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

[instaGATOR]

CB/WR Teddy Foster 6-2 170 - Sarasota, FL
HS Jr 11 Gms - 38 Tkls, 9 PBU's, 2 Ints, 1 FR
21 Offers, 3 Finalists - FL - Mia - NC

Foster is a long and lean defensive back with excellent ball skills, fitting right into the mold defensive backs coach Corey Raymond has prioritized over the course of his career dating back to his time at LSU.

Using the lauded versatility to his advantage, he does a great job of high-pointing the football and routinely making catches outside of his framework as a wideout. Both of these skills are useful when trying to intercept tipped passes and knock away well-placed footballs from the receiver’s hands in one-on-one coverage.

2023 Roster CB's:
Previous Coaches: Jason Marshall Jr, Jaydon Hill, Jalen Kimber, Ethan Pouncey.

Cory Raymond's Dudes: Devin Moore, Ja'keem Jackson, Dijon Johnson, Aaron Gates, Sabastian Vargas, Peter Asumani, Sharif Denson, Javion Toombs -- 2024 Commit Teddy Foster.




Note: #15 CB Jalyn Crawford of Lilburn, Ga just committed to AU over UF and LSU.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Note: #15 CB Jalyn Crawford of Lilburn, Ga just committed to AU over UF and LSU.

Insta,

Pretty much what I thought would happen with Crawford -
Just a hat on the table.

 

[Gator Fever]

Honestly, I'm expecting 6-7 wins - I do expect much better games being played but we're still another recruiting class from making a big step in terms of wins IMO. and that's assuming we finish strong this cycle.

6 to 7 wins also. Utah will probably determine if its 6 or 7. We are just too limited at QB I think so we are more likely to lose to teams like Tennessee and them even though we have as much or more talent overall. @ LSU and GA are very likely losses while FSU has us outgunned this season but being at home gives a chance for the upset.

 

[KrazedGator]

Florida Football Recruiting: What’s left for Gators to close out 2024 class?​

ut beyond the obvious statement that Billy Napier needs to ensure that all 20 guys make it to signing day with Florida still listed as their school of choice, there are a couple of areas the Gators want to shore up to round out the 2024 class.

Florida Football: Finish Strong​

On offense, the Gators have their QB, two wide (Slot not Edge) receivers, a running back, and four offensive linemen committed. However, if you are looking to nitpick, DJ Lagway is the only player on the offensive side of the ball rated in the top 150 of the 247 Composite ratings.

Jerrae Hawkins, who is an absolute speedster with verified track times that could compete today in college track, is the next highest-rated offensive player at 175th.

The Gators are still working on trying to flip wide receivers Jeremiah Smith, Chance Robinson, and Twaski Abrams, but it is hard to say with any certainty whether Napier will snag any of those three.

Florida doesn’t have a tight end Commit,

and given the amount of two tight end sets that Napier likes to run, it seems like a position they would want to grab. The problem is that of the top 30 tight ends in the country, 26 have already committed.

Defense. Defense​

The defensive side of this recruiting class has far fewer question marks. It is loaded at linebacker and loaded at safety.

The defensive line also has five players committed, led by Jamonta Waller. Depending on which recruiting publication you read, Waller is either a five-star prospect or his is a three-star prospect.

But, even with the commitment of Foster, the Gators would still benefit from another true cornerback in this class. While the Gators appear to be the favorite for four-star safety Zay Mincey, Jamari Howard is the one to keep an eye on after he decommitted from Michigan State in May. He’s another one where it is hard to say which way the wind is blowing.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2023/07...ecruiting-whats-left-gators-close-2024-class/

Who wrote this crappy article?? Don’t have a TE commit? We have Amir Jackson one of the top TEs in the country.

All you have to do is look at our commit list and see we have a TE.

 

[GwinnettDawg]

Look, everybody’s got attendance problems…

You guys are an anomaly because you are an established program that literally hadn’t had any consequential success since the height of break dancing….

Your recent success feels “new” to anybody under the age of 50.

You guys are still giddy and into going to games…the rest of us have been there/done that as far as seeing the mountain top multiple times…

After your third straight natty this coming season, you’ll get spoiled and bored and you’ll be offering free cotton candy to sell tickets sometime within the next 5 years when the averages catches up to you as well…trust sadgator…

Not sure if serious

 

[ocalaman]

OL Will Harrod no longer with Florida football program

Harrod participated in Senior Day with the Gators last season, though he returned for spring camp in 2023.

247sports.com

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Gators have one of the biggest OLs in the country​

Kamryn Waites – 6’8”-362 - Jan 2023 - torn Achilles tendon; recovery TBD

Micah Mazzccua – 6’5”-329 - Xfer - Baylor; shoulder injury spring camp; in & out of Xfer portal while at UF

Don't know how good they will be & if the OTs have the foot speed to contend with SEC Edge rushers.

UPDATE
Micah Mazzccua's (6-5,337) status as a dominant interior offensive lineman during the 2022 season at Baylor led to high expectations for the incoming junior upon his transfer to Florida, and he may elevate the team's offense if he's fully healthy.

The depth behind him at the position, with
Kamryn Waites expected to miss the season with a torn Achilles tendon,
has resulted in a significant drop-off at the guard spot if Mazzccua's not able to take the field for the season.

As it stands, all signs point to Mazzccua returning for the 2023 season, and he should fare well after grading out impressively with the Bears.

The Gators are intent on running the football effectively this season, and they have the backfield weapons to do it – whether or not they'll have a fully healthy offensive line to block for the rushers may be determined by Mazzccua's impending return to the field.

Mazzccua worked predominantly at left guard for the first week of practice before suffering a shoulder injury, which UF's staff determined needed surgery to repair.

The procedure kept Mazzccua out for the remainder of spring camp, and it appeared his time at UF was prematurely finished after the Philadelphia native posted a note on social media indicating an intention to transfer from the program. Mazzccua deleted his message later that night and he still remains with the program to this day; the belief is he's continued to progress throughout the offseason and he should be ready in time for the start of the season, if not the start of preseason camp.

Florida head coach Billy Napier may address Mazzccua's current status during his appearance at SEC Media Days in downtown Nashville on Wednesday. If he's fully recovered and ready to go, Mazzccua should return as Florida's starting left guard for the season opener against the Utes.

If he's unable to go, the program may look to a true freshman at the position in Knijeah Harris.

https://247sports.com/college/flori...n-offensive-lineman-micah-mazzccua-212899497/

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Florida picked to finish 10th in SEC in first 247Sports poll​

When you look at realistic win prediction for this season - 6 or 7;
10th place in the SEC is about right.

The 247Sports’ preseason SEC poll is as follows:

1. Georgia (16 first-place votes)

2. LSU (1)

3. Alabama

4. Tennessee

5. Texas A&M

6. Ole Miss

T-7. Arkansas

T-7. Kentucky

9. South Carolina

10. Florida

11. Auburn

12. Mississippi State

13. Missouri

14. Vanderbilt

https://247sports.com/college/flori...da-football-nashville-billy-napier-212903493/

 

[fsu939913]

Florida picked to finish 10th in SEC in first 247Sports poll​

When you look at realistic win prediction for this season - 6 or 7;
10th place in the SEC is about right.

The 247Sports’ preseason SEC poll is as follows:

1. Georgia (16 first-place votes)

2. LSU (1)

3. Alabama

4. Tennessee

5. Texas A&M

6. Ole Miss

T-7. Arkansas

T-7. Kentucky

9. South Carolina

10. Florida

11. Auburn

12. Mississippi State

13. Missouri

14. Vanderbilt

https://247sports.com/college/flori...da-football-nashville-billy-napier-212903493/

Depends on Mertz. I think the Gators have a pretty high variance this yr between 4 to 8 wins. If Mertz isn't a total tard, 8 wins is very reasonable. If he rides to the stadium in a different and shorter bus, yeesh. Look out. My hope is that he's competent and you guys get 7 to 8 wins.

I've said this before, if Napier can squeeze more than 8 wins out of this roster and QB..... he deserves coach of the yr and it's not even close

 

[fsu939913]

Florida picked to finish 10th in SEC in first 247Sports poll​

When you look at realistic win prediction for this season - 6 or 7;
10th place in the SEC is about right.

The 247Sports’ preseason SEC poll is as follows:

1. Georgia (16 first-place votes)

2. LSU (1)

3. Alabama

4. Tennessee

5. Texas A&M

6. Ole Miss

T-7. Arkansas

T-7. Kentucky

9. South Carolina

10. Florida

11. Auburn

12. Mississippi State

13. Missouri

14. Vanderbilt

https://247sports.com/college/flori...da-football-nashville-billy-napier-212903493/

Depends on Mertz. I think the Gators have a pretty high variance this yr between 4 to 8 wins. If Mertz isn't a total tard, 8 wins is very reasonable. If he rides to the stadium in a different and shorter bus, yeesh. Look out. My hope is that he's competent and you guys get 7 to 8 wins.

I've said this before, if Napier can squeeze more than 8 wins out of this roster and QB..... he deserves coach of the yr

 

[Gator Fever]

Florida picked to finish 10th in SEC in first 247Sports poll​

When you look at realistic win prediction for this season - 6 or 7;
10th place in the SEC is about right.

The 247Sports’ preseason SEC poll is as follows:

1. Georgia (16 first-place votes)

2. LSU (1)

3. Alabama

4. Tennessee

5. Texas A&M

6. Ole Miss

T-7. Arkansas

T-7. Kentucky

9. South Carolina

10. Florida

11. Auburn

12. Mississippi State

13. Missouri

14. Vanderbilt

https://247sports.com/college/flori...da-football-nashville-billy-napier-212903493/

Probably somewhere in that area. I think we only finish ahead of Vandy and Mizzu in the East.

 

[Gator Fever]

Depends on Mertz. I think the Gators have a pretty high variance this yr between 4 to 8 wins. If Mertz isn't a total tard, 8 wins is very reasonable. If he rides to the stadium in a different and shorter bus, yeesh. Look out. My hope is that he's competent and you guys get 7 to 8 wins.

I've said this before, if Napier can squeeze more than 8 wins out of this roster and QB..... he deserves coach of the yr

If he gets 8 wins pre-bowl out of Mertz I will give him a lot of credit. I think 6-6 or 7-5 is highly likely.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Florida football releases official roster for 2023 season​

Lower numbers, especially single digit numbers that are easier to recognize when on the field, usually indicate higher expectation & more playing time.

Realize that its one player on each side of the ball, but all those double numbers (0,2,6,7,8,9,10,11,12) confuse me.

https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/2023/07/17/florida-football-roster-2023-season/

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Who’s still on the Gators’ OL board?​

Jordan Seaton, out of IMG Academy is ranked as the 38th-best player in the country, the 2nd-best OT in the class, and the 6th-best player coming out of Florida.

He’s a consensus top-five OT and has been on Florida’s radar for a while.

His lone visit to The Swamp was in May of this year for an unofficial.
Ohio State is currently the heavy favorite for Jordan,
and the Gators will have to work hard to earn another visit if they want a real shot at landing him.

The other guy that Napier is looking at is Favour Edwin from McDonough, Georgia.

Edwin does fit the size of the Gators’ OL, standing at 6’8”-290. He’s rated as a three-star prospect and the 60th-best OT in the class.

While his ratings don’t jump off the page like Seaton’s he’s the type of guy that Billy has been recruiting and landing all cycle and is currently favored to be a Gator.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2023/07/15/florida-football-recruiting-gators-ol-board/

When 6-foot-8, now-290-pound Favour Edwin moved from Nigeria to the United States, his original plan was to play basketball.

Edwin will begin his varsity football career as a senior this year after roughly six months of development and 60-to-70 pounds of weight added — "I eat a lot of eggs," he said — on the junior varsity squad of McDonough (Ga.) Eagles Landing Christian Academy.

https://www.si.com/college/florida/...avour-edwin-georgia-bulldogs-football-journey

 

[instaGATOR]

UPDATE


The Gators are intent on running the football effectively this season, and they have the backfield weapons to do it – whether or not they'll have a fully healthy offensive line to block for the rushers may be determined by Mazzccua's impending return to the field.

Jeff, in 2022 UF had a true QB-dt to draw attention away from the 2 RB's. MJ himself pointed that out in a recent article. They won't have that with negative career YPC Mertz, and not much better if it's Miller.

While Max Brown's Sr season was 71.1% passing, 41 TD's to 4 Ints passing, and
1,342 yds rushing, 7.8 ypc, with 20 TD/'s to ZERO fumbles. (that's 5-star RB stats)
Combined 61 TD's to just 4 Turnovers....

Jus-damn, they could even run the freakin triple option with:
Brown 6-2 212--Johnson 5-11 217--Etienne 5-9 213 if they needed to....

BUT WAIT - Max has no college game experience....
Yeah, and who's fault is that??? 🤓
While the Mertz/Miller vaulted college experience mostly sucks imo....

 

[gatordad3]

If he gets 8 wins pre-bowl out of Mertz I will give him a lot of credit. I think 6-6 or 7-5 is highly likely.

If we get desperate enough, should Napier look towards this Gator legacy at QB?

Congrats to arguably the most passionate Gator on the team.

Gators placing Kahleil Jackson on scholarship for 2023 season

The Gators have 84 players on scholarship, including wideout Kahleil Jackson

247sports.com

 

[instaGATOR]

Jeff -- The 2023 OL roster as it's listed today:

LS Rocco Underwood 6-3 223 rsSo - Starter, Rubio 5-star, also TE & ST's
LS Gannon Burt 6-1 207 Fr

RT Lyndell Hudson Jr 6-5 329 Grad-Sr - FIU starter, xfer

OL Riley Simonds 6-3 304 rsJr - ST's and 3X SEC Academic HR
OC Kingsley Eguakun 6-3 302 rsJr -- Starter

RG Micah Mazzccua 6-5 337 Jr >> Projected starter
OG/OC Richie Leonard IV 6-2 310 Jr - 2 starts

LT Austin Barber 6-6 305 rsSo -- Starter, CFN Fr AA 1st Team in 2022-23
OL Hayden clem 6-2 298 rsSo - WO
OL Jake Slaughter 6-5 301 rsSo - ST's
OL Mark Pitts 6-6 318 rsSo - ST's, FL 7A All State
RG Kamryn Waites 6-8 364 rsSo - ST's, bowl starter
RT Damieon George Jr 6-6 361 rsSo - 3 starts at UA xfer, RT & ST's
OL Jordan Herman 6-8 371 rsSo - JuCo xfer

OT Kiyaunta Goodwin 6-8 355 So - UK xfer, 5-star #2 OT AA

LG Jalen Farmer 6-5 307 rsFr (HS 4-star at LG & DT)
RG Christian Williams 6-4 310 rsFr

OL Bryce Lovett 6-5 330 Fr - 4-star RT
OL Caden Jones 6-8 345 Fr - 4-star LT
OL Riderick Keaqrney 6-4 287 Fr - 4 star and Mia UA-AA OL MVP
OL Bryan Rosenberg 6-3 270 Fr - WO
OC/OG Knijeah Harris 6-3 325 Fr - 4-star and #1 OC, UA-AA

That's 9 at 325+, with 4 of those at 355+
IF the 2 OL coaches can't put together 5 + 3 from that group, then,,,,,,
==========

gd3
WR/QB-dt Kahleil Jackson 6-3 219 rsSo
Nothing against Kah, but Max had better stats at Ok 3A than he had at FL 1A Hawthorne

HS Sr - 13 Gms - 133 of 224 59.4%, 42 TD's, 8 Ints, Rate 127.0
Rush - 38 for 505 yds, 13.3 ypc, 38.8 Yds/Gm, 8 TD's with 2 LPF's.
Combined - 50 TD's to 10 Turnovers
I'd rather see Kah get more playing time at WR, or maybe even some at TE.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Jeff, in 2022 UF had a true QB-dt to draw attention away from the 2 RB's. MJ himself pointed that out in a recent article. They won't have that with negative career YPC Mertz, and not much better if it's Miller.

Jus-damn, they could even run the freakin triple option with:
Brown 6-2 212--Johnson 5-11 217--Etienne 5-9 213 if they needed to....

BUT WAIT - Max has no college game experience....
Yeah, and who's fault is that??? 🤓
While the Mertz/Miller vaulted college experience mostly sucks imo....

Insta,

Preaching to the choir !

I continue to advocate that CBN install & USE a running package for Max.

A series each half would force our opponents to spend practice time preparing for Max & the Max Pac (love the name !) OL.

Ga Tech ran the triple option a few years back with some success, but too limited if that is all you do.

Don't know how good a receiver he is, but Max is the best athlete of all of our QBs.

If CBN ran a few plays each half, with two QBs in the game at the same time (Mertz & Max) & got the play off quickly enough to stop defensive substitutions, Gators offense would be more unpredictable & harder to defend.

Max could be a H-back type receiver/blocker on some plays & a DT (running) QB on others. Mertz seems injury prone, so I would not risk using him that way.

Would love to see the Gators run the triple option / veer a few plays a game !

 

[instaGATOR]

QB Micah Leon 6-5 224 Grad-Sr - NCSt/UConn xfer
2021 at UConn: Collegiate debut vs. Houston (Nov. 27) and was 10-for-13 with 62 yards.
2020 UConn: No season due to Covid-19.
2019 at UConn: Did not appear in a game.
2018 at N.C. State: Made no appearance.
2017 at N.C. State: Saw no action and redshirted.

