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

Jeff from Jax

Gator Great
Dec 2, 2004
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Billy has already begun laying the groundwork for the upcoming 2023 cycle.

Napier is in Louisiana on Tuesday, reportedly to pay 2023 Isidore Newman (La.) quarterback Arch Manning a visit according to 247Sports. AllGators can confirm that members of the coaching staff are en route to New Orleans as of this writing on Tuesday amid the recruiting contact period.

Of course, Manning isn't just any other signal-caller, he's the son of Cooper Manning, who is the brother of Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and likely Hall-of-Fame-bound quarterback Eli Manning. Cooper, Peyton and Eli are the children of 13-year NFL quarterback Archie Manning.

https://www.si.com/college/florida/...rs-recruiting-billy-napier-arch-manning-visit

EDIT

Florida may find itself a part of the Arch Manning sweepstakes, after all. Coach Billy Napier visited the 2023 quarterback on Tuesday while the coaches are on the road recruiting, according to 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong.
https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/202...-recruiting-billy-napier-visits-arch-manning/

Isidore Newman head football coach Nelson Stewart said that Florida head coach Billy Napier is expected in on Tuesday.
https://247sports.com/Article/Arch-...irby-Smart-Billy-Napier-Nick-Saban-180878595/

Looking for any follow up to Billy's visit; please post if you find one !
JFJ
 
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Billy has already begun laying the groundwork for the upcoming 2023 cycle.

Napier is in Louisiana on Tuesday, reportedly to pay 2023 Isidore Newman (La.) quarterback Arch Manning a visit according to 247Sports. AllGators can confirm that members of the coaching staff are en route to New Orleans as of this writing on Tuesday amid the recruiting contact period.

Of course, Manning isn't just any other signal-caller, he's the son of Cooper Manning, who is the brother of Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and likely Hall-of-Fame-bound quarterback Eli Manning. Cooper, Peyton and Eli are the children of 13-year NFL quarterback Archie Manning.

https://www.si.com/college/florida/...rs-recruiting-billy-napier-arch-manning-visit
I doubt he can pull this off, but there are probably some Louisiana connections here that give us a bit more of a shot than it might seem.
 
“Faint heart n’ere won Fair Lady.”
My Dad & Bill ShakeaSpear.

(Just kept a list of numbers and would go down the list after I got over the 1st rejection.)

Conversely…


Then I got in trouble for taking someone else on the side after being rejected. Called dad and he gave me the magic line “But Baby, you know she wasn’t my first choice…”
After the tantrum and laser beams and cold shoulder - boy did that line work out everytime. Used it several times on ski & beach vacations. Got 2nd choice vacation and 1st choice came back (took over a year one time.)
 
“Faint heart n’ere won Fair Lady.”
My Dad & Bill ShakeaSpear.

(Just kept a list of numbers and would go down the list after I got over the 1st rejection.)

Conversely…


Then I got in trouble for taking someone else on the side after being rejected. Called dad and he gave me the magic line “But Baby, you know she wasn’t my first choice…”
After the tantrum and laser beams and cold shoulder - boy did that line work out everytime. Used it several times on ski & beach vacations. Got 2nd choice vacation and 1st choice came back (took over a year one time.)
I am delighted to hear of your successes in matters of the heart.
 
“Faint heart n’ere won Fair Lady.”
My Dad & Bill ShakeaSpear.

(Just kept a list of numbers and would go down the list after I got over the 1st rejection.)

Conversely…


Then I got in trouble for taking someone else on the side after being rejected. Called dad and he gave me the magic line “But Baby, you know she wasn’t my first choice…”
After the tantrum and laser beams and cold shoulder - boy did that line work out everytime. Used it several times on ski & beach vacations. Got 2nd choice vacation and 1st choice came back (took over a year one time.)
So is Arch a dawg?
 
