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

[fsu939913]

Tennessee Vol write up on Day 1 of Elite 11

https://www.si.com/college/tennessee/football/elite-11-day-one-top-performers

They said DJ Lagway was “by far” the best QB at the event in their opinion. I find that very interesting coming from a Vol.

Interesting. I know some guys that are at the event, said Lagways "traits" are elite but he struggled with accuracy on a few drills and has some learning to do with footwork/touch. I asked him specifically, should fsu be worried, he replied, in 2 yrs yes.

Everyone has different rankings though so who knows.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Austin Simmons reclassifying to the 2023 class would be HUGE good news for UF.

Paco,

Agree - my less than enthusiastic post due to uncertainty of information source.

We have been down this road before & are
currently in a "Cone of Silence" regarding Simmons & his intentions.

Guess we will know something shortly.
Parents sure to make an announcement if true;
& Austin will post to social media.

Fall practice still a ways off, but "Voluntary" workouts in full swing soon.
Don't know if he would be allowed to participate in them; but CBN & Staff will have all that figured out.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Added strength and weight allows Ja'Keem Jackson to play a more physical brand of football​

As an early enrollee in the Class of 2023, Ja’Keem Jackson spent the past five months with the University of Florida football program.

Jackson has relayed some notable moments from his first five months on campus with Eric Pinellas, his former head coach at Osceola High School

Pinellas shared his thoughts with Inside the Gators.

"... Jackson has also transformed his body within his first few months as a Gator. Aside from his improvement on the field and getting used to a new position, he grew physically, gaining seven pounds, going from 179 to 186 pounds. The 6-foot-1 cornerback also improved his strength numbers across the board – coming in with a 250-pound bench, 400-pound squat, and a 250-pound clean in testing at the end of spring ball.

“He has put on some good weight, gotten a lot stronger, and the nutrition program has helped him also,” Pinellas said. ‘It is helping him become a more complete player, someone who cannot only cover receivers down the field but also is a more aggressive tackler.”

Jackson is not only being mentored by, but also competing with upperclassmen such as Jason Marshall Jr. “Marshall is the guy at Florida right now, but Jackson is around the third or fourth corner, so I definitely see him getting on the field, and getting playing time,” Pinellas said.

https://insidethegators.com/2023/06...on-to-play-a-more-physical-brand-of-football/

 

[PacoGator19]

Interesting. I know some guys that are at the event, said Lagways "traits" are elite but he struggled with accuracy on a few drills and has some learning to do with footwork/touch. I asked him specifically, should fsu be worried, he replied, in 2 yrs yes.

Everyone has different rankings though so who knows.

Yes different people have differing opinions. I will be surprised if he isn’t a big time QB. He’s got all the tools in the tool box.

 

[PacoGator19]

This was an update I saw from Day 2 from On3. Florida commit DJ Lagway just had likely the best session from an Elite 11 finalist thus far. He and Raiola appear to be the best 2 QBs thus far.

 

[fsu939913]

This was an update I saw from Day 2 from On3. Florida commit DJ Lagway just had likely the best session from an Elite 11 finalist thus far. He and Raiola appear to be the best 2 QBs thus far.

247 had Lagway 7th after day 2.

The guy I know had him 5th overall with his scoring. My guys text to me "High potential, not consistent enough to be in top 3, absolute cannon for an arm and was probably the best deep ball thrower here"


7. DJ Lagway (Florida commit) – Lagway might have scored in the middle of the pack for the Pro Day, but he made some high-level throws look effortless. Once the dual-threat talent figures out how to consistently get his lower and upper halves in tune, things are going to likely get much easier for him.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

This was an update I saw from Day 2 from On3. Florida commit DJ Lagway just had likely the best session from an Elite 11 finalist thus far. He and Raiola appear to be the best 2 QBs thus far.

Paco,
Subjective vs Objective - Opinions will vary on these young QBs.

"...We (ON 3) charted each session live, grading each throw as an on or off target. We do not penalize for wide receiver drops if the ball is well-thrown. Conversely, a receiver considerably (in whose opinion ?) slowing down to catch the ball is deemed as off target. It is not strictly a tally of completions."

