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

[Jeff from Jax]

Transfer DB Antonio Carter II to Officially Visit Florida​

Florida will host Rhode Island safety transfer Antonio Carter II for a visit on May 15, according to Jacob Rudner of 247Sports.

Carter, is a native of the Sunshine State and product of Orlando (Fla.) Oak Ridge from the 2019 recruiting class.

In two seasons as a starter for the Rams, a stretch in which he appeared in 21 games, Carter tallied 105 total tackles, t
wo sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, one interception, 17 defended passes and three forced fumbles.

Carter primarily aligned as an outside cornerback during that span, logging 1,015 snaps at the position. He also earned 274 reps as a box safety between 2021-22.

Florida has four scholarship openings on its 2023 roster entering the summer. The Gators have expressed an interest in Carter and Houston running back transfer Alton McCaskill to fill two of those spots, as they are the only portal prospects that have visited or plan to visit UF since Moten's commitment.

https://www.si.com/college/florida/...ntonio -carter-transfer-portal-official-visit

 

[Gator Fever]

Transfer DB Antonio Carter II to Officially Visit Florida​

Florida will host Rhode Island safety transfer Antonio Carter II for a visit on May 15, according to Jacob Rudner of 247Sports.

Carter, is a native of the Sunshine State and product of Orlando (Fla.) Oak Ridge from the 2019 recruiting class.

In two seasons as a starter for the Rams, a stretch in which he appeared in 21 games, Carter tallied 105 total tackles, t
wo sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, one interception, 17 defended passes and three forced fumbles.

Carter primarily aligned as an outside cornerback during that span, logging 1,015 snaps at the position. He also earned 274 reps as a box safety between 2021-22.

Florida has four scholarship openings on its 2023 roster entering the summer. The Gators have expressed an interest in Carter and Houston running back transfer Alton McCaskill to fill two of those spots, as they are the only portal prospects that have visited or plan to visit UF since Moten's commitment.

https://www.si.com/college/florida/football/florida-gators-report-antonio -carter-transfer-portal-official-visit

Would be a nice pickup. I think seeing who else is pursuing these portal players tells you what kind of player they are and a lot of good teams want this guy. I think another LA DB is in the portal also but he isnt on the level of the one Bama just signed.

 

[Gator Fever]

Curry: Jaguars could play 2 seasons away from TIAA Bank Field during stadium renovations

Mayor Lenny Curry said Wednesday renovations of football stadium could require Jaguars to play in other venues for two seasons.

www.jacksonville.com

I have a feeling the FL - GA game may be permanently made home games starting in 2025.

 

[gatordad3]

Transfer DB Antonio Carter II to Officially Visit Florida​

Florida will host Rhode Island safety transfer Antonio Carter II for a visit on May 15, according to Jacob Rudner of 247Sports.

Carter, is a native of the Sunshine State and product of Orlando (Fla.) Oak Ridge from the 2019 recruiting class.

In two seasons as a starter for the Rams, a stretch in which he appeared in 21 games, Carter tallied 105 total tackles, t
wo sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, one interception, 17 defended passes and three forced fumbles.

Carter primarily aligned as an outside cornerback during that span, logging 1,015 snaps at the position. He also earned 274 reps as a box safety between 2021-22.

Florida has four scholarship openings on its 2023 roster entering the summer. The Gators have expressed an interest in Carter and Houston running back transfer Alton McCaskill to fill two of those spots, as they are the only portal prospects that have visited or plan to visit UF since Moten's commitment.

https://www.si.com/college/florida/...ntonio -carter-transfer-portal-official-visit

2019 class? He's about as old as Andre Debose and Jordan Travis.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Would be a nice pickup. I think seeing who else is pursuing these portal players tells you what kind of player they are and a lot of good teams want this guy. I think another LA DB is in the portal also but he isnt on the take a look atlevel of the one Bama just signed.

Fever,

Agree with your observation -

"...Carter has visited Wisconsin and Ole Miss since entering the transfer portal. He intends to check out Notre Dame and LSU in the coming days."

Would also hope that CBN & BIRD SHERRILL take a look at a pretty good Florida Player now in TP -

Not a 1 year rental; 4 years left
BUT
WR Malachi Wideman
may be looking to reunite with Prime Time & his Jackson State QB - Prime Time JR - Shedeur Sanders.

