I certainly hope that's what we are doing in 300 ish days. But Elko knows defense so I'm not so sure.
Re Waller....a little different taking a high school kid already 230 vs taking a college senior. Really cannot make that comparison. I agree we need more pass rush, so does the staff since they are bringing guys in for that exact purpose. