Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Colt McCoy's Wedding Song
This is great, Tim Tebow's name is mentioned at the 1:50 mark and everyone goes crazy, it's really funny. Looks like they had a lot of fun, good luck to the McCoys... The video isn't very good.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Gator DE Johnie Church's Great Freshman Season
It can be done. Sure it's a lot to ask of a guy like Ronald Powell or Lynden Trail to come in as true freshmen and have a big season at defensive end in the SEC, but it has been done at Florida so who's to say those guys can't do it this year!
Once upon a time there was one defensive end at Florida. He was in his first year as a Gator and had a great season. Consider that he had 55 or his 61 total tackles over the last eight games of the season which happened to be the games he started. In those starts he averaged 6.9 tackles per game you figure that over 13 games played that season it was a horrid pace that would have totaled 90 tackles, that's all-American stuff.
Johnie Church played around 235 his freshman season, 1992, with the Gators, he was 6-3.
FRESHMAN STATS - 32 solo tackles, 29 assists, 61 total... 4 sacks, 4 tackles for a loss, 8 total tackles for loss, 1 pass deflection, 6 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery. Had 55 tackles in his eight starts, average of 6.9 per game. First career start against Auburn he had 10 tackles. Had 9 tackles, 1.5 quarterback sacks, and a forced hurry against South Carolina.
(RS - redshirted freshman year, TT - total tackles, freshman season total to senior season total from left to right.)
Johnie Church - College: Played at the University of Florida from 1992 to 1995... Was part of a distinguished senior class that won four consecutive Southeastern Conference Eastern Division championships, three straight SEC titles, and played in the school's first "national championship" game, the 1996 Fiesta Bowl against eventual national champion Nebraska...Started eight games as a true freshman in 1992...In that first season, he posted 61 tackles and was named a first-team Freshman All-American by USA Today and the Associated Press...Had a rough season in 1993; he was hampered by numerous injuries and notched just 29 tackles...Returned to health in 1994, playing in all 12 games as the Gators marched to the Sugar Bowl...Posted five tackles for losses and six quarterback hurries...Started in 10 out of 12 games as a senior, including the penultimate Fiesta Bowl encounter...Finished second on the team with nine quarterback hurries... Made 30 tackles...Had his biggest game of the season against Vanderbilt, posting a season-high 2.5 sacks and six tackles...
Once upon a time there was one defensive end at Florida. He was in his first year as a Gator and had a great season. Consider that he had 55 or his 61 total tackles over the last eight games of the season which happened to be the games he started. In those starts he averaged 6.9 tackles per game you figure that over 13 games played that season it was a horrid pace that would have totaled 90 tackles, that's all-American stuff.
Johnie Church played around 235 his freshman season, 1992, with the Gators, he was 6-3.
FRESHMAN STATS - 32 solo tackles, 29 assists, 61 total... 4 sacks, 4 tackles for a loss, 8 total tackles for loss, 1 pass deflection, 6 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery. Had 55 tackles in his eight starts, average of 6.9 per game. First career start against Auburn he had 10 tackles. Had 9 tackles, 1.5 quarterback sacks, and a forced hurry against South Carolina.
(RS - redshirted freshman year, TT - total tackles, freshman season total to senior season total from left to right.)
| Name | RS | Years played | TT | TT | TT | TT |
| Johnie Church | - | 1992, 93, 94, 95 | 61 | 29 | 20 | 30 |
| Tim Newton* | - | 1981, 82, 83, 84 | 46 | 54 | 79 | 77 |
| Huey Richardson | - | 1987, 88, 89, 90 | 26 | 68 | 79 | 58 |
| Brad Culpepper | RS | 1988, 89, 90, 91 | 25 | 60 | 64 | 82 |
| Ellis Johnson | - | 1991, 92, 93, 94 | 16 | 32 | 55 | 62 |
| Kevin Carter | - | 1981, 82, 83, 84 | 14 | 64 | 59 | 66 |
| Reggie McGrew | RS | 1996, 97, 98 | 39 | 26 | 41 | - |
| Gerard Warren | RS | 1998, 99, 00 | 27 | 52 | 76 | - |
| Marcus Thomas | - | 2003, 04, 05, 06 | 47 | 39 | 45 | - |
| Ray McDonald | RS | 2003, 04, 05, 06 | 54 | 39 | 8 | 36 |
| Lawrence Marsh | RS | 2007, 08, 09 | 5 | 28 | 8 | - |
| Wilbur Marshall | - | 1980, 81, 82, 83 | 0 | 121 | 123 | 95 |
| David Little | - | 1977, 78,79, 80 | 67 | 138 | 109 | 161 |
Johnie Church - College: Played at the University of Florida from 1992 to 1995... Was part of a distinguished senior class that won four consecutive Southeastern Conference Eastern Division championships, three straight SEC titles, and played in the school's first "national championship" game, the 1996 Fiesta Bowl against eventual national champion Nebraska...Started eight games as a true freshman in 1992...In that first season, he posted 61 tackles and was named a first-team Freshman All-American by USA Today and the Associated Press...Had a rough season in 1993; he was hampered by numerous injuries and notched just 29 tackles...Returned to health in 1994, playing in all 12 games as the Gators marched to the Sugar Bowl...Posted five tackles for losses and six quarterback hurries...Started in 10 out of 12 games as a senior, including the penultimate Fiesta Bowl encounter...Finished second on the team with nine quarterback hurries... Made 30 tackles...Had his biggest game of the season against Vanderbilt, posting a season-high 2.5 sacks and six tackles...
Saturday, July 24, 2010
What to Expect - Florida's 2010 Defense
If you want to compare great defenses that's fine but it would be unfair to these 2010 Gators. Two of Florida's best defenses have recently been fielded the 2006 National Championship team and the 2009 team with the same record, 2008 wasn't shabby either with their amazing turnover margin of +1.57.
But how have the Gators responded the year after a great defense when they lose a boat load of starters. A look back at 2007 might give a clue as to what to expect in 2010. Now that team didn't have the advantage of the recruiting depth Urban Meyer has so tirelessly worked to develop at Florida so this man certainly expects more. But that will be gotten into shortly...
Those defenses.... note - 2010 stats are projected...
(Rec - record W-L... Tot - total defense rank... YPG - yards per game allowed... ScR - scoring ranking... PPG - points allowed per game... TOR - turnover ranking... TOM - turnover margin)
You can look back at these stats and they tell the stories. In 2001 Steve Spurrier's last season the -.36 in turnover margin cost Florida the Auburn game five turnovers to two, the Gators lost the game in the forth quarter allowing Auburn to score 13 points to come back and win it 23-20. They won the turnover battle against Tennessee three to one but the Gators were routed on the ground for 242 yards on 31 carries. A win in either game puts the '01 Gators in the National Championship game.
Still looking back the 2000 team under Spurrier wasn't as talented as 2001 yet managed to ball hawk their way to a 10-2 and SEC Championship season with an outstanding turnover margin of + 1.58 per game. It wasn't a strong defense allowing 346 yards per game but it was one of those opportunistic defenses people love to talk about, they made plays.
The Ron Zook years were nothing but consistent. The minus turnover margin in 2002 of -.36 helped set the stage to sour his coaching debut. That can be attributed to Rex Grossman's horrible season where he chunked up 22 TDs and 17 INTs.
Florida suffered their two worst home losses in 20 years losing the second game of the season to Miami 41-16 and the seventh 36-7 to LSU. LSU Grossman pitched up four INTs, againts Miami the Gators actually won the turnover battle three INTs to two. To be fair Miami still had a lot of talent.
As it was Coach Zooks teams over his three seasons at Florida averaged +.06 turnovers per game. That isn't Gator football where you have half your season against teams you completely outclass athletically. His teams allowed an average of 21.1 points per game.
Without pointing fingers everyone would agree that Urban Meyer brought a lot of discipline and toughness to Florida. During his tenure at Florida his teams have enjoyed an average of +.86 per game turnover margin. That's amazing football, and it's not just a defensive stat, that's a team stat of taking care of the football.
Meyer's defenses have been stout they have allowed an average of 16.6 points per game over his five years at UF. Meyer has recruited extremely well the fruits of that labor is what's in question for 2010, will Florida reload on defense or will they have a toothing OJT season.
Florida only returned two starters in 2007 - SS Tony Joiner and DE Derrick Harvey. The defense was gutted with four juniors leaving early for the NFL draft - Reggie Nelson, Ryan Smith, Brandon Siler and Jarvis Moss along with seniors Earl Everett, Reggie Lewis, DL Ray McDonald and Joe Cohen.
The 2007 defense was gutted in much the say way the 2009 defense was but it just wasn't as deep - Carlos Dunlap, Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes, Ryan Stamper, Joe Haden and Major Wright.
Again the 2007 recruiting class was heavy with athletes who were a major part of the success in 2009. Ahmad Black, Carlos Dunlap, Lorenzo Edwards, Chaz Henry, Brandon Hicks, Duke Lemmens, Justin Trattou, and Major Wright. Top guys who didn't work out were Torrey Davis, John Brown and Jerimy Finch - unfortunately that's normal attrition.
Urban Meyer has a super/huge 2010 class - Chris Martin must redshirt, Darrin Kitchens, Michael Taylor, Ronald Powell, Sharrif Floyd, Matt Elam, Dominique Easley, Cody Riggs, Joshua Shaw, Lynden Trail, Neiron Ball, Jordan Haden, Jaylen Watkins, Gideon Ajabe, Jonathan Dowling.
This season you have a team coming off of two 13-1 seasons, three in the past four years and two National Championships. In 2007 they had the one excellent season after four unremarkable years. Much will need to be passed onto this new band of Gators, tradition - pride - expecting to win should already be there.
First of all you have to look at the over all strength of the team. Offensively Florida is going to be very good. A lot will be told in the first few games how much the coaches will open it up this season, that depends on so much but this team looks to have the ability to score a lot of points in 2010. Special teams should be solid, a lot of team speed and athleticism to go along with two proven kickers in Chaz Henry and Caleb Sturgis, Chris Rainey should be awesome as a return man as long as he remains healthy.
DEFENSIVE LINE - In 2010 Florida will be far superior to the defensive line in '07. Derrick Harvey and a sophomore Jermaine Cunningham were the starters. Cunningham was still working on his weight, the back up DE was Lawrence Marsh. Dunlap was a freshman and made some things happen, seven tackles, one sack, one pass deflection, two tackles for a loss. Cunningham had a great season he had 64 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. The DTs were journeyman types at best, Javier Estopinan was good but couldn't stay healthy, Brandon Antwine was listed as 5-11, 265, with seniors Clint McMillan and Lutrell Alford.
