Gators to Hire Ron Roberts as LB Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator ?
- Thread starter Jeff from Jax
- Start date
Country,
Too Right !
Football records Since 2016
Gators..54-34..Canes..52-35..Noles..47-39..UCF..65-23
The "Big 3" of Florida sucked
Realize AAC (American Athletic Conference) that UCF plays in not as good as SEC or ACC - BUT - UCF beat UF in Gasparilla Bowl last year.
UCF since 2016 - under coaches Scott Frost, Josh Heupel, & Gus Malzahn went 65-23.
Frost fired from Nebraska
Heupel looking serious at Tenn - 11-2 this year - beat UF, LSU, Bama, & Clemson
Malzahn two solid 9-4 seasons at UCF
UCF jumping to the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023, along with the University of Cincinnati and the University of Houston.
IMO, in a year or two, Big 12 will be seen as the equal of the ACC.
Don't like the idea of Little Brother, UCF, being the Big Dog in the State of Florida.
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Florida Promoting Assistant Russ Callaway to TE Coach
Florida Gators promote defensive intern Russ Callaway to assume vacant tight end coach position.Callaway's already assumed his positional coaching duties this spring, leading the tight ends since practice began on Saturday.
Callaway, 35, steps in for former coach William Peagler, who was one of the three assistants to depart for the NFL in the last month.
NOTE
Peagler joined the Arizona Cardinals as a defensive line assistant (Not the TE Coach) one year after his arrival in Gainesville.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...ball-promote-assistant-russ-callaway-te-coach
Callaway, though originally hired as a Defensive Asst at UF, has a great deal of Offensive experience.
Callaway joined the Gators in 2022 after spending the 2021 season with the New York Giants, serving as an offensive assistant.
In 2020, Callaway served as an offensive assistant for LSU, before going to the Giants.
He spent five seasons at Samford, serving as the Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2017-2019 and the wide receivers coach from 2015-2016.
As a unit in 2018, Samford’s offense led the nation in passing yards per game (392.7). The Bulldogs ranked fourth nationally in total offense (515.9), while posting the 8th best redzone offense.
Prior to Samford, Callaway spent time as a recruiting coordinator for Murray State, where he also worked with the wide receivers for two seasons.
https://www.gatorcountry.com/featur...-assistant-russ-callaway-to-tight-ends-coach/
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Gators talk QB room following first Spring practice
“I’ve been impressed with Graham’s work ethic,” head coach Billy Napier said following Florida’s first spring practice. “I think he’s done a good job. He’s got a really good grasp of the system.”Napier isn’t the only one noticing Mertz’s drive to succeed.
“Graham Mertz puts a lot of work in, he’s in this building every single day, like 24 hours, I never see him leave,” redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Austin Barber said on the new Gators QB. “When I leave his car is still here, when I get here, his car is here. I’m happy he’s putting the work in.”
Redshirt sophomore QB Jack Miller split first team reps with Mertz during the media portion of Florida’s first spring practice.
“Jack’s benefiting from being in his second year,” Napier said on Miller.
Redshirt freshman Max Brown took reps with the third team on Saturday, looking physically stronger than he did a year ago.
Neither Mertz nor Miller are runners - perhaps an RPO package for Brown to exploit his running skills ?
https://www.gatorcountry.com/feature/gators-talk-qb-room-following-first-spring-practice/
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Got to be better than the last dude that wore it.
Rob sales extends offer to South Gwinnett (Snellville, Georgia) offensive tackle Marcus Mascoll on Monday.
It was Mascoll’s first time talking to Sale, but he’s been in contact with some of the assistants on the staff for a while.
“I got March 28th on the calendar,” he said. “I locked that date in with them. I want to get down there and get familiar with the campus and coaches. I want to meet them and then get to know them and let them know more about me.”
https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/202...iting-marcus-mascoll-offer-first-visit-plans/
It was Mascoll’s first time talking to Sale, but he’s been in contact with some of the assistants on the staff for a while.
“I got March 28th on the calendar,” he said. “I locked that date in with them. I want to get down there and get familiar with the campus and coaches. I want to meet them and then get to know them and let them know more about me.”
https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/202...iting-marcus-mascoll-offer-first-visit-plans/
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If he's been staying at the complex for 24 hours a day then hopefully he's putting the work in to be successful.
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Tebow,
While I doubt he staying there 24/7, he is probably giving it everything he's got.
Mertz, according to Rivals was a very high 4* almost a 5* QB. But I doubt his college career has gone the way he wanted. I am sure he knows this is last chance to shine & get to the NFL.
Perhaps you or someone else will know -
is Mertz a RS JR with 2 years eligibility left or is he a SR with only 1 year left.
If, as seems likely, he wins the QB1 position & has 2 years to lead the Gators, much different than 1 and done.