 

[fsu939913]

Fever,

Agree with your observation -

"...Carter has visited Wisconsin and Ole Miss since entering the transfer portal. He intends to check out Notre Dame and LSU in the coming days."

Would also hope that CBN & BIRD SHERRILL take a look at a pretty good Florida Player now in TP -

View embedded media

Not a 1 year rental; 4 years left
BUT
WR Malachi Wideman
may be looking to reunite with Prime Time & his Jackson State QB - Prime Time JR - Shedeur Sanders.

This guy was committed to FSU awhile back. All the athletic ability in the world but no football skill. Crazy how he can't put it together

 

[ocalaman]

USF transfer commit Lyndell Hudson visiting UF

The Gators have added just one transfer thus far in the spring and have four scholarship spots remaining

247sports.com

 

[Jeff from Jax]

I support Napier right now but he might be the first coach here not to go at least 8-4 his second season since Spurrier was here.

An even crazier stat. If we dont go 8-4 it will be the first time since Doug Dickey in the 70s that a Gator head coach didnt get at least 8 regular season wins in either of his first 2 years.

Fever,

CBN Is also the first Head Coach who has EVER had to deal with creating & managing NIL$$$ & the incredible recruiting infrastructure outlays of today - $2.5 MM by UGA & only slightly less by Bama, Tenn, LSU, & TAMU.

UGA spending more money on recruiting infrastructure than UF spent on Spurrier & his entire on the field coaching staff -
HINT - there was NO off the field coaching staff then.

Your comments on past Gator Head Coaches are like a fan trying to compare athletes of different eras - Paul Horning vs Emmitt Smith as NFL RBs.

Another FWI - we can't afford to fire CBN - unless you want to donate enough money for his buyout !
LOL
So bitching about his record is a waste of breath !

If you are NOT part of the solution -
YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM !!!

CBN way better than Mike Norvell IMO. Norvell struggled early & now seems to be coming through.

In case you haven't noticed - We have had 4 football Head Coaches in the last 10 years !

This turnover hasn't helped us - either on the field or on the recruiting trail.

Seems like we could & should give CBN the same chance / amount of time, Norvell got before we throw out accusations & claim the sky is falling.

Insta calls this the Talking Season -
I think we should rename it the WHINING SEASON !

 

[Gator Fever]

Fever,

CBN Is also the first Head Coach who has EVER had to deal with creating & managing NIL$$$ & the incredible recruiting infrastructure outlays of today - $2.5 MM by UGA & only slightly less by Bama, Tenn, LSU, & TAMU.

UGA spending more money on recruiting infrastructure than UF spent on Spurrier & his entire on the field coaching staff -
HINT - there was NO off the field coaching staff then.

Your comments on past Gator Head Coaches are like a fan trying to compare athletes of different eras - Paul Horning vs Emmitt Smith as NFL RBs.

Another FWI - we can't afford to fire CBN - unless you want to donate enough money for his buyout !
LOL
So bitching about his record is a waste of breath !

If you are NOT part of the solution -
YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM !!!

CBN way better than Mike Norvell IMO. Norvell struggled early & now seems to be coming through.

In case you haven't noticed - We have had 4 football Head Coaches in the last 10 years !

This turnover hasn't helped us - either on the field or on the recruiting trail.

Seems like we could & should give CBN the same chance / amount of time, Norvell got before we throw out accusations & claim the sky is falling.

Insta calls this the Talking Season -
I think we should rename it the WHINING SEASON !

Some would say the portal and NIL gives SEC head coaches less excuses not to have a fast turnaround. Napier is also the first coach to be given an "Army" to assist him.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Some would say the portal and NIL gives SEC head coaches less excuses not to have a fast turnaround. Napier is also the first coach to be given an "Army" to assist him.

Fever,

Your analysis & comparison is full of holes.

Everyone is now using NIL$$$ & the Portal to hopefully generate "a fast turnaround." It has become the expected norm -
NOT a new & advanced technique..

A. Most of the schools which achieved this "fast turnaround"
started implementing these techniques before CBN even arrived in G'ville.
These techniques are now commonplace to some degree in most Power 5 Schools.

Kirby became UGA Head Coach 2016 & immediately started implementing all the techniques you talked about & which he learned from the Master - Nick Saban.

CBN hired as UF Head Coach Dec 5, 2021 - if my math is any good; Smart has had a 5 year head start on CBN in building recruiting infrastructure - i.e. His ARMY & transitioning from McDonald's Bags to a structured & (mostly) Legal NIL$$$ program.