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I am delighted to hear of your successes in matters of the heart.

yesh, left out the fails, rails, and tar & feathers parts

bL7TjJ.jpg
 
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He has the pedigree but watching a little of those high school games even adjusting for teams talent level I don't see why he is so highly sought after. I don't see Payton instincts in him. Maybe I am missing it.
 
Arch Manning ain’t coming to Florida.
Sad,

I think you are right - Arch isn't going to be a Gator. His Loss !

Gators, under Mullen, didn't have the stones to get in the mix for 5* Players & never showed any serious interest with Arch & many others.

IMO way too late now to build any sort of relationship.

But, at least Billy is showing Gator Boosters & other recruits of this caliber, that once again, we consider ourselves a legitimate contender for their services !
 
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He has the pedigree but watching a little of those high school games even adjusting for teams talent level I don't see why he is so highly sought after. I don't see Payton instincts in him. Maybe I am missing it.

Ive watched film and went to a couple of games his sophomore year(a guy I worked with in New Orleans went to Newman and is friends with Cooper).

Kid is legit. And athletic, which he got from his dad.
 
Results of Billy's Visit -
Arch Manning, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound #1 pick for 2023. still has a keen eye on Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss and Texas, schools he visited during the summer and returned for games during the fall.

Two more schools have been added to his list - LSU & the Gators !

It seems likely that those six schools will get Manning on campus in the spring or summer.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/recruiting/florida-gators-recruiting-enter-mix-arch-manning-2023

EDIT
Per another site

Coveted quarterback prospect Arch Manning, who's part of the 2023 college football recruiting class, added Florida and LSU to his list of prospective schools.

His father, Cooper Manning, confirmed to 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong on Wednesday the Gators and Tigers join Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss and Texas as potential landing spots for the No. 1-ranked recruit in next year's class.

Clemson is no longer under consideration despite a prior visit, per Wiltfong.

UPDATE: 5⭐️ Quarterback, Arch Manning is expected to visit the University Of Florida later this year according to 247Sports insider Steve Wiltfong. 247Sports composite currently ranks Manning as the No. 1 overall prospect and the No. 1 Quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2022/02...023-1-recruit-adds-gators-list-consideration/
 
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Results of Billy's Visit -
Arch Manning, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound #1 pick for 2023. still has a keen eye on Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss and Texas, schools he visited during the summer and returned for games during the fall.

Two more schools have been added to his list - LSU & the Gators !

It seems likely that those six schools will get Manning on campus in the spring or summer.
https://www.si.com/college/florida/recruiting/florida-gators-recruiting-enter-mix-arch-manning-2023

EDIT
Per another site

Coveted quarterback prospect Arch Manning, who's part of the 2023 college football recruiting class, added Florida and LSU to his list of prospective schools.

His father, Cooper Manning, confirmed to 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong on Wednesday the Gators and Tigers join Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss and Texas as potential landing spots for the No. 1-ranked recruit in next year's class.

Clemson is no longer under consideration despite a prior visit, per Wiltfong.

UPDATE: 5⭐️ Quarterback, Arch Manning is expected to visit the University Of Florida later this year according to 247Sports insider Steve Wiltfong. 247Sports composite currently ranks Manning as the No. 1 overall prospect and the No. 1 Quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class.

https://hailfloridahail.com/2022/02...023-1-recruit-adds-gators-list-consideration/
Go Billy!
 
I believe this is gonna be a long drawn out look at me circus show. He's gonna end up at Bama or Ole Miss. Bama cause he can be paired with Saban and his great staff. Ole Miss cause he could be the chosen one that could do no wrong and walk on holy water.
 
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IMO, Tebow Time is likely correct-Arch Manning probably goes to Bama or Ole Miss.

Manning is like Harold Perkins - checking out all the possibilities. & the various NIL $$ deals.

If I had their athletic skills I would do the same !

Six in our QB room; one of them will be the next Kyle Trask.

Breaking the lock out at IMG will be more helpful for the Gators in the long run.

