Derek Tyson

  (12:00 PM)

Thanks for joining the GatorNation recruiting chat. Because of the amount of questions I may not be able to get to all of them. If I don't answer your question please feel free to ask me on the GatorNation message board or on Twitter @DerekTysonESPN.

Robert (Gray, GA)

What is the probability that Florida will have Stefon Diggs playing for them this upcoming season, and if they don't what other wide receivers can Florida look to in next years recruits?

Derek Tyson

  (12:02 PM)

I think Florida has an excellent chance of landing Diggs. Maryland is right there too, but I like the Gators chances. As for next years receivers. Ahmad Fulwood, Stacy Coley, Taj Williams, Reggie Davis, Rodney Adams and Alvin Bailey are just some of the top WR's in the state. Should be a big year for the Gators with receivers.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Will we see John Brantley as the Quarterback for Florida in 2012 or will he be heading to the NFL?

Derek Tyson

  (12:02 PM)

He graduated.

Ryan (Savannah)

I think it is clear that we did not get as many skilled players as would've hoped....so who has the best chance of coming out of nowhere next year to be a really good skilled player for us?

Derek Tyson

  (12:04 PM)

Well obviously Diggs is still a possibility. I think a guy like A.C. Leonard will make a big impact or possibly Kent Taylor because of his size and speed. I do think that Mike Gillislee and Andre Debose will have big years though.

Morgan (Georgia)

Derek, I'm sure this chat will be littered with questions about Diggs and there are plenty of rumors out there about where he is leaning and where he will ultimately land. What is your opinion? Also, moving on to the class of 2013 do you feel the Gators will be out the Tide for Kelvin Taylor and who do you think could be next to commit? Thanks.

Derek Tyson

  (12:06 PM)

In my opinion he will be a Gator, but Maryland is right there. Taylor likes Bama, but likes Florida even more. THere are several top backs in Florida though next year and Florida will have some tough decisions to make at the running back position.

Matt (Kentucky)

Hey Derek, when can we expect to see an ESPN 150 ranking board for the 2013 class?

Derek Tyson

  (12:08 PM)

I'm not quite sure when the ESPNU 150 comes out. But we did just release a top 100 prospects with four and five star rankings for each player. http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/7511532/top-100-prospects-2013

Chris (cdavis1984@gmail.com)

If a tree falls and no one is around to hear it......does Florida get Stefon Diggs?

Derek Tyson

  (12:09 PM)

well no one would be around to hear it, so who knows?

Matt (Kentucky)

What is your prediction for where Stefon Diggs signs?

Derek Tyson

  (12:10 PM)

Think Florida has a great shot.

justin holmes go gators (mamou louisiana)

with the diggs chant at a md game what chances do u think uf have for him?

Derek Tyson

  (12:10 PM)

think Florida has a great shot.

Matt (Kentucky)

Any news on Fehoko Fanaika, the offensive guard from San Mateo, California?

Derek Tyson

  (12:10 PM)

He's visiting Florida on THursday. Could be a nice late addition to the class. Florida is his biggest offer.

Joshua (Aplachicola,FL)

What's the timetable on Fehoko Fanaika signing somewhere? Are there any other lineman prospects juco or high school we could possible get? Thanks Derek

Derek Tyson

  (12:11 PM)

I asked him that question the other day and he told me he's not sure. I would imagine it would be within the next week or so. No it doesn't look like there is any other prospects at this time.

Kelly (Waxhaw, NC)

Give us percent chances on where Stefon Diggs ends up?

Derek Tyson

  (12:12 PM)

In my opinion Gators 60% Maryland 40%

Joakim4prez9713 (Atlanta)

Around how many commits are you expecting after JR. Day feb 18th?

Derek Tyson

  (12:13 PM)

I know of at least one that should happen. Florida got 2 last year after junior day. I would expect similar success this year.

UF_Peru (Virginia)

How does the recruiting of the JUCO OL going? Do we have a chance and do you think he is worth the scholarship?

Derek Tyson

  (12:14 PM)

Yes I think Florida has a chance at Fanaika. He wouldn't visit this late in the process if he wasn't seriously considering signing with Florida. At 6-foot-6, 340 pounds, he's definitely worth the scholarship. His film is impressive too.

Al (Orlando)

What's the likelihood 'Champ pulls a Saban next year and tries to have almost every prospect committed before NSD after missing on every uncommitted prospect on the big day this year, leaving some minor holes (eg the OL, WR)? Thanks!

Derek Tyson

  (12:16 PM)

Florida would like to have every player locked up early. However Florida is a national program going after national talent, there are always going to be 4 or 5 guys they wait on until close to signing day and 1 or 2 they wait on until signing day or after.

GATORNATION3379 (MEMPHIS)

NOT LOOKING GOOD FOR FULLWOOD WE NEED WRS WE GONNA GET ANY DT.

Derek Tyson

  (12:17 PM)

Florida will land a top wr class next year, mark my word. It will likely start sooner than later. Stacy Coley, Alvin Bailey, Jordan Cunningham, Rodney Adams are all coming in for junior day.

