Tuesdays with Corey: Gators intel and thoughts

It’s time for another edition of Tuesdays with Corey at Gators Online.

Below, we serve up three recruiting nuggets and three thoughts as they pertain to Florida recruiting.

Let’s dive in.

Insider Nuggets

1. GO has learned that Hawthorne (Fla.) athlete and legacy target, CJ Ingram, took an unannounced visit to Florida on Jan. 26. That was his first trip to campus since landing the major offer. Right now, Florida is sitting in the best spot and the school Ingram has the best relationship with. Those heavily involved are Billy Napier and wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales. They previously told Ingram he can play quarterback or receiver, but the focus was on receiver during the visit. Then you have Ryan Montgomery, Antwann Hill and Keelon Russell as strong quarterback targets. The Gators feel good here, and although Ingram wants to decide closer to the season, don’t be surprised if that timeline changes. That recent visit solidified his very strong feelings about the program.

2. The Gators are in the top five for American Fork (Utah) Lone Peak offensive tackle Austin Pay. This comes after co-offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton conducted a school visit and then offered. Pay says it’s one of the biggest offers he has, complimenting Florida’s academic reputation and success with producing NFL offensive linemen. He expects to visit shortly after the dead period. Additional offers for the 6-foot-7, 275-pound junior include Oregon, Auburn, Oklahoma, UCLA, Texas A&M, Missouri, Stanford, Arkansas and Baylor. The Gators are sitting in a good spot early on.

3. Another out-of-state target with strong interest is On300 wide receiver Kelshaun Johnson. Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales recently visited him at school and then attended his basketball game. He also reached out to Johnson on Monday, saying he was thinking about the Houston native and how bad he wants him in a Gators uniform. Johnson says Florida is a top contender for him due its receiver-friendly attack and his relationship with Gonzales. He plans to take an unofficial visit and then return for an official, so mutual interest is already high.

Thoughts on Gators Recruiting

1. I’m favoring Auburn for Peachtree City (Ga.) McIntosh tight end Hollis Davidson. This is a top target at the position for Billy Napier and tight ends coach Russ Callaway, as both recently visited him at school too. This Tigers buzz comes after an eye-opening trip to the Plains this past weekend. Also, when speaking with Davidson on Monday, he respectfully turned down our interview and said news is coming soon. Him and I have talked quite a bit in recent months, so him laying low is notable. Thankfully for the Gators though, they have a very deep tight end board for this cycle.

2. I’m still favoring the Gators for Vernell Brown III, but the legacy target is exploding as a national talent right now. We all knew he was talented when Florida, Michigan, Florida State and others offered over a year ago; however, since then, he has produced a season with well over 1,000 yards receiving and is now making a statement in 7-on-7. This is not just a decent legacy prospect who was offered off connections; Brown is the real deal and would be a big-time addition if Florida was to win out.

3. After offering a handful of running backs and Waltez Clark having not visited in January, at least to our knowledge, should Gators fans be concerned? The Tampa (Fla.) Plant ball carrier does not take part in many interviews, so his recruitment being fairly quiet is nothing unusual, but he was linked to an Ohio State visit in the past and has numerous schools trying to flip him, including Georgia. Getting him back to the Swamp should be a top priority for running backs coach Jabbar Juluke.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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