Well you might have non-public commitments for a number of reasons:
1. Players personal preference. Remember Stokes in basketball wanted to wait until he could announce in front of his 9 year old sister at Christmas like his brother did with him. Of course some jerk at another school he told he was not coming leaked this. Some players have a high school ceremony they are waiting on.
2. Out of state players (and some might include the So Florida area) might suffer less pressure if they do not announce for else where until the last minute.
3. Maybe UF wants to create some signing day and post signing day momentum.
I do understand the desire for building momentum now. I would love to see a couple of guys announce this week. But I am a fan, not a decision maker in all this. Do you not also expect those 5 players I listed or the equivalent to come to UF?
I do think it is probably that those 5 players sign with Florida, but that certainly is not enough to give us even a good class. We need to sign at a minimum 8 more and really we need about 10 more players. From what I am hearing it is likely going to be 8...
So lets look at those..
Henderson - In State Player - likely to UF, but took an unofficial to Miami and recently went to Miami... not a lock
Robinson - In State Player - likely to UF, but also going to Ohio State...
Hebert - In State Player - De-committed from Michigan... likely to UF, but Miami also in the works.
Slaton - In State Player - sounds like UF is leading... he would be a big get
Stewart - Out of State (LA) - likely to UF, but LSU is always a threat for players in LA
So 4/5 are not in-state. I definitely get that players could want the attention, but I also think coaches should be able to convince them of the value of committing... especially this close. Now if they are truly already "silent" then hopefully they are talking to other recruits, etc..., but a public commitment looks a lot better... doesn't it?
Oh... and if we lose Blades we need to get 9 more...