B. It takes an army to defeat another army -
Gators one of the last SEC schools to drastically increase size / expertise & FUNDING of their off the field support staff.

CBN is in Catch up Mode & working his ass off - unfortunately all of our SEC brethren are either already there or have a pronounced head start.

Even when we catch up (& I hope we do), it will be like -

The Heavener Complex -

the Thank You Jeremy Foley -
FIVE YEARS TOO FREAKING LATE -
University of Florida's new eco-friendly, highly sustainable, athletic-focused Gator recruiting magnet - LOL !

Bama, UGA, LSU, TAMU, & Tenn are way ahead of us in these activities & their recruiting reflects it.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

USF transfer commit Lyndell Hudson visiting UF

The Gators have added just one transfer thus far in the spring and have four scholarship spots remaining

247sports.com

Ocala,

We have 4 open scholarships - no reason not to use them. Hudson (6-6, 300), is a 6th year SR, he has experience & we can use the depth.

IMO, using this Scholly on a Florida kid will help us with in-state recruiting.

An over the top, speed WR would be a benefit as well.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Florida getting in the mix for this 5-star DL​

https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/202...ficial-visit-interest/?itm_source=parsely-api

 

[Jeff from Jax]

1 Writer's Opinion - Priority targets the Gators are trending (?) for​

Identification comes first & most of them are Florida kids.
CBN's Florida 1st strategy has paid off; we'll see what the future holds.

Zavier Mincey, a 4* safety out of Dayton Beach

Mainland's Zavier Mincey lands St. Patrick's Day offer from Notre Dame
https://news.yahoo.com/gold-standard-mainlands-zavier-mincey-201916344.html

WR TJ Moore
Class of 2024 do-it-all wide receiver hailing from the Tampa Catholic Crusaders.


is quickly becoming more and more important to the Gators. If they don’t believe they can flip Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State, Moore becomes WR1 in this class.
Paco is high on this WR.

Walter Matthews TE
Walter Matthews sets himself apart from the other tight ends in the 2024 class with his size.

He stands at 6’7”-245, which is bigger than any other tight end in the top 20 of the position rankings.

That size doesn’t take away from his other skills either. He has 4.6 speed and a non-verified 37-inch vertical jump.

Amir Jackson ATH
We’ve reached the end of our list with Amir Jackson, an ATH out of Portal, Georgia.

While listed as an ATH, Jackson will likely get snaps at tight end at the college level given his 6’5”-210 frame.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2023/05...ecruiting-priority-targets-gators-trending/5/

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Michigan State CB commit sets official visit to Florida​

Westland Hialeah cornerback Jamari Howard may be committed to the Michigan State Spartans, but Billy Napier’s recruiting staff isn’t slowing down their pursuit of the South Florida four-star defensive back.

Howard is expected in Gainesville for an official visit to Florida over the first weekend of June (2-4), according to a Swamp247 report. He’s no stranger to campus having visited UF three times in 2023 already, but an official visit is a big step forward for the Gators.
https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/202...recruiting-jamari-howard-official-visit-date/

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Gators in top five for big-bodied tight end​

Eric Karner from Illinois dropped his top five schools earlier today, and the Gators made the cut.

Karner is from Big Ten country, but he included three SEC schools on his list.

The teams other than the Gators include Texas A&M, Iowa, Michigan State, and Alabama.

Eric has an official visit scheduled to come to Gainesville on June 9th, as well as OV’s planned to go see Michigan St and Iowa.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2023/05/12/florida-football-recruiting-gators-top-five-eric-karner/

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Gators offer top-10 LB in 2025 class, teammate of current commit​

Gators seem to have a focus on McKinney, Texas in particular. In the 2024 class, they already have 5-star safety Xavier Filsaime committed. And they recently offered one of his teammates in the 2025 cycle.

The Gators extended an offer to Riley Pettijohn (6-2, 205), a 4-star LB from McKinney.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2023/05/11/florida-football-recruiting-gators-offer-riley-pettijohn/

Pettijohn has been used as a primary pass rusher off the edge while showing fluidity great tackling ability in coverage. Due to his height and said coverage ability, Pettijohn has been projected as a safety at the next level as well.
https://money.yahoo.com/texas-m-offers-4-star-234935873.html

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Jamonta Waller OLB is a 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star​

Jamonta Waller is a five-star prospect that will be taking an official visit to Florida football in June.

