I don't know about five people - but five things that we have to get resolved
1. Harvin replacement. RB and WR. Last year we would watch our guys run plays that got stuffed. Then it appeared that Harvin went in - and ran the same plays for like 15 yards. I don't care if it is one guy, two guys, etc. Bad news is - I think that Brandon James, Rainey, and Demps are out for the spring - and the new Harvin (forgot the kids name) does not show up till the fall.
2A. Defensive tackles - guys are on the team, then off the team, guys are hurt, then not hurt, -- its was a circus (i.e. distraction) at DT last year. Granted our defense was much improved - but if the defense gets some push and control from the DTs - it makes it all that much easier for the rest of the defense - and teams will be scared of our defense.
2B. Moody - we need a power RB. I love the little guys (Rainey and Demps) IF they can get past the line of scrimmage and out into space - but for half the games - that was impossible. A power RB would complete our offense. If all else fails - put Hernandez back there.
3. WRs - not too worried about this - since we are suppose to have a ton of talent there.
4. Keeping everyone motivated and happy. Typically national championship teams have a big let down the year after. Plus we are stacked with 4 and 5 star guys. How do you keep them motivated and happy while riding the bench?
5. Backup QB - we have to get someone going. Can Brantly stay healthy?
So I cheated and really made it six.
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [gatornews] [OlrSentinelBlog] College football: Five Gators to
watch this spring
From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, March 23, 2009 2:34 pm
To: [email protected]
[Note: it's a blog, but is as good as any news!]
College football: Five Gators to watch this spring
posted by Jeremy Fowler on Mar 23, 2009 9:36:22 AMSmell the pollen falling on the Sanders Practice Facility, folks, because spring is here for Florida Gators football. We're in preview mode as we approach Wednesday's kickoff. A reminder that I'll be providing blogging practice updates for the next three-plus weeks leading up to the April 18 Orange and Blue Game. Let's handle this spring the right way.Not that we haven't been thinking about spring ball for a couple of weeks. Already we've taken glimpses into Tim Tebow's potential spring, Gators wide receivers handling life without Percy Harvin, and the importance of a solid spring from a depleted interior defensive line.Now that I'm in the mood for top-five lists, here are five unproven Gators to watch this spring.1. DT Omar Hunter -- I know, he battled various injuries (ankle, back) during his first season as a Gator. But considering the colossal hype he came in with, a redshirt freshman season isn't what we all had in mind. The losses of Torrey Davis and John Brown open the door for Hunter to cement a backup job behind either Lawrence Marsh or Terron Sanders.
2. WR Deonte Thompson -- Thompson had a decent first season with Florida after catching 18 passes for 269 yards, but he's capable of much, much more. Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales made it clear in recent interviews that he needs members of his unproven core to emerge in the post-Percy era. Deonte has bulked up to 200 pounds to match his track-and-field speed. He also has deep-threat ability that wasn't utilized enough last season.
Not only does Thompson need to snag a starting spot this spring, he must hold onto it entering the Charleston Southern season opener.3. LB Lorenzo Edwards -- Edwards has had a difficult transition from safety in high school to linebacker in college, but he hasn't taken ownership of his Gators career in two seasons. Even though Brandon Spikes is returning to school, Edwards needs to will himself into the lineup to avoid becoming a glorified special teams player once again. Brandon Hicks, who is out this spring with an injury, should be the Edwards' model on how to make your presence felt.
Defensive coaches like Edwards' ability and character, but his aggressiveness hasn't caught up to the teammates who play more downs.
4. RB Emmanuel Moody -- We all know he's talented, but he's simply got to show enough toughness to force coaches into playing him consistently alongside Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey. Many thought Moody would get thousands of carries this spring while Demps and Rainey recovered from groin injuries, but the two are "full go" this spring, running backs coach Kenny Carter said.
Anything Moody gets this spring he has to earn. It's more about consistency than ability with this guy. He'll disappear, get injured, won't block well -- it was always something last year.Expect Hill to cut into Major Wright's playing time a little. I could see the two splitting the free safety position. Think about the tandem of Wright's hard-hitting ability and Hill's all-over-the-field athleticism. Black is too consistent to lose his job.5. SS Will Hill -- His 45 tackles are misleading, as many of them came on special teams. Hill's the future of Florida's secondary, but he didn't take the position in the preseason like he should have. Ahmad Black had no problem doing that for him.
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2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions
2008 National Football Champions |
Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996),
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