This season the Gators are superior on the inside, no need listing the players Florida is very deep. Justin Trattou is absolutely solid and the word is William Green has put on more weight and is becoming a monster. Florida has a veteran backup in Duck Lemmens with a lot of very talented depth along with the big time freshmen on campus. Florida should be as good at DE but could be better, add in the interior and it all heavily favors the '10s.
LINEBACKER - Florida basically had four sophomore LBs for '07 - Spikes, Stamper, AJ Jones and Dustin Doe. This crew was young and they were playing behind a middle of the road defensive line for the SEC. In '10 you're looking at a much more veteran crew with seniors Brandon Hicks and AJ Jones, the highly talented Jelani Jenkins a redshirt freshman and Jon Bostic a sophomore. Florida will call on some freshmen to step up and provide depth but this crew if healthy will certainly be ahead of the '07s. First off their job will be easier playing behind a stronger DL and because of their experience level.
DEFENSIVE BACK - At corner the Gators were all over the place in '07 Markihe Anderson got in there Wondy Pierre-Louis ended up playing a lot. Joe Haden came to the rescue he just took over one corner. Tony Joiner returned at strong safety freshman Major Wright like Haden came to the rescue to play free safety. Now Wright had some growing pains that first season this secondary was not one of Florida's best, this was a transition group behind a so so defensive front and a group of very young linebackers. But they responded in 2008 to win a National Championship.
There is no comparison for the Gator secondary returning veterans in Black, Will Hill and Janoris Jenkins. They only have to find one corner from a large talented group. They've already found a backup safety in Matt Elam, he is who they thought he was.
There is no doubt the 2010 Gators will have so much more speed than 2007 it won't be funny. The depth this fall is higher and more talented than ever and it's on both sides of the ball.
One last thing before the final prediction. Compared to Florida this man doesn't respect a lot of football teams on the schedule. It's not that this man doesn't care for or root for many of the schools it is simply because they don't come near to the Gators talent level for this season.
At best it's a four game schedule...
game on....
Alabama - even, very good team with a great offense. rebuilding defense like the Gators will they just reload or will Bama be more like our 2007s?
LSU - very talented team weak at QB position, if they get that fixed they have to play in Gainesville.
highly unlikely....
Georgia - New QB, not a forth year junior like Florida is fielding, but their offensive is a veteran group, not sure about their defense.
FSU - OK I don't think they have a snowballs chance in hell of beating Florida this season, they just don't have the defense.
no way....
South Carolina - Their offensive line is horrible. QB is so so...
Tennessee - huge dip in talent level, no way they beat the Gators...
USF - Florida has the superior talent level
Kentucky - see above
With the offense and defense this man is projecting a 13-1 season. The Gators will win another National Championship in 2010, they will lose at Alabama then win the rematch in the SEC Championship game.
This is what the defense will need to do to achieve that goal. They won't need to be in the top ten in total defense but the top 15 would be an achievable goal, that would allow just over 300 yards per game. With the schedule they could improve on it depending on what they allow late in those gimme games. This is a good mark although you can be sure they're team goal is much higher.
The points per game is perhaps what's most important. Anything around 12 is a championship type season, think that's a bit much to hope for. Something just below 15 puts them in the hunt, each point is two TDs allowed over a 14 game season.
As far as a turnover margin, if you have a strong offense it would seem less likely it would come into play unless you let it get out of control on one or two games to kill a season. A reason for a coach like Urban Meyer to put so much emphasis on management of the football each and every game.
A strong season is anything greater than a +1. They've won big with +.38 or so. A +.64 would be an awesome mark to shoot for, that would be nine more takeaways for the season than their opponents. It's not overly optimistic, just a bit below Meyer's average so far.
Turnover margin is so important, a team stat that relies as much on the offense and special teams as it does the defensive. A guy like Reggie Nelson really helps, that's why Ahmad Black, Will Hill, and Matt Elam should add up to give Gator National a lot of warm fuzzies this season.
But how have the Gators responded the year after a great defense when they lose a boat load of starters. A look back at 2007 might give a clue as to what to expect in 2010. Now that team didn't have the advantage of the recruiting depth Urban Meyer has so tirelessly worked to develop at Florida so this man certainly expects more. But that will be gotten into shortly...
Those defenses.... note - 2010 stats are projected...
(Rec - record W-L... Tot - total defense rank... YPG - yards per game allowed... ScR - scoring ranking... PPG - points allowed per game... TOR - turnover ranking... TOM - turnover margin)
| Team | Rec | Tot | YPG | ScR | PPG | TOR | TOM |
| 2010 UM* | 13-1 | 13 | 303 | 12 | 14.8 | 21 | .64 |
| 2009 UM | 13-1 | 4 | 252 | 4 | 12.4 | 24 | .50 |
| 2008 UM | 13-1 | 9 | 285 | 4 | 12.9 | 2 | 1.57 |
| 2007 UM | 9-4 | 41 | 364 | 46 | 25.5 | 32 | .38 |
| 2006 UM | 13-1 | 6 | 255 | 6 | 13.5 | 37 | .36 |
| 2005 UM | 9-3 | 9 | 299 | 18 | 18.8 | 3 | 1.50 |
| 2004 RZ | 7-5 | 42 | 345 | 31 | 21.1 | 40 | .33 |
| 2003 RZ | 8-5 | 51 | 367 | 28 | 20.8 | 25 | .54 |
| 2002 RZ | 8-5 | 25 | 325 | 31 | 21.5 | 91 | -.69 |
| 2001 SS | 11-2 | 9 | 290 | 4 | 14.1 | 79 | -.36 |
| 2000 SS | 10-2 | 42 | 346 | 29 | 19.7 | 3 | 1.58 |
You can look back at these stats and they tell the stories. In 2001 Steve Spurrier's last season the -.36 in turnover margin cost Florida the Auburn game five turnovers to two, the Gators lost the game in the forth quarter allowing Auburn to score 13 points to come back and win it 23-20. They won the turnover battle against Tennessee three to one but the Gators were routed on the ground for 242 yards on 31 carries. A win in either game puts the '01 Gators in the National Championship game.
Still looking back the 2000 team under Spurrier wasn't as talented as 2001 yet managed to ball hawk their way to a 10-2 and SEC Championship season with an outstanding turnover margin of + 1.58 per game. It wasn't a strong defense allowing 346 yards per game but it was one of those opportunistic defenses people love to talk about, they made plays.
The Ron Zook years were nothing but consistent. The minus turnover margin in 2002 of -.36 helped set the stage to sour his coaching debut. That can be attributed to Rex Grossman's horrible season where he chunked up 22 TDs and 17 INTs.
Florida suffered their two worst home losses in 20 years losing the second game of the season to Miami 41-16 and the seventh 36-7 to LSU. LSU Grossman pitched up four INTs, againts Miami the Gators actually won the turnover battle three INTs to two. To be fair Miami still had a lot of talent.
As it was Coach Zooks teams over his three seasons at Florida averaged +.06 turnovers per game. That isn't Gator football where you have half your season against teams you completely outclass athletically. His teams allowed an average of 21.1 points per game.
Without pointing fingers everyone would agree that Urban Meyer brought a lot of discipline and toughness to Florida. During his tenure at Florida his teams have enjoyed an average of +.86 per game turnover margin. That's amazing football, and it's not just a defensive stat, that's a team stat of taking care of the football.
Meyer's defenses have been stout they have allowed an average of 16.6 points per game over his five years at UF. Meyer has recruited extremely well the fruits of that labor is what's in question for 2010, will Florida reload on defense or will they have a toothing OJT season.
Florida only returned two starters in 2007 - SS Tony Joiner and DE Derrick Harvey. The defense was gutted with four juniors leaving early for the NFL draft - Reggie Nelson, Ryan Smith, Brandon Siler and Jarvis Moss along with seniors Earl Everett, Reggie Lewis, DL Ray McDonald and Joe Cohen.
The 2007 defense was gutted in much the say way the 2009 defense was but it just wasn't as deep - Carlos Dunlap, Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes, Ryan Stamper, Joe Haden and Major Wright.
Again the 2007 recruiting class was heavy with athletes who were a major part of the success in 2009. Ahmad Black, Carlos Dunlap, Lorenzo Edwards, Chaz Henry, Brandon Hicks, Duke Lemmens, Justin Trattou, and Major Wright. Top guys who didn't work out were Torrey Davis, John Brown and Jerimy Finch - unfortunately that's normal attrition.
Urban Meyer has a super/huge 2010 class - Chris Martin must redshirt, Darrin Kitchens, Michael Taylor, Ronald Powell, Sharrif Floyd, Matt Elam, Dominique Easley, Cody Riggs, Joshua Shaw, Lynden Trail, Neiron Ball, Jordan Haden, Jaylen Watkins, Gideon Ajabe, Jonathan Dowling.
This season you have a team coming off of two 13-1 seasons, three in the past four years and two National Championships. In 2007 they had the one excellent season after four unremarkable years. Much will need to be passed onto this new band of Gators, tradition - pride - expecting to win should already be there.
First of all you have to look at the over all strength of the team. Offensively Florida is going to be very good. A lot will be told in the first few games how much the coaches will open it up this season, that depends on so much but this team looks to have the ability to score a lot of points in 2010. Special teams should be solid, a lot of team speed and athleticism to go along with two proven kickers in Chaz Henry and Caleb Sturgis, Chris Rainey should be awesome as a return man as long as he remains healthy.
DEFENSIVE LINE - In 2010 Florida will be far superior to the defensive line in '07. Derrick Harvey and a sophomore Jermaine Cunningham were the starters. Cunningham was still working on his weight, the back up DE was Lawrence Marsh. Dunlap was a freshman and made some things happen, seven tackles, one sack, one pass deflection, two tackles for a loss. Cunningham had a great season he had 64 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. The DTs were journeyman types at best, Javier Estopinan was good but couldn't stay healthy, Brandon Antwine was listed as 5-11, 265, with seniors Clint McMillan and Lutrell Alford.
This season the Gators are superior on the inside, no need listing the players Florida is very deep. Justin Trattou is absolutely solid and the word is William Green has put on more weight and is becoming a monster. Florida has a veteran backup in Duck Lemmens with a lot of very talented depth along with the big time freshmen on campus. Florida should be as good at DE but could be better, add in the interior and it all heavily favors the '10s.
LINEBACKER - Florida basically had four sophomore LBs for '07 - Spikes, Stamper, AJ Jones and Dustin Doe. This crew was young and they were playing behind a middle of the road defensive line for the SEC. In '10 you're looking at a much more veteran crew with seniors Brandon Hicks and AJ Jones, the highly talented Jelani Jenkins a redshirt freshman and Jon Bostic a sophomore. Florida will call on some freshmen to step up and provide depth but this crew if healthy will certainly be ahead of the '07s. First off their job will be easier playing behind a stronger DL and because of their experience level.