Even if he is a RS JR, with Lagway coming in, holding on to QB1 will take hard work.
Gators Firmly in the Mix for ‘Game Changer’ at RB Micahi Danzy
As Florida pursues a second running back in the 2024 class, it’s firmly in the mix for Tallahassee (Fla.) prospect Michai Danzy.
RB Chauncey Bowens. He’s received offers from Tennessee, Georgia, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Ohio State among several others, garnering questions surrounding the strength of his position in the UF commitment class.
While Bowens shared with All Gators that he’s 100% locked in, Florida is looking to add another prospect to the running back room to complement the elite ball carrier.
They have made Tallahassee (Fla.) ATH Micahi Danzy, a speed back to pair with Bowens’ power-based skill set, a priority. Danzy was offered by the Gators in the middle of February and they have wasted little time showing him that he is wanted.
Bowens 40 lb heavier; Danzy faster.
Aside from football, Danzy is a standout on the track as well, boasting a 10.61 100-meter time and a 21.42 200-meter. He wants to pursue track in college and Florida has been receptive to that, as have other in-state schools like FSU and Miami.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...ly-mix-game-changer-running-back-michai-danzy
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Jamar Chaney leaving UF for on-field coaching role
Jamar Chaney, a defensive analyst with the Gators, is expected to depart Florida for an assistant coaching role at Western Kentucky, Swamp247 has learned. Chaney, his second year with the Gators as an off-field defensive analyst working with UF's linebackers, emerged as the top candidate for the Hilltoppers' outside linebackers job, and the presumption is his second stint with the Gators has come to an end as he returns to the assistant coaching level.https://247sports.com/college/flori...tors-Billy-Napier-Western-Kentucky-205945486/
I'm thinking of getting me one of those hoodies.😄
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Austin Armstrong on the Job day 3 Spring Practice
Change is Good - Like having two OL Coaches; having your DC actually Coordinate the Defense & not be tied up as a position coach, may be the right solution to our Defensive Problems.
Florida defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong on Thursday, primarily worked with the safeties and STAR nickel corners during the 18-minute media viewing window of practice.
The young coordinator, hired to replace former UF defensive play-caller Patrick Toney in February after a one-month stint on Alabama's assistant staff, doesn't oversee a position specifically within the Gators' defense and is able to move around, unit by unit, as he pleases.
Corey Raymond is in overall charge of the Defensive Secondary. With him & all the other off the field staffers we now have.
I personally don't see a problem with Armstrong moving about & actually Coordinating - trying to make sure everyone on the Defensive side of the ball is on the same page.
We had numerous blown coverages & poor defensive alignments last year, hoping Armstrong being free to focus on the total defensive picture - instead of "his" position group - will help to alleviate the problems.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...-2023-spring-camp-notebook-observations-day-3
Change is Good - Like having two OL Coaches; having your DC actually Coordinate the Defense & not be tied up as a position coach, may be the right solution to our Defensive Problems.
Florida defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong on Thursday, primarily worked with the safeties and STAR nickel corners during the 18-minute media viewing window of practice.
The young coordinator, hired to replace former UF defensive play-caller Patrick Toney in February after a one-month stint on Alabama's assistant staff, doesn't oversee a position specifically within the Gators' defense and is able to move around, unit by unit, as he pleases.
Corey Raymond is in overall charge of the Defensive Secondary. With him & all the other off the field staffers we now have.
I personally don't see a problem with Armstrong moving about & actually Coordinating - trying to make sure everyone on the Defensive side of the ball is on the same page.
We had numerous blown coverages & poor defensive alignments last year, hoping Armstrong being free to focus on the total defensive picture - instead of "his" position group - will help to alleviate the problems.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/...-2023-spring-camp-notebook-observations-day-3
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Potential starting OL
It's Early in Spring Practice, but here is another opinion on the five players who will be starting on the Gator's 2023 OL.
LT – Austin Barber (6-6, 311lbs) year: RSO
LG – Micah Mazzccua (6-5, 329lbs) year: JR
C – Kingsley Eguakun (6-3, 301lbs) year: RJR
RG – Richie Leonard IV (6-2, 317lbs) year: JR
RT – Damieon George Jr. (6-6, 369lbs) year: RSO
https://www.gatorcountry.com/feature/big-changes-coming-to-the-offensive-line-in-2023/
It's Early in Spring Practice, but here is another opinion on the five players who will be starting on the Gator's 2023 OL.
LT – Austin Barber (6-6, 311lbs) year: RSO
LG – Micah Mazzccua (6-5, 329lbs) year: JR
C – Kingsley Eguakun (6-3, 301lbs) year: RJR
RG – Richie Leonard IV (6-2, 317lbs) year: JR
RT – Damieon George Jr. (6-6, 369lbs) year: RSO
https://www.gatorcountry.com/feature/big-changes-coming-to-the-offensive-line-in-2023/
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I think the OL will still be pretty good. Maybe not as good as last year though. I’d say keep an eye out on Goodwin as well. Hearing he’s doing well so far.