EDIT

Gators to receive visits from trio of talented IMG Academy prospects​

5* OT Francis Mauigoa
5* ATH Samuel M'Pemba
4* IOL Knijeah Harris

Other IMG Players who seem to have interest in the Gators -
4* ILB Jordan Hall
4* DL Will Norman



https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/lis...-mauigoa-samuel-mpemba-knijeah-harris-visits/
 
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At least the new coaching staff is giving it a shot going after players prior coaching staffs wouldn't even try for. I never understood why we never got kids from IMG Academy and Bolles, specifically, and didn't even appear to be making the effort. We used to regularly get guys from St. Thomas Aquinas, too, and there are others that I could research and name. But the last 10 years or so, we've allowed other schools like Bama, Georgia, Clemson, LSU, Ohio State, etc. to get more of the big time players out of Florida without a whole lot of resistance from the supposed flagship university of the state. Hopefully Napier and company is in the process of at least getting back in the game.
 
At least the new coaching staff is giving it a shot going after players prior coaching staffs wouldn't even try for. I never understood why we never got kids from IMG Academy and Bolles, specifically, and didn't even appear to be making the effort. We used to regularly get guys from St. Thomas Aquinas, too, and there are others that I could research and name. But the last 10 years or so, we've allowed other schools like Bama, Georgia, Clemson, LSU, Ohio State, etc. to get more of the big time players out of Florida without a whole lot of resistance from the supposed flagship university of the state. Hopefully Napier and company is in the process of at least getting back in the game.
If I’m not mistaken, Chris Winke was at IMG. We weren’t getting anything while he was there.
 
If I’m not mistaken, Chris Winke was at IMG. We weren’t getting anything while he was there.
Nick,

Remembered Chris at FSU; Didn't remember Chris being at IMG or his Heisman Trophy (2000); so I looked it up -

"...Chris Weinke has spent the previous five years as the football director for IMG Academy, the Florida performance-focused school where Weinke was also the head football coach."
Feb 20, 2015
https://usatodayhss.com/2015/former-heisman-winner-chris-weinke-leaves-img-academy-for-nfls-rams

Easy to understand why Gators didn't get any traction at IMG while Weinke was there, but Chris left IMG in 2015; doesn't seem like McElwain or Mullen may any effort to get back in their good graces.

If Tim Tebow took a similar position there, would hope that he would return the favor to Noles & Canes ! LOL
 
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IMO, Tebow Time is likely correct-Arch Manning probably goes to Bama or Ole Miss.

Manning is like Harold Perkins - checking out all the possibilities. & the various NIL $$ deals.

If I had their athletic skills I would do the same !

Six in our QB room; one of them will be the next Kyle Trask.

Breaking the lock out at IMG will be more helpful for the Gators in the long run.

EDIT

Gators to receive visits from trio of talented IMG Academy prospects​

5* OT Francis Mauigoa
5* ATH Samuel M'Pemba
4* IOL Knijeah Harris

Other IMG Players who seem to have interest in the Gators -
4* ILB Jordan Hall
4* DL Will Norman



https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/lis...-mauigoa-samuel-mpemba-knijeah-harris-visits/
My only issue with the Manning comment is that family has more money than God. Arch doesn't need NIL money. Hell, after he picks a school his family can buy a couple of 5 star receivers to go with him.
 
Offensive Line is a statistically significant factor in his decision.

PFF 2021 Offense stats with Pass Blocking season grades column.

9uk2kp.jpg


Clemson, Texas, Bama, Mississippi, Florida all in the 60s.

LSU & Georgia in the 70s but of all teams, Mississippi State is the best PBLK graded in the league.
 
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Offensive Line is a statistically significant factor in his decision.

PFF 2021 Offense stats with Pass Blocking season grades column.

Clemson, Texas, Bama, Mississippi, Florida all in the 60s.

LSU & Georgia in the 70s but of all teams, Mississippi State is the best PBLK graded in the league.
LrgK9,

Good info !

Doubt the rest of the Manning family would let him go to Miss State (alive - LOL) !

