofficial visit to College Station, Texas for Hykeem Williams and Tony Mitchell, it looks like the Aggies staff made quite the impression on both young men, with both sides looking to continue communications and most likely future visits with the hope that we hear a “Gig ‘Em” from both talents sooner than later.

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What is The Athletic’s biggest question for Florida’s Billy Napier?

The Athletic tracks the top 10 storylines as the 2023 cycle ramps up, including Florida’s situation.

The biggest component of new head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag]’s plan to rebuild Florida football is his fresh approach to recruiting, undertaken with diligence that makes former head coach [autotag]Dan Mullen[/autotag]’s regime pale in comparison. While there is still a long path back uphill to reach the summit once seen back in the glory days of [autotag]Urban Meyer[/autotag], the early returns appear to signal that the ship is turning around under the new leadership.

However, despite this progress, Napier and Co. are under intense pressure and scrutiny when it comes to assembling their debut recruiting class — much of which is quite unfair but par for the course in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference. The Athletic’s Ari Wasserman recently surveyed the top 10 storylines for the 2023 cycle heading into summer and had one major question for the Gators’ rebounding program.

Is Billy Napier going to sign a big-boy class?

If you tracked what Napier did at Florida upon his arrival, you saw a man who understands what it takes in the SEC. He revamped the recruiting department and immediately signed four-star safety [autotag]Kamari Wilson[/autotag] of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG, beating Georgia for his signature. Landing Wilson made a statement that Florida is going to win big-time recruiting battles.

Well, we’re six months into the 2023 cycle and Florida has only five commitments. Of those five commitments, only one is rated inside the top 300.

Florida needs a big finish, and it has plenty of open spots. The Gators are still involved with a ton of top-50 players: cornerback [autotag]Cormani McClain[/autotag] of Lakeland (Fla.) Lake Gibson, cornerback [autotag]AJ Harris[/autotag] of Phenix City (Ala.) Central, cornerback [autotag]Tony Mitchell[/autotag] of Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson, linebacker [autotag]Malik Bryant[/autotag] of Orlando (Fla.) Jones, running back [autotag]Cedric Baxter Jr[/autotag]. of Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater and safety [autotag]Joenel Aguero[/autotag] of Danvers (Mass.) St. John’s Prep.

Can Napier be the anti-Dan Mullen and close the deal on a top class?

Wasserman’s concerns are not at all unfair, particularly the fact that Florida has just five commits six months into Napier’s tenure. But it seems he is overlooking the difficulty involved in overhauling the program’s culture, not to mention the fact that it has been nearly a decade since the Gators’ last top-10 class.

The fact of the matter is that Napier needs to do everything he can to maximize the talent he brings in this time around but it is not even close to a make-or-break kind of deal. As CBS Sports’ Chip Patterson mentioned recently, Florida’s new crew is more likely to produce results later than sooner, so while the heat is on it is not imperative that he hit a grand slam from a long-term perspective.

Still, the Gator Nation is hungry for success after one of the most disappointing seasons (and really, the most disappointing decade) in recent memory. Scoring a few wins on the recruiting trail will earn the program a great deal of emotional capital with the fanbase, which is certainly something to consider.

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2023 Recruiting Profile: 5-star CB Tony Mitchell among nation’s top DBs

Here is how things break down for Florida’s pursuit of 5-star CB Tony Mitchell.

Cornerback [autotag]Tony Mitchell[/autotag] from Alabaster, Alabama, is a blue-chip prospect out of Thompson High and among the top defensive backs in the 2023 recruiting class. The 6-foot-2-inch, 180-pound high school junior is viewed overwhelmingly by the major scouting organizations as one of the best talents in the nation who projects to be a major game-changer at the next level.

According to 247Sports’ Cooper Petagna‘s scouting report, Mitchell possesses a physique that is well suited for the game and should be able to bulk up down the road. His athleticism in the defensive backfield derives more from the smoothness of his motion rather than raw explosiveness possessing above-average play speed. Mitchell appears to be capable at all spots in the secondary but fits best in the slot and as a deep safety — the latter of which he is likely to land though he is perfectly capable at the corners as well.

Mitchell has amassed 123 solo and 78 assisted tackles over the course of his high school career, with 16 coming for a loss, while snagging seven interceptions for 301 return yards along with three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries for 112 yards returned. Playing some wide receiver his freshman year, Mitchell also tallied 69 yards on three receptions thanks to a longest play of 58 yards.

He originally committed to the Tennessee Volunteers when he was in eighth grade but decommitted prior to starting high school after feeling uneasy about the decision.

Tony Mitchell’s Recruiting Profile

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Five-star defensive back Tony Mitchell opens up on his Texas recruitment

Texas has some work to do when it comes to the recruitment of five-star DB Tony Mitchell.