He’s also a four-star prospect.

And according to one service, he’s also a three-star prospect.

He had 106 tackles, 24 tackles for a loss, and 11.5 sacks during his junior campaign

https://hailfloridahail.com/2023/05...cruiting-jamonta-waller-3-star-4-star-5-star/

 

[Jeff from Jax]

SEC QB Rankings 2023: Will Rogers and Devin Leary Fight For Top Spot

As with the remaining conference rankings and our national quarterback evaluations, the SEC rankings below consider everything involved with quarterbacking at the major college football level.

While statistics will be mentioned, they were not the lone deciding factor in ranking the athletes. The list below prefers programs with a solidified quarterback situation and one signal-caller who has played significant work against top-tier competition.

The system looks down upon schools with question marks still at the quarterback position, especially as the summer has come.

Other factors in these rankings include but are not limited to game film, injury history, play-calling, offensive system knowledge and continuity, general quarterbacking mechanics, level of competition, the elevation of supporting casts, and several other influential factors.

Unsurprisingly, Gators QB tandem of Mertz & Miller not highly regarded.
BUT
In this article they rank ahead of UGA's Carson Beck & Brock Vandergriff.

https://collegefootballnetwork.com/sec-qb-rankings-2023/

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Five-star WR Jeremiah Smith locks in Georgia official visit​

Like the Gators, the Bulldogs have been trying to flip the nation’s No. 1 WR from Ohio State

Five-star Ohio State commitment Jeremiah Smith is visiting the Georgia Bulldogs on May 19. Smith is the top-ranked wide receiver in the class of 2024.

https://ugawire.usatoday.com/2023/0...mit-jeremiah-smith-visiting-georgia-football/

 

[Countygator1]

If we can get a few of these pieces to fall Napier could have one of the best classes ever at Florida.

 

[Gator Fever]

If we can get a few of these pieces to fall Napier could have one of the best classes ever at Florida.

If he pulled a top 5 class in this environment it would be something. Meyer I think 3 years had the #1 or #2 class but that 2010 class had a few real good defenders and the rest were mostly underachievers.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

If we can get a few of these pieces to fall Napier could have one of the best classes ever at Florida.

Country,

Don't see that happening till we start winning some games & that won't happen in 2023.

In 2024 we will be better - but I don't think we skyrocket into CFP even with 12 team field.

Even if he does Early Entry, Lagway will only be a freshman.

People looking for pot of Gold at the end of rainbow talk about (hope) that a True FR can play well enough to win SEC - NO WAY !

Making it to 12 team CFP might be possible .
BUT
the team around that True FR QB MUST have ALL the other parts & pieces already in place.
I am convinced Gators will be better, but I don't think we will improve to that level that quickly.

 

[Gator Fever]

Country,

Don't see that happening till we start winning some games & that won't happen in 2023.

In 2024 we will be better - but I don't think we skyrocket into CFP even with 12 team field.

Even if he does Early Entry, Lagway will only be a freshman.

People looking for pot of Gold at the end of rainbow talk about (hope) that a True FR can play well enough to win SEC - NO WAY !

Making it to 12 team CFP might be possible .
BUT
the team around that True FR QB MUST have ALL the other parts & pieces already in place.
I am convinced Gators will be better, but I don't think we will improve to that level that quickly.

That is why Napier better buy a 1 year proven QB for 2024 as the schedule will be crazy hard with the new 9 game SEC scheduling and people arent going to accept 3 straight 6-6/7-5 seasons. I cant think of a modern SEC conference winning coach or national championship winning coach that didnt have a 10 win pre-bowl game season in their first 3 years after being hired.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

That is why Napier better buy a 1 year proven QB for 2024 as the schedule will be crazy hard with the new 9 game SEC scheduling and people aren't going to accept 3 straight 6-6/7-5 seasons. I cant think of a modern SEC conference winning coach or national championship winning coach that didnt have a 10 win pre-bowl game season in their first 3 years after being hired.

Fever,

CBN couldn't buy a Proven QB this year & LITTLE to NO chance he will be able to do so next year.

"...people aren't going to accept 3 straight 6-6/7-5 seasons."

Who pays CBN's Buy Out ? UF Lost money in pandemic year which wiped out Gator's Athletic Surplus.

I will be happy to stand back & watch you pull CBN's Buy Out Money from your wallet !
LOL

How many proven (assume you mean extremely talented) QB want to transfer for 1 year ?
If they get hurt or don't win QB1 competition at new school, NFL hopes are dead.
If they can't win QB1 completion at existing school how good are they ?
Only scenario which makes sense is a QB1 at a small school who wants to show NFL he can perform on CFB's Biggest Stage - the SEC.
If you actually find that unique situation - he won't come to UF.

Right now Gators are NOT good enough to boost him (a QB not an OL) to the NFL.

AR going #4 in 1st round is obviously a special case -
Eye-popping performance in late February at the NFL Combine, where Richardson broke quarterback records for the vertical jump and broad jump, and ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at a listed 6-foot-4, 244 pounds.

"... I cant think of a modern SEC conference winning coach or national championship winning coach that didnt have a 10 win pre-bowl game season in their first 3 years after being hired."

Fever,
IMO, you are looking at the previous era & I agree with you on that-
BUT
I now have a different definitions of "the modern era in CFB."

I now consider the modern era of CFB - as containing the Transfer Portal & NIL$$$ era which started 2 years ago.
I feel that anything else is an invalid comparison.

Can only think of two schools which have quickly rebuilt in the last 2 years - LSU with Brian Kelly & USCw with Lincoln Riley.

LSU has won 4 in a row vs Gators - 2019-2022
LSU was & is a Better team & Brian Kelly a more experienced coach; they didn't have to rebuild a team just fill a few holes. Got lucky with a QB1 - Jayden Daniels who didn't show much at Arizona State.

In 2022 - Daniels passed for 2,774 yards and 16 touchdowns, throwing just three picks, while also rushing for 818 yards and 11 touchdowns. He returns in 2023 for his Sr season with LSU.

Lincoln Riley stole Oklahoma blind - Heisman Winning QB Caleb Williams, WR Mario Williams, & CB Latrell McCutchin.
All of them transferred to the USC Trojans & their former coach.
https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/lists/oklahoma-sooners-2022-transfer-portal-tracker/

USCw Number of transfers: 15

One of the only cases where an almost total rebuild happened basically overnight.
Riley, of course has a HUGE offensive reputation; CBN does not.
Riley served as the head coach at the University of Oklahoma for five seasons from 2017 to 2021, where he won four consecutive Big 12 Championships.
Riley has mentored three Heisman Trophy winners at quarterback (Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams USCw) as well as another starting NFL quarterback in Jalen Hurts. As a fifth-year head coach, he has produced over 28 draft picks including 5 first-rounders, but is 1-4 in end-of-season bowl games.

Don't think anyone who follows football would call Big 12 conference the equal of the SEC. Texas & Oklahoma wouldn't be transferring to SEC if it was.

Also don't think anyone who follows football would say CBN equal to Lincoln Riley as a Head Coach - at present.

Riley 6 years experience as a HC (Oklahoma 5; USCw 1) in major CFB; CBN only 1 year.

Riley Grand Portal Poaching -
Williams followed Riley to USC, which garnered plenty of reaction when the top-ranked player in the portal made his move. He wasn't alone either, with wideout Mario Williams also making the trek from Norman to Los Angeles. Another notable transfer addition was running back Travis Dye, who starred for Oregon last season before making his way down to the coast to USC. The Trojans' most recent pull was elite Arizona State defender Eric Gentry. He'll start immediately at linebacker and join former Alabama linebacker Shane Lee in the battle for reps.

https://247sports.com/longformartic...rankings-usc-ole-miss-lead-187380830/#1892782

 

[ocalaman]

Transfer OL Lyndell Hudson flips to Florida following official visit

Gators add another name to the roster from the NCAA Transfer Portal

247sports.com

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Transfer OL Lyndell Hudson flips to Florida following official visit

Gators add another name to the roster from the NCAA Transfer Portal

247sports.com

Ocala,

Thanks for the follow up.

Hope his back is healed by fall practice.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Gators offer No. 1 WR, Bama commit in 2025 class​

Lagway needs some targets !
CBN working to get them.

In the 2024 cycle, Billy Napier and the Gators are making a strong push for Jeremiah Smith, the best wide receiver in the country and current Ohio State commit.

They’re looking to make an almost identical push at the No. 1 receiver in the 2025 class who is currently pledged to Nick Saban and Alabama.

The Gators have extended an offer to Ryan Williams, one of the best players in 2025.

I’m just going to get right to my main point here: this guy is ridiculous. He could start tomorrow for just about every NCAA program, and he still has two years of high school ball left.

When I was watching his tape he reminded me of Justin Jefferson with the way he moved, but he looks even faster.

Williams also runs track and has times of 10.49 in the 100m, 21.28 in the 200m, and 48.19 in the 400m.

Ryan was a do it all guy for Saraland in his sophomore season.

He got snaps at wideout, running back, and some wildcat snaps where he would run.

As a pass catcher, he totaled 88 catches for 1,641 yards and 24 touchdowns. On the ground, he racked up 57 carries for 700 yards (12.3 YPC) and 15 more scores.

He’s also used in special teams, taking multiple punts back to the house.


https://hailfloridahail.com/2023/05/13/florida-football-recruiting-gators-offer-ryan-williams/

 

[Jeff from Jax]

The Coach Debate: Billy Napier vs. Mario Cristobal​

Two coaches under pressure heading into their second year in the sunshine state

Don't totally agree with everything in this article. But writer does make a few cogent points.

https://mikefarrellsports.com/college/the-coach-debate-billy-napier-vs-mario-cristobal

 

[Gator Fever]

Fever,

CBN couldn't buy a Proven QB this year & LITTLE to NO chance he will be able to do so next year.

"...people aren't going to accept 3 straight 6-6/7-5 seasons."

Who pays CBN's Buy Out ? UF Lost money in pandemic year which wiped out Gator's Athletic Surplus.

I will be happy to stand back & watch you pull CBN's Buy Out Money from your wallet !
LOL

How many proven (assume you mean extremely talented) QB want to transfer for 1 year ?
If they get hurt or don't win QB1 competition at new school, NFL hopes are dead.
If they can't win QB1 completion at existing school how good are they ?
Only scenario which makes sense is a QB1 at a small school who wants to show NFL he can perform on CFB's Biggest Stage - the SEC.
If you actually find that unique situation - he won't come to UF.

Right now Gators are NOT good enough to boost him (a QB not an OL) to the NFL.

AR going #4 in 1st round is obviously a special case -
Eye-popping performance in late February at the NFL Combine, where Richardson broke quarterback records for the vertical jump and broad jump, and ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at a listed 6-foot-4, 244 pounds.

"... I cant think of a modern SEC conference winning coach or national championship winning coach that didnt have a 10 win pre-bowl game season in their first 3 years after being hired."

Fever,
IMO, you are looking at the previous era & I agree with you on that-
BUT
I now have a different definitions of "the modern era in CFB."

I now consider the modern era of CFB - as containing the Transfer Portal & NIL$$$ era which started 2 years ago.
I feel that anything else is an invalid comparison.

Can only think of two schools which have quickly rebuilt in the last 2 years - LSU with Brian Kelly & USCw with Lincoln Riley.

LSU has won 4 in a row vs Gators - 2019-2022
LSU was & is a Better team & Brian Kelly a more experienced coach; they didn't have to rebuild a team just fill a few holes. Got lucky with a QB1 - Jayden Daniels who didn't show much at Arizona State.

In 2022 - Daniels passed for 2,774 yards and 16 touchdowns, throwing just three picks, while also rushing for 818 yards and 11 touchdowns. He returns in 2023 for his Sr season with LSU.

Lincoln Riley stole Oklahoma blind - Heisman Winning QB Caleb Williams, WR Mario Williams, & CB Latrell McCutchin.
All of them transferred to the USC Trojans & their former coach.
https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/lists/oklahoma-sooners-2022-transfer-portal-tracker/

USCw Number of transfers: 15

One of the only cases where an almost total rebuild happened basically overnight.
Riley, of course has a HUGE offensive reputation; CBN does not.
Riley served as the head coach at the University of Oklahoma for five seasons from 2017 to 2021, where he won four consecutive Big 12 Championships.
Riley has mentored three Heisman Trophy winners at quarterback (Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams USCw) as well as another starting NFL quarterback in Jalen Hurts. As a fifth-year head coach, he has produced over 28 draft picks including 5 first-rounders, but is 1-4 in end-of-season bowl games.

Don't think anyone who follows football would call Big 12 conference the equal of the SEC. Texas & Oklahoma wouldn't be transferring to SEC if it was.