QB Graham Mertz 6-3 218 rsJr - Wis xfer
Went 19-13 as a 3 year starter at Wis.
Of his 32 games, he only had 12 Gms of 200+ passing yds.
He had negative rushing yds. while giving up 49 sacks.
His 2022 57.3% Comp and 135 QB Rating was a career best.

QB Jack Miller III 6-3 222 rsSo - tOSU xfer
tOSU 6 Gms, 0 starts. 7 of 14, 50%, 7.2 yds/att, 0 TD's, 0 Ints
UF - 1 Gm, 13 of 22, 59.1%, 8.2 yds/att, 0 TD's, 0 Ints,
4 Sacks, Rate 137.0, QBR 28.3

QB-dt Max Brown 6-2 212 rsFr
HS Sr - 13-1, OK 3A MVP, 71.1%, 7.8 ypc, 61 TD's to 4 TO's
Father played WR for the Atlanta Falcons

QB Parker Leise 6-2 218 Fr - WO
HS Sr - 9 Gms - 46.5%, 6.1 ypc, 21 TD's to 8 TO's
Father played TE & LB at Neb 1987-91

That's 3 imo, crappy xfer QB's that weren't successful in their lesser conferences, so let's bring them in to UF to play against SEC DEFENSES! WTF???? 😠

The McLame exit stratgy (take the contract $$$ and run) was xfer in QB's Del Rio, Appleby, & Zaire, while Trask wasted away on the bench.
Are we watching another exit strategy in action? Leon, Mertz, Miller....

Will someone PLEASE hire a true solid qualified QB coach ASAP.... 🙄

 

[Jeff from Jax]

QB Micah Leon 6-5 224 Grad-Sr - NCSt/UConn xfer
2021 at UConn: Collegiate debut vs. Houston (Nov. 27) and was 10-for-13 with 62 yards.
2020 UConn: No season due to Covid-19.
2019 at UConn: Did not appear in a game.
2018 at N.C. State: Made no appearance.
2017 at N.C. State: Saw no action and redshirted.

QB Micah Leon (seventh-year transfer, walk-on)
Didn't even know he was on the team.
Other than a arm in practice, what does he bring to the Gators ?

That's 3 imo, crappy xfer QB's that weren't successful in their lesser conferences, so let's bring them in to UF to play against SEC DEFENSES! WTF???? 😠

The McLame exit stratgy (take the contract $$$ and run) was xfer in QB's Del Rio, Appleby, & Zaire, while Trask wasted away on the bench.
Are we watching another exit strategy in action? Leon, Mertz, Miller....

Will someone PLEASE hire a true solid qualified QB coach ASAP.... 🙄

Insta,

If CBN had balls; he would hire SOS or Shane Matthews as his off the field QB Coach.
BUT
Wait - they were both AA at UF & had 10 yr NFL careers - what could they possibly know about playing / coaching QBs ?

 

[Gator Fever]

Jeff, in 2022 UF had a true QB-dt to draw attention away from the 2 RB's. MJ himself pointed that out in a recent article. They won't have that with negative career YPC Mertz, and not much better if it's Miller.

While Max Brown's Sr season was 71.1% passing, 41 TD's to 4 Ints passing, and
1,342 yds rushing, 7.8 ypc, with 20 TD/'s to ZERO fumbles. (that's 5-star RB stats)
Combined 61 TD's to just 4 Turnovers....

Jus-damn, they could even run the freakin triple option with:
Brown 6-2 212--Johnson 5-11 217--Etienne 5-9 213 if they needed to....

BUT WAIT - Max has no college game experience....
Yeah, and who's fault is that??? 🤓
While the Mertz/Miller vaulted college experience mostly sucks imo....

Maybe it's time to get Broward All-Star and 3 time SEC academic honor roll Engel out there. See what he can do when given more than a few snaps.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Jeff, in 2022 UF had a true QB-dt to draw attention away from the 2 RB's. MJ himself pointed that out in a recent article. They won't have that with negative career YPC Mertz, and not much better if it's Miller.

Insta,

saw this & thought of your post.

"Montrell Johnson’s steady improvement wouldn’t have been possible without the help of several others, he said.