8. DJ Lagway – Florida​

DJ Lagway had the strongest showing among the first group to go on Thursday evening. The ball jumped out of his hand with considerable zip. As has been the case through two days, Lagway’s highlight throws are as good as anyone’s in attendance. He had one of the best throws we saw all day on a vertical route early on in his script.
Lagway got a little cute on an off-platform throw while rolling to his left – an incompletion that would’ve put him higher in our charting had he thrown with more conventional form. Regardless, the Florida pledge continued to show his high-end arm talent that could shine with continued polish and consistency.

For write ups on all participants -
https://www.on3.com/news/elite-11-finals-day-2-top-performers/

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Greg McElroy reacts to Florida's 2024 SEC schedule​

"...It felt like Florida, one of those teams that everybody wanted a piece of, everyone kind of wanted Florida. They also travel to Texas, which is interesting as Texas makes their debut in ’24.”

We still have something of a "Name" - but right now we don't have the "Team."
https://www.on3.com/college/florida-gators/news/greg-mcelroy-reacts-to-florida-2024-sec-schedule/

Sankey threw us to the wolves.
In an earlier post, I found out that Sankey's SEC Schedule makers went back 11 years to calculate SEC win % & used that as their metric to assign 2024 opponents.

No one voted on the "Look Back" period - Sankey just decided.

https://onlygators.com/06/15/2023/w...st-difficult-2024-schedule-in-the-entire-sec/

Why did Sankey use 11 years as the "Look Back" period ?
Why not 10 ? Or 5 ?

IMO, Sankey & his crew ran calculations based on multiple "Look Back" periods, & picked the one which gave him the results he wanted.
Like sending the Gators to the L V Bowl.

 

[fsu939913]

Paco,
Subjective vs Objective - Opinions will vary on these young QBs.

"...We (ON 3) charted each session live, grading each throw as an on or off target. We do not penalize for wide receiver drops if the ball is well-thrown. Conversely, a receiver considerably (in whose opinion ?) slowing down to catch the ball is deemed as off target. It is not strictly a tally of completions."

8. DJ Lagway – Florida​

DJ Lagway had the strongest showing among the first group to go on Thursday evening. The ball jumped out of his hand with considerable zip. As has been the case through two days, Lagway’s highlight throws are as good as anyone’s in attendance. He had one of the best throws we saw all day on a vertical route early on in his script.
Lagway got a little cute on an off-platform throw while rolling to his left – an incompletion that would’ve put him higher in our charting had he thrown with more conventional form. Regardless, the Florida pledge continued to show his high-end arm talent that could shine with continued polish and consistency.

For write ups on all participants -
https://www.on3.com/news/elite-11-finals-day-2-top-performers/

They usually have a scale on grade, think it goes

"Off target, incomplete"
"Off target complete"
"On target complete"
"Perfect"


They take the grades from multiple guys and average them

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Elite Gator target reclassifies, teammate of Austin Simmons​

Florida football has had a chaotic last twelve hours or so. News broke from On3 yesterday that 2025 commit Austin Simmons would be reclassifying to the 2023 cycle,

but now those claims are being disputed by his family.

While we try to sort through all of that, we know a lot more about one of his teammates and his current situation.

Late last night, one of Austin’s teammates, and a high-priority Gators’ target, reclassified from 2025 to 2024.

Now we have no clue what’s going on with Simmons, and Gilmore has bumped himself up a year.

Simmons "Cone of Silence" continues.

Hardley Gilmore, one of the top wideouts in his class, has moved up his recruiting timeline.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2023/06...recruiting-gators-hardley-gilmore-reclassify/

More Info on Gilmore -
Has also ran track and competed in field events. Regional qualifier in the 800 as a middle schooler.

2022: Transferred into Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy for sophomore season in Winter 2022.

2021: As a freshman, caught 16 passes for 229 yards and 7 TDs at West Palm Beach (Fla.) The Benjamin School, which competed in Florida’s 3A classification.

2020: Played on varsity as an eighth grader for a Glades Day team that made Florida's 2A state playoffs.

https://247sports.com/player/hardley-gilmore-46114844/

 

[PacoGator19]

Paco,
Subjective vs Objective - Opinions will vary on these young QBs.

"...We (ON 3) charted each session live, grading each throw as an on or off target. We do not penalize for wide receiver drops if the ball is well-thrown. Conversely, a receiver considerably (in whose opinion ?) slowing down to catch the ball is deemed as off target. It is not strictly a tally of completions."

