By: Nick Marcinko -- August 12, 2023 The Florida Gators special teams unit ranked 95th in division one football a season ago with a grade of 70.2, according to Pro Football Focus. The Orange and Blue had inconsistences throughout almost all areas of special teams, including the field goal unit, coverage, and return teams. Gators’ specialists “overlooked” heading into the 2023 season | GatorCountry.com From the article for those who don't have time for it all, Coach Napier said: “I do think that in the return world, you know, obviously Ricky [Pearsall] and Trevor [Etienne] and you know, Montrell [Johnson], I think some of these young players like Tre Wilson and Andy Jean, there’s a number of these guys that are going to be a factor, Aidan Mizell. So, we’re in the process of working on that. I don’t think there’s any question that Tre [Wilson] will also be a factor at some point. But, you know, we’ve got guys that have experience with Ricky and Trevor there as well.” * * * Not all star players at the collegiate level want to participate in kickoff or punt returns, but the Gators have a duo in Trevor Etienne and Ricky Pearsall that are excited about the opportunity to help their team any way they can. “Feel like that creates value and whatever the team needs, I’m here for it,” Etienne said. “I kind of enjoy doing that, kick returning, special teams, that’s something I really enjoy.” * * * “I really hope so. I have fun on special teams. I really hope so. I love returning,” Pearsall said on if he’ll contribute on special teams. “My first-time punt returning was actually last year and I really enjoyed that. My Pops was a punt returner when he was in college, so it’s in the blood. I really punt returning, I really did, so hopefully that’s what it is.”
If the article was written by a Gator Country writer here... then why not post the article here in it's entirety in a thread? It's easier for everyone.
My first time in looking at this thread. In the review of the 2022 special team performance, a thought came to me. Two or three season prior to 2022, the UF rooster had the revolving door spinning at full speed. Unfortunately, quality coming in did not keep up with the quality going out. I can imagine that a lot of fans never consider that this situation can impact special team play. Consistency is vital in all aspects of a football team. Shuffling the special teams rooster for every year is a challenge. Imagine how hard it was for Napier to do this shuffling last season. It had to be distracting and frustrating. Hopefully this season, shuffling the special teams players around will not be an issue. In other words, lining up the same group of guys during practice (like spring, fall, and season) will produce better results.
I like it when we have starters playing special teams, except for the return guy. I don't want to see Pearsall or one of the starting running backs go down on a kick return. Would rather see a young guy with something to prove returning kicks.
It's how @solari (Ray) does it on the premium side (just a link) so who am I to do it differently? LOL!
Never think twice about putting your best PR at PR. If we have a good one then we have a game changer. Unless he's first round level WR or Corner that will define a season. And in that case probably not getting reps.
If we win eight games this year, it will be by winning a few tight hotly contested games. Everything comes down to a few plays to win those games. Don’t shoot throw the shoe after that play.
