Florida has swept the "Big Three" in Florida. The Gators have clearly and decisively crushed the efforts of the Seminoles and Hurricanes in the Sunshine State. The rest of the "Top Five," perhaps a stretch, but that's the way things appear to be going, South Florida and Central Florida, were not really close to being factors this time. But, as the Chicgo Cub fans always used to say, "wait until next year."

Florida, which deserved the national lead going into Tender Day, only losing that lead when Southern Cal, Alabama and UCLA put on incredible closing spurts, literally on Tender Day. While the Gators may have lost the national race, the put together a magnificent group of Florida super-stars that will wreck havoc on the SEC and figure in BCS competition for the next five seasons.

The list follows:

1. Florida.

The Gators landed sixteen players from Florida, out of a super class of 28 players. In that group, two, defensive back Matt Elam, and defensive tackle Damarques Easly, are Dream Team All-Amaricans. Of the rest, three are All-Region players, while twelve are All-Americns. Not bad, not bad at all!

2. Florida State.

The Gators landed twelve Florida standouts, including two Dream Team All-Americans, linebacker Christian Jones, and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner. Of the rest, six are All-Americans and four are All-Region players.

3. Miami.

Miami landed seventeen Florida players, but none were good enough to earn Dream Team All-American status, but four earned All-American status and thirteen became All-Region players.

The rest of the teams, Central Florida, South Florida, Florida International and Florida Atlantic, finished way back in the race. Just about every school in the country sends recruiters down to Florida, but they cannot begin to compare to the success of the "Big Three."

Frequently the old saw among prep coaches in Florida that "if all three major powers have offered a player, he will stay in state" applies.