Of course, Florida’s excellent offensive line play went a long way in enabling his success as did former Gator quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose ability to run the ball himself created an extra layer of challenge for opposing defenses, which benefited the Florida backs."
https://247sports.com/college/flori...trevor-etienne-billy-napier-gators-212815635/

 

[Countygator1]

Insta,

saw this & thought of your post.

"Montrell Johnson’s steady improvement wouldn’t have been possible without the help of several others, he said.

Of course, Florida’s excellent offensive line play went a long way in enabling his success as did former Gator quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose ability to run the ball himself created an extra layer of challenge for opposing defenses, which benefited the Florida backs."
https://247sports.com/college/flori...trevor-etienne-billy-napier-gators-212815635/

Got to keep in mind that teams were loading the box. Outside of Vandy and UT game Richardson wasn't much of a passing threat. He had 5 games he completed less than 50% of his passes. For the season he was right around 53% which is pretty poor for a D1 QB. He was 13th out of 14 starting SEC QBs in comp %. Mertz is actually a more accurate passer than AR. So when you say our RBs benefitted from a mobile QB, which is normally true, it was basically offset by facing a loaded box on most downs. MJ and ETN will be playing on Sundays. Love AR, awesome kid and great Gator, but already rumblings out of Indy he may not last long. Hopefully he proves me wrong. Would love to see him make it big time. Still doesn't help our QB situation this year....

 

[ocalaman]

Picked to finish 10th in the SEC, expectations are obviously very low this year. Napier is doing a great job of recruiting and IF (big IF) he's got the players to buy in to his system and totally commit to each other, we could surprise this year. The schedule is brutal and QB is a definite questions mark. But I think the defense will be better; and if the offensive line comes together we could be pretty good on that side of the ball as well. Will it be enough to win 7, 8 or 9 games? No one knows at this point. I just hope people don't want to run him out of town if this season turns out similar to last year because he's going to be given at least 4 years to prove whether or not he can bring the program back to prominence.

 

[Countygator1]

Picked to finish 10th in the SEC, expectations are obviously very low this year. Napier is doing a great job of recruiting and IF (big IF) he's got the players to buy in to his system and totally commit to each other, we could surprise this year. The schedule is brutal and QB is a definite questions mark. But I think the defense will be better; and if the offensive line comes together we could be pretty good on that side of the ball as well. Will it be enough to win 7, 8 or 9 games? No one knows at this point. I just hope people don't want to run him out of town if this season turns out similar to last year because he's going to be given at least 4 years to prove whether or not he can bring the program back to prominence.

Agree. Schedule will be brutal the next 2 years. If he keeps recruiting at a high level have to give him 4 years.

 

[bradleygator]

Picked to finish 10th in the SEC, expectations are obviously very low this year. Napier is doing a great job of recruiting and IF (big IF) he's got the players to buy in to his system and totally commit to each other, we could surprise this year. The schedule is brutal and QB is a definite questions mark. But I think the defense will be better; and if the offensive line comes together we could be pretty good on that side of the ball as well. Will it be enough to win 7, 8 or 9 games? No one knows at this point. I just hope people don't want to run him out of town if this season turns out similar to last year because he's going to be given at least 4 years to prove whether or not he can bring the program back to prominence.

Yeah I’m not in a rush. I’m not record-obsessed this year. I just would like to see progress. I would like to see that CBN knows how to scheme and call a dominant run game and particularly that he can put a competent defense on the field. He can recruit, which is very good, but he hasn’t shown he can coach em up at a competitive SEC level. I like him, and he can recruit, so I hope he succeeds.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Got to keep in mind that teams were loading the box. Outside of Vandy and UT game Richardson wasn't much of a passing threat. He had 5 games he completed less than 50% of his passes. For the season he was right around 53% which is pretty poor for a D1 QB. He was 13th out of 14 starting SEC QBs in comp %. Mertz is actually a more accurate passer than AR. So when you say our RBs benefitted from a mobile QB, which is normally true, it was basically offset by facing a loaded box on most downs. MJ and ETN will be playing on Sundays. Love AR, awesome kid and great Gator, but already rumblings out of Indy he may not last long. Hopefully he proves me wrong. Would love to see him make it big time. Still doesn't help our QB situation this year....

Country,

See your point - AR was a two-edged sword.
His running ability forced opposing defenses to account for him; his lack of passing accuracy allowed them to load the box.
Net benefit to offense - break even.

Still adamantly believe CBN needs to install & use a running package for Brown.
But
CBN will make his own decisions & be judged by them.