I think the new DC will be an upgrade over Toney. More agressive but not reckless like Grantham.
Grantham's problem is he was too predictable.
It's crazy how fsu and uf both flipped their o line rooms over the past 5 yrs. Both rooms seem to be in a good spot.
Fever,
IMO, Toney a victim of "The Peter Principle" - his lack of prior experience at the SEC level caused him problems; like players who can't react to the speed of the SEC.
Armstrong spent the 2020 campaign as the inside linebackers coach at Louisiana, under CBN.
Honestly, Armstrong, other than spending the 2019 season at Georgia as a defensive quality control coach, doesn't have any more SEC level experience than Toney.
BUT
His other coaching stops impressed Nick Saban favorably enough that he was hired (briefly) as the Bama inside linebackers' coach before coming to UF.
Being the DC at Southern Miss doesn't guarantee that Armstrong will work out as UF's DC but perhaps it gives us some hope.
I think he can make it work. Hoping someone can step up on the edge though? Have they moved Scooby Williams there now or is he still at LB?
And just like that. I heard Goodwin is getting the most reps with the 1s at RT.
They didn't bring him in to sit - was thinking with that much talent, this coaching staff will make it happen.
Either a really good thing or really bad thing. Good means he's lost the weight and figured it out (he has very high potential) or a bad thing because the other o line aren't doing well. Would assume it's the good thing though.
Five incoming Florida transfers make 247Sports top-150 rankings
247Sports updated its transfer rankings on Wednesday and five incoming Gators are ranked inside the top 150.
gatorswire.usatoday.com
Starting to think we might have a decent O line after all. Big question is can we have an average SEC passing game with Mertz and our receivers.
Fever,
For me the question with our OL is sustainability.
Doubt that any OL, like any CFB Team, can be "Great" year after year.
For me, the hope is having consistency - "Good" years interspaced with "Great" years - for both the OL & the Team as a whole without the frustration of the OL / Team falling apart, firing the HC, & having to start all over with a rebuild.
Saban & Bama have accomplished that; & now it looks like Kirby & UGA seem well on their way to a similar level of success.
LSU isn't there yet. In 2019 with Joe Burrow & a Title, LSU had One great year, sandwiched with some mediocre ones which caused their turnover in head coaches.
No way to know how Brian Kelly will work out long term. His home life falling apart may cause professional ( Coaching ) problems -
LSU Head Football Coach Brian Kelly Files For Divorce After 28 Years Of Marriage
https://www.whiskeyriff.com/2023/02...files-for-divorce-after-28-years-of-marriage/Gators, at best, have been a 2nd rate LSU - a few Good, but no Great years, followed by collapse & a new head coach & trying to start over.
As we all know - Gators on their 3rd HFC (2 interim HC; but who counts those) in last 7 years -
Since 2015 - McElwain, Mullen, & CBN.
Hoping CBN will create success & some stability.
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As far as Mertz goes I guess I will have a little hope he can be serviceable if he is the clear starter going into the spring game. If we hear its close between him and Miller I won't have too much confidence.
Brian Kelly is obviously nothing close to Jimmy Johnson and Bill BilliCheat, but they kept winning. I'm sure it won't affect Kelly.
Gators Recruiting Updates
3/14/2023
https://www.si.com/college/florida/recruiting/florida-gators-2024-commitment-list-recruiting-updatesCheck out All Gators' latest batch of Florida recruiting updates in the class of 2024, including numerous interviews from our time at Under Armour's All-America camp in Orlando, Fla earlier in the month. With spring visits well underway, prospects have begun to trim their lists of contenders as well.
Top Louisiana-Based CB Wardell Mack Schedules Visit to Florida
Report: Top LB Aaron Chiles Schedules Official Visit to Florida
WR Jerrae Hawkins Jr. Names Gators in Top Six
IMG Academy OL Jimothy Lewis Places UF in Top 10
WR Chance Robinson Includes Florida in Top Eight Despite Keary Colbert's Departure
DL Dimitry Nicolas Impressed With Gators' Full-Scope Recruiting Approach
FSU DB Commit Jordan Pride Eyeing UF After Seminoles' Coaching Change
Trio of Florida Assistants Standing Out to OL Jake Guarnera
Gators Firmly in the Mix for "Game Changer" RB Micahi Danzy
OL Jonathan Daniels Reflects on "Amazing" Florida Visit
RB Chauncey Bowens Remains "100% Committed" to UF As Recruitment Surges
Elite IMG Academy DL David Stone Hearing From Gators More Than Others
WR Jonathan Paylor Puts "Favorite School" Florida in Top Eight
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What you can expect from the Gators’ defense under Austin Armstrong
“Mainly our deal is gonna be multiple four down front team that plays split safety, man match meal for close coverage,” Armstrong said. (WTF ? I need an interpreter for some of this)“We’re gonna pressure, you know, more creeper gets thrown around right, which is, you know, four-man pressure versus the pass and five-man pressure against the run. So it’s a mixture of fire zone and cover three cup concepts.”