DEFENSIVE BACK - At corner the Gators were all over the place in '07 Markihe Anderson got in there Wondy Pierre-Louis ended up playing a lot. Joe Haden came to the rescue he just took over one corner. Tony Joiner returned at strong safety freshman Major Wright like Haden came to the rescue to play free safety. Now Wright had some growing pains that first season this secondary was not one of Florida's best, this was a transition group behind a so so defensive front and a group of very young linebackers. But they responded in 2008 to win a National Championship.
There is no comparison for the Gator secondary returning veterans in Black, Will Hill and Janoris Jenkins. They only have to find one corner from a large talented group. They've already found a backup safety in Matt Elam, he is who they thought he was.
There is no doubt the 2010 Gators will have so much more speed than 2007 it won't be funny. The depth this fall is higher and more talented than ever and it's on both sides of the ball.
One last thing before the final prediction. Compared to Florida this man doesn't respect a lot of football teams on the schedule. It's not that this man doesn't care for or root for many of the schools it is simply because they don't come near to the Gators talent level for this season.
At best it's a four game schedule...
game on....
Alabama - even, very good team with a great offense. rebuilding defense like the Gators will they just reload or will Bama be more like our 2007s?
LSU - very talented team weak at QB position, if they get that fixed they have to play in Gainesville.
highly unlikely....
Georgia - New QB, not a forth year junior like Florida is fielding, but their offensive is a veteran group, not sure about their defense.
FSU - OK I don't think they have a snowballs chance in hell of beating Florida this season, they just don't have the defense.
no way....
South Carolina - Their offensive line is horrible. QB is so so...
Tennessee - huge dip in talent level, no way they beat the Gators...
USF - Florida has the superior talent level
Kentucky - see above
With the offense and defense this man is projecting a 13-1 season. The Gators will win another National Championship in 2010, they will lose at Alabama then win the rematch in the SEC Championship game.
This is what the defense will need to do to achieve that goal. They won't need to be in the top ten in total defense but the top 15 would be an achievable goal, that would allow just over 300 yards per game. With the schedule they could improve on it depending on what they allow late in those gimme games. This is a good mark although you can be sure they're team goal is much higher.
The points per game is perhaps what's most important. Anything around 12 is a championship type season, think that's a bit much to hope for. Something just below 15 puts them in the hunt, each point is two TDs allowed over a 14 game season.
| Team | Rec | Tot | YPG | ScR | PPG | TOR | TOM |
| 2010 UM | 13-1 | 13 | 303 | 12 | 14.8 | 21 | .64 |
As far as a turnover margin, if you have a strong offense it would seem less likely it would come into play unless you let it get out of control on one or two games to kill a season. A reason for a coach like Urban Meyer to put so much emphasis on management of the football each and every game.
A strong season is anything greater than a +1. They've won big with +.38 or so. A +.64 would be an awesome mark to shoot for, that would be nine more takeaways for the season than their opponents. It's not overly optimistic, just a bit below Meyer's average so far.
Turnover margin is so important, a team stat that relies as much on the offense and special teams as it does the defensive. A guy like Reggie Nelson really helps, that's why Ahmad Black, Will Hill, and Matt Elam should add up to give Gator National a lot of warm fuzzies this season.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Don't Expect the Spread to Slow Down at Florida
In 2010 don't expect the Spread to be Dead at Florida.
Many say expect 2010 to be more like 2006 for the Florida Gators. If Florida's QB for 2010 John Brantley has stats similar to Chris Leak's 2006 stats it could be a disappointing season.
In 2006 the Gators had a great defense, ball control is a cornerstone of Urban Meyer football but that year it was the Commandment of the season.
In 2006 Leak had his best season with a QB rating of 145, in comparison Tim Tebow had ratings of 172, 172 and 164 in 2009. Leak in '06 had his best completion percentage 63.6% he had 23 TDs and 13 INTs. In his career Tebow averaged 66.3%, he had 88 TD passes and 16 INTs.
In no season did Tebow have more than six INTs.
Leak carried the ball a lot in Urban Meyer's first two seasons at Florida, certainly a lot more than he cared too. He rushed the ball 105 times in 2005 and 77 times in 2006. He only had 89 yards and 8 TDs in 2005 then 30 yards and 3 TDs in 2006. There weren't that many designed runs and sack yardage makes it difficult to judge Leak's production in this area.
Leak was aided by the freshman Tebow back in 2006. Tebow had 89 carries for 469 yards and 8 TDs.
In 2006 the Gators had a great freshman in Percy Harvin, Andre Caldwell was a junior, Dallas Baker and Jemalle Cornelius were seniors, Cornelius Ingram had a good year, Billy Latsko and DeShawn Wynn filled out the backfield. Drew Miller and Phil Trautwein were the top offensive linemen that season.
Florida certainly had the weapons back in 2006 but they relied on the defense - Jarvis Moss and Derrick Harvey at ends, Ray McDonald, Steven Harris and Joe Cohen inside, Earl Everett, Brandon Siler, Brandon Spikes, Ryan Stamper and Brain Crum at linebacker, Reggie Lews and Ryan Smith at corner, Tony Joiner and Reggie Lewis back at safety.
It was a great defense that only allowed 86 first half points in 14 games. They averaged 29.8 points a game against 13.5 allowed a victory margin of over two TDs, there was no need to push the offense.
But that need might be there for 2010.
Enter John Brantley a fourth year junior who according to Gator football strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti is a grown-ass man. Young John certainly wasn't when he arrived at Florida a thin 6-3, 192 pounds, he's put on 20 pounds of Marotti.
Brantley could be complemented by a gifted freshman in Trey Burton, at 6-2, 219 he's an excellent runner with rapidly improving passing skills over the spring. Burton could come in and do what Tebow did in certain situations and throws the ball well enough for the coaching staff to give him the go within his package.
But don't expect a repeat of Chris Leak in 2006 that simply won't be acceptable for 2010.
Leak was sacked 23 times in 2006, Tebow was sacked 15 times in '08 but doubled that to 29 in '09. With Florida's teething but very talented defense 13 INTs and 25 sacks will be a disaster to Meyer's overall game plan for a successful season in 2010.
It's doubtful that Meyer will hold back the offense with Brantley's passing skills and as talented a group of young receivers the Gators have had.
Throw in as good an offensive line Florida's seen in many years. Three players made the 2010 SEC Media Days Preseason All-SEC Football Team - 1St Team - Mike Pouncey OC, 2nd Team - Carl Johnson OG and Marcus Gilbert OT. All seniors, not mentioned is Xavier Nixon the returning starter at LT, a true sophomore.
Florida has at least four talented players with loads of experience for that fifth spot, Meyer mentioned in SEC media days that Matt Patchan could end up there along with James Wilson or Maruice Hurt, he also mentioned Jon Halipanio as young guy coming on strong and being in the mix.
This line on paper appears much stronger than the 2006 group.
With fine experience and depth at running back it makes sense for the Gators to be an attacking team this fall with the expected high level special teams play look for Florida's defense to be put into good positions the majority of the season.
What will help Brantley is one thing the Gators haven't had since Urban Meyer has been the coach. They will have two slot receivers with tremendous skill levels. Chris Rainey is a head scratcher, the question is why wasn't he moved to this Percy Harvin position in 2009? He's a baller with elusive open field skills off the charts.
Oh well Rainey's there now and Andre Debose the guy recruited to take Harvin's spot is now healthy. Debose was the gem of the 2009 recruiting class but ended up redshirting due to hamstring issues. Back in 2009 both Rivals and Scout gave Florida three 5-star recruits in Debose, Jelani Jenkins and Gary Brown. Debose was by far the elite play maker the Gators were looking for.
Having two dangerous slot receivers is something that Florida's never had before. When both are on the field what side do you look for?
Have to love Auburn's offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, he says coaches will run one reverse gain 18 yards and never run it again that game. This is something that has puzzled this man for more than 20 years.
Malzahn says he'll run a reverse five or six more times until the other team stops it. FSU used to run several a game, can you imagine things like a reverse or double reverse with Rainey and Debose? Find what works and take a page from Malzahn's book to keep doing it till they find a way to stop it.
Or imagine having Brantley option to the left, flanked left Deonte Thompson runs a flag, Rainey in the slot runs a post, Jeff Demps the pitch, and Jordan Reed the trail 'H' back. Brantley could throw to Thompson or pitch it in or out or stop and hit Rainey if he breaks open. All that speed is seriously nasty.
Brantley has the quick release, the ability to read defenses, pinpoint accuracy and to top all of that off he throws a very catchable ball. Brantley's ability to locate the open receiver and get rid of the ball quickly should lover the sack total and INT totals.
Lowered negative plays and being in Meyer's system patiently waiting for his turn you have to think that Meyer is going to reward him as the season unfolds.
Look for Brantley to complete 66% of his passes, he'll throw it close to 370 times and complete close to 247, he'll have over 3,000 yards, 33 TDs with no more than 8 INTs. and believe it or not he end up with around six carries a game, most of them won't be planned. Brantley will be sacked around 15 times and end up with a 162.24 QB rating.
( 8.4 X 3100 Yds + 330 X 33 TDs + 100 X 247 Comp - 200 X 8 INT ) / 370 Att
26040 + 10890 + 24700 - 1600 / 370 = 162.24 quarterback rating...
A 162.24 quarterback rating is not too much to expect from Brantley. Tim Tebow as a true sophomore and junior had ratings just over 172. Now he did pose more difficult issues for the defense but he also wasn't efficient at getting the ball out on time, he worked on that his entire career at Florida. Brantley won't have to work on that.
This man expects Brantley to hit 162, in fact it's highly likely that he will surpass it. If he has that kind of season Florida will be in very good shape and his receivers will love him.
Look for Thompson to have close to 60 catches, Rainey 51, Moore 41, Debose 40, Reed 34, Demps 23, Williams 23, Dunkley 20....
Brantley won't be a Tim Tebow, he doesn't have to be. But he will spread the ball all over the field, Meyer's offense is to find those creases in the defense then get the ball to athletes who can exploit them. With Brantley's knack to get the ball out quickly and to the receiver on time look for the Spread to be alive and well this fall.
It should be a nasty season offensively speaking. We will spread it and they will dread it...
Many say expect 2010 to be more like 2006 for the Florida Gators. If Florida's QB for 2010 John Brantley has stats similar to Chris Leak's 2006 stats it could be a disappointing season.
In 2006 the Gators had a great defense, ball control is a cornerstone of Urban Meyer football but that year it was the Commandment of the season.
