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Ten key prospects that left Florida for college

Jerry Jeudy
Jerry Jeudy (AP Images)

With recent in-state recruiting losses around the country, it’s time to take a look at some key states and the big ones that got away. We continue today with the state of Florida where some big names have escaped.

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

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MORE: Stars that left Georgia for college | Tennessee | Ohio | Texas | Louisiana

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CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State

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1. Jerry Jeudy (2017)

Overview: Jeudy trimmed his list to Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Miami and Tennessee before committing to the Crimson Tide during the summer leading up to his senior season.

Jeudy’s produced two All-American caliber seasons in 2018 and 2019, totaling 145 receptions for 2,478 yards and 24 touchdowns. Foregoing his senior season, he was selected with the 15th overall pick this spring by Denver.

Farrell’s take: Jeudy lived up to the five-star billing and then some as one of the top wide receivers in college football and a first-rounder. He followed Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley as Florida wide receiver stars to dominate at Alabama.

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2. Shaun Wade (2017)

Overview: Wade was the first prospect to commit to Ohio State’s 2017 recruiting class but as National Signing Day approached the Buckeyes had to hold off Florida, Alabama and others.

After redshirting in 2017, Wade has established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the country over the last two seasons with 57 tackles, four tackles for a loss, two sacks, four interceptions and 14 passes defended. He initially opted out of the 2020 season, but has returned and is practicing with the Buckeyes.

Farrell’s take: Wade will likely be the next Ohio State cornerback to be drafted in the first round and is another Sunshine State five-star to find success out-of-state. This continues to allow Ohio State to have a strong presence in the state.

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3. Alex Leatherwood (2017)

Overview: Leatherwood committed to Alabama during the summer before his junior season. However, Florida State, Michigan and others continued to push for a flip. In the end, he stuck with the Crimson Tide.

Becoming a starter in 2019, Leatherwood played all 15 games and earned second-team All-SEC honors. Now an All-American candidate, he is also projected as one of the top all-around prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Farrell’s take: Alabama once again goes into Florida and lands a multi-year starter and future first-rounder. Leatherwood was a monster out of high school and would have been huge for any of the in-state programs as they have continued to try to build their offensive lines.

4. Patrick Surtain (2018)

Overview: The five-star prospect committed to Alabama over LSU, Miami and many others. Throughout his recruitment, the Tigers were considered the front-runner, but the Crimson Tide won out.

With the Tide, Surtain has become one of the top cover corners in the country. Having totaled 79 tackles, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and 15 passes defended over the last two seasons, he is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the country.

Farrell’s take: Surtain had ties to the state of Florida but decided that Alabama was the best fit for him and he’s likely to be a first-rounder as a result. This was another huge South Florida loss, especially for the Hurricanes.

5. Tyler Davis (2019)

Overview: Davis committed to Clemson over Ohio State, Miami and Florida State during the Early Signing Period. The Seminoles proved to be the most viable threat to the Tigers leading up to his decision.

Davis had a huge true freshman season at Clemson, with 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.

Farrell’s take: Davis is a great example of how Clemson has sped past Florida State when it comes to recruiting and being attractive to elite prospects. He saw all those Clemson defensive linemen like Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence have success and followed. He’s already one of the more disruptive players in college football.

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6. Tyson Campbell (2018)

Overview: In the weeks leading up to National Signing Day, Campbell took official visits to Georgia, Miami, Alabama and Tennessee. While the Canes and Tide were the biggest threats, it was the Bulldogs that pulled in his commitment.

Campbell impressed in 2018 with 45 tackles and one defensive touchdown. Injuries trimmed his participation down to only seven games, but now fully healthy he looks ready to become one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC.

Farrell’s take: Campbell is yet another South Florida prospect to head elsewhere and this was a double whammy for Miami as Surtain went to Alabama while Campbell went to Georgia. He hasn’t had the same impact as Surtain, but this could be his breakout year.

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7. Evan Neal (2019)

Overview: Neal was a very early commit to Alabama, but then re-opened his recruitment and took official visits to Georgia, Miami and Oklahoma during his senior season. He eventually re-committed to the Tide during the Early Signing Period.

Neal played multiple positions as a true freshman but found a home at left guard where he earned several All-American honors. As expected he has made the move to right tackle this season, where many expect him to dominate.

Farrell’s take: Neal is the next one after Leatherwood to be the star of the offensive line and a first-rounder. He was a massive kid with some weight issues who has turned into the five-star versatile lineman we expected. It’s almost unfair what Alabama is doing in Florida.

8. Nick Petit-Frere (2018)

Overview: Petit-Frere was considered a Florida lean for several months but after taking his last official visit to Ohio State he committed to the Buckeyes on National Signing Day.

After redshirting in 2018, Petit-Frere saw action in all 14 games last season. This fall he looks in line to start at right tackle.

Farrell’s take: This is one of the few players on this list to be favoring an in-state school for most of the process so this hurts the Gators even more. He’s a freaky athlete and should break out this season.

9. Trey Sanders (2019)

Overview: Sanders initially committed to Alabama, but then re-opened his recruitment and considered the Tide, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Texas. However, when it was time to make a final decision he found his way back to Tuscaloosa and re-committed to Alabama.

Sanders missed the 2019 season due to an injury, but will be competing with Brian Robinson this fall to backup All-American candidate Najee Harris. He had nine carries for one yard in his debut against Missouri.

Farrell’s take: Sanders missed his freshman season due to injury but he’s expected to be the next in line behind Harris to be the running back star at Alabama. Yes, the Crimson Tide have half of this list. That’s amazing.

10. Jalen Carter (2019)

Overview: Carter trimmed his list of top schools to Georgia, Alabama and Clemson before committing to the Bulldogs less than a day later.

With the Bulldogs needing to replace several defensive lineman, Carter arrived in Athens and made the most of his opportunity. While making an impacting on the defensive interior line in the SEC is not easy for a true freshman, Carter should receive a fair share of opportunities this fall at nose tackle.

Farrell’s take: I love Carter as a prospect and he always appeared to be leaving the state, but he makes this list because of what he will do down the line. The in-state schools will regret

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