8. DJ Lagway – Florida​

DJ Lagway had the strongest showing among the first group to go on Thursday evening. The ball jumped out of his hand with considerable zip. As has been the case through two days, Lagway’s highlight throws are as good as anyone’s in attendance. He had one of the best throws we saw all day on a vertical route early on in his script.
Lagway got a little cute on an off-platform throw while rolling to his left – an incompletion that would’ve put him higher in our charting had he thrown with more conventional form. Regardless, the Florida pledge continued to show his high-end arm talent that could shine with continued polish and consistency.

For write ups on all participants -
https://www.on3.com/news/elite-11-finals-day-2-top-performers/

Yes different reports from different people. Based on all the reports it seems Raiola and Lagway have been the best 2 QBs there and have the most arm talent. Could be some good showdowns in the future between the 2 of them if they both continue to develop.

The good thing is if Simmons enrolls early and Lagway signs with UF as well there is a very very good chance one of them is going to end up being a big time QB for UF.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Winners and Losers from the 2024 SEC Matchup Release​

Which teams got the best and worst draws for 2024 matchups following Wednesday's matchups announcement?

Winner: Florida​

Opinion's vary !

Florida's schedule is tough, but nearly all the matchups are exciting for the Gators' fanbase.
The rivalries with LSU and Tennessee continue into 2024 and will be great games.

They will still play Georgia in Jacksonville, with the game matchup counting as a road game.

Home games against Texas A&M and Ole Miss will also be exciting, and so will a road game at Texas. Kentucky and Mississippi State round the in-conference games, but the out-of-conference games are also elite. Florida will play Miami and UCF at home and at Florida State out of conference.

MY BAD - forgot this was 2024 not 2023 - Miami replaces Utah
.
Nearly every game is difficult (NO S*H*T),
but
also nearly every game will be entertaining to watch -
FOR WHO - Gator's Opponents ?

Winner: Texas​

Compared to the Sooners, Texas got a much better draw in the inaugural SEC season. Fans have been clamoring for historical rivalries with Texas A&M and Arkansas to be renewed, and both games will be played in 2024. While they are both on the road, just having the games is a win. Their other road games are very favorable. Getting a trip to Nashville against Vandy is always a good thing, and so is the Red River Shootout counting as a road game.

While playing Georgia at home is tough,
Florida, Kentucky, and Mississippi State are MORE than manageable.

Texas will need to capitalize on this relatively soft schedule in 2024.

https://mikefarrellsports.com/college/winners-and-losers-from-the-2024-sec-matchup-release

 

[Jeff from Jax]

The good thing is if Simmons enrolls early (CLOUDY on That) and Lagway signs with UF as well there is a very very good chance one of them is going to end up being a big time QB for UF.

Paco,

If you could only have one of these two QBs -
Lagway or Simmons
WHO
Would You pick ?

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Florida’s 2024 schedule looks tough, but there are plenty of questions​

David Wunderlich June 16, 2023

Wunderlich, unlike Pat Dooley, doesn't post his thoughts every day, but I generally like & agree with most of them.

Lately. I have a tendency to rush & forget to keep 2023 & 2024 separate mentally.

His thoughts are based on how he expects the teams we play in 2023 will morph into the teams on our 2024 schedule - going both up & down.

A lot to look at !
https://www.gatorcountry.com/featur...ooks-tough-but-there-are-plenty-of-questions/

Florida will have a total of 11 teams in what now make up the Power 5 conferences on the schedule, since the non-conference will have FSU, Miami, and new Big 12 outfit UCF.
Only the game against FCS Samford fits the traditional cupcake mold. The last time the teams played our Defense was embarrassed.
Gators had to score 35 points in the 2nd half to earn the comeback victory 70 - 52 at BHG stadium.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore/_/gameId/401282129

 

[fsu939913]

Paco,

If you could only have one of these two QBs -
Lagway or Simmons
WHO
Would You pick ?

Lagway

 

[PacoGator19]

Paco,

If you could only have one of these two QBs -
Lagway or Simmons
WHO
Would You pick ?

Lagway

Lagway. He’s bigger and stronger and has a better arm and he’s a dual threat. Simmons may actually be more polished right now but Lagway has the higher ceiling.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Lagway

Numbers,

Especially when you consider his recruiting !

 

[fsu939913]

Numbers,

Especially when you consider his recruiting !