In 2006 Leak had his best season with a QB rating of 145, in comparison Tim Tebow had ratings of 172, 172 and 164 in 2009. Leak in '06 had his best completion percentage 63.6% he had 23 TDs and 13 INTs. In his career Tebow averaged 66.3%, he had 88 TD passes and 16 INTs.
In no season did Tebow have more than six INTs.
Leak carried the ball a lot in Urban Meyer's first two seasons at Florida, certainly a lot more than he cared too. He rushed the ball 105 times in 2005 and 77 times in 2006. He only had 89 yards and 8 TDs in 2005 then 30 yards and 3 TDs in 2006. There weren't that many designed runs and sack yardage makes it difficult to judge Leak's production in this area.
Leak was aided by the freshman Tebow back in 2006. Tebow had 89 carries for 469 yards and 8 TDs.
In 2006 the Gators had a great freshman in Percy Harvin, Andre Caldwell was a junior, Dallas Baker and Jemalle Cornelius were seniors, Cornelius Ingram had a good year, Billy Latsko and DeShawn Wynn filled out the backfield. Drew Miller and Phil Trautwein were the top offensive linemen that season.
Florida certainly had the weapons back in 2006 but they relied on the defense - Jarvis Moss and Derrick Harvey at ends, Ray McDonald, Steven Harris and Joe Cohen inside, Earl Everett, Brandon Siler, Brandon Spikes, Ryan Stamper and Brain Crum at linebacker, Reggie Lews and Ryan Smith at corner, Tony Joiner and Reggie Lewis back at safety.
It was a great defense that only allowed 86 first half points in 14 games. They averaged 29.8 points a game against 13.5 allowed a victory margin of over two TDs, there was no need to push the offense.
But that need might be there for 2010.
Enter John Brantley a fourth year junior who according to Gator football strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti is a grown-ass man. Young John certainly wasn't when he arrived at Florida a thin 6-3, 192 pounds, he's put on 20 pounds of Marotti.
Brantley could be complemented by a gifted freshman in Trey Burton, at 6-2, 219 he's an excellent runner with rapidly improving passing skills over the spring. Burton could come in and do what Tebow did in certain situations and throws the ball well enough for the coaching staff to give him the go within his package.
But don't expect a repeat of Chris Leak in 2006 that simply won't be acceptable for 2010.
Leak was sacked 23 times in 2006, Tebow was sacked 15 times in '08 but doubled that to 29 in '09. With Florida's teething but very talented defense 13 INTs and 25 sacks will be a disaster to Meyer's overall game plan for a successful season in 2010.
It's doubtful that Meyer will hold back the offense with Brantley's passing skills and as talented a group of young receivers the Gators have had.
Throw in as good an offensive line Florida's seen in many years. Three players made the 2010 SEC Media Days Preseason All-SEC Football Team - 1St Team - Mike Pouncey OC, 2nd Team - Carl Johnson OG and Marcus Gilbert OT. All seniors, not mentioned is Xavier Nixon the returning starter at LT, a true sophomore.
Florida has at least four talented players with loads of experience for that fifth spot, Meyer mentioned in SEC media days that Matt Patchan could end up there along with James Wilson or Maruice Hurt, he also mentioned Jon Halipanio as young guy coming on strong and being in the mix.
This line on paper appears much stronger than the 2006 group.
With fine experience and depth at running back it makes sense for the Gators to be an attacking team this fall with the expected high level special teams play look for Florida's defense to be put into good positions the majority of the season.
What will help Brantley is one thing the Gators haven't had since Urban Meyer has been the coach. They will have two slot receivers with tremendous skill levels. Chris Rainey is a head scratcher, the question is why wasn't he moved to this Percy Harvin position in 2009? He's a baller with elusive open field skills off the charts.
Oh well Rainey's there now and Andre Debose the guy recruited to take Harvin's spot is now healthy. Debose was the gem of the 2009 recruiting class but ended up redshirting due to hamstring issues. Back in 2009 both Rivals and Scout gave Florida three 5-star recruits in Debose, Jelani Jenkins and Gary Brown. Debose was by far the elite play maker the Gators were looking for.
Having two dangerous slot receivers is something that Florida's never had before. When both are on the field what side do you look for?
Have to love Auburn's offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, he says coaches will run one reverse gain 18 yards and never run it again that game. This is something that has puzzled this man for more than 20 years.
Malzahn says he'll run a reverse five or six more times until the other team stops it. FSU used to run several a game, can you imagine things like a reverse or double reverse with Rainey and Debose? Find what works and take a page from Malzahn's book to keep doing it till they find a way to stop it.
Or imagine having Brantley option to the left, flanked left Deonte Thompson runs a flag, Rainey in the slot runs a post, Jeff Demps the pitch, and Jordan Reed the trail 'H' back. Brantley could throw to Thompson or pitch it in or out or stop and hit Rainey if he breaks open. All that speed is seriously nasty.
Brantley has the quick release, the ability to read defenses, pinpoint accuracy and to top all of that off he throws a very catchable ball. Brantley's ability to locate the open receiver and get rid of the ball quickly should lover the sack total and INT totals.
Lowered negative plays and being in Meyer's system patiently waiting for his turn you have to think that Meyer is going to reward him as the season unfolds.
Look for Brantley to complete 66% of his passes, he'll throw it close to 370 times and complete close to 247, he'll have over 3,000 yards, 33 TDs with no more than 8 INTs. and believe it or not he end up with around six carries a game, most of them won't be planned. Brantley will be sacked around 15 times and end up with a 162.24 QB rating.
( 8.4 X 3100 Yds + 330 X 33 TDs + 100 X 247 Comp - 200 X 8 INT ) / 370 Att
26040 + 10890 + 24700 - 1600 / 370 = 162.24 quarterback rating...
A 162.24 quarterback rating is not too much to expect from Brantley. Tim Tebow as a true sophomore and junior had ratings just over 172. Now he did pose more difficult issues for the defense but he also wasn't efficient at getting the ball out on time, he worked on that his entire career at Florida. Brantley won't have to work on that.
This man expects Brantley to hit 162, in fact it's highly likely that he will surpass it. If he has that kind of season Florida will be in very good shape and his receivers will love him.
Look for Thompson to have close to 60 catches, Rainey 51, Moore 41, Debose 40, Reed 34, Demps 23, Williams 23, Dunkley 20....
Brantley won't be a Tim Tebow, he doesn't have to be. But he will spread the ball all over the field, Meyer's offense is to find those creases in the defense then get the ball to athletes who can exploit them. With Brantley's knack to get the ball out quickly and to the receiver on time look for the Spread to be alive and well this fall.
It should be a nasty season offensively speaking. We will spread it and they will dread it...
Friday, July 16, 2010
Something to get you Reptiles in tha Mood!!!
This is a great video for Gators to get in the mood....
Monday, July 12, 2010
How Long Does it Take to Play DL in the SEC?
Did some more work on this thought some of you guys might enjoy the info in it. It's on defensive linemen but had to throw in David Little's career at UF. Little might push the best four years anyone ever had, he certainly deserves to be up there ranked close to guys like Tim Tebow and Danny Wuerffel, look at his stats and judge for yourself....
David Little - 1977, 78, 79, 80 - OK he played LB but had to mention Florida's all time leader in career total tackles with 475. Whew, that's a bunch. His career was magnificent, the four-year starter had 9 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 7 INTs and 1 sack!
Tragically David Little died on March 17, 2005 as the result of a weight-lifting accident. He was just 46 years old and suffered from heart disease. He experienced a cardiac flutter while lifting weights at his Miami home; he dropped 250 pounds of weights on his chest, which rolled onto his neck and suffocated him. Brother of All-Pro offensive guard Larry Little of the Miami Dolphins.
Some of Florida's best players are listed below, Marcus Thomas is the only true freshmen of those mentioned to have his best season in his first year.
(Tim Newton above, a great nose guard. He was 6-2, 275 and ran sideline to sideline, great quickness for his girth.)
So when someone says Ronald Powell could come in and play right away you just have to look at someone like Marcus Thomas or Tim Newton (*who played first half of true freshman season at LB). Marcus Thomas played his best season as a redshirt-freshman. For many it took a year or two to get their train going. Had no idea Wilbur Marshall was so dominant, he was more of an OLB so it isn't fair to all these other DEs, DTs, and NGs.
In the second column if there is a 'R' the player redshirted. It's pretty clear there isn't a formula for when someone can step on the field in the SEC and play well in the defensive line. It usually takes a little time. TT-total tackles...
Defensive Stats for 2010 Gator Defensive Linemen
(TT-total tackles, TL-tackle behind line, S-sacks, FF-forced fumble, FR-fumble recovery, Pd-pass deflection)
It's easy to conclude there aren't any Kevin Carter, Brad Culpepper, Ellis Johnson types returning with any experience. Florida had the best DL recruiting class in the nation, it really isn't a stretch to think if some of those guys are going to be great they'll probably play a lot as true freshman, if they don't play early give them a chance, it's normal to take a year at the strength/speed positions.
Brad Culpepper (above) - 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991- A serious staph infection in the summer caused him to lose too much weight so he was redshirted. He backed up Jeff Roth and played a lot. Starter his redshirt sophomore season; 60 tackles, 40 solo, 3.5 QBS for -21 yards, 5 TFL 14 yards, 1 PBU, 2 CF, and 1 FR.
Reggie McGrew - 1996, 97, 98 - Was redshirted. His redshirt freshman season he made Sporting News All-American, started 10 of 12 games, played in all 12. 39 tackles second best among UF defensive linemen in '96, 14 "Big Plays" 8 FH, 1 FR, 1 PD and 4 TTFL.
Huey Richardson - 1987, 88, 89, 90 - Wasn't redshirted. Was a back up his freshman season, was actually called an outside linebacker. Made Honorable Mention All-American his sophomore season, was more or less a stand up defensive end.
Kevin Carter - 1991, 92, 93, 94 - Wasn't redshirted. Freshman season he played in 11 games and started two. 261 downs played 14 tackles. Sophomore season was AP Second Team All-SEC, Honorable All-American Football News, 64 tackles, 38 solo, 12 forced QB hurries, 3.5 QBS -53 yards, 6 TBL -24.
Ellis Johnson - 1991, 92, 93, 94 - Wasn't redshirted. Named to Knoxville News SEC All-Freshman team. Played in 10 games all but Alabama. 157 snaps, 16 tackles, 10 solo, 1 TBL -1 yard. Sophomore season 32 tackles, 22 solo, 3 QBS -23 yards, 3 TBL -7 yards, 2 pass deflections, 5 forced QB hurries.