Marc (Tampa)

How do the Gators look in the Laremy Tunsil recruitment? Is he close with Jernigan and will that have an effect on him?

Derek Tyson

  (12:18 PM)

Florida is in Tunsil's top three. He grew up a huge Florida fan and the Gators will be in it until the end. I don't believe Jernigan will play a role at all for Tunsil.

Alex (Atlanta)

Is Florida pursuing additional recruits for this class other than Diggs? If so, any status updates?

Derek Tyson

  (12:19 PM)

Just Fehoko Fanaika who is visiting Florida tomorrow. We should know more about him by the end of the week.

Derek Tyson

  (12:20 PM)

Florida released a pre-spring depth chart before the start of spring practices. I expect them to do the same this year.

dw (texas)

do you see florida pick and commits up on there second junior day

Derek Tyson

  (12:21 PM)

yes I could see Florida getting a few guys. Nothing is guaranteed but there are several guys that are very high on Florida right now.

Joakim4prez9713 (Atlanta)

No faith in Mack Brown?

Derek Tyson

  (12:21 PM)

He has a ton of ability, if he can pick up the offense then he should earn playing time.

dw (texas)

do see a player pretty much a lock for florida in the 2013 class

Derek Tyson

  (12:22 PM)

nothing is a lock anymore in recruiting. There are some guys that I feel Florida has a great chance at though.

Andrew (P)

Thanks for all your hard work Derek! Do you see the Gators possibly redshirting Kent Taylor with Reed, Leonard, and Colin Thompson likely to playing early?

Derek Tyson

  (12:23 PM)

No I don't. I think Florida will split him out wide and use his size to create mismatches against smaller db's. Taylor looked good playing wideout int he Army game.

Joakim4prez9713 (Atlanta)

Who do you feel is the closest RB to commit to us after Lane?

Derek Tyson

  (12:23 PM)

Hard to say, there are several top backs out there right now.

Alex (Atlanta)

Is Laremy Tunsil Florida's top target for 2013? Will the addition of DJ Humphries hurt that goal? In other words, is Tunsil committed to being the left tackle from day 1, which is not likely to happen with DJ there?

Derek Tyson

  (12:24 PM)

Tunsil has played a lot of right tackle for Columbia, so I don't think that will be a factor at all.

Marc (Tampa)

In your opinion, is Greg Bryant or Kelvin Taylor higher on UF's board? Who do you think is a better fit (not factoring in legacy)?

Derek Tyson

  (12:25 PM)

Greg Bryant is higher on the board. He's the best back I've seen in person over the last two years. They both would be a good fit in Florida's offense tough.

Derrick (Houston)

What incoming freshman will have the biggest impact in 2012?

Derek Tyson

  (12:26 PM)

Good question. I believe DJ Humphries, Brian Poole, Matt Jones, Colin Thompson, Jonathan Bullard and Dante Fowler will all make significant contributions.

GUSTAVUS CLECKLEY (Orlando 407)

DO YOU THINK DIGGS WILL SIGN WITH FLORIDA OR WILL HE GO SOMEWHERE ELES.

Derek Tyson

  (12:26 PM)

Think Florida has a great shot.

Marc (Tampa)

What are your early thoughts on how the recruitment of NKemdiche will unfold? Are the Gators a legitimate contender?

Derek Tyson

  (12:28 PM)

They are a contender, but he will be a tough one to pull. Muschamp has shown that he can land guys like Fowler and Bullard, so it's not out of the question.

Taylor (Raleigh, NC)

Hey Derek. As of right now, Caleb Brantley looks like he good be one of the top 10 players next year, do you agree? Also, which backs do you anticipate Florida to prioritize? Taylor and Green? I think Folston could be the best. Thanks!

Derek Tyson

  (12:30 PM)

Brantley is an excellent prospect. ESPNU has him as a five-star player. Florida will have some tough decisions to make at the RB position. Taylor, Green, Bryant and Folston are all excellent players. Florida couldn't go wrong with anyone of those guys.

Palhaco1 (Phoenix )

How many commits can the gators potentially get after the next junior day? No names, just a number guestimate.

Derek Tyson

  (12:31 PM)

I'd say 2-3 is not out of the question.

thomas l (jacksonville)

What 2013 quarterbacks are high on the gators

Derek Tyson

  (12:34 PM)

Pease is still evaluating QB's for next year, but Brice Ramsey, Eddie Printz, Kevin Olsen and Cody Thomas are just a few signal callers Florida is looking at. I think you will hear of more names pop up as Florida heads in to spring.

Taylor (Raleigh, NC)

Also, how tired are you of people asking about Diggs? 80%? 90?

Derek Tyson

  (12:35 PM)

I'll just say I can't wait until Friday night comes around. Whoever gets Diggs though will get a very special player.

GUSTAVUS CLECKLEY (Orlando 407)

IS THERE ANY OTHER UNSIGNED PLAYERS LOOKING AT BESIDES THE JC FROM CALI AND DIGGS.