Yea I think he has the highest ceiling and kind of fits what Billy wants to do. I also think he's a pretty mature kid. I don't know anything about Simmons but he's almost 18 in 10th grade.... Could be completely not his fault but that just doesn't make sense to me lol So as a QB Lagway, and as no red flags, Lagway

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Yea I think he has the highest ceiling and kind of fits what Billy wants to do. I also think he's a pretty mature kid. I don't know anything about Simmons but he's almost 18 in 10th grade.... Could be completely not his fault but that just doesn't make sense to me lol So as a QB Lagway, and as no red flags, Lagway

Numbers,

Doesn't mean I wouldn't take Simmons. just think he should enjoy his HS years - only get 1 chance to cozy up to the Prom Queen ! LOL

 

[instaGATOR]

Paco,

If you could only have one of these two QBs -
Lagway or Simmons
WHO
Would You pick ?

😜 Max Brown 😉

 

[instaGATOR]

And if Billy insists on going with his M&M conundrum, shouldn't he at least develop a wildcat QB package for Max?

 

[Jeff from Jax]

😜 Max Brown 😉

Insta,

You & I seem to be the only two posters who feel that Max can play QB1 at UF.

Season hasn't started yet & injuries are a part of the game; "Next man up" assumes we have a next man to stand up.

Urban won his Nattie at tOSU using Cardale Jones, his 3rd string QB; he was smart enough to develop him as they went along & made sure he got some meaningful reps so that he wasn't a
Deer in the headlights when he needed him.

Unfortunately, I don't see CBN taking that approach.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

And if Billy insists on going with his M&M conundrum, shouldn't he at least develop a wildcat QB package for Max?

Insta,

CBN says we are & will be a run heavy offense. Always a chance that your QB1 will get dinged up & miss a game.

Max faster & a better runner than Mertz or Miller.

Put Max in at same time as Mertz & until they break the huddle, your opponent's defense will be guessing - with no time for substitutions.

His package should include more than just the Wildcat - RPO, QB draw, & short quick passes should all be part of it.

Hell - let him run the wishbone on short yardage.

In short, as SOS says, "Coach the Heck out of him" & get him ready to play.

 

[instaGATOR]

Anyone claiming that Max is a slow learner is just factually FoS imo.
He'd never played organized football, but he walked out as a baseball SS Jr and won the starting job.

Passing
HS Jr 2021 - 72.7% - 18.9 Yds/Comp, 27 TD's, 6 Ints, QBR 133.7
HS Sr 2022 - 71.1% - 16.5 Yds/Comp, 41 TD's, 4 Ints, QBR 142.6

Rushing
2021 - 154 for 992 yds, 6.4 YPC, 13 TD's, 1 LPF
2022 - 173 for 1,343 yds, 7.8 YPC, 20 TD's, ZERO LPF's

2021 - 12-1
2022 - 13-1 - Okla 3A MVP
Combined HS Jr/Sr W/L Record = 25-2

Those freakin' numbers are better than Lagway's or Simmon's are.....

JMOHO as always, but if Billy continues to waste this kid's potential thru a lack of player development, then he's even dumber than McLame was with Trask....

 

[fsu939913]

On3 final rankings from elite 11 had Lagway finish 11th. Had a bad 7 on 7 on final day, threw 2 picks.

Elite 11 had Lagway rank 20th (last place) mainly because of the bad 7 on 7

247 sports had him ranked 9th (highest for him)

Will ask my guy about what he thought when he gets finished

 

[fsu939913]

Just got to chat with my guy

1. Raiola was the best guy there in his opinion. The Michigan guy was very good as well.

2. He felt there 4 "groups" , the top group had 3 QBs who he felt were better than everybody else.

3. He said L. KROM (FSU qB commit) who finished 4th was in the 2nd group, probably first out of the first group. High floor with him.

4. Said he would put Lagway in the 3rd group with the highest chance to move up (most potential of anyone in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th group). Said he has elite traits that could move him to the first group but he clearly needs time when there is a defense in front of him. Raved about his arm strength and mobility and said he needs a yr to sit and learn but fully expects him to be a 2 or 3 yr starter.

 

[Countygator1]

Anyone claiming that Max is a slow learner is just factually FoS imo.
He'd never played organized football, but he walked out as a baseball SS Jr and won the starting job.

