8/17/07
Florida Gators 2007
Defensive Breakdown
Florida won the National Championship
last year on the dominating play of their defense. The defense kept
Florida in every game, and even was the reason they won a couple
(South Carolina and Ohio State!!). The defense has to replace 9
starters. The only two returners are very good though. The first
is Derrick Harvey, DE. Harvey is one of the nations best and is
looking for a big send-off to the NFL this year. He had 11 sacks
last year and is looking to improve on those numbers. The other
returnee, Tony Joiner, will be manning the strong safety position
for the Gators. Joiner is definitely a vocal leader in the
secondary. Let's take a look at the defense
Defensive Line: The defensive line
lost starters Jarvis Moss-DE, Ray McDonald-DT, and Joe Cohen-DT.
Moss was a first round draft pick. Moss teamed up nicely with
Harvey last year to put pressure on the outside, while McDonald and
Cohen collapsed the pocket from the inside and stuffed the run.
Ready to step in and take their place are Jermaine Cunningham at
DE, Lawrence Marsh-DT, Brandon Antwine-DT, Clint McMillan-DT, and
Javier Estopinan, DT. There is also the best class of defensive
line recruits in the nation last year coming in. The class
consists of Torrey Davis, Carlos Dunlap, and John Brown. Mattison
and Strong would like to rotate their defensive linemen to keep them
fresh. The defensive line is big unknown right now, but if several
of the youngsters can step up, Florida will be dominating again
this year upfront.
Linebackers: Florida does not have
one returning starter at linebacker this year, losing Brandon
Siler, Earl Everett, and Brian Crum. Florida lost their defensive
leader in Brandon Siler. Brandon Spikes has taken on the role as
defensive leader and replacement for Siler at the middle linebacker
spot. The other starters this year will be very young and
extremely fast set of backers: Dustin Doe-WOLB and AJ Jones-SOLB.
Lorenzo Edwards will attempt to pry playing time away from the
aforementioned three.
Cornerbacks: This is perhaps the
scariest position of the defense, but you can be assured that
Heater will have two solid starters by the beginning of the
season. Florida moved Markus Manson from running back to CB this
spring and moved super athlete Joe Haden from the offense to CB to
help with depth. Both players are pushing hard for playing time.
The starters look to be Jacques Rickerson and Wondy Pierre-Louis.
Ahmad Black is the final piece of the puzzle and will provide depth
in the secondary.
Safety: The Gators are stacked at
safety. They have a returning starter in Tony Joiner, who has
taken over the role as the vocal leader of defense, and a former
starter in Kyle Jackson. Dorian Monroe also saw some valuable
minutes last year and could be a key contributor to the Gator
defense. Florida also has 3 phenomenal youngsters in Jamar
Hornsby, Major Wright, and Jeremy Finch. Major Wright has been a
"major" player early in work outs and is pushing hard for a starters
spot. Wright is an intimidator in the secondary and will make many
receivers get "Gator Arms" for a catch. Jeremy Finch has been
playing well and maybe working his way into a spot as a
linebacker.
Florida will have two games to get
the defense cranked up before their first big test of the season
against Tennessee. The defense will be the key to as how far the
Gators can go--if it plays to its potential, the SEC will be the
Gators for the taking.
5/25/07
Florida Gators--2007 Offensive Breakdown
Quarterback--The Chris Leak Era has officially ended and the keys
to Urban's offense have officially been handed over to Tim Tebow. Tebow
appears to be the perfect quarterback to run the spread option attack. We
all know about Tebow's running ability, but people will be surprised by his
passing acumen. Florida's offense will have a lot more diversity with him
running the show, causing opposing defenses many fits by his ability to run
and throw. Cam Newton will be the back-up to Tebow. The injury to Bryan
Waggener opened the door and practice time for Newton. Newton is in the
same mold as Tebow and he will see some time on the field this year.
Waggener will back, but his time off has put him behind Newton. High School
sensation John Brantley will join the mix this fall. I believe that he
should redshirt this year. he has the talent, but the extra year would give
him experience and help Florida in the upcoming years. Florida fans should
be excited about the quarterback position.
