Feb 24, 2019

5 Newcomers to Watch for the Gators

The Florida Gators have a ton of talent returning from a team that went 10-3 last year, capping things off with an impressive 41-15 victory over Michigan in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Now it seems the Gators will bring in a gifted class of newcomers to help replace some of the players they lost.

Florida head coach Dan Mullen will play the best players no matter if they're freshman or seniors. So here's a list of five new faces that need to be followed heading into the fall.

Arjei Henderson, WR

During the All-American Game in January, Henderson surprised many when he chose the Gators over Oregon and Oklahoma. He was the No. 126 prospect in the 2019 class per the 247Sports Composite Index. Expect Henderson, who was a four-star recruit, to get some reps on offense this fall.

Nay'Quan Wright, RB

As a freshman for Miami's Carol City High School, Wright ran for 983 yards and 11 touchdowns on 122 carries. He followed that up with an equally successful sophomore campaign (112 att., 810 yds., 8 TDs) and Wright figures to be a part of the Gators' stable of ball carriers for this fall.

Chris Steele, CB

A top-100 recruit per ESPN.com, Steele reached for the Florida hat at the All-American Bowl over Oregon, USC, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. An early enrollee, Steele will take part in spring practice in hopes of getting him ready to play this fall. Florida had a significant need for cornerback help so getting Steele's signature was a huge deal for the Gators. ​

Kaiir Elam, ATH

Elam was ranked 48th overall in the 2019 class by 247Sports and he was one of the highest-rated prospects who had not committed entering National Signing Day. If the name sounds familiar, it's because he is the nephew of former Gators star and first-round NFL draft pick Matt Elam. Kaiir Elam is listed as an athlete, but he will likely play defensive back.

Khris Bogle, DE

On National Signing Day, Florida flipped Bogle from Alabama, giving Dan Mullen and his coaching staff another nice W to enjoy on Feb. 6. The in-state product from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Bogle should slide right in and compete for playing time as an edge rusher. With Jachai Polite off to the NFL, Bogle will have a chance to be an impact player from Day 1.