Another long season on tap but hoping CBN's recruiting will continue & pull us through by 2024

 

[gatorbuilderorlando]

Maybe it's time to get Broward All-Star and 3 time SEC academic honor roll Engel out there. See what he can do when given more than a few snaps.

I know ppl think it's insane but I was praying Engel would start the bowl game last year lmao - let it rip!

 

[Jeff from Jax]

I know ppl think it's insane but I was praying Engel would start the bowl game last year lmao - let it rip!

GBO,

Sankey & the SEC office threw us to the wolves in that L V Bowl. Engle or Brown couldn't have been any worse than Miller.

Game was over by the half
YET
CBN refused to play Brown or Engle.

Although Miller did lead the offense to a VERY LATE 4th Qtr FG & kept our scoring streak alive !
LOL

 

[TEBOW TIME]

Got to keep in mind that teams were loading the box. Outside of Vandy and UT game Richardson wasn't much of a passing threat. He had 5 games he completed less than 50% of his passes. For the season he was right around 53% which is pretty poor for a D1 QB. He was 13th out of 14 starting SEC QBs in comp %. Mertz is actually a more accurate passer than AR. So when you say our RBs benefitted from a mobile QB, which is normally true, it was basically offset by facing a loaded box on most downs. MJ and ETN will be playing on Sundays. Love AR, awesome kid and great Gator, but already rumblings out of Indy he may not last long. Hopefully he proves me wrong. Would love to see him make it big time. Still doesn't help our QB situation this year....

That's another reason I'm not stressing over Mertz because what did AR do last year? Surely Mertz cant be worse and has to be a better passer which you need in the SEC.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

Notable weight changes on the Gators official roster​

Official weights, as weighed on June 23 and there are some notable weight changes among the roster.

The following list was compiled by simply looking at what weight the Gators listed them at in 2022 and their new weight as listed on Florida’s website. For the true freshmen on this list, we used their weight as listed on their 247 profile.

• Kamari Wilson – 209 to 220
• Ricky Pearsall – 200 to 192
• Derek Wingo – 226 to 240
• Treyaun Webb – 200 to 213
• Desmond Watson – 415 to 439
• Cam Jackson – 340 to 371 - now the starter
• Eugene Wilson – 165 to 180
• Aidan Mizell – 180 to 167 - ???
• Jonathan Odom – 237 to 249

A lot of people on our Twitter page noted the weight gain from Watson, as the belief was that he was trying to drop under 400 pounds.

IMO, NO effort from Watson to get into playing shape.
Lacks pursuit speed. If they run into him; he may make a tackle.
Cam Jackson will obviously take over as the starter.

We don’t know what the behind-the-scenes plans were for Watson, or any player for that matter, but if Napier was trying to deflect attention away from that being a talking point, he very easily could have fudged that number before putting it out to the public.

CBN believes in individual responsibility; looks like he's given up on Watson.

People were also very excited to see Eugene Wilson listed at 180 pounds, as the one concern people had for the incoming freshman receiver is that he would be too small for the SEC.
BUT
Aidan Mizell – 180 to 167

Kamari Wilson is officially the biggest listed defensive back Florida has put on their roster since David Reese in 2018.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2023/07...otable-weight-changes-gators-official-roster/

 

[Countygator1]

Notable weight changes on the Gators official roster​

Official weights, as weighed on June 23 and there are some notable weight changes among the roster.

The following list was compiled by simply looking at what weight the Gators listed them at in 2022 and their new weight as listed on Florida’s website. For the true freshmen on this list, we used their weight as listed on their 247 profile.

• Kamari Wilson – 209 to 220
• Ricky Pearsall – 200 to 192
• Derek Wingo – 226 to 240
• Treyaun Webb – 200 to 213
• Desmond Watson – 415 to 439
• Cam Jackson – 340 to 371 - now the starter
• Eugene Wilson – 165 to 180
• Aidan Mizell – 180 to 167 - ???
• Jonathan Odom – 237 to 249

A lot of people on our Twitter page noted the weight gain from Watson, as the belief was that he was trying to drop under 400 pounds.

IMO, NO effort from Watson to get into playing shape.
Lacks pursuit speed. If they run into him; he may make a tackle.
Cam Jackson will obviously take over as the starter.

We don’t know what the behind-the-scenes plans were for Watson, or any player for that matter, but if Napier was trying to deflect attention away from that being a talking point, he very easily could have fudged that number before putting it out to the public.