Gerard Warren - 1998, 99, 00 - Freshman played in three games for 63 plays injured knee and received medical redshirt. Redshirt Freshman season. Played in 10 of 11 games all but Vanderbilt due to a foot injury. Started one game vs FSU also started the Orange Bowl game. 27 tackles, 11 "Big Plays" 4 TTFL -18 yards, 1 FR, 1 PD, and 5 FH. Sophomore season Coaches' and AP All-SEC Second Team. Played in 10 of 12 games missing first two due to suspension. Was in on 683 plays, 52 tackles and 35 "Big Plays", averaged 3.5 "Big Plays" per game ranked second on the team. 11 TBL -35 yards. 2 QB sacks -13 yards, 19 FH, 3 PD for the season. (Warren is pictured to the left)
Tim Newton - 1981, 82, 83, 84 - Reported to camp 230 pounds, *played LB and was moved to DT midway through the season. 46 tackles, 26 solo, 1 TFL, 3 QBS. Sophomore season. One of only three players to start every game on defense (Wilbur Marshall and Randy Clark), started at Left DT, one start at Right DT, five starts at NG. Fifth on team in tackles 54, 32 solo, 11 TFL, 2 PBU, and 2 QBS for a loss of 22 yards.
Wilber Marshall (above) - 1980, 81, 82, 83 - Freshman season Marshall played TE. Sophomore season reported by media guide in 1981 Marshall was 6-1, 230, and ran a 4.58 forty with a VL of 33". 121 stops, 4 caused fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, tackled QB for safety vs Kentucky. Florida's player of the year in high school in 1979. All state three years in a row, All everything at Titusville Astronaut, same high school that sent Chris Collinsworth to Florida. Marshall had 339 tackles. OK he was an OLB but just had to put the dude in here...
Ray McDonald (above) - 2003, 04, 05, 06 - Was redshirted. Redshirt Freshman season he moved inside to DT from DE during the preseason and won the starting job, starting all 12 games except FSU saw action in 711 plays. Was only the forth defensive lineman in school history to start the season opener (Reggie McGrew in 1996, Mark Campbell in 1992 and Phillip Johnson in 1989). Tied for fifth in the nation with tackles for a loss (8) by a freshman and sixth in the nation for sacks (4) by a freshman. 54 tackles 34 solo, 8 TBL, 4 QBS, 2 FF, 2 PD. Sophomore season saw action in 11 games, started 7, logging 572 plays. 39 tackles 26 solo, 10 TBL, 3 QBS, 1 FR.
Marcus Thomas - 2003, 04, 05, 06 - Wasn't redshirted. Freshman season worked his way into the rotation, saw action in 12 games. Became the first true freshman to start on the defensive line since 1992, when Johnnie Church and David Barnard started for the Gators. 47 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, saw action in 358 plays third highest among UF DTs. Sophomore season started all 12 games, 644 snaps, 39 tackles 28 solo, 4.5 sacks tied for the team lead, 7.5 TBL.
Sorry don’t have records on some of the older players like Jack Youngblood - 1968, 69, 70.
David Little - 1977, 78, 79, 80 - OK he played LB but had to mention Florida's all time leader in career total tackles with 475. Whew, that's a bunch. His career was magnificent, the four-year starter had 9 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 7 INTs and 1 sack!
Tragically David Little died on March 17, 2005 as the result of a weight-lifting accident. He was just 46 years old and suffered from heart disease. He experienced a cardiac flutter while lifting weights at his Miami home; he dropped 250 pounds of weights on his chest, which rolled onto his neck and suffocated him. Brother of All-Pro offensive guard Larry Little of the Miami Dolphins.
Some of Florida's best players are listed below, Marcus Thomas is the only true freshmen of those mentioned to have his best season in his first year.
(Tim Newton above, a great nose guard. He was 6-2, 275 and ran sideline to sideline, great quickness for his girth.)
So when someone says Ronald Powell could come in and play right away you just have to look at someone like Marcus Thomas or Tim Newton (*who played first half of true freshman season at LB). Marcus Thomas played his best season as a redshirt-freshman. For many it took a year or two to get their train going. Had no idea Wilbur Marshall was so dominant, he was more of an OLB so it isn't fair to all these other DEs, DTs, and NGs.
In the second column if there is a 'R' the player redshirted. It's pretty clear there isn't a formula for when someone can step on the field in the SEC and play well in the defensive line. It usually takes a little time. TT-total tackles...
| Name | RS | Years played | TT | TT | TT | TT |
| Tim Newton* | - | 1981, 82, 83, 84 | 46 | 54 | 79 | 77 |
| Huey Richardson | - | 1987, 88, 89, 90 | 26 | 68 | 79 | 58 |
| Brad Culpepper | R | 1988, 89, 90, 91 | 25 | 60 | 64 | 82 |
| Ellis Johnson | - | 1991, 92, 93, 94 | 16 | 32 | 55 | 62 |
| Kevin Carter | - | 1981, 82, 83, 84 | 14 | 64 | 59 | 66 |
| Reggie McGrew | R | 1996, 97, 98 | 39 | 26 | 41 | - |
| Gerard Warren | R | 1998, 99, 00 | 27 | 52 | 76 | - |
| Marcus Thomas | - | 2003, 04, 05, 06 | 47 | 39 | 45 | - |
| Ray McDonald | R | 2003, 04, 05, 06 | 54 | 39 | 8 | 36 |
| Lawrence Marsh | R | 2007, 08, 09 | 5 | 28 | 8 | - |
| Wilbur Marshall | - | 1980, 81, 82, 83 | 0 | 121 | 123 | 95 |
| David Little | - | 1977, 78,79, 80 | 67 | 138 | 109 | 161 |
Defensive Stats for 2010 Gator Defensive Linemen
| Name | Yr | Pos | Career TT-TL-S | 2009 TT-TL-S | Comment |
| Justin Trattou | Sr | DE | 64-15-7 | 17-4.5-2 | 1FF, 1Fr, 3Pd, 2INT |
| William Green | Jr | DE | 19-5-1 | 12-3-0 | None |
| Ronald Powell | Fr | DE | - | - | May start early |
| Duke Lemmens | Sr | DE | 23-3-2 | 10-0-0 | 1FF |
| Earl Okine | RSo | DE | 2-0-0 | 2-0-0 | - |
| Lerentee McCray | RSo | DE | 10-0-0 | 5-0-0 | 09 to DE, 3 games played |
| Kendrick Johnson | RFr | DE | - | - | - |
| Lynden Trail | Fr | DE | - | - | - |
| Lawrence Marsh | RSr | NT | 41-7.5-4 | 8-.5-.5 | Injuried 2009 |
| Brandon Antwine | RSr | NT | 17-1.5-0 | 3-1-0 | 1 PD |
| Omar Hunter | RSo | NT | 17-2-0 | 17-2-0 | 11 Starts |
| Terron Sanders | RSr | DT | 44-7-0 | 19-2-0 | 1 FR 1 PD |
| Jaye Howard | RJr | DT | 37-5.5-3 | 29-3-1.5 | 1 FR |
| Leon Orr | Fr | DT | - | - | - |
| Dominique Easley | Fr | DT | - | - | - |
| Sharrif Floyd | Fr | DT | - | - | - |
It's easy to conclude there aren't any Kevin Carter, Brad Culpepper, Ellis Johnson types returning with any experience. Florida had the best DL recruiting class in the nation, it really isn't a stretch to think if some of those guys are going to be great they'll probably play a lot as true freshman, if they don't play early give them a chance, it's normal to take a year at the strength/speed positions.
Brad Culpepper (above) - 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991- A serious staph infection in the summer caused him to lose too much weight so he was redshirted. He backed up Jeff Roth and played a lot. Starter his redshirt sophomore season; 60 tackles, 40 solo, 3.5 QBS for -21 yards, 5 TFL 14 yards, 1 PBU, 2 CF, and 1 FR.
Reggie McGrew - 1996, 97, 98 - Was redshirted. His redshirt freshman season he made Sporting News All-American, started 10 of 12 games, played in all 12. 39 tackles second best among UF defensive linemen in '96, 14 "Big Plays" 8 FH, 1 FR, 1 PD and 4 TTFL.
Huey Richardson - 1987, 88, 89, 90 - Wasn't redshirted. Was a back up his freshman season, was actually called an outside linebacker. Made Honorable Mention All-American his sophomore season, was more or less a stand up defensive end.
Kevin Carter - 1991, 92, 93, 94 - Wasn't redshirted. Freshman season he played in 11 games and started two. 261 downs played 14 tackles. Sophomore season was AP Second Team All-SEC, Honorable All-American Football News, 64 tackles, 38 solo, 12 forced QB hurries, 3.5 QBS -53 yards, 6 TBL -24.
Ellis Johnson - 1991, 92, 93, 94 - Wasn't redshirted. Named to Knoxville News SEC All-Freshman team. Played in 10 games all but Alabama. 157 snaps, 16 tackles, 10 solo, 1 TBL -1 yard. Sophomore season 32 tackles, 22 solo, 3 QBS -23 yards, 3 TBL -7 yards, 2 pass deflections, 5 forced QB hurries.
Gerard Warren - 1998, 99, 00 - Freshman played in three games for 63 plays injured knee and received medical redshirt. Redshirt Freshman season. Played in 10 of 11 games all but Vanderbilt due to a foot injury. Started one game vs FSU also started the Orange Bowl game. 27 tackles, 11 "Big Plays" 4 TTFL -18 yards, 1 FR, 1 PD, and 5 FH. Sophomore season Coaches' and AP All-SEC Second Team. Played in 10 of 12 games missing first two due to suspension. Was in on 683 plays, 52 tackles and 35 "Big Plays", averaged 3.5 "Big Plays" per game ranked second on the team. 11 TBL -35 yards. 2 QB sacks -13 yards, 19 FH, 3 PD for the season. (Warren is pictured to the left)
Tim Newton - 1981, 82, 83, 84 - Reported to camp 230 pounds, *played LB and was moved to DT midway through the season. 46 tackles, 26 solo, 1 TFL, 3 QBS. Sophomore season. One of only three players to start every game on defense (Wilbur Marshall and Randy Clark), started at Left DT, one start at Right DT, five starts at NG. Fifth on team in tackles 54, 32 solo, 11 TFL, 2 PBU, and 2 QBS for a loss of 22 yards.
Wilber Marshall (above) - 1980, 81, 82, 83 - Freshman season Marshall played TE. Sophomore season reported by media guide in 1981 Marshall was 6-1, 230, and ran a 4.58 forty with a VL of 33". 121 stops, 4 caused fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, tackled QB for safety vs Kentucky. Florida's player of the year in high school in 1979. All state three years in a row, All everything at Titusville Astronaut, same high school that sent Chris Collinsworth to Florida. Marshall had 339 tackles. OK he was an OLB but just had to put the dude in here...
Ray McDonald (above) - 2003, 04, 05, 06 - Was redshirted. Redshirt Freshman season he moved inside to DT from DE during the preseason and won the starting job, starting all 12 games except FSU saw action in 711 plays. Was only the forth defensive lineman in school history to start the season opener (Reggie McGrew in 1996, Mark Campbell in 1992 and Phillip Johnson in 1989). Tied for fifth in the nation with tackles for a loss (8) by a freshman and sixth in the nation for sacks (4) by a freshman. 54 tackles 34 solo, 8 TBL, 4 QBS, 2 FF, 2 PD. Sophomore season saw action in 11 games, started 7, logging 572 plays. 39 tackles 26 solo, 10 TBL, 3 QBS, 1 FR.
Marcus Thomas - 2003, 04, 05, 06 - Wasn't redshirted. Freshman season worked his way into the rotation, saw action in 12 games. Became the first true freshman to start on the defensive line since 1992, when Johnnie Church and David Barnard started for the Gators. 47 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, saw action in 358 plays third highest among UF DTs. Sophomore season started all 12 games, 644 snaps, 39 tackles 28 solo, 4.5 sacks tied for the team lead, 7.5 TBL.
Sorry don’t have records on some of the older players like Jack Youngblood - 1968, 69, 70.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Lingering Effects of Florida's 1984 Probation
Over 25 years ago and this man still believes there are lingering effects of that horrible probation put on the Gators of 1984. Not going down the list, reduced scholarships, reduced caps, no bowls, 1st SEC Title in 1984 taken away Tennessee lead the charge on that.
The Gators learned from that unpleasant event, they were fortunate to have current AD Jeremy Foley on staff. One example of this is Adrian Bushell, an old Coach out to the West would have him on the practice field in the Spring working at getting ready to take over a corner spot in the Fall.
But not at Florida.
Bushell, a third year defensive back, was kept out of spring to work on academics so he'll be eligible in the fall.
It isn't that Florida kids don't get in trouble like kids at other schools. What makes Florida special is what they do about it.
Something very good came out of something very bad. Back in 1984 Florida admitted their guilt, accepted their punishment, there were cries of cruel and unusual punishment, but unlike other schools that felt they'd been had by the NCAA Florida swore to go on and play by the rules and even go above and beyond.
That attitude has made them what they are and is one big reason their fans are so dam proud to be a Florida Gator.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Top Six Coaches in the SEC
Southeastern Conference football is the best of all. Top to bottom competition is difficult, many of the best known college coaches are in the fabled SEC where National Championships are expected.
At this time the SEC has two coaches who've won two National Championships in Urban Meyer and Nick Saban. Meyer won both of his at Florida while Saban won one at LSU and the other last year at Alabama.
Les Miles and Steve Spurrier have won titles, Miles at his current position with LSU and Spurrier when he was at Florida in 1996.
The SEC has two new head coaches both are in the SEC East, Tennessee brought in Derek Dooley and Kentucky promoted their coach in waiting Joker Phillips.
Over in the SEC West are two second year coaches Dan Mullens at Mississippi State and Auburn's Gene Chizik.
If you took the first, second and third year guys out of the mix you'd only have six coaches left to stack up. For this list we'll throw Houston Nutt and Bobby Petrino in and see what comes out.
1 - Urban Meyer - success at a high level is his business where ever he's been. Meyer is first because he's won two National Championships at the SEC school he's presently with and he's done this in five seasons, actually his first four. In those five seasons he's reeled off three 13-1 records, coached a Heisman Trophy winner and has been the dominant recruiter in the country. This pick can not be argued, well it can't be argued successfully.
| Coach | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | Total |
| Urban Meyer | 9-3 | 13-1 | 9-4 | 13-1 | 13-1 | 57-10 |
| Nick Saban | - | - | 7-6 | 12-2 | 14-0 | 23-8 |
| Les Miles | 11-2 | 11-2 | 12-2 | 8-5 | 9-4 | 51-15 |
| Mark Richt | 10-3 | 9-4 | 11-2 | 10-3 | 8-5 | 48-17 |
| Steve Spurrier | 7-5 | 8-5 | 6-6 | 7-5 | 7-5 | 35-26 |
| Bobby Petrino | - | - | - | 5-7 | 8-5 | 13-12 |
| Houston Nutt | - | - | - | 9-4 | 9-4 | 18-8 |
| Bobby Johnson | 5-6 | 4-8 | 5-7 | 7-6 | 2-10 | 23-37 |
| Gene Chizik | - | - | - | - | 8-5 | 8-5 |
| Dan Mullen | - | - | - | - | 5-7 | 5-7 |
| Joker Phillips | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Derek Dooley | - | - | - | - | - | - |
2 - Nick Saban - Saban takes second place not on just what he's done at Alabama, if so he'd be third in line here. But Saban has won two National Championships as mentioned above at LSU and Bama. Many people will argue that Les Miles won on Saban's talent at LSU but no one seems to argue that Saban won on Mike Shula's talent at Alabama.
Saban is an awesome recruiter and he has the Bama fans dancing in the clouds right now.
But the fact remains Saban was erratic at best in his five seasons at LSU, but two NCs is something few men achieve...
Saban at LSU
2000 - 8-4
2001 - 10-3
2002 - 8-5
2003 - 13-1
2004 - 9-4
3 - Les Miles - You can't explain away a National Championship in a coaches 3rd season. Urban Meyer won one in his second season at Florida and no sane rational thinking man believed that Zook would have been able to pull off the same feat in 2006.
Miles won his title by gutsy calls like the game against Florida going for forth down several times he helped will his team to victory that season.
Miles first three seasons at LSU compared to Saban's first three at Alabama...
| coach | 1st yr | 2nd yr | 3rd yr | total | NC | SEC |
| Les Miles | 11-2 | 11-2 | 12-2 | 34-6 | 1 | 1 |
| Nick Saban | 7-6 | 12-2 | 14-0 | 33-8 | 1 | 1 |
Miles has recruited really well, he's had the misfortune lately of struggling with the QB position, the worst position at any level of football to be having troubles at.
4. Mark Richt - Richt edges out the old ball coach. You have to give a National Championship a lot of respect but Steve Spurrier has yet to write any history at South Carolina, Richt has at Georgia.
His overall record in nine seasons of 90-27 is simply outstanding. A 10-3 average, had Florida not been the dominating force in the SEC East Georgia under Richt would torn it up.
In his nine seasons he's won two SEC Titles in 2002 and 2005 and also finished tied for first in the SEC twice 2003 and 2007. Richt is an excellent recruiter he seems to attract some of the South's best quarterbacks, tight ends and wide receivers.
5. Steve Spurrier - Comes in fifth because in five seasons at South Carolina the best he's been able to do is 8-5. But he's had some great victories there and has been consistent in his recruiting.
Spurrier's 12-year run at Florida was for the history books, six SEC titles and another in his first season when the Gators weren't eligible to win it. Florida's first National Championship, those four SEC titles in a row 1993-94-95-96, a Heisman winner coached by the Heisman winner at the same school. Runner up for the SEC in 1992 and 1999.
Spurrier won the sec in bold, second in SEC normal type (9 of his 12 seasons at Florida)...
1990-1991-1992-1993-1994-1995-1996-1999-2001
Spurrier loved the challenge of being the first. At Duke he guided them to their first ACC football title in 1989, did the same at Florida 1991 and wants to pull that same feat off one last time at South Carolina. It's been a difficult task, none the less the old ball coach seems to love his second home away from home in the SEC.
6. Houston Nutt - This wasn't easy, this man has a lot of admiration for Bobby Johnson and his difficult task at Vanderbilt, he's a darn good coach. Lets face it Houston Nutt is a bit of a nut, but he's also a darn good coach. Pulling off back to back 9-4 seasons at Ole Miss is a serious statement for his abilities.
Bobby Petrino is going to have to do a lot more than 5-7 and 8-5 to climb into the top six, a lot of pressure is on his team this season due to the building hype over the perceived talent level at Arkansas. We'll see.
Urban Meyer Gator Program
One of the best Gator Program's ever. A collectors item in itself but there is so much more to this program. The cover is awesome, all four Gators played in the NFL, two were NFL greats in Neal Anderson and John L. Williams, Kerwin Bell is a legendary Gator and Chris Bromley was All-SEC one of the best centers in Gator History.
But it's what's inside this program that counts.
Urban Meyer played for the Cincinnati Bearcats 1983-86, he was a backup free safety in '84. His name appears twice in the program, Urban Meyer #49 in the roster and again in the two-deep defense.
It was not a good day for Cincinnati they got beat 48-17 against a powerful Gator football team.
It's for sale (RETAIL) but it won't go cheap, mint condition.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Adrian Bushell still at Florida
Rewritten July 7th, 11:30 PM based on new information...Adrian Bushell has an excellent chance at winning starting cornerback position across from Janoris Jenkins this fall. Joe Haden is off to the NFL, Jenkins is the lock to slide over to the weak-side corner position his old position of 2008-09 is up for grabs.
But Bushell did not have a good spring.
Issues arose and the story circulated that Bushell asked for a release from the Florida program, am hearing now he never asked for one.
Bushell is still enrolled at Florida this summer. He's still on Florida's roster and is part of the team.
Bushell came to Florida out of DeSoto, Texas. He transferred there for his senior season from Miami, Florida. Bushell at 5-10, 180 is a fine athlete he's reported to run a 4.4 forty and have a 38" vertical leap. He was a four-star recruit he came to Florida in 2008 and was redshirted.
Last year he earned his first letter, he saw action in all 14 games ending the season with 14 tackles, 10 solo, 1 INT and 1 pass deflection. His INT came against FSU he also had 2 tackles one solo vs Alabama in the SEC Championship game.
In high school he was called upon to do everything. His senior season at DeSoto he had 60 tackles, 2 INTs, 500 yards rushing and 10 TDs, and 300 yards receiving and 7 TD catches. At Miami Pace he had 1,500 all purpose yards, 1,100 rushing and 400 receiving.
Bushell's major at Florida is - Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Competition at Corner
| Player | Ht | Wt | Cl | Gp | St | Comment |
| Janoris Jenkins | 5-11 | 186 | Jr | 27 | 25 | 2L - 77T, 5 INT, 17PB |
| Moses Jenkins | 6-2 | 188 | Sr | 23 | 3L - Special teams | |
| Jeremy Brown | 5-10 | 182 | RSo | - | - | Back issues |
| Adrian Bushell | 5-9 | 183 | RSo | 14 | - | 1L - 14T, 1 INT, 1PB |
| Joshua Shaw | 6-0 | 189 | Fr | - | - | In Mix, Physical |
| Jaylen Watkins | 5-11 | 180 | Fr | - | - | In Mix, Athletic |
| Cody Riggs | 5-9 | 170 | Fr | - | - | In Mix, Quick 4.37 |
Joshua Shaw and Jaylen Watkins got in school in January giving them the advantage of going through spring practice. Shaw from California is physical while Watkins is extremely athletic he was a QB/DB for Cape Coral last season.