Running
Back--Kesthan Moore seems to have wrapped up the starting spot.
He hasn't been exceptional in any one area, but he has been consistent
throughout, showing good hands out of the backfield and the ability to
block. Chevon Walker showed some big play ability this spring and hopefully
he can carry that over to the season. Mon Williams was injured and is lost
for the season and Marcus Manson moved over to play cornerback. Florida has
two incoming stars in Boo Williams and Chris Rainey. Boo is the bigger back
that Florida has lacked, but he is still injured. He is supposed to be
ready for the fall. He will get a shot for significant playing time.
Rainey is to the running back position that Harvin was to the receiving
position--he is flat out a playmaker and he will see early playing time.
Wide
Receiver--Here is where the excitement begins as this position is
filled with playmakers everywhere!! Let's start out with the return of
Andre Caldwell. Caldwell made a smart decision to pull his name from the
draft and to return for one more year. He will be the elder statesman for
the receivers. Next up is Mr Excitement, Percy Harvin. Harvin has the
ability to take it to the house anytime he touches the ball, from any
position on offense, and from anywhere on the field. He will be relied upon
even more this year. Florida will get him the ball by passing it to him,
bubble screens, reverses, out of the backfield, any way it can!!! Louis
Murphy had a strong spring and seems to be the third receiver going into the
fall. Jarad Fayson is another jitterbug, playmaker that will see the
field. He is vastly improved from last year and will make his mark this
year. They can utilize him the same way that they do Harvin. When Harvin
goes out, Fayson can come in and there shouldn't be that big of a drop off.
David Nelson is the biggest of the receivers, but he needs to add some
muscle. He has improved alot from last year and will get on the field.
Finally, true freshman Deonte Thompson will see the field. Thompson is a
true blazer who can get deep on any corner in the league. He will
definitely stretch the field.
Tight
End--Florida has an embarrassment of riches at the tight end
position. Starter Cornelius Ingram is a mismatch nightmare for any
linebacker attempting to cover him. Cover him with a safety and you can't
double team Harvin/Caldwell. Not only that, but the safety is too small to
tackle him all day. Ingram is a receiver in a huge body!! To make matters
worse for the opposing defense, Florida brought in the number one ranked
tight end in the nation in Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez had some problems
early in the spring, but he had a good spring game and will make an impact
for Florida this year. Tate Casey will be the third tight end.
Offensive Line--Florida returns four starters and solid depth up
front for the first time in a while. The projected starters are Carlton
Medder-RT, Maurice Hurt-RG, Drew Miller-C, Jim Tartt-LG, and Phil Trautwein-LT.
Hurt has been injured this spring and Ronnie Wilson was suspended
indefinitely. Tartt experienced injury problems last year, but if he can
stay healthy, the right side of the line will be dominant. Trautwein has
played exceptionally well. The captain of the line is Drew Miller. Miller
and Trautwein were both second team All-SEC selections a year ago. Miller
is moving over from guard to replace the departed Steve Rissler. Early on
in spring practice he was having problems with the shotgun snap, but it
appears they have rectified the problem. Florida's recruiting has provided
a lot of depth and talent. Carl Johnson, James Wilson, the Pouncey Twins,
and Simon Codrington are all awaiting to pounce on a starting spot. The
future is very bright here for Florida.
Overview
Florida has
talent everywhere on the offensive side of the ball and has decent depth.
They will put points on the board and they may have to carry the team until
the young, but talented, defense gets its legs. Tebow will enable Urban and
Mullen to display the full potential of their offense. SEC defenses had
better be prepared because Florida will put speed on the field at every
position. Their playmakers will keep opposing defensive coordinators up
late at night.
First Recruit for 2007
The Gators got
their first verbal commitment of the year in Earl Okine, a defensive end
from Gainesville High School. Okine is 6-7 and 244 pounds. He can scoot 40
yards in 4.8 and finished last year with 87 tackles and 10 sacks. The
display our defensive ends put on during the national championship
demolition of Ohio State has to have any future recruits salivating at the
opportunity to be the "Next!" great one.
Final Comments:
I know I look
at the world thru orange and blue glasses, but I'm tired of hearing about
Ohio State. I live up north right on the border of Ohio and Pennsylvania
and that is all I see. Ohio State was on the cover of Sports Illustrated
within the last month or so for the model program. Well what about my
Gators: the football team has a 80% graduation rate and was rated #1 out of
the 56 bowl teams, which included Ohio State. We have also won the last 2
National Championships in basketball and the last championship in football.
Ohio State was the opponent in two of those games!! Like us Gators always
say, "If you ain't a Gator, then you must be Gatorbait!!!
2/14/07
Recruiting Wrap-Up
What an
unbelievable year--first we are the 2006 NCAA Mens Basketball champs, then
the 2006 NCAA Football Champs, and now we are the 2007 Recruiting Champs!!
Urban and crew brought in quite a haul this year, signing 27 new Gators.
Out of that 27, 4 are 5-stars and 16 are 4-stars. Some of the 4-stars
were considered borderline 5-stars. Florida also had 9 early enrollees.
Now let's examine how Florida did in restocking the National Chomps for a
possible title run next year.
Quarterback: Bryan Waggener (Juco), John Brantley, and Cameron
Newton--Waggener will step in and back up Tebow immediately. He is coming
from the Juco ranks where he threw for over 3500 yards. Newton is the
recruit who shot up recruiting boards. Newton stands 6-5, 225, and is a
5-star prospect. He is an early enrollee and the early time will enable him
to get a jump start on the offense. Brantley, a former Longhorn commitment,
is the final piece of the QB puzzle. Brantley is a Gator legacy who played
for former Gator QB Kerwin Bell in high school. Brantley holds the Florida
high school record for touchdown passes with 99. He will probably be
redshirted
Running Back: Bo Williams, Chris Rainey--Bo is considered a
bigger back, 6-0 and 205 pounds, and was considered the 16th best running
back in the nation. He will be unavailable this spring due to shoulder
surgery. Hopefully after recovery, he can show his ability and get on the
field. Rainey will see immediate playing time due to his explosive and
dynamic playmaking skills. He will be utilized much the same way that
Florida used Percy Harvin last year. Rainey was considered the 4th best all
around back in the nation. He is small in stature (5-9, 156), but his
ability is huge. He is a perfect fit in the Florida offense.
Wide
Receiver: Deonte Thompson, Joe Haden, Paul Wilson--Deonte was
the final signee and was the icing on the cake. He is the pure speed and
deep threat that Florida has been lacking. Thompson is rated as the 8th
best receiver in the nation. Thompson will be counted on to stretch the
field while the other receivers run underneath. Haden is pure and simple a
phenomenal athlete. Haden may end up playing several positions at Florida,
but he will have the ball in his hands. He runs a 4.3 forty and does 40
reps of 185 pounds on the bench press--very impressive for a skill position
player. The final piece to the receiver puzzle is Wilson. Wilson will
probably be redshirted or may see extensive time on special teams.
Tight End: Aaron Hernandez--Many experts rated Hernandez as
the second best TE in the nation, but I truly believe that he is the best
prospect. He has uncanny speed and open field running ability at the TE
position. Florida used Ingram alot last year and Hernandez will step right
in and give Tebow another weapon to throw to.
Offensive Line: James Wilson, James Pouncey, and LaShawn
Pouncey--Wilson is a former USC verbal and is Tebow's best friend. The
big, 6-5 and 305 pounder, is considered the best guard prospect in the
nation. He will join the fray along the offensive line and help protect his
best friend. The Pouncey twins are former Seminole verbals. They are two
early enrollees and will provide immediate depth along the offensive line.
They played their high school ball for the powerhouse Lakeland team and
opened holes for another Gator commitment, Chris Rainey.
Defensive Line: Carlos Dunlap, Justin Trattou, Duke Lemmens,
Jerry Howard, Torrey Davis, John Brown--This is perhaps the best collection
of defensive line talent ever assembled. Florida definitely needed the
numbers with the defection of Moss to the NFL and the graduation/dismissal
of Marcus Thomas, Joe Cohen, Stephen Harris, and Ray MacDonald. Dunlap may
just be the Freak, version 2. He is the #1 rated weakside DE in the
nation. Dunlap is 6-6 and 260 pounds of terror and may just step right into
Jarvis Moss' old DE position. Trattou, a former Notre Dame commitment, is a
tenacious and relentless DE, who will help restock the DL. Lemmens comes to
Florida from the West Coast and once again provides immediate depth along
the line. The final DE Florida signed is Jerry Howard, who just so happens
to be the first commit of this class. The interior of the line was
restocked with two of the more dominating DT's to come out. Davis is 6-4,
285, the number one prospect in Florida, the number two rated DT in the
nation, and the number 9 overall prospect in the nation. Davis will
definitely be a starter from day one if he is academically eligible. He has
assured the coaching staff that he will be ready. The second DT is John
Brown, another member from Lakeland, who is the number 15 rated prospect
from Florida. He will team up with Davis to form an outstanding interior
for years to come. Brown is also attempting to become academically eligible
and things are looking good for this beast.
Linebackers: Brandon Hicks, John Jones, Steve Wilks--With 3
starters and 2 reserves leaving, Florida really needed bodies at the LB
position. They have Brandon Spikes, Dustin Doe, Ryan Stamper, and AJ Jones
returning, so the freshman will be needed immediately. Hicks stands the
best chance to see early playing time. Jones and Wilks will need some time
to get acclimated to the college game. Hicks is 6-2, and 205 pounds and is
eerily reminiscent of Earl Everett. We may see one of the big safeties, for
example Lorenzo Edwards, be moved to linebacker to help with the numbers.
Secondary: Ahmad Black, Moses Jenkins, Lorenzo Edwards, Major
Wright, Jeremy Finch--Florida does not have a starter returning at
cornerback, so the freshman may see early playing time very quickly. Black,
who is an early enrollee, has to be considered for a starters role or at
least the nickel back. Jenkins, who stands 6-2 and 175 pounds, is a rarity
as he is a corner with size. Florida signed the top two rated safeties in
the nation in Jeremy Finch (Number one rated safety and former commitment of
Indiana) and Major Wright (Number two rated safety in the nation). The
third safety they signed, Lorenzo Edwards, will probably be moved to
linebacker. He was rated as the number 6 rated outside linebacker in the
nation. Finch and Wright both play the run with reckless abandon and
neither are afraid to lay the lumber.
Special Teams: Chas Henry--Florida lost Eric Wilbur to
graduation, so Henry has a chance to play immediately. He averaged 46 yards
per punt in high school.
1/13/07
Florida Gators--National
Chomps!!!
Sorry this article took several days
after the BCS Blow-out to hit the streets, but I have been
basking in the glory of "our" victory. On January 8, 2007, the
Florida Gators defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 41-14 to capture
their second national championship in the last 10 years. In
1996, Danny Weurffel led our beloved Gators over the Seminoles
for their first title. This is the 100th year of Florida
Football--What a way to celebrate it. This title makes the
Gators the first Division 1 program to have championships in
both football and basketball in the same year.
Some Thoughts on the Game:
1. The Offense--This was the most efficient that I
have seen the Gator offense this year. I won't call it the most
explosive because they really didn't have any big plays (plays
over 20 yards), but instead they just efficiently drove the ball
down the Buckeyes throats with runs, screens, short
passes--whatever they wanted to do they did!! The offensive
line played outstanding, giving Leak time to throw the ball and
the RB's holes to run thru. Leak avoided the turnovers and led
the offense very methodically down the field. He was the field
general and this cemented his place in Gator history forever.
The skill position players all contributed and had the Buckeyes
scratching their heads as to who was going to get the ball next
2. The Defense--What more can you
say--they were dominating. Moss and Harvey destroyed Heisman
Trophy winner Troy Smith on every play, while the interior of
the line collapsed the pocket giving Smith nowhere to run. What
the DL didn't destroy, the linebackers gobbled up. Siler,
Everett, and Crum cleaned up any mess left by the DL. Everett
made the play that defined the tenacity and aggresiveness that
the Gators played with when he chased down Troy Smith and
tackled him--without his helmet!! The DB's blanketed the
receivers, not giving Smith any receivers to throw to. Smith
was 4-14 for 35 yards and they had 82 yards of total offense!!!
Total domination--Enough said.
Thoughts on the Future:
We are losing 21 Seniors and 5 others have applied for entry
into the NFL Draft. While most experts feel that all 5 of the
underclassmen who have declared will leave, I feel that at least
2 will suprise us and return for their final year. I truly
believe that Siler will return. He has a passion and a love for
the University of Florida that is unrivaled. The offensive
line returns 4 out of 5 starters and the skill position players
are young and explosive. The
defense will have to replace 3 starters (If Moss decides to
leave early) on the DL. The good thing is that the returning
player on the DL is Derrick Harvey who had a breakout game and
season this year. I truly believe that Siler will be back to
lead the defense. If he doesn't the whole LB corps will have to
be replaced. Florida has several young LB's coming back,
including perhaps the best young LB in the nation, Brandon
Spikes. Fourteen true Freshman have played this year
gaining valuable experience. The recruiting class is currently
ranked either second or third in the nation and they still have
some of the top players in the nation looking at them. Those
player include Terrence Tolliver, Deonte Thompson, Carlos
Dunlap, Major Wright, Chris Culliver, John Brown, Noel Devine,
James Wilson, and more.
To
sum everything up, we are the SEC Champs, the National Champs,
and our next recruiting class is currenty ranked 2-3 in the
nation with the possibility of moving up to number one. Also,
we have one of the best coaching staffs in the nation. Life is
great to be a Florida Gator!!
1/8/07
Florida Gators
1. BCS Championship Game--It is time to get
your game on!! The point spread has climbed to 7.5 and so has
the lack of respect being given to the Florida Gators. Most
writers and sports fans don't give the Gators a chance. In my
opinion, Florida has a realistic shot at winning it all. Here
are three keys to the game.
A.
Florida must establish the run--DeShawn Wynn is finally
healthy. With the combination of Wynn and Harvin, Florida has
the ability to generate a running game. The running game will
be necessary to take some of the pressure off of Chris Leak.
Florida cannot become one dimensional. With the running game
going, Florida can spread the Buckeyes out and use their speed
at wide receiver to make the big plays.
B.
The Big Play--Don't give up the big play. Florida's defense
hasn't given up too many big plays this year and that trend must
continue. Ohio State is loaded with playmakers all over the
field and they will test Florida all night. Ohio State is going
to get theirs--just don't let it lead to a touchdown. Force
them to kick a field goal. And finally, Florida's offense must
create some of their own big plays and don't give a big play to
the Buckeyes.
C.
Special Teams--Everybody has been talking about Ginn and the
Buckeye return game. Let's not forget about Brandon James and
Florida's special teams. Our special teams have 8 blocked
kicks, a punt return for a touchdown, 3 more return touchdowns
called back due to penalties, and a successful fake punt for a
first down. Florida must win the kicking game battle to win the
field position battle. Force Ohio State to drive the length of
the field to get a score. Florida's defense is good enough to
get some stops and force turnovers. Once we get those turnovers
we must convert them into touchdowns.
2. 4 Look at the NFL
A.
Reggie Nelson, Safety--Reggie has won the Jack Tatum Award which
is given annually to the nations top DB. He is the most likely
to turn pro. Most mock drafts have him going in the first
round. He is a playmaker and a difference maker. Florida will
definitely miss him next year.
B.
Brandon Siler, Linebacker--Brandon has put his name in but only
because of the urging of the coaching staff. I fully believe
that Siler will be back in a Gator uniform next year. He loves
college, more specifically Florida. Brandon is extremely happy
and is definitely a spokesperson for the University of Florida.
C.
Jarvis Moss, Defensive End--The expectations for Moss this year
were through the roof. He was supposed to break Alex Brown's
sack record, but he didn't even come close. That is not to say
that he had a bad year. Moss made many big plays, including
blocking the kick in the South Carolina game to seal the win.
Moss even improved in stopping the run. Moss also plays a
position of need in the NFL. A part of me says that he will
return to Florida.
D.
Andre Caldwell, Wide Receiver--Caldwell has proved that he is
fully healed from the broken leg that sidelined him all last
year. Caldwell is a true slot receiver and has blazing speed.
He will test off the charts at the combine due to his phenomenal
athletic ability. Caldwell can also be used on special teams
returning kicks, giving him some versatility for a team looking
to save roster spots. I believe that Caldwell is a third round
pick and would best be served by coming back to Florida for his
senior year.
3. New Blood--Florida has just received verbal
commitments from 3 more recruits.
A.
John Brantley, Quarterback, 5 Star, Elite 11 Camp MVP, 6-3,
190,4.64 40--As I said in the past, Brantley was wavering on his
commitment with Texas. He then went ahead and decommited from
Texas and committed to the home state Gators. Brantley is a
huge commitment. Brantley will more than likely redshirt this
year to give him some separation from Tebow.
B.
Bo Williams, Running Back, 4 Star, 4.4--Bo is the big back that
Florida has been lacking. Bo is also an early enrollee who has
already reported to campus and is ready to get started.
C.
Lorenzo Edwards, Linebacker, 4 Star 6-2, 220, 4.7--Lorenzo
played in the Army All Star Classic this past Saturday and his
choices came down to Florida, Ohio State, and Notre Dame.
Lorenzo is listed as a safety, but I believe that he will be
moved to linebacker once he gains some weight. Very nice catch
by the Gators.
4.
Decommit
Linval Joseph, Defensive Line, 6-5, 320--After committing early
in the process, Joseph has now de-committed from the Gators. I
haven't seen his actual reason for de-committing. Good luck
Linval in your college destination.
12/7/06
The
Florida Gators--2006 SEC Champs
Thoughts from the SEC Championship Game
1. We are the
SEC Champs--When Urban first arrived on the Florida campus, one of his first
priorities was to get Florida back in the SEC Championship game--mission
accomplished. In only his second year, the Gators won the SEC Championship
by defeating the upstart Arkansas Razorbacks, 38-28. Now we will attempt to
tackle the Ohio State Buckeyes in the BCS Championship game.
2. Special
Teams--Florida's special teams were truly special on this evening, blocking
a punt which lead to a Chris Leak rushing touchdown (Yes it was a rushing
touchdown!! Chris even made a nifty move to make a defender miss him) and
then recovering a muffed punt return in the endzone for a touchdown. Our
special teams even kicked a field goal!!!
3. Percy
Harvin--the nation's number one prospect showed why he was just that--Percy
Harvin was named the MVP of the game with 168 total yards (106 on the
ground, five passes for 62 yards, and 2 touchdowns). Harvin showed his
dynamic playmaking ability on both of his touchdowns and Mullen called plays
to utilize his ability in the open field.
4. McFadden
under 100--Our run defense played a phenomenal game in holding McFadden to
under 100 yards--without 2 starters playing. Early in the game we lost
starting safety Tony Joiner and later in the game we lost Ray McDonald on
the defensive line. Our defensive line, even with their depleted depth,
kept the Hog offensive line off of our linebackers enabling them to roam
sideline to sideline to make the tackle.
5. Future is
so bright we have to wear shades--Florida has a lot of youngsters just
waiting to pounce on the opportunity for playing time. We already know
about Harvin and Tebow, but youngsters such as Fayson, Antwine, Monroe,
Spikes, Doe, and Louis made significant contributions to the victory. 14
True Freshman have played this year, gaining invaluable experience for next
year and also showing next year's recruiting haul that if you are good
enough you will see the field early in your career.
Thoughts on the upcoming BCS Championship Game
1. First of
all, Florida deserved this chance more than Michigan. I'm not trying to
take anything away from Michigan, but Florida played the toughest schedule
in the nation. Yes I know, Michigan played the toughest opponent (Ohio
State), but they lost. Bottom line, put Michigan in the SEC and they don't
finish with just one loss. Put Florida in the Big Ten and they go
undefeated this year. Florida also won their conference, which was the
toughest in the nation. Enough said, let's get the game on!!