Texas’ secondary has been depleted for some time now, as it has been a turnstile of players coming in and not producing. Continue reading “Five-star defensive back Tony Mitchell opens up on his Texas recruitment”

Florida’s coach visits this 5-star defensive lineman’s school

Corey Raymond scored a two-fer, hitting up a pair of 5-stars on his recent recruiting trip, including this defensive lineman.

Florida football’s cornerbacks coach [autotag]Corey Raymond[/autotag] was busy on the recruiting trail Monday, making a stop at Alabaster (Alabama) Thompson to check in on a pair of 5-star prospects. His primary focus was on cornerback [autotag]Tony Mitchell[/autotag], who is one of head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag]’s primary targets in the 2023 recruiting cycle, but Raymond also got a gander at defensive lineman [autotag]Peter Woods[/autotag] while he was there as well.

The 6-foot-four-inch, 265-pound prep prospect currently has the Gators among his top four schools in the running for his services, which also includes Alabama, Clemson and Oklahoma. However, Texas A&M, Tennessee and Texas are all still considered contenders, with the latter recently scheduled for an official visit. According to On3, Woods has some positive feelings for Florida which bodes well for the Orange and Blue.

“I visited Florida last summer, so I have been there before, but the old staff was there. I really like coach Spencer and I think coach Napier can get the program back. Gator football is great, the program speaks for itself, and I really like the interaction I and coach Spencer have had. Coach Chaney is great too.”

The blue-chip defensive lineman will return to Gainesville for an official visit on June 9 to follow up on his visits last summer. Woods is the No. 26 overall recruit on the 247Sports composite and the No. 3 defensive lineman in the class of 2023 while the On3 Consensus has him at No. 21 and No. 2 in those categories, respectively.

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5-star cornerback gets visit from Gators coach on Monday

Cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond dropped in to check out Tony Mitchell on Monday.

Recruiting season remains in high gear as preps play out their spring schedules across the nation. For Florida football, it has been a tireless process of evaluating potential prospects while making connections with the young student-athletes in an effort to attract them to Gainesville and re-establishing the Gators as the preeminent force in the state of Florida.

One of [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag]’s top targets in the 2023 recruiting cycle is 5-star cornerback [autotag]Tony Mitchell[/autotag], who received a visit from cornerbacks coach [autotag]Corey Raymond[/autotag] on Monday at Alabaster (Alabama) Thompson. Raymond is the second coach to visit the 6-foot-2-inch, 180-pound prospect after co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach [autotag]Patrick Toney[/autotag] dropped by a few weeks ago.

Florida currently sits among Mitchell’s five top schools, which also includes Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Oregon, though he continues to entertain suitors from outside of this list. While he has not set an official visit with Florida yet, Mitchell has visited Florida’s campus twice since the coaching staff turnover. Gainesville appears to be an intriguing landing spot for him based on a quote from Swamp247.

“The chance of playing early stands out to me. I trust Coach Napier and what he’s going to do for Florida in the future. Coach Raymond is a great DB coach and knows how to develop players and he’s sent a bunch of guys to the league. Just being a good fit for their school all makes me like it.”

Mitchell also offered the following to GatorsOnline.

“I’d say the staff they have with coach Raymond, coach Toney, and with me being from Florida, just getting the vibe here and seeing the love I get. The fan base is crazy. Also, the development I know I would get and having the chance to play early and contribute.

“It’s just all love. It’s just a different vibe and energy from this staff. They’re really going to show you they truly care and they want you to be there.”

The 247Sports Composite currently ranks Mitchell as the nation’s No. 20 overall prospect and No. 3 cornerback nationally in the 2023 recruiting class, while the On3 Consensus has him No. 21 overall and No. 2 cornerback nationally. Florida sits in third place on On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine with an 11.6% chance of signing him.

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Florida makes this 4-star cornerback’s top 6 list of schools

Florida made four-star cornerback Malik Muhammad’s top six on Wednesday.

Florida made the cut for four-star cornerback [autotag]Malik Muhammad[/autotag]’s list of top six schools, even though head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and staff haven’t hosted him since they’ve taken over the Gators program. They were included along with Texas A&M, Alabama, Michigan, Texas and Miami.

Muhammad hails from Dallas, and the 247Sports composite rankings have him as the sixth-best cornerback prospect and as the 42nd best player overall.

He told On3 that Florida made the cut because of Napier and cornerbacks coach [autotag]Corey Raymond[/autotag]. The former LSU assistant is regarded as one of the best defensive backs coaches in the country and was likely the largest factor in Florida making his list.