If quickness has anything to do with it then Cody Riggs might have the edge. The last two corners started as true freshmen at Florida, Haden and Jenkins. They were the quickest corners in their class and also the most gifted with natural football ability. Don't know Riggs well enough to say he has that gift, would think Watkins does he played QB like Haden did, but Riggs certainly is the quickest of the group.
Riggs, a 5-foot-9 senior from St. Thomas Aquinas , won the 300-meter hurdles at the 4A state meet in 36.44 seconds, the fastest time in the nation this year. It was his third consecutive state title in the event. He is eligible for the National Player of r .the Year for Track and Field. He was named Gatorade Florida Field and Track Athlete of the Yea
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Four Predictions for the 2010 Gators
1 - Florida will win the SEC - If they do that they'll be in position to win another Title, it's the even year thing so it's time for Urban Meyer's third one. Think the Gators might lose at Alabama and get them in the rematch in the SECC. As mentioned Meyer's big seasons at Florida come in the even years, 2006, 2008 and well you do the math. Not a huge prediction here the Gators are loaded.
2 - John Brantley will be the All-SEC QB, if he doesn't make it McElroy had a great year. Believe this is going to be a huge year for the Gators throwing the ball. Way too many weapons. This is in no way a stretch of the imagination. It's either McElroy or Brantley they will have the advantage of being on the two best teams in the SEC. Brantley will be the best QB in the league in this man's opinion.
3 - Ian Silberman ends up becoming a starter on the offensive line midway through the season if not earlier. Silberman is an outstanding lineman, he just might be too good to keep out of the lineup. He will most likely be 300 lbs this fall, he has the talent to be one of Florida's best and play many seasons in the NFL. Silberman has perfect body position to get the most out of his dam near perfect body. He has the proper bend at the knees and angle in the back, he squares up quickly and nicely, he has long arms, powerful legs and quick feet.
Silberman reminds this man of Jason Odom and David Williams. They all had that flawless form coming in. Odom ended up starting as a freshman along with Reggie Green. Williams was tremendous as a true freshman but redshirted none the less because of the Great Wall of Florida in 1984.
This is a great line in 2010 it could be another Great Wall if Silberman ends up starting.
4 - A true freshman ends up starting at cornerback. Joe Haden started as a true freshman, a year later Janoris Jenkins came in and did the same. This season Janoris will slide over and take Haden's weak-side duties while the Gators look for someone to replace his cornerback position.
Logical bet would be on either Jaylen Watkins or Cody Riggs this fall. Could be Riggs, the link between Jenkins and Haden is they were the quickest guys in their recruiting class. That might give Riggs the edge.
Watkins is extremely talented. So is true freshman Joshua Shaw. Of the three Riggs, Shaw and Watkins I'd bet on Watkins. He has nice size and that great skill set you're looking for, he's a baller.
If something were to happen to Janoris a kid like Shaw might work the weak-side he's really physical.
Moses Jenkins and Jeremy Brown will provide the competition for the three new guys. Brown has the best shot to edge the freshmen out but has been hurt his first two years at Florida with chronic back issues. Moses will not part the waters, he has great size but lacks great quickness and instincts.
Because of Brown's health issues and Adrian Bushell's request for transfer this prediction of a true freshman starting this season isn't that far fetched. Have heard a report that Bushell was granted a transfer but there has been no news on it since the end of spring practice. Some still hold out hope that he is trying to work his way back on the team.
If that doesn't happen there is a very good chance the Gators will end up starting their third true freshman in a row.
Five Musts for the Gators in 2010
1 - LEADERSHIP - When it comes to nut crack'n time, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. When Urban Meyer first came to Florida he worked on team toughness, he talked about how important team leadership is.One of the greatest leaders of all time, Tim Tebow, moves on as does his counter part on defense Brandon Spikes. Who will fill their shoes?
Florida's football staff will work diligently on this look for players like Mike Pouncey and Ahmad Black to step forward and new ones like John Brantley and Brandon Hicks.
2. Win the Turnover Margin - In 2009 the Gators gathered in 20 INTs, but only 3 fumbles. They were a plus .50 in the turnover margin. In 2008 the Gators were 1.57 with 26 INTs and 9 fumble recoveries. The other championship season in 2006 was unremarkable. The Gators had a good year jumping on eight fumbles and 21 INTs, but they gave it up 24 times that season for a .37 margin, they went conservative on offense, made holding onto a ball an issue and relied on a great defense to win.
Below is a graph of the Gators turnover margin for the past four years, added 2010 as a projection year of what this man thinks will be the mark of a successful season. Note that Tim Tebow kept his INTs way down, I'm giving Brantley a few extra on batted passes and whatnot. Hope for a few more INTs if we score the way I think we will on offense our defense should have that opportunity this season. A +1 turnover margin would be a huge season.
| Year | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | Comment |
| Games | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 means SECC |
| Fumbles Gained | 8 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 8 | around 8 or so is good |
| INTs Gained | 21 | 11 | 26 | 20 | 22 | 20 or more is great |
| Total Gained | 29 | 20 | 35 | 23 | 30 | only above 30 once |
| Fumbles Lost | 10 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 7 | some bad games '09 |
| INTs Lost | 14 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 8 | Tebow was awesome |
| Total Lost | 24 | 15 | 13 | 16 | 15 | 15-16 very good |
| Margin | 5 | 5 | 22 | 7 | 15 | 10 or over very good |
| Margin Gained | 0.36 | 0.38 | 1.57 | 0.50 | 1.07 | Plus 1 is awesome!!!! |
3 - Production in Passing Game - This centers on the wide receivers and their development. Deonte Thompson, Chris Rainey, Andre Debose, Carl Moore and Jordan Reed are on top of the list of players the Gators will depend on to make this a complete offense. John Brantley has proved he can get the ball there on time.
Rainey and Debose need to get and stay healthy, if not Robert Clark could get his chance he's an outstanding WR/Corner prospect.
Thompson needs to have others step up to help free him up, if that happens he should have a great season. Look for TE Reed to have a big season and be one of the guys to help take the pressure off of Thompson.
Other guys who could make things happen this fall are Chris Dunkley and Adrian Coxson. Dunkley is a polished extremely talented receiver with tremendous feet and balance to go along with a Tebow like will to succeed. Coxson is a bruiser with speed, he played QB in high school and will need a lot of coaching up, but this is one of those big shake and bake guys who you can throw the ball out too and he can end up taking it 50 yards for the touch, he has that talent.
With the passing game clicking Florida should have a monster offense this fall. If coach Meyer gives the offense their reins some teams could be forced into a game plan that might better suit the Gator defense. That's 'the keep the ball away from the other team' type offense.
4. Sound Play at Defensive End - Can Justin Trattou stand the physical riggers of being a first stringer the entire season? Will William Green step up and deliver at the SEC level, he's blessed with the quickness? Does all-world Ronald Powell live up to his billing and kick butt this fall?
Florida has so many options, they have eight scholarship DEs this fall, some converted LBs, with the new DC Teryl Austin the Gators could play some 3-4. Austin has spent the last seven years in the NFL and 10 years before that in College.
5 - Find another corner...
Friday, July 2, 2010
Five Gators with something to Prove - D
Defense
1 - Brandon Hicks - hate to put this on any kid but he's perhaps the most important piece of this years defense. This man thinks he's up for it. It's his year to make a big name for himself and he has the stuff to do it, now he just has to do it...
2 - Jaye Howard - The all-underwear stud defensive tackle! Everyone has raved about how good he looks and how good he can be. It's time for him to prove them right!
3 - William Green - A backup defensive end the Gators really need to come on and have a big year with the departure of Jermain Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap to the NFL. Like Hicks this man thinks Green has it in him to fill the shoes at DE for Florida.
4 - Ronald Powell - As much as this man really hates to put anything on a true freshman everyone else will be. The question isn't whether he plays or not, it's how soon, how much and how well. Because of his recruiting status as the top recruit in the country there is a lot for him to prove. The chances are pretty good he will as soon as he gets acclimated to the speed of the game in the SEC.
5 - The other Cornerback - Adrian Bushell was it till he fought Urban's law and the law won. Florida's last two corners have started as true freshmen - Joe Haden who they're looking to replace and Janoris Jenkins, perhaps they find another true freshman this year. It's very important to the defensive philosophy to find one who can play.
nothing to prove....
a - Justin Trattou - He proved it all last year. Might be the toughest player in the nation, if not he's got to be in the top five with all the pain he played through in 2009. He'll be playing on one tendon in his shoulder this fall, the other one tore off last fall.
b - Terron Sanders and Lawrence Marsh - get this, this pair started at DT and NG in the National Championship season in 2008, they will have to compete to start this fall. The Gators are upgrading their talent drastically in this area. These two will play a lot.
c - Ahmad Black - He's proved to everyone he's a baller. His INT against Oklahoma late in that game helped seal the deal for the Gators second NC under Urban Meyer. Only thing he has to prove is if he can make an NFL club, but that's after this season.
d - Janoris Jenkins - All he has left to do at Florida is step into Joe Haden's shoes, his third season as a Gator everyone believes he's ready to do that.
e - Will Hill - Probably has things to prove to himself, goals to achieve, he was so highly touted as a recruit. Maybe he can talk with Powell some. Believe he's proved he can play and play well in the SEC.
1 - Brandon Hicks - hate to put this on any kid but he's perhaps the most important piece of this years defense. This man thinks he's up for it. It's his year to make a big name for himself and he has the stuff to do it, now he just has to do it...
2 - Jaye Howard - The all-underwear stud defensive tackle! Everyone has raved about how good he looks and how good he can be. It's time for him to prove them right!
3 - William Green - A backup defensive end the Gators really need to come on and have a big year with the departure of Jermain Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap to the NFL. Like Hicks this man thinks Green has it in him to fill the shoes at DE for Florida.
4 - Ronald Powell - As much as this man really hates to put anything on a true freshman everyone else will be. The question isn't whether he plays or not, it's how soon, how much and how well. Because of his recruiting status as the top recruit in the country there is a lot for him to prove. The chances are pretty good he will as soon as he gets acclimated to the speed of the game in the SEC.
