For historical purposes, here is the Gator recruiting class of 2008, ranked number 6 in the country, and possibly the last complete recruiting class of the Urban Meyer Era. The common theme in this class is frequent injury, sometimes career ending. The next most common theme is academic issues.
This class had 4 five-star, 11 four-star, 4 three-star, and a two-star athlete. 5 four-star and 2 three-star athletes transferred or retired from this class.
This class had 4 five-star, 11 four-star, 4 three-star, and a two-star athlete. 5 four-star and 2 three-star athletes transferred or retired from this class.
Brendan Beal, LB (6-3, 223) 4*- Enrolled early, tore his ACL in fall 2008, redshirted 2009 due to neck injury, transferred to Minnesota in 2010
- Jeremy Brown, CB (5-10, 163) 4*
- Consistently injured, but played on special teams and as backup CB
Adrian Bushell, CB (5-10, 183) 4*- Had academic issues in 2008, transferred to Coffeyville in 2010 and Louisville in 2011
- Jeff Demps, RB (5-8, 176) 4*
- Breakout year in 2011, made it to the Olympics in 2012, signed with New England Patriots in 2012
- Troy Epps, DT (6-0, 285) 3*
- Transferred in from Coffeyville, but never broke into starting lineup
Dee Finley, S (6-2, 200) 4*- Did not academically qualify in 2008. Wrong size for S or LB in 2009-2010. Transferred to North Alabama in 2011.
- William Green, DE (6-4, 215) 4*
- Failed to make starting lineup
- Frankie Hammond Jr., WR (6-0, 170)
- Redshirted 2008, played reserve in 2009, suspended in 2010 for DUI, given second chance by new coach Will Muschamp in 2011 but had limited impact on offense
- Will Hill, S (6-2, 203) 5*
- Biggest bust of the class. Most talented, but laziest worker. Made mistake of entering NFL Draft and not being selected. Occasional impact player as UFA in NFL.
- Omarius Hines, WR (6-1, 200) 4*
- Small success on track team, but never found right position on football field. Switched to RB in 2012 with limited success running jet sweeps and end arounds.
- Omar Hunter, DT (6-0, 322) 5*
- Lynchpin of the hybrid 3-4 defense. Potential for good NFL Draft selection in 2013.
Janoris Jenkins, CB (5-10, 177) 4*- Tragic waste of opportunity, but excellent playmaker as lockdown corner. Too many busts for drug abuse. Transferred to North Alabama and still had attitude issues at UNA. Still one of my favorite Gators in the NFL.
Byran Jones, OL/DL (6-3, 305)- Redshirted 2008, transferred 2009.
T.J. Lawrence, WR (6-0, 185) 4*- Minor success on ST in 2009, but transferred in 2010 to Florida A&M
- Lerentee McCray, LB (6-2, 205) 4*
- Monster hitter in his senior year of 2012. Potential late catch in NFL Draft 2013.
- Carl Moore, WR (6-3, 220) 5*
- Transferred in from California community college, but never made impact
- Earl Okine, DE (6-5, 250) 4*
- Grew in size, but still failed to meet potential as impact player
- Matt Patchan, OT (6-6, 260) 5*
- Consistently injured, but hard worker.
T.J. Pridemore, FB/LB (6-0, 236) 3*- Frequently injured. Placed on medical hardship in 2011.
- Sam Robey, C (6-4, 275) 3*
- Primarily backup at center and guard
- Caleb Sturgis, PK (5-10, 182) 2*
- Rock star of the 2008 class. Consistently among top kickers in the country. Overcame setback from back injury in 2010 and became All-American in 2011 and 2012.
David Young, OL (6-6, 290) 3*- Plagued with injuries since high school. Injuries limited impact throughout Gator career. Graduated from UF in 2011, but transferred with one year of eligibility.
Last edited: