Gators to Hire Ron Roberts as LB Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator ?

[TEBOW TIME]

Why the next three weeks are crucial for Florida Gators, Billy Napier

Soon after the Florida Gators’ season ended Friday night with a bitter loss at Florida State, first-year coach Billy Napier tried to see the positives from his 6-6 regular season. “I know that we didn’t win as many games,” Napier said, “but I think there’s something to be said for the progress...

www.yahoo.com

Billy seems cool with losing players and gaining new ones.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Why the next three weeks are crucial for Florida Gators, Billy Napier

Soon after the Florida Gators’ season ended Friday night with a bitter loss at Florida State, first-year coach Billy Napier tried to see the positives from his 6-6 regular season. “I know that we didn’t win as many games,” Napier said, “but I think there’s something to be said for the progress...

www.yahoo.com

Billy seems cool with losing players and gaining new ones.

Tebow,

Good article - agree with much of it - thanks for posting

 

[SeaPA]

Why the next three weeks are crucial for Florida Gators, Billy Napier

Soon after the Florida Gators’ season ended Friday night with a bitter loss at Florida State, first-year coach Billy Napier tried to see the positives from his 6-6 regular season. “I know that we didn’t win as many games,” Napier said, “but I think there’s something to be said for the progress...

www.yahoo.com

Billy seems cool with losing players and gaining new ones.

It's the way of the college football world now. I've had to laugh at some of my fellow FSU fans griping yesterday about Sam McCall (our highest-rated recruit last year) deciding to leave. Many are convinced that other schools have been tampering, offering sweet NIL deals to get him to leave, etc. Hell, we're pretty much the last school who should gripe about portal transfers - our success this season was almost entirely based around guys who transferred in.

 

[Countygator1]

It's the way of the college football world now. I've had to laugh at some of my fellow FSU fans griping yesterday about Sam McCall (our highest-rated recruit last year) deciding to leave. Many are convinced that other schools have been tampering, offering sweet NIL deals to get him to leave, etc. Hell, we're pretty much the last school who should gripe about portal transfers - our success this season was almost entirely based around guys who transferred in.

Our 2 best offensive players were transfers

 

[Jeff from Jax]

RB Mark Fletcher's Recruiting Entering End Game

https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/202...cruiting-mark-fletcher-commitment-prediction/

Down to canes & Gators - supposedly.

Fletcher is supposed to be on campus Dec. 9 for an official visit with the Gators, but most are expecting him to return to Miami as well for another visit.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

D.J. Lagway had 'amazing' final USC Trojans visit​

Lagway, the nation's No. 2 quarterback in 2024, will announce commitment soon - Dec 7th ?

https://mikefarrellsports.com/recru...-hobbs-prediction-and-other-names-in-the-news

D.J. Lagway loved his final visit to USC over the weekend.
And it helped that the Trojans beat Notre Dame on national television in front of a packed Coliseum.

 

[PacoGator19]

Transfer portal & NIL is the new era of college football and I don’t like it. It’s not college football anymore. Some kids are basically hitting the transfer to shop themselves around for NIL deals etc. It’s like an open market and teams are contacting top players from other teams trying to convince them to join their program. It’s a mess and this isn’t what NIL was supposed to be for.

 

[PacoGator19]

It's the way of the college football world now. I've had to laugh at some of my fellow FSU fans griping yesterday about Sam McCall (our highest-rated recruit last year) deciding to leave. Many are convinced that other schools have been tampering, offering sweet NIL deals to get him to leave, etc. Hell, we're pretty much the last school who should gripe about portal transfers - our success this season was almost entirely based around guys who transferred in.

No idea if McCall is any good or not but he’s a headcase that is just shopping himself around. Yes I can almost guarantee there is tampering going on and kids being offered better NIL deals. This wasn’t the intended purpose of NIL. I knew this was going to be a mess and that is exactly what it happening.
College football has become semi-pro with basically free agency, etc.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Florida football: Would Sam Hartman be a good fit for the Gators?​

Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman has had rumors around him that he may look for a new home to play his final year of college ball. And one school that has been brought up is the Florida Gators.

With guys like Anthony Richardson (NFL ?), (Jalen Kitna GONE), and Jaden Rashada coming in next year, it doesn’t seem like the Gators need to be in the market for a transf er QB this year. But there’s no sense in turning down a guy like Hartman.

There’s no real confirmation that Hartman wants to leave, but with Wake’s struggles this season, and Hartman wanting to make an impression on NFL scouts, he may be looking for a change in scenery.

Hartman, while he doesn’t have the explosiveness on the run that AR has, he’ll solve all of the struggles in the passing game that the Gators have had this year.

Sam has thrown for 3,421 yards this season on a 63% completion rate, with a 35 to 11 TD/INT ratio. He has a special deep ball, and is able to put the ball in places that shouldn’t be possible.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2022/11/30/florida-football-sam-hartman/

 

[instaGATOR]

Agreed that everyone on that list did NOT hurt us by leaving and the ones leaving wont matter either. Who left before the 2022 season and had success at the school they went to?

Other than Hopper we did not miss any of those guys. Diabate only one that really contributed to their new team

Absolutely Correct:
2021 DM 6-6
2022 BN 6-6

 

[instaGATOR]

Our 2 best offensive players were transfers

I agree - WR Shorter was once a PSU xfer-in.
And nobody doubts that OG O'Cyrus was a very solid get....

2022 Xfer-In's

#151 WR Ricky Pearsall *** / T *** (#3-4 WR imo behind JS & XH)

OG O'Cyrus Torrence *** / T **** - Starter

CB Jalen Kimber ****

RB Montrell Johnson *** / T **** - Starter

OL Kamryn waites NR / T ****

QB Jack Miller **** / T *** (a waste of space/ship imo)

Opinions vary, so what....

 

[Michi_Gator]

We are definitely going after a transfer portal QB this off-season. We will see how Kitna does in the bowl game as I’m expecting AR to opt out.

Not sure we see Kitna in the bowl game

 

[instaGATOR]

Yep, bring in another QB that some other Coach has already coached-up, because.....

2023 xfer QB and 2022 xfer QB can battle it out with the 2 WO QB's to see who starts.

 

[ocalaman]

Not sure we see Kitna in the bowl game

Doubt we Kitna on campus again after today's arrest.

 

[Michi_Gator]

Doubt we Kitna on campus again after today's arrest.

Yeah, thats what I was saying

 

[PacoGator19]

Yep no more Kitna. Not sure who will start in the bowl game. I think Miller is still banged up a bit.

 

[gatordad3]

Yep no more Kitna. Not sure who will start in the bowl game. I think Miller is still banged up a bit.

Do any of the RB's or WR's have any type of QB experience?

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Insta,

what about brown ?

Shouldn't they at least prepare him for QB2 ?

 

[ocalaman]

This may be an opening for Max Brown to show what he's got.

 

[NorthJerseyGator]

Insta,

what about brown ?

Shouldn't they at least prepare him for QB2?

 

[Countygator1]

I agree - WR Shorter was once a PSU xfer-in.
And nobody doubts that OG O'Cyrus was a very solid get....

2022 Xfer-In's

#151 WR Ricky Pearsall *** / T *** (#3-4 WR imo behind JS & XH)

OG O'Cyrus Torrence *** / T **** - Starter

CB Jalen Kimber ****

RB Montrell Johnson *** / T **** - Starter

OL Kamryn waites NR / T ****

QB Jack Miller **** / T *** (a waste of space/ship imo)

Opinions vary, so what....

You're right, forgot about Pearsall. So our 3 best offensive players were transfers this year. Torrence most likely first rounder.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

More on Lagway

D.J. Lagway is the No. 24 overall, No. 4 quarterback, and No. 4 player in Texas in the 2024 class who will announce his commitment on December 7, and it looks like it is a two-team between the Florida Gators and USC Trojans to land him. Last weekend, he was at The Coliseum to watch the Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Trojans are the team to beat. Lagway said,

"I had a great visit, really loved it there. I spent the whole weekend there, from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon, and enjoyed every bit of my time there."

Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley has been involved in his recruitment and is the lead recruiter, according to Lagway. So my prediction here is that he chooses USC.


https://mikefarrellsports.com/recru...ake-decision-soon-and-other-names-in-the-news

 

[TEBOW TIME]

Gators Postseason Transfer Tracker: Florida Makes First Addition

Your one-stop shop for the Gators' transfer portal movement following the 2022 season.

www.si.com

 

[Gator Fever]

I agree - WR Shorter was once a PSU xfer-in.
And nobody doubts that OG O'Cyrus was a very solid get....

2022 Xfer-In's

#151 WR Ricky Pearsall *** / T *** (#3-4 WR imo behind JS & XH)

OG O'Cyrus Torrence *** / T **** - Starter

CB Jalen Kimber ****

RB Montrell Johnson *** / T **** - Starter

OL Kamryn waites NR / T ****

QB Jack Miller **** / T *** (a waste of space/ship imo)

Opinions vary, so what....

Pearsall had the most receiving yards on the Gators and more than double the TDs of any other receiver and that was with a very pedestrian passing QB.

 

[Gator Fever]

Gators Postseason Transfer Tracker: Florida Makes First Addition

Your one-stop shop for the Gators' transfer portal movement following the 2022 season.

www.si.com

Can't blame any RB for leaving with the 2 guys at the top. Wright will probably announce soon.

 

[TEBOW TIME]

Lagway playing baseball for Florida also?

 

[PacoGator19]

Can't blame any RB for leaving with the 2 guys at the top. Wright will probably announce soon.

I thought Wright already announced his transfer??

 

[Gator Fever]

I thought Wright already announced his transfer??

I missed it if he did.

 

[ocalaman]

I missed it if he did.

I don't think he has yet, though fully expect him to. However, I do respect his class in keeping his mouth shut and playing out the season before making or announcing his decision. There's just something uncool about guys announcing their plans to transfer during the middle of the season. With that said, Wright was given every chance to be in the RB rotation, actually leading the season as the starter in the backfield. It's just that Johnson & Etienne are better and earned their way past him as the season progressed. But best of luck to Nay'Quan for being a Gator and for showing class in the way he handled the situation.

 

[Countygator1]

I don't think he has yet, though fully expect him to. However, I do respect his class in keeping his mouth shut and playing out the season before making or announcing his decision. There's just something uncool about guys announcing their plans to transfer during the middle of the season. With that said, Wright was given every chance to be in the RB rotation, actually leading the season as the starter in the backfield. It's just that Johnson & Etienne are better and earned their way past him as the season progressed. But best of luck to Nay'Quan for being a Gator and for showing class in the way he handled the situation.

Agreed

 

[gatordad3]

That is pretty crazy even for a Guard.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Gators official visitors preview for December 2nd​

https://www.gatorcountry.com/feature/florida-gators-official-visitors-preview-for-december-2nd/

Defensive back Desmond Ricks made news when he reclassified to the 2023 class from the 2024 class, and he will take his first official visit this weekend. Ricks is down to Alabama, Florida, and LSU and he will take visits to all three of those schools before deciding on early signing day. The Gators have some work to do and need to regain some momentum they had, and it starts this weekend.

Defensive lineman Jordan Hall has been a priority for Billy Napier and his staff for the 2023 class and he has been on campus multiple times this fall but this weekend it will be an official visit. Georgia is the Gators’ biggest competition for Hall, but the Gators have early playing time to offer and they hope to hammer that point home this weekend.

Athlete/defensive back commit Aaron Gates will use his official visit to Florida this weekend as the Gators are battling Michigan to keep Gates in the class. Gates committed to Florida under Dan Mullen and stayed committed to Napier and company. Gates really likes the Gators’ coaching staff but the Wolverines aren’t giving up on Gates.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

I don't think he has yet, though fully expect him to. However, I do respect his class in keeping his mouth shut and playing out the season before making or announcing his decision. There's just something uncool about guys announcing their plans to transfer during the middle of the season. With that said, Wright was given every chance to be in the RB rotation, actually leading the season as the starter in the backfield. It's just that Johnson & Etienne are better and earned their way past him as the season progressed.

Ocala & Paco,

According to SI, Florida Gators redshirt sophomore running back Nay’Quan Wright announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal as a graduate student this offseason on Friday.

"...But best of luck to Nay'Quan for being a Gator and for showing class in the way he handled the situation."

Well said Ocala !

https://www.si.com/college/florida/football/florida-gators-nayquan-wright-entering-transfer-portal

Division I will waive the annual signing and initial counter limits for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years, allowing schools to provide aid based on the overall roster limit of 85 scholarships for FBS football programs.

https://www.ncaa.org/news/2022/5/18...ing-initial-counter-limits-for-two-years.aspx

Napier said all along that he anticipated / wanted a large exodus of players; well he got what he wanted.