CBN believes in individual responsibility; looks like he's given up on Watson.

People were also very excited to see Eugene Wilson listed at 180 pounds, as the one concern people had for the incoming freshman receiver is that he would be too small for the SEC.
BUT
Aidan Mizell – 180 to 167

Kamari Wilson is officially the biggest listed defensive back Florida has put on their roster since David Reese in 2018.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2023/07...otable-weight-changes-gators-official-roster/

The fact that Watson got significant playing time last year is a shining example of our lack of talent on the roster.

 

[fsu939913]

That's another reason I'm not stressing over Mertz because what did AR do last year? Surely Mertz cant be worse and has to be a better passer which you need in the SEC.

You don't think Mertz can be worse than AR? Lol Uhh ohh.

 

[Gator Fever]

Got to keep in mind that teams were loading the box. Outside of Vandy and UT game Richardson wasn't much of a passing threat. He had 5 games he completed less than 50% of his passes. For the season he was right around 53% which is pretty poor for a D1 QB. He was 13th out of 14 starting SEC QBs in comp %. Mertz is actually a more accurate passer than AR. So when you say our RBs benefitted from a mobile QB, which is normally true, it was basically offset by facing a loaded box on most downs. MJ and ETN will be playing on Sundays. Love AR, awesome kid and great Gator, but already rumblings out of Indy he may not last long. Hopefully he proves me wrong. Would love to see him make it big time. Still doesn't help our QB situation this year....

We will see but I think it helps defenses with Mertz in there compared to AR as they had to be under control more knowing AR might decide to run. Imo with Mertz they won't be too worried about him running or worried about his passing much. Hoping one of the young TEs can step up in the passing game or we may be in a real bind.

 

[Countygator1]

We will see but I think it helps defenses with Mertz in there compared to AR as they had to be under control more knowing AR might decide to run. Imo with Mertz they won't be too worried about him running or worried about his passing much. Hoping one of the young TEs can step up in the passing game or we may be in a real bind.

Napier's offense is run heavy with short passing game. AR could throw the ball 70 yards but he was incredibly inaccurate on the short passes. If Mertz can be adequate in the short passing game it will open up the run game. But as I have mentioned, I do not think Mertz is the answer at QB so it's a big if.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

We will see but I think it helps defenses with Mertz in there compared to AR as they had to be under control more knowing AR might decide to run. Imo with Mertz they won't be too worried about him running or worried about his passing much.

Fever,
Running the ball & passing the ball are the two most important QB skills.

If Mertz lacks those skills, why would you make him QB1 ?

Insta Over the Loudspeaker -
"Max Brown, report to the locker room immediately - we need you !"

Hoping one of the young TEs can step up in the passing game or we may be in a real bind.

Since neither Mertz nor Miller can either pass or run; TE development unnecessary.

 

[Nicktheslick]

Fever,
Running the ball & passing the ball are the two most important QB skills.

If Mertz lacks those skills, why would you make him QB1 ?

Insta Over the Loudspeaker -
"Max Brown, report to the locker room immediately - we need you !"

Since neither Mertz nor Miller can either pass or run; TE development unnecessary.

I’m hoping the light will come on for one of these two. If not, come on Max!!

 

[Jeff from Jax]

I’m hoping the light will come on for one of these two. If not, come on Max!!

Nick,

Max's passing may not be any better, but he is absolutely a better runner than either Mertz or Miller.

Guess 1 out of 2 ain't bad ?

 

[Countygator1]

Fever,
Running the ball & passing the ball are the two most important QB skills.

If Mertz lacks those skills, why would you make him QB1 ?

Insta Over the Loudspeaker -
"Max Brown, report to the locker room immediately - we need you !"

Since neither Mertz nor Miller can either pass or run; TE development unnecessary.

Brown certainly arrived with impressive high school stats both running and passing. But in his limited OB game time he was 1 for 4 and got sacked. Candidly he looked lost. Felipe Franks was another great runner and passer coming out of high school but didn't have the mental fortitude for QB. Right now he may be 4th string. We shall see.

 

[instaGATOR]

That's another reason I'm not stressing over Mertz because what did AR do last year? Surely Mertz cant be worse and has to be a better passer which you need in the SEC.

Mertz has a career NEGATIVE YPC and he has given up 49 SACKS..... 🤓

But he makes up for that by not having a 60%+ career completion percentage.... 🙄

And does anyone believe that either Mertz or Miller will be 1st Rnd NFL draft picks???