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What happened to Tampa Bay recruiting pipeline to Gators, 'Noles, 'Canes?

 
blocks during the Under Armour All-America Football Game at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016. The game highlights the nation's top high school football players, as selected by ESPN Recruiting. LOREN ELLIOTT  | Times

blocks during the Under Armour All-America Football Game at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016. The game highlights the nation's top high school football players, as selected by ESPN Recruiting. LOREN ELLIOTT | Times
Published Feb. 2, 2016

For the first time in the Rivals era, Tampa Bay high schools might not send a football player to Florida, Florida State or Miami on national signing day Wednesday.

The state's power three programs don't have an oral commitment from high schools in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco or Hernando County. Those counties have sent an average of four signees to the major schools since 2002; UF alone has signed 24 locals in its past 10 classes.

The two local prospects most likely to keep the streak alive are Berkeley Prep TE Jacob Mathis and Pasco CB Jayvaughn Myers.

If the Seminoles and Gators aren't mining Tampa Bay, who is?

Indiana has reeled in two late commitments (Hudson OT Grayson Stover and Largo S Braydon Drayton). Syracuse has commitments from two Plant standouts (QB Rex Culpepper and S Scoop Bradshaw), and Clemson's local pipeline will keep flowing with four-star WR TJ Chase (Plant City).