So far this year, Muhammad has visited the Crimson Tide three times, the Hurricanes twice and the Aggies once.

Florida likely has other targets higher on its board like [autotag]Cormani McClain[/autotag], [autotag]AJ Harris[/autotag] and [autotag]Tony Mitchell[/autotag]. However, the Gators could turn up the heat if they don’t land one of their top prospects above.

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Gators get this 4-star CB scheduled for Orange and Blue Game visit

Four-star cornerback Sharif Denson will be in attendance for Florida’s Orange and Blue Game on April 14.

Florida reeled in one Bartram Trail cornerback back in 2018 in [autotag]Tre’Vez Johnson[/autotag]. This cycle the Gators are trying to do it again by pulling four-star [autotag]Sharif Denson[/autotag], who currently sits high on coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and cornerbacks coach [autotag]Corey Raymond[/autotag]’s board.

Denson told Gators Online on Tuesday that he will visit the Swamp again for Florida’s Orange and Blue game on April 14. Denson is ranked as the 160th-best player overall and the 19th-best cornerback, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

He last visited the Gators on March 3 and has visited Texas A&M and Ohio State over the past month. Florida made a strong first impression on him during his first trip to Gainesville under the new coaching staff.

Denson said he enjoyed dissecting film with multiple defensive coaches and his one-on-one time with Napier.

Even though he is considered a cornerback, co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach [autotag]Patrick Toney[/autotag] envisions Denson playing multiple roles in his secondary.

He currently holds offers from the schools previously mentioned along with Notre Dame, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee.

However, Florida holds an advantage because his parents both graduated from the University of Florida.

“They definitely added themselves in and maybe solidified a top spot,” Denson said after last month’s visit. “They didn’t say anything about an offer, but I mean, they were asking what they have to do to get me here, so I guess it’s a given. It was great; I loved the new staff. They are going up for sure.”

The Gators have some targets higher on their board than Denson that they sit in a good spot with like [autotag]AJ Harris[/autotag], [autotag]Tony Mitchell[/autotag] and [autotag]Cormani McClain[/autotag]. So he may be a backup option if one of their top targets chooses to go elsewhere.

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Oregon Ducks make final cut for 2nd-ranked cornerback in 2023 class

The Ducks are in the running for one of the best cornerbacks in the 2023 class. Expect a visit this spring or summer.

The Oregon Ducks are in the mix for one of the best and most promising defensive players in the 2023 recruiting class.

On Monday, 5-star cornerback Tony Mitchell, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound defender from Alabaster, Alabama released his final recruiting cutdown, listing the Ducks right in the mix. Mitchell, who is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 2 CB in the 2023 class, and No. 19 player in the nation.

Along with the Ducks, Mitchell also included the Florida Gators, Texas A&M Aggies, Georgia Bulldogs, and Alabama Crimson Tide.

In a new twist that we haven’t seen much in recruiting graphics, the images of dollar bills were floating behind Mitchell in his announcement, signifying the importance of the NIL deal that will certainly play a part in his recruitment. In order for this high-caliber player to come across the country to be with the Ducks, it will likely take some money.

Tony Mitchell’s Recruiting Profile

Rating

Stars Overall State Position
247 5 0.9907 AL CB
Rivals 4 6.0 AL CB
ESPN 4 87 AL CB
On3 Recruiting 5 95.72 AL CB
247 Composite 4 95 AL CB

Vitals

Hometown Alabaster, Alabama
Projected Position Cornerback
Height 6-foot-2
Weight 180 pounds
Class 2023

Recruitment

  • Offered by Oregon on January 28th, 2021
  • Visited Oregon in July of 2021

Top-Five

  • Oregon
  • Alabama
  • Georgia
  • Florida
  • Texas A&M

Crystal Ball

Film

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Alabama target 5-star CB Tony Mitchell narrows potential landing spots

Alabama remains in the running in the 2023 five-star’s latest list of potential landing spots!

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide have earned themselves a spot on the top-five list for 2023 five-star cornerback Tony Mitchell.

Mitchell’s list consists of Alabama, Oregon, Texas A&M, Georgia and Florida.

The in-state product attends Thompson High School in Alabaster and is thought to be leaning toward joining the Crimson Tide, according to some recruiting experts.

Tony Mitchell’s Recruiting Profile

Rating

Stars Overall State Position
247 5 28 2 2
Rivals 4 30 2 4
ESPN 4 17 4 2
On3 Recruiting 5 19 2 2
247 Composite 5 19 3 3

Vitals

Hometown Alabaster
Projected Position CB
Height 6-2
Weight 180
Class 2023

Recruitment

  • Offered on Sept. 28, 2019

Crystal Ball

Twitter

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