Also don't think anyone who follows football would say CBN equal to Lincoln Riley as a Head Coach - at present.

Riley 6 years experience as a HC (Oklahoma 5; USCw 1) in major CFB; CBN only 1 year.

Riley Grand Portal Poaching -
Williams followed Riley to USC, which garnered plenty of reaction when the top-ranked player in the portal made his move. He wasn't alone either, with wideout Mario Williams also making the trek from Norman to Los Angeles. Another notable transfer addition was running back Travis Dye, who starred for Oregon last season before making his way down to the coast to USC. The Trojans' most recent pull was elite Arizona State defender Eric Gentry. He'll start immediately at linebacker and join former Alabama linebacker Shane Lee in the battle for reps.

https://247sports.com/longformartic...rankings-usc-ole-miss-lead-187380830/#1892782

He should get it sorted out but you cant be going 6-6/7-5 three straight years at a place like UF and he owns the QB situation as he didnt bring in one blue chipper his first 2 classes which I think is also unheard of with modern SEC and National championship winning coaches. Doug Dickey from 50 years ago and all the coaches that followed him would even have a better season in that 3 season time span. The TV money and Boosters would pay the buyout like the other times.

 

[fsu939913]

The Coach Debate: Billy Napier vs. Mario Cristobal​

Two coaches under pressure heading into their second year in the sunshine state

Don't totally agree with everything in this article. But writer does make a few cogent points.

https://mikefarrellsports.com/college/the-coach-debate-billy-napier-vs-mario-cristobal

Napier is the better ganeday coach hands down

 

[gatorbuilderorlando]

Fever,

CBN Is also the first Head Coach who has EVER had to deal with creating & managing NIL$$$ & the incredible recruiting infrastructure outlays of today - $2.5 MM by UGA & only slightly less by Bama, Tenn, LSU, & TAMU.

UGA spending more money on recruiting infrastructure than UF spent on Spurrier & his entire on the field coaching staff -
HINT - there was NO off the field coaching staff then.

Your comments on past Gator Head Coaches are like a fan trying to compare athletes of different eras - Paul Horning vs Emmitt Smith as NFL RBs.

Another FWI - we can't afford to fire CBN - unless you want to donate enough money for his buyout !
LOL
So bitching about his record is a waste of breath !

If you are NOT part of the solution -
YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM !!!

CBN way better than Mike Norvell IMO. Norvell struggled early & now seems to be coming through.

In case you haven't noticed - We have had 4 football Head Coaches in the last 10 years !

This turnover hasn't helped us - either on the field or on the recruiting trail.

Seems like we could & should give CBN the same chance / amount of time, Norvell got before we throw out accusations & claim the sky is falling.

Insta calls this the Talking Season -
I think we should rename it the WHINING SEASON !

I both agree but would add - that's the way things are now. I dont' think the above are excuses per se but at the end of the day the college landscape is what it is - if he can't make it right now, it wont' really matter that things changed all of the sudden.

He has 3 years IMO - this year could be ugly.

 

[gatorbuilderorlando]

Napier is the better ganeday coach hands down

lmao - not sure that's saying much. I love Nap as a program builder and think this is a 3 year total rebuild - so I'm not selling him right now. But his game day/play calling is really concerning for me so far.

 

[gatorbuilderorlando]

He should get it sorted out but you cant be going 6-6/7-5 three straight years at a place like UF and he owns the QB situation as he didnt bring in one blue chipper his first 2 classes which I think is also unheard of with modern SEC and National championship winning coaches. Doug Dickey from 50 years ago and all the coaches that followed him would even have a better season in that 3 season time span. The TV money and Boosters would pay the buyout like the other times.

Yeah but if he's setting the foundation and Lagway is legit - we go 2024 8-4 and look to dominate just after, nobody will care.

 

[Gator Fever]

Yeah but if he's setting the foundation and Lagway is legit - we go 2024 8-4 and look to dominate just after, nobody will care.

8-4 in 2024 and he isnt going anywhere if we have Lagway or Simmons on the team but 6-6 would probably get him canned for sure and 2024 with the new SEC sceduling and Miami likely being a lot better then isnt a joke. If Mertz plays like many of us expect Napier better be on the phone with boosters trying to get that one year hired gun for 2024 while the true freshman are learning. Also with a legit QB we may be good enough to go 9-3 and get a playoff spot.

