From the Road: Florida
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Recruiting wrap: Cox is committed to Auburn.
Performance: Cox is a throwback to a different era of football, one where smashing through the line to open up holes for smaller backs was the norm of pretty much every offense. While that may not be the case anymore, the skills Cox possesses should fit very nicely into Auburn's offense. With the ball in his hands, Cox is a big, physical runner who doesn't shy away from contact. What was more impressive, though, was his ability to run away once he got into space. Cox is deceptively fast and isn't likely to get run down once he gets momentum on his side. The same goes when it comes to contact; Cox is more often the hammer than the nail and delivers punishment more than he receives it when he's tackled.
3
WR
Bradenton (Fla.) Manatee
Recruiting wrap: McKnight is still considering several schools, including FIU and FAU.
Performance: For the first half of the game, McKnight was basically a non-factor as Manatee's passing game struggled to get going. But in the second half McKnight made his presence known, twice catching long touchdown passes and showing great speed to get separation down the field. McKnight plays on the outside but because of his size will likely be a slot receiver at the next level. He has the hands and the speed needed to play in the slot and once he adds some weight shouldn't have any problems taking hits as well. Some schools have been slow-playing McKnight, but it's clear he's an FBS-caliber prospect and whichever school lands him will be getting a nice player.
4
RB
Johnnie Lang (2016)
Bradenton (Fla.) Manatee
Recruiting wrap: Lang has an early offer from Kentucky.
Performance:It wasn't a great night for Lang statistically, but he showed a nice ability to get yardage on the outside and also caught several passes out of the backfield. He's a short, shifty back with very quick feet, making him tough to get a handle on his space. With his speed and hands he is an intriguing prospect and should be one to watch on the camp circuit in the offseason.
5
DE
Kwanzi Jackson (2016)
Bradenton (Fla.) Manatee
Recruiting wrap: Jackson has an offer from Tulane.
Performance: Jackson is one of the nation's leader in quarterback sacks, but unfortunately for him Friday wasn't exactly his night. In addition to dealing with Ivey and Cox on most running plays, Apopka only passed on a few occasions, limiting his ability to get after the passer. With his size I think Jackson eventually ends up as a linebacker instead of a defensive end, but his skills will better serve him as a pass rushing specialist against teams that throw the ball more often than the Blue Darters.
OTHER PROSPECTS
DB
Travon Rumph (2016)
(Fla.) Manatee
Rumph spent most of his night up in the box assisting against the run and showed good toughness while dealing with Apopka's running game. His physicality will serve him will and he will be one to watch as the 2016 cycle moves along.
DB
Apopka (Fla.)
The 2015 prospect spent most of his high school career being recruited as a running back, but spent most of Friday's game working as a defensive back. He did a nice job on McKnight on a few occasions and also came up to help against the run and recorded a few tackles. A talented player like Smith might get a late look before Signing Day rolls around in February.
Woody Womack
Southeast Recruiting Analyst
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