SOS might disagree, but think that a reasonably balanced offense would appeal to any QB.

KY (86) & UGA (82) the best run blockers; UF (52) dead last. It has been suggested that Billy is a run first kind of guy, so the end of fall practice will give us more info on that.
 
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My only issue with the Manning comment is that family has more money than God. Arch doesn't need NIL money. Hell, after he picks a school his family can buy a couple of 5 star receivers to go with him.
LG89,
See your point, but the NIL $$ would be HIS money not family money !

IMO, huge difference there. What if he, like his father Cooper Manning, gets injured in college. If Harold Perkins, a LB, got $500k, what is Arch Manning likely to get from NIL ?
 
LG89,
See your point, but the NIL $$ would be HIS money not family money !

IMO, huge difference there. What if he, like his father Cooper Manning, gets injured in college. If Harold Perkins, a LB, got $500k, what is Arch Manning likely to get from NIL ?
And Bryce Young got $100K before he was even the starter I think.
 
And Bryce Young got $100K before he was even the starter I think.
Agree, but it’s not really going to be how much, it’s going to be how far the separation is between the top contenders. With his family $, can’t see the difference between no’s 1,2,3,4,5 that have the OLs and coaching being the decision maker.

Texas A&M is a 53 pass blocking. If Georgia/Bama offer 300-400k and A&M offer 750 up to 1,000,000 - for this one particular recruit - I just don’t know if it makes enough difference.


OTOH, Georgia offered Vizzina. Clemson board is seriously worried - so There are 2 sides to the coin in that one of the best OL and RB teams may move on from Arch.

So he could choose the $ and not have the OL or RBs to keep him healthy & upright. Suspect uncle Eli might be able to contribute to that conversation.

My feel is Georgia leads (Matt Luke connection) but Bama is the most likely.
 
My feel is Georgia leads (Matt Luke connection) but Bama is the most likely.
LrgK9,

Lane Kiffin & Ole Miss have this season to show what they've got, otherwise you could be correct about Bama & UGA being the highest rated choices.

Gators are coming off a losing record to go with a new staff.

Arch taking a look at almost all of the SEC teams. He hasn't eliminate us even with the new staff, but not having the pieces for a SEC contender will be a problem.

Don't see Arch going to a rebuilding team & that's what the Gators are for the next few seasons.
 
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Jeff, some things to remember and/or think about:

1. Peyton never beat a Wuerffel QB'ed team, college or Pro.
2. Eli never won a single SEC-C
3. I don't GaS what they or any others did as Pro QB's, I don't watch or support the NFL.

Take a Manning at QB and you can expect constant family / drama-queen interference.
JMOHO, but way more trouble that it would be worth.
I'd tell Nappy to stop wasting his recruiting time/money on him and spend it better elsewhere.

Another thing is that he is going where he can and will be the starter every year he's there.
That won't happen at UF, unless you want to see every other ship QB on the Gator roster xfer out at the speed of light.
============ Moving right along....

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart expressed belief that college football is on track for problems as it relates to name, image and likeness. He raised significant concerns about the sport's national branding losing some of its luster among the masses as a result. At some point, Smart fears, fans could grow disinterested in college football due to the game losing its amateurism aspect and the growth of the sport could be stunted as a result.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban took it one step further, saying he fears there could be cheating involved if programs begin using NIL exclusively to entice recruits. (did he keep a straight face when saying that???)
😂

=====

NIL levels the recruiting field somewhat in the iG's opinion.
Or maybe it just alters who has the best un-level playing field advantage.
Now everyone can pay the recruits, and they can do so right out in the open.
It now becomes; who has the most money to spend buying your team with.

The schools are now in a different competition, recruiting their NIL sponsors to make those payments to their recruits/players.

The schools that have always bought recruits with GoB 'money under the table' are not really all that happy with the NIL, because it reduces their $UTT advantages. Now every school can make an open $$$ bid.

The schools with the richest alum/backers will now have the same advantages that the long time accomplished GoB $UTT cheater guys have had.