2. Keys for a
Florida Victory:
A. We
haven't allowed a 100 yard rusher in the last 18 games--the defensive line
must take on all blockers and continue to allow Siler and Everett to run
sideline to sideline and make plays. Pittman and Wells are two very
punishing runners with the ability to take it the distance every time they
touch the ball. Smith will get his yards through the air, but keep the
receivers in front of you and don't allow Ginn and Gonzales to have the big
play. Control the line of scrimmage on each side of the ball.
B. Avoid
the penalties--Florida still has a tendency to commit the costly penalty.
Perfect example was the bogus pass interference call on Monroe (Which
shouldn't have been called) that kept the Arkansas drive alive. The next
play was the trick option pass for the touchdown.
C. Special
Teams must be special again--When I say this, they must ensure that we win
the field position battle. Make Ohio State have to drive the length of the
field against our defense and give our offense a short field to work with.
Hetland may also play a pivotal part in this game as every point and every
opportunity to score will matter. Getting that field goal in the SEC
Championship game may be just what the doctor ordered for his confidence.
Gator Grub (Food for thought)
1. In my last
article, I stated that Armando Allen, the nations top all-purpose back, was
a lock for Florida. Well Armando has gone ahead and gave his verbal
commitment to...Notre Dame. The chase came down to Florida and Notre Dame.
It appeared as though he would be coming to Florida because Notre Dame would
not allow him to be an early enrollee. Well Notre Dame finally came to
their senses and allowed Allen to be an early enrollee and he verbally
committed. I do not believe that this recruitment is over just yet.
2. Need for
Speed: Urban Meyer's goal is to have the fastest team in college football
and this past Friday Florida got a step closer with the verbal commitment
from Demarcus VanDyke, 6-0, 161, 4.3. Van Dyke was originally a verbal to
Miami. Van Dyke's cousin is the aforementioned Armando Allen. I'm sure he
will be working on Allen until he officially signs.
3. On the
Board: The following players are still on the Gator Radar
A. John
Brantley, QB--Making a visit to Texas soon, but some believe that Brantley
will still be Gator in the end
B. Antwan
Easterling, RB--With the loss of Allen, Easterling may just become the
biggest need at RB this year.
C. Noel
Devine, RB--Perhaps the most talented back on the board and lists Florida,
West Virginia, and LSU as his leaders. Devine has stated that he may want
to leave the state due to some problems here and that he feels that WVU is
the best fit. Go get him Urban--he is a difference maker!!
D. Deonte
Thompson, WR--Big and fast and Florida is in his top 5. Depending on what
happens with the Miami coaching situation, he could be Miami's to lose.
E.
Terrance Tolliver, WR--Most complete receiver in this year's class and it
appears to be coming down to Florida and LSU. Hopefully the Cam Newton
connection can work for us!!
F. John
Brown, DT--Six of his teammates (Lakeland) have already verballed to Florida
and they have been working on him all year. Definitely a position of need
this year.
G. Carlos
Dunlap, DE--He could be the next Jarvis Moss for us and Florida is in his
top 3. Reportedly he likes Florida alot and he will play a position of
need.
H.
DeAngelo McCray, DL--Reports have DeAngelo leaning towards Illinois, but I
still believe that Florida is a player.
I. Brandon
Hicks, LB--Would be player from the start at the LB position--Florida is
high on his list
J. Lorenzo
Edwards, LB--May already be a silent to Florida
K. Allen
Bailey, LB--Battling the homestate Georgia Bulldogs for his services. It
appears that Florida may attempt to move him to the DL due to his size.
L. Major
Wright, S--It comes down to Florida and Ohio State, but he may be favoring
the Buckeyes right now after his recent visit
M. James
Scott, CB--You can never have enough cover corners. Florida is in his top
5.
N. Ian
Williams, DL--Many have felt that Ian has been asked to be patient and wait
for things to sort themselves out. Definitely loves the Gators, but only
time will tell how this turns out.
O. Woodny
Turenne, CB--Woodny is the top rated JUCO recruit in the nation and he has
Florida way out in front. The only problem is the academic side of the
house due to the stringent academic transfer rules the Southeastern
Conference applies to incoming junior college players. Florida missed out
on Larry Grant last year due to this issue, who just so happens to be
playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes!!
I'll have
another article for you right before the 8 January 2006 BCS Championship
Game detailing the big match-ups in the game
