Recruiting recap: Florida Gators

Florida closes signing day strong, adds 2 troubled recruits

Florida's recruiting class looked bleak a week ago, with the Gators falling as low as 31st in one ranking.

But coach Jim McElwain closed with a flurry and ended up with a better-than-anticipated showing on national signing day.

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The Gators got 10 commitments in the last seven days - including defensive tackle Tadarrell Slaton, cornerback Christopher Henderson, defensive lineman Elijah Conliffe and defensive back Brian Edwards - and then added a pair of troubled recruits when receiver James Robinson and running back Adarius Lemons joined the class Wednesday afternoon.

Robinson was cited for marijuana possession during his official visit to Ohio State last month.

"Obviously, as in all players, the important thing is you do your research and your background," McElwain said. "My guess is there's a few people in this crowd right here that have some regrets on things they've done, and yet at the same time take responsibility for it.

"Here is the good thing: We get an opportunity to be involved in his life. We get an opportunity to help him move forward, as we do all the players on this team. I'm excited about him being a Gator."

Lemons was suspended from Clearwater High in October and missed the second half of his senior season.

"I'm proud of him," McElwain said. "When you go through things, you can just say, 'Hey, I quit.' ... The key is not feeling sorry for yourself, not using that as an excuse, but rather let's use it as an avenue, really a drive, to go up and do something great."

In total the Gators added 23 prospects and finished with the ninth best class overall according to Rivals.com.