The best $UTT GoB cheaters are fast losing ground, while the $$$ richest but formally mostly honest guys, are quickly gaining ground.

The iG as a fan, is becoming less and less interested in any college (semi-pro) sports.....
While becoming an ANTIFA / BLM Socialist-U is another ugly spike in this fans coffin....

=====

Not to worry though, because I see this as maybe a very positive thing for America. Citizens that are less distracted by 'meaningless to society' sports, might actually regrow their interest in their civic responsibilities as Sovereign Citizens. (as unlikely as that is, I can still hope & dream)

Maybe FREEDOM can make a come-back over the mindless distraction entertainment....

If the time, energy, and money that is being wasted on sports was put to use in better governing our country, local-state-nation, then we wouldn't be in the chit-hole position that we are currently in. (Cheering Let's Go Brandon)


Rome's rich elite used the same public distractions with the Colosseum and the Gladiators, and it would be good to remember what that eventually did to the Romans society... (remember or repeat, you make the call) 🤓 I don't really want someone saving me a seat by the fire....
 
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Jeff, some things to remember and/or think about:

1. Peyton never beat a Wuerffel QB'ed team, college or Pro.
2. Eli never won a single SEC-C
3. I don't GaS what they or any others did as Pro QB's, I don't watch or support the NFL. - !!!

Take a Manning at QB and you can expect constant family / drama-queen interference.
JMOHO, but way more trouble that it would be worth.
I'd tell Nappy to stop wasting his recruiting time/money on him and spend it better elsewhere.

Another thing is that he is going where he can and will be the starter every year he's there.
That won't happen at UF, unless you want to see every other ship QB on the Gator roster xfer out at the speed of light.
============ Moving right along....
Insta,

Don't always agree with your posts, but no problems with this one.

Your comments on Manning spot on !

EDIT
***************************************************
Several posters have stated that since SOS & Urban, Gator Head Coaches have not had the Cojones to go after the top targets especially when they were already involved with the "top schools".

Don't think Billy visited Arch with the expectation of signing him.

IMO, it was more to show the Gator faithful that he was both willing & capable of going after a target like Arch Manning.

Getting traction at IMG (& Jax Bolles) far more important than signing Arch Manning !

************************************************
Always felt that there must be a tremendous sense of entitlement if your last name is Manning & you play QB.,

Jack Miller - announced as an official member of the Florida program on December 31 by the University of Florida & eligible for spring practice.

Gators now have 5 scholarship QBs on campus; one of them will step up & become QB1 for the Gators by the end of fall practice & we will play our 1st season of Billy Ball.

No telling how that will work out; if we go 7-5 (or better) & make it to a minor bowl - hopefully in State of Florida - we will grow from there.

Currently in school - Emory Jones, Anthony Richardson, Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, Jalen Kitna, & Jack Miller.

Anthony Richardson is recovering from surgery & his participation in spring practice is uncertain.

Obviously; there is a note of uncertainty with Emory Jones as well & there could be some changes after spring practice; who knows.

Since all of the QBs must learn & adapt to Billy's new offense, not sure that anyone has an advantage.

IMO, Spring & Fall Practice will be wide open at the QB position.

Billy will whittle down the contenders, but don't see him announcing a starter till Utah game week.
 
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I agree with the above and Insta on this - we have PLENTY of QB talent in the room right now.

I kind of expect a 7-8 win season and some "hard to watch" football as the scheme/talent won't match up year 1. If you remember Urban's first year - it wasn't great.

I'm looking more at the 30,000 foot view on the program and how the first full recruiting class goes - then we'll go from there.
 
If Arch Manning wants to come to Florida, you have to take him, IMO. Don't think it will happen, but I'm glad Napier is willing to take a shot by going after every top player in the country, regardless of position or need. The worst that can happen is they say no. I think he's trying to get a message out there that he's going to join the big boys in trying to attract the best talent no matter the obstacles. Good for him.
 
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