Derek Tyson

  (12:35 PM)

Not that I'm aware of.

energy smart (alabama)

who will win the qb position next year

Derek Tyson

  (12:36 PM)

That is impossible to say right now. Especially with a new coordinator. I think both guys are smart enough and talented enough to win the spot.

Joakim4prez9713 (ATL)

Do you think it would be possible for UF to not take Kelvin Taylor, even if he wants to commit, with the crazy amount of talented backs in the state this year?

Derek Tyson

  (12:36 PM)

It's possible. Florida would like to take three backs this year, but do three top backs want to come in at the same time?

Nick (FL)

How do you not go crazy answering redundant questions? What happened with the possible 2013 WR verbals from T Lincoln High where Quezie coaches?

Derek Tyson

  (12:39 PM)

Ha, I sit back and realize I talk about sports for a living. My life could be a lot worse than worrying about people asking redundant questions. Florida still has a chance at Taj Williams and Reggie Davis. A lot of the FLorida coaching staff is on vacation right now, so they wanted to wait until those two receivers visited for junior day before accepting any commits at that position.

Anand (Washington D.C.)

Thanks for the amazing work during the 2012 cycle. Its early, but is UF at all in the running for Nkemdiche in 2013?

Derek Tyson

  (12:40 PM)

yes Florida is definitely in the running.

Al (Orlando)

2013 RB question: With Lane already committed, who of Taylor, Bryant, and Henry (UGA commit but previous UF lean) do you think we have the best shot of landing? If a second one commits, are we out for the other 2 and relegated to seeking lesser known RBs to get that 3rd commitment? Thanks!

Derek Tyson

  (12:41 PM)

Hard to say. Bryant is probably the top option. It depends on how competitive these guy are. Will three top backs want to play in the same backfield? It will be very interesting to see how this plays out.

gatornation3379 (memphis tenn)

DT WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE 2013 CLASS AND WE NEED WRS AND LINCOLN HAS A COUPLE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT ARE CHANCES FOR THOSE GUYS AND HOW GOOD ARE THEY.

Derek Tyson

  (12:42 PM)

Taj Williams and Reggie Davis are both good players. But there are several top wide receivers in Florida next year. FLorida can afford to be selective at this position.

DKT (Coral Springs)

You are the man

Derek Tyson

  (12:43 PM)

Thanks DK

Charles (Jax)

Kelvin Taylor or Greg Bryant your call, who do you take? and you can only take one.

Derek Tyson

  (12:44 PM)

This is no knock on Taylor because he's a very talented back, but in my mind there is no question I take Greg Bryant.

Frank (Cocoa Beach)

When do you see Kelvin Taylor committing? Early summer? Maybe at junior day?

Derek Tyson

  (12:44 PM)

He told me two days ago he would commit during the summer.

TJ (Orlando)

do you have any word on the development of J. Story?

Derek Tyson

  (12:44 PM)

I haven't heard much on Story's development.

FRANK (Orlando )

Who starts at quarterback for Florida next year?

Derek Tyson

  (12:45 PM)

Probably Driskel or Brissett. Sorry if that's not the answer your looking for but it's anyone's guess at this point. With a new coordinator, it's almost impossible to predict.

Kyle (Orlando)

Who do you think are a few potential playmakers already on the roster that may be flying under the radar so far?

Derek Tyson

  (12:46 PM)

A.C. Leonard, Mike Gillislee, Andre Debose, Kent Taylor.

Stephon Diggs (Maryland)

So you think Florida has a great shot, care to go out on a limb and predict I'll sign with UF?

Derek Tyson

  (12:46 PM)

Stephon, glad of you to join us. You happened to spell your own name wrong though.

Marc (Tampa)

With the additions of McMillan and Hearns how many more LB's would you expect the gators to take/pursue? Are either (MacMillan or Hearns) considered a buck type?

Derek Tyson

  (12:48 PM)

Good question. I think Florida will take two more true linebackers. McMillian can play a number of positions, he's very versatile. Hearns is a middle linebacker all the way.

TJ (Orlando)

Why is Quinn interviewing for DC spots in the NFL?

Derek Tyson

  (12:49 PM)

He turned down Tampa. Ultimately everyone wants to move up in their profession. So could you blame him?

Mikel (alabama)

When I saw Driskle play last year in the ua game throw it 60 yds running sidways and the runs he made I though then he would be the future qb for fl will he be next years qb.

Derek Tyson

  (12:49 PM)

There is no question he is very gifted. He just needs to be more consistent with his play.

Thomas (Jacksonville)

What 2013 quarterbacks are high on the gators? Or what 2013 qbs should the gators be high on?

Derek Tyson

  (12:52 PM)

There are a few that are interested in Florida, but I wouldn't say any are high on the Gators right now. That will certainly change come spring time. Brice Ramsey, Eddie Printz, Greg Olsen and Cody Thomas are just a few off of the top of my head.

Derek Tyson

  (12:55 PM)

Ok, well that will wrap it up for today. Thanks again for all the great questions. Remember if I didn't get to your questions please feel free to ask me on Twitter at DerekTysonESPN.