Florida assistant football coach Doc Holliday is in Broward County today recruiting talent for the Gators' next signing class. Holliday visited Deerfield Beach High around noon, according to Bucks' head football coach Art Taylor. Holliday inquired about the Bucks' backfield tandem of Rodney Harrell (5-9, 195 pounds) and Matt Whitfield (5-9, 185 pounds). Both players have been key contributors for the Bucks since their sophomore years.
Last week, Holliday and Florida head coach Urban Meyer visited another Broward County school, Fort Lauderdale Dillard High, according to Dillard assistant coach Ken Scott. Meyer spoke with Dillard wide receiver Harry Adams, one of the fastest high school football players in the country, and defensive back Lorenzo White.
As a sophomore, Adams (5-11, 175 pounds) won three state track titles. He nearly broke the 100-meter dash state record with a time of 10.3 seconds. He also won an individual state title in the 200-meter dash and anchored Dillard's state champion 4x100 relay team. White (5-11, 170 pounds) had four interceptions as a junior, returning two for touchdowns. He also returned a punt for a touchdown.
Florida's coaching staff has also visited Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, according to St. Thomas head coach George Smith. Florida has signed a player from St. Thomas in each of the past two years: offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert and defensive back Major Wright. Expect Florida to focus its recruiting attention on St. Thomas defensive back/return specialist Philip Pierre-Louis, who recently ran the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds during a combine at North Broward Prep.
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Blanche Ely defensive back Patrick Johnson is another Broward County speedster Florida would love to sign. Johnson will be one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in the country next season and will likely by the state of Florida's overall top recruit. Johnson has already orally committed to the University of Miami but that won't stop Florida from recruiting the player.
I recently spoke with Holliday, the Gators' defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator for South Florida, and, though he could not comment on any players the Gators are currently recruiting, he did say, "A lot can happen between now and signing day."
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