Here's a breakdown from seccountry on Mullen's comments about needs:
“Certainly corner is going to be a big need for us. Defensive line, outside linebacker, offensive line and wide receiver are going to be really the emphasis moving forward,” he said. “Those are the main needs. We’ll still look at, we’ll be recruiting everybody. But I think you check the box at quarterback.”
Indeed, it’s doubtful the Gators add another quarterback in this class after locking in 4-star dual-threat prospect Emory Jones.
But let’s take a closer look at the spots Mullen mentioned.
The Gators brought in a haul of cornerbacks in their last recruiting cycle and found key foundation pieces in freshman starters Marco Wilson and C.J. Henderson. They also have fellow rising sophomores Brian Edwards, who saw limited playing time on defense in his first season, Brad Stewart, who they worked at safety, and redshirt sophomore C.J. McWilliams. It also might make sense to move junior Chauncey Gardner Jr. to corner, which many believe is a more natural position for him than safety.
Still, with Duke Dawson moving on to the NFL, there is not much proven depth at this spot. Early signees Trey Dean and John Huggins will get a look at both safety and cornerback. Of course, Florida would love to add another top prospect at that spot (like Patrick Surtain Jr. or Brendan Radley-Hiles). But one way or another, look for them to find another corner in this class.
Moving elsewhere through the defense, outside linebacker is just as big a need. There were doubts last season that Florida had the linebackers to operate a 4-3, and the move to a 3-4 will only further magnify their needs here. Versatile 4-star recruits David Reese and Amari Burney should get a look at outside linebacker, but that position would seem to be a 1A/1B need along with corner.
Meanwhile, Florida has no defensive linemen committed. As the Gators ease into that switch to a 3-4, they’ll need to recruit personnel suited for that scheme. Last year the Gators added massive defensive tackles Elijah Conliffe and T.J. Slaton and (slightly less massive) Kyree Campbell, who I think all have promising futures in the new defensive system. Zachary Carter, who came to Florida as a defensive end, is another intriguing young player waiting for his chance to prove himself. But regardless, it would be a surprise if the Gators didn’t add to their options here.
Getting to Terry’s question about the offensive line, I definitely have concerns about that group, especially if left tackle Martez Ivey opts to declare for the NFL draft and left guard Brett Heggie (knee injury) isn’t ready for the start of the season. Florida is already thin up front. The Gators did add some help here in 3-star signee Chris Bleich (6-foot-6, 313 pounds) and 3-star JUCO lineman Noah Banks (6-7, 305). Until spring practice, there’s no way to know how much those two will help next season, but looking even beyond 2018 the Gators need to restock at this position in a big way. Keeping 4-star commit Richard Gouraige should be a top priority.
At wide receiver, I see more hope than desperate need. The hope is that Florida can entice Jacob Copeland or Ja’Marr Chase — both are former commits and unsigned 4-star wideouts — back into the fold now that Jones is on board at quarterback.
Overall, with the 13 additions Wednesday and Ole Miss wide receiver transfer Van Jefferson, Florida has 14 players signed. They can sign up to 23 players in this class if more spots open up with players leaving for the NFL or transferring. So there should be enough room to address each of those aforementioned needs.