5 - The other Cornerback - Adrian Bushell was it till he fought Urban's law and the law won. Florida's last two corners have started as true freshmen - Joe Haden who they're looking to replace and Janoris Jenkins, perhaps they find another true freshman this year. It's very important to the defensive philosophy to find one who can play.
nothing to prove....
a - Justin Trattou - He proved it all last year. Might be the toughest player in the nation, if not he's got to be in the top five with all the pain he played through in 2009. He'll be playing on one tendon in his shoulder this fall, the other one tore off last fall.
b - Terron Sanders and Lawrence Marsh - get this, this pair started at DT and NG in the National Championship season in 2008, they will have to compete to start this fall. The Gators are upgrading their talent drastically in this area. These two will play a lot.
c - Ahmad Black - He's proved to everyone he's a baller. His INT against Oklahoma late in that game helped seal the deal for the Gators second NC under Urban Meyer. Only thing he has to prove is if he can make an NFL club, but that's after this season.
d - Janoris Jenkins - All he has left to do at Florida is step into Joe Haden's shoes, his third season as a Gator everyone believes he's ready to do that.
e - Will Hill - Probably has things to prove to himself, goals to achieve, he was so highly touted as a recruit. Maybe he can talk with Powell some. Believe he's proved he can play and play well in the SEC.
Five Gators with something to Prove - O
Offense....
1 - Chris Rainey - think he will be huge at the slot, his biggest issue is can he stay healthy?
2 - Jordan Reed - think he will be huge at TE, but he'll have to prove it. If he does the Gators will be doing some serious butt kicking.
3 - Omarius Hines - Will he finally step up? The coaches have talked about him for a long time, now it's his time to prove them right.
4 - Andre Debose - can he get healthy, stay healthy and deliver? If so he could be that last piece of the puzzle to go with Rainey, Thompson, Reed, Hines and Moore a group so easy for Brantley to get the ball too it will be like spreading warm butter on a hot piece of toast. If healthy Debose will get on the field and help free up a home run guy like Thompson, if that happens it's all good.
5 - 5th OL, will it be a guard or could Sam Robey allow the coaches to move Mike Pouncey out or perhaps move Robey out. Someone needs to step forward and stay healthy. Maurice Hunt, James Wilson or Robey take your pick one of them needs to step up or could it be someone else? Ian Silberman perhaps?
nothing to prove
a - John Brantley - he's already proved it to this man...
b - Emmanuel Moody - if he hasn't proved it by now what's left? Florida already proved they can do running back by committee...
c - Deonte Thompson - if he has to be the go to WR then I'm not sure our offense will be what this man hopes this fall. That is that there are enough weapons with Demps, Rainey, Debose, Reed, Moore, Gillislee and others that Thompson is just another weapon to give the opposition nightmares over. That will make him even more dangerous.
d - Mike Pouncey - nothing more needs to be said...
e - Jeff Demps - who's the fastest college football player in the country? Hmmm?
1 - Chris Rainey - think he will be huge at the slot, his biggest issue is can he stay healthy?
2 - Jordan Reed - think he will be huge at TE, but he'll have to prove it. If he does the Gators will be doing some serious butt kicking.
3 - Omarius Hines - Will he finally step up? The coaches have talked about him for a long time, now it's his time to prove them right.
4 - Andre Debose - can he get healthy, stay healthy and deliver? If so he could be that last piece of the puzzle to go with Rainey, Thompson, Reed, Hines and Moore a group so easy for Brantley to get the ball too it will be like spreading warm butter on a hot piece of toast. If healthy Debose will get on the field and help free up a home run guy like Thompson, if that happens it's all good.
5 - 5th OL, will it be a guard or could Sam Robey allow the coaches to move Mike Pouncey out or perhaps move Robey out. Someone needs to step forward and stay healthy. Maurice Hunt, James Wilson or Robey take your pick one of them needs to step up or could it be someone else? Ian Silberman perhaps?
nothing to prove
a - John Brantley - he's already proved it to this man...
b - Emmanuel Moody - if he hasn't proved it by now what's left? Florida already proved they can do running back by committee...
c - Deonte Thompson - if he has to be the go to WR then I'm not sure our offense will be what this man hopes this fall. That is that there are enough weapons with Demps, Rainey, Debose, Reed, Moore, Gillislee and others that Thompson is just another weapon to give the opposition nightmares over. That will make him even more dangerous.
d - Mike Pouncey - nothing more needs to be said...
e - Jeff Demps - who's the fastest college football player in the country? Hmmm?
Gators Looking for Defensive Ends...
Two areas of prime concern for Florida in 2010 are finding a replacement for Joe Haden and replacing the two starters at defensive end, Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham. All three were drafted by NFL teams in the first 54 picks.
As you can see on the graph below Florida has defensive ends to work with this year, they aren't running on empty.
Justin Trattou is a fine football player and a playmaker. He has 15 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks and 2 INTs, and 3 pass deflections. Trattou tore a tendon in his shoulder and played through the agonizing pain. He chose not to have it repaired and has one left. If it holds up Trattou will be the MAN at one DE spot. He's an exceptional player...
William Green is a true junior out of Hoover, Alabama. Green is blessed with a lot of speed, he has five tackles for a loss, one QB sack and one blocked punt. His sack came in Florida's 2010 Sugar Bowl victory. Green is poised to have a coming out season, he has all the tools this is the position Jermaine Cunningham was in a couple of years ago. Generally Green is regarded as an athlete with more talent than Cunningham had yet Cunningham ended up being the 53rd player taken in this year's NFL draft.
Florida has a veteran back up for Green and Trattou in Duke Lemmens a three-year letterman. Lemmens has three tackles for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Not a guy who has a future playing football after college but a guy you can rely on coming off the bench to give the starters a blow.
The chart below: Player's name, height, weight, class, games played, games started, L - stands for letters won
Florida is three deep with experience heading into the season. If Earl Okine doesn't make some sort of push this season he probably never will, don't know much about Kedric Johnson other than he had an amazing 24.5 sacks at Palmetto High School and ran a sub 4.7. Lerentee McCray was recruited and played at Florida as a LB, he switched to DE in the fall of 2009. He had blazing speed in high school was clocked at 4.53 in the 40.
In school is Ronald Powell, ranked the #1 national recruit at any position by Rivals and #2 by Scout. Powell is a freak athlete, much is expected of him but DE is a position that takes a little bit of OJT. It will be exciting for Gator fans to see how quickly and how often he gets on the field.
Joining Powell are two more freshmen who could help Florida early on at DE. Lynden Trail and Dominique Easley are two exceptional prospects.
Easley is another highly ranked national prospect who's has that 5-star ranking by the services. He's expected to become a DT but could play a strong side DE, the Gators cross train a lot of their defensive linemen, Trattou has a start at DT under his belt.
Trail is an interesting talent, he has nice feet for a big guy and is really strong. Now he'll need to bulk up and get college strong, and he'll get a lot of coaching to make the best use of his God given talents. If he turns out good enough to start one day he's going to be a nightmare, he's good at getting his hands on the ball be it knocking down a pass or stripping it from a ball carrier. He has a chance to be a really good one.
Make no mistake about it, the Gators aren't boxed in a corner at this position, their backs aren't against the wall. Like the strong recruiting team they are, the Gators are simply in a transition season. That will happen when you lose juniors to the NFL draft.
As you can see on the graph below Florida has defensive ends to work with this year, they aren't running on empty.
Justin Trattou is a fine football player and a playmaker. He has 15 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks and 2 INTs, and 3 pass deflections. Trattou tore a tendon in his shoulder and played through the agonizing pain. He chose not to have it repaired and has one left. If it holds up Trattou will be the MAN at one DE spot. He's an exceptional player...
William Green is a true junior out of Hoover, Alabama. Green is blessed with a lot of speed, he has five tackles for a loss, one QB sack and one blocked punt. His sack came in Florida's 2010 Sugar Bowl victory. Green is poised to have a coming out season, he has all the tools this is the position Jermaine Cunningham was in a couple of years ago. Generally Green is regarded as an athlete with more talent than Cunningham had yet Cunningham ended up being the 53rd player taken in this year's NFL draft.
Florida has a veteran back up for Green and Trattou in Duke Lemmens a three-year letterman. Lemmens has three tackles for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Not a guy who has a future playing football after college but a guy you can rely on coming off the bench to give the starters a blow.
The chart below: Player's name, height, weight, class, games played, games started, L - stands for letters won
| Player | Ht | Wt | Cl | Gp | St | Comment |
| Justin Trattou | 6-3 | 252 | Sr | 39 | 18 | 3L - stay healthy |
| William Green | 6-3 | 250 | Jr | 27 | 1 | 2L - Speed + |
| Duke Lemmens | 6-3 | 253 | Sr | 32 | 1 | 3L - exp backup |
| Earl Okine | 6-6 | 280 | RSo | 5 | now or never | |
| Lerentee McCray | 6-2 | 240 | RSo | 11 | 1L loads of speed | |
| Kedric Johnson | 6-4 | 230 | RFr | redshirted unknown | ||
| Ronald Powell | 6-4 | 250 | Fr | top recruit country | ||
| Lynden Trail | 6-7 | 230 | Fr | animal, needs wt | ||
| Dominique Easley | 6-2 | 253 | Fr | could play DE? DT |
Florida is three deep with experience heading into the season. If Earl Okine doesn't make some sort of push this season he probably never will, don't know much about Kedric Johnson other than he had an amazing 24.5 sacks at Palmetto High School and ran a sub 4.7. Lerentee McCray was recruited and played at Florida as a LB, he switched to DE in the fall of 2009. He had blazing speed in high school was clocked at 4.53 in the 40.
In school is Ronald Powell, ranked the #1 national recruit at any position by Rivals and #2 by Scout. Powell is a freak athlete, much is expected of him but DE is a position that takes a little bit of OJT. It will be exciting for Gator fans to see how quickly and how often he gets on the field.
Joining Powell are two more freshmen who could help Florida early on at DE. Lynden Trail and Dominique Easley are two exceptional prospects.
Easley is another highly ranked national prospect who's has that 5-star ranking by the services. He's expected to become a DT but could play a strong side DE, the Gators cross train a lot of their defensive linemen, Trattou has a start at DT under his belt.
Trail is an interesting talent, he has nice feet for a big guy and is really strong. Now he'll need to bulk up and get college strong, and he'll get a lot of coaching to make the best use of his God given talents. If he turns out good enough to start one day he's going to be a nightmare, he's good at getting his hands on the ball be it knocking down a pass or stripping it from a ball carrier. He has a chance to be a really good one.
Make no mistake about it, the Gators aren't boxed in a corner at this position, their backs aren't against the wall. Like the strong recruiting team they are, the Gators are simply in a transition season. That will happen when you lose juniors to the NFL draft.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)