Florida’s defense is going to give you a variety of fronts under Armstrong.
“We’re very very multiple you know, we are basically a 3-3-5 per se but really a 4-2 because that’s what modern football is,” Armstrong said. ”
https://www.gatorcountry.com/feature/what-you-can-expect-from-austin-armstrongs-defense/
Billy Gonzales is returning to Gainesville to once again coach the team's wide receivers, Swamp247 has learned.
Good Coach & Good Recruiter.
IMO, Definitely a Good Hire; Could be a Home Run !
I'm glad CBN waited & got a Good One !
Don't think he will need a map to find the practice field or the IPF.
Gonzales is back at Florida after spending one season in Boca Raton with Florida Atlantic. He joined the Owls' program in March of 2022 as the wide receivers coach after leaving the Gators in Nov. 2021 after Dan Mullen's departure.
https://247sports.com/college/flori...-receivers-Billy-Napier-Dan-Mullen-206525367/
MORE
Gonzales has coached at Florida twice previously both in the same role he will fill for Napier. Gonzales was part of Urban Meyer’s staff at Florida from 2005-2009. He won two National Championships while at Florida during that time. Gonzales was also the recruiting coordinator from 2008-2009.
Gonzales left Florida and joined LSU in 2010-11 as the passing game coordinator and receivers coach. He was the Co-OC and receivers coach at Illinois for a season before joining Dan Mullen at Mississippi State. Gonzales coaches the Bulldogs’ receivers from 2013-2017 before moving back to Florida as part of Mullen’s first staff at Florida.
After Mullen was fired, Gonzales spent the 2022 season with the Florida Atlantic Owls. He joined Marshall as tight ends coach in February.
In 2020, despite losing three receivers to the NFL Draft, the Gators’ receivers continued to shine under Gonzales. Florida receivers combined to catch 189 passes for 2,716 yards and 28 touchdowns. Kadarius Toney proved to be one of the elite weapons in college football in 2020 and was selected as the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Toney finished fifth in the SEC and 28th among all FBS players in all-purpose yards per game (130.8), in addition to being one of 25 FBS players and one of six SEC players with 12-plus total touchdowns (10 receiving, one rushing, one punt return).
Good Coach & Good Recruiter.
IMO, Definitely a Good Hire; Could be a Home Run !
I'm glad CBN waited & got a Good One !
Don't think he will need a map to find the practice field or the IPF.
Gonzales is back at Florida after spending one season in Boca Raton with Florida Atlantic. He joined the Owls' program in March of 2022 as the wide receivers coach after leaving the Gators in Nov. 2021 after Dan Mullen's departure.
https://247sports.com/college/flori...-receivers-Billy-Napier-Dan-Mullen-206525367/
MORE
Gonzales has coached at Florida twice previously both in the same role he will fill for Napier. Gonzales was part of Urban Meyer’s staff at Florida from 2005-2009. He won two National Championships while at Florida during that time. Gonzales was also the recruiting coordinator from 2008-2009.
Gonzales left Florida and joined LSU in 2010-11 as the passing game coordinator and receivers coach. He was the Co-OC and receivers coach at Illinois for a season before joining Dan Mullen at Mississippi State. Gonzales coaches the Bulldogs’ receivers from 2013-2017 before moving back to Florida as part of Mullen’s first staff at Florida.
After Mullen was fired, Gonzales spent the 2022 season with the Florida Atlantic Owls. He joined Marshall as tight ends coach in February.
In 2020, despite losing three receivers to the NFL Draft, the Gators’ receivers continued to shine under Gonzales. Florida receivers combined to catch 189 passes for 2,716 yards and 28 touchdowns. Kadarius Toney proved to be one of the elite weapons in college football in 2020 and was selected as the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Toney finished fifth in the SEC and 28th among all FBS players in all-purpose yards per game (130.8), in addition to being one of 25 FBS players and one of six SEC players with 12-plus total touchdowns (10 receiving, one rushing, one punt return).
Full List of Players Drafted Coached by Gonzales (as WR / OC)
https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-g...returning-to-florida-as-wide-receivers-coach/
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Fever,
With
Billy Gonzales returning to Florida as wide receivers coach
the hopes / expectations for our passing game just went up a notch !Similar threads