Passing
HS Jr 2021 - 72.7% - 18.9 Yds/Comp, 27 TD's, 6 Ints, QBR 133.7
HS Sr 2022 - 71.1% - 16.5 Yds/Comp, 41 TD's, 4 Ints, QBR 142.6

Rushing
2021 - 154 for 992 yds, 6.4 YPC, 13 TD's, 1 LPF
2022 - 173 for 1,343 yds, 7.8 YPC, 20 TD's, ZERO LPF's

2021 - 12-1
2022 - 13-1 - Okla 3A MVP
Combined HS Jr/Sr W/L Record = 25.2

Those freakin' numbers are better than Lagway's or Simmon's are.....

JMOHO as always, but if Billy continues to waste this kid's potential thru a lack of player development, then he's even dumber than McLame was with Trask....

Actually, I heard that Max has been invited to join MENSA.

 

[NorthJerseyGator]

Interesting. I know some guys that are at the event, said Lagways "traits" are elite but he struggled with accuracy on a few drills and has some learning to do with footwork/touch. I asked him specifically, should fsu be worried, he replied, in 2 yrs yes.

Everyone has different rankings though so who knows.

Lagway is the truth bro.

 

[PacoGator19]

Lagway is the truth bro.

Yeah he has the chance to be a really special QB. He’s a leader and very well liked and a good kid as well. Great support system and his family is great as well. His dad is a real good guy. I have a feeling he will be a very good leader of the UF program and team in a few years based on what I know about him.

 

[NorthJerseyGator]

Yeah he has the chance to be a really special QB. He’s a leader and very well liked and a good kid as well. Great support system and his family is great as well. His dad is a real good guy. I have a feeling he will be a very good leader of the UF program and team in a few years based on what I know about him.

I get some, dare I say it, Tebow vibes from him, haha, because of his focus on God. Now, if DJ's dad happens to be a preacher then we are set because all three Heisman QB's at UF were sons of a Preacher man, haha.

 

[NorthJerseyGator]

So....we lost Bowens and now we're not in Gibson's top 3 of Texas, Uga, Mia....I thought we were now real appealing to top rated RB's with Billy's offense...

 

[PacoGator19]

So....we lost Bowens and now we're not in Gibson's top 3 of Texas, Uga, Mia....I thought we were now real appealing to top rated RB's with Billy's offense...

Gibson is all about the NIL. He never was coming here and we aren’t going to give a RB the type of NIL he wants. Not a big Gibson fan myself.

 

[NorthJerseyGator]

Gibson is all about the NIL. He never was coming here and we aren’t going to give a RB the type of NIL he wants. Not a big Gibson fan myself.

I'm not a huge fan of his either, haven't seen him play, just a vibe I have of him, but he's originally from Gainesville so I had a little bit of a spot for him, haha.

 

[PacoGator19]

I'm not a huge fan of his either, haven't seen him play, just a vibe I have of him, but he's originally from Gainesville so I had a little bit of a spot for him, haha.

He’s a really good player but I also think he may end up being a very big headache as well.

 

[gatordad3]

On3 final rankings from elite 11 had Lagway finish 11th. Had a bad 7 on 7 on final day, threw 2 picks.

Elite 11 had Lagway rank 20th (last place) mainly because of the bad 7 on 7

247 sports had him ranked 9th (highest for him)

Will ask my guy about what he thought when he gets finished

I remember when Driskel dominated those 7 on 7's. We all saw how well that worked out for him while at UF.

 

[PacoGator19]

Amir Jackson to UF. Great pickup.

 

[fsu939913]

I remember when Driskel dominated those 7 on 7's. We all saw how well that worked out for him while at UF.

Very small sample size. I think Lagway will be fine

 

[fsu939913]

Amir Jackson to UF. Great pickup.

Is the TE? I think he either is or close to being a top 100 player. He played receiver in high school if I'm not mistaken. Good weapon

 

[PacoGator19]

Is the TE? I think he either is or close to being a top 100 player. He played receiver in high school if I'm not mistaken. Good weapon

TE. We need receiving TEs bad

 

[ocalaman]

Top247 TE Amir Jackson commits to Florida

New Florida assistant Russ Callaway has landed his first commitment as tight ends coach

247sports.com

Gator QB commit Austin Simmons flips to Ole Miss, reclassifies

The Gators were seemingly set to add Simmons to their 2023 roster

247sports.com