Don't know if he can find & recruit that many good ones; but when all these transfers settle down & we get our final exit numbers - 55 ?
We will have space for 30 new players.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Billy Napier drops in for 2024 QB DJ Lagway ahead of next week's decision​

Billy Napier and a Gators assistant just made a very important stop in the Lone Star State.

An hour for the visit; a day for the logistics - but absolutely critical -

Some things can't be Delagated !

https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-g...24-qb-dj-lagway-ahead-of-next-weeks-decision/

With the "Talent Gap" we are facing - Recruiting - both HS & Portal - the most critical need for our program !

Remember when tOSU HC Ryan Day "dropped in" on Kayden McDonald & how impressed McDonald was ?

Hope Billy gets the same response from Lagway !

2023 Georgia Defensive Tackle Kayden McDonald Commits To Ohio State​

The Buckeyes secured a commitment from one of the nation's most sought-after defensive linemen.
https://www.si.com/college/ohiostat...ve-tackle-kayden-mcdonald-commits-to-buckeyes

 

[gatorbuilderorlando]

Agreed that everyone on that list did NOT hurt us by leaving and the ones leaving wont matter either. Who left before the 2022 season and had success at the school they went to?

Hopper -could have been a real difference maker here but that's about it.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Gators offer WMU DL transfer Braden Fisk to kick off portal season​

Braden Fiske has the size to play in the SEC. He stands at 6-foot-5-inches tall and weighs in around 300 pounds. As an interior defensive line guy that has also spent time on the edge, Fiske put together an impressive season at Western Michigan, collecting 58 total tackles (31 solo), 12 tackles for a loss and 6.0 sacks.

>ESPN Career Stats

The early interest in Fiske isn’t entirely unexpected. Although he isn’t a graduate transfer, Fiske was able to enter the portal before the Dec. 5 date because Western Michigan let go of its head coach.

Florida’s interest in him is unsurprising given his talent and size, but there’s also a need for a big man on the defensive line next season. Gervon Dexter could leave the team for the NFL, and Florida lacks depth up front.
https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/202...ecruiting-braden-fiske-transfer-portal-offer/

 

[Jeff from Jax]

DEC 9th Will be EXPLOSIVE

4* Wharton (Tampa, Florida) DB Dijon Johnson sets multi-day OV the weekend of Dec. 9, the same day four other Gators commits have scheduled their official visits.

He’ll join fellow four-star defensive backs Ja'Keem Jackson and Sharif Denson, four-star linebacker Jaden Robinson and three-star wide receiver Tyree Patterson. That quintet will enjoy all the riches that come with a Florida official visit and help recruit four-star UCF defensive line commit John Walker and four-star undecided running back Mark Fletcher.

https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/2022/12/02/florida-football-recruiting-dijon-johnson-official-visit/

 

[Nicktheslick]

View embedded media

Ok who screwed it up?

 

[PacoGator19]

Ocala & Paco,

According to SI, Florida Gators redshirt sophomore running back Nay’Quan Wright announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal as a graduate student this offseason on Friday.

"...But best of luck to Nay'Quan for being a Gator and for showing class in the way he handled the situation."

Well said Ocala !

https://www.si.com/college/florida/football/florida-gators-nayquan-wright-entering-transfer-portal

Division I will waive the annual signing and initial counter limits for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years, allowing schools to provide aid based on the overall roster limit of 85 scholarships for FBS football programs.

https://www.ncaa.org/news/2022/5/18...ing-initial-counter-limits-for-two-years.aspx

Napier said all along that he anticipated / wanted a large exodus of players; well he got what he wanted.

Don't know if he can find & recruit that many good ones; but when all these transfers settle down & we get our final exit numbers - 55 ?
We will have space for 30 new players.

Gonna likely have space for more than 30 new players when it is all said and done. We have a full recruiting class and then a good amount of transfer portal players to bring in. Thinking more along the lines of 35 new players.

 

[gatorbuilderorlando]

Gonna likely have space for more than 30 new players when it is all said and done. We have a full recruiting class and then a good amount of transfer portal players to bring in. Thinking more along the lines of 35 new players.

If we can get 2-3 more elite players (top 50) and a few more role players - then the transfers in...turn around next year will be real.

That's a BIG ask but we're not that far off from an elite class right now. I kind of feel like we're right at that spring board spot...see if we can can close things out over these next 4 months or so.