Looking at this years schedule its like 4 or 5 teams you say we could beat them then you think there is a good chance we lose because they have the better QB.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Florida-Georgia game will soon move for two years, but then what will happen?​

Old news by now, but to me (Jeff from Jacksonville) extremely important.

Not politically correct to call it the WLOCP anymore, but that's how I still think of it.

As the Gator Bowl renovation gets closer, I'm sure we will see / read more opinions about how the location of Florida - Georgia game should be handled.

I, like David Wunderlich, reject alternating between two different neutral sites venues (Jacksonville, Atlanta, Orlando, whatever) & basically see two options -

1. Return it to Jacksonville after the two year construction project ends - obviously my preference
OR
2. Leave it as just another SEC home & home series - which stops the caravans of motor homes rolling over the bridges Thursday & Friday & eliminates the unique & incredible, 24/7 non stop, Carnival atmosphere of RV City - which saddens me.

Kirby does have one good point - win or lose the WLOCP could & should be an incredible recruiting weekend - for each school.

I'm sure there is some pitiful, obscure, outdated, & totally meaningless NCAA restriction (likely its simply because "we don't do it that way"),
BUT
I don't understand why BOTH schools can't invite players to attend the game & solve at least part of the problem with returning the game to Jacksonville.

https://www.gatorcountry.com/featur...move-for-two-years-but-then-what-will-happen/

 

[Gator Fever]

Florida-Georgia game will soon move for two years, but then what will happen?​

Old news by now, but to me (Jeff from Jacksonville) extremely important.

Not politically correct to call it the WLOCP anymore, but that's how I still think of it.

As the Gator Bowl renovation gets closer, I'm sure we will see / read more opinions about how the location of Florida - Georgia game should be handled.

I, like David Wunderlich, reject alternating between two different neutral sites venues (Jacksonville, Atlanta, Orlando, whatever) & basically see two options -

1. Return it to Jacksonville after the two year construction project ends - obviously my preference
OR
2. Leave it as just another SEC home & home series - which stops the caravans of motor homes rolling over the bridges Thursday & Friday & eliminates the unique & incredible, 24/7 non stop, Carnival atmosphere of RV City - which saddens me.

Kirby does have one good point - win or lose the WLOCP could & should be an incredible recruiting weekend - for each school.

I'm sure there is some pitiful, obscure, outdated, & totally meaningless NCAA restriction (likely its simply because "we don't do it that way"),
BUT
I don't understand why BOTH schools can't invite players to attend the game & solve at least part of the problem with returning the game to Jacksonville.

https://www.gatorcountry.com/featur...move-for-two-years-but-then-what-will-happen/

Unless things change soon we are probably better off with a home and home also imo. Home field gives you a better chance to pull off an upset than a neutral field.

 

[gatordad3]

We're probably looking at the Jaguars having home games at The Swamp(BHG).

 

[Gator Fever]

We're probably looking at the Jaguars having home games at The Swamp(BHG).

I have a feeling the field would be an issue with that unless the NFL is really willing to work with them on their scheduling. My guess is the NFL would pressure them to use a field that doesn't have college teams playing there on Saturday.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

We're probably looking at the Jaguars having home games at The Swamp(BHG).

GD3,

Was thinking the same thing - it makes the most sense
BUT
making sense doesn't always matter ! LOL

OMG !
16 (18 with preseason ?) additional home games over the two years. Possible playoff games as well !!!

G'ville merchants (with $$$ in their eyes) will parade up & down Univ Ave & 13th Street.
Then, because of all the money they have gotten used to & think they deserve, they will howl for the home & home option to get that 1 extra home game every two years.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

I have a feeling the field would be an issue with that unless the NFL is really willing to work with them on their scheduling. My guess is the NFL would pressure them to use a field that doesn't have college teams playing there on Saturday.

Fever,

See your point
BUT
what is fair - in the way of travel logistics - for the Jaguar's fan base ?
Large stadiums with NFL class locker room facilities (visitor's locker room in BHG will probably have to be remodeled) don't grow on tress; don't know of any other suitable stadium sitting around, unused in N E Florida.

Jags lucky that the HOPED FOR option of playing at BHG exits, close by in G'ville.

Riding to Orlando - twice the distance & has the same problem with UCF games.

A return to Doug's Rug in BHG ? Hope not; injuries more frequent.

Sod is cheap - let the G'ville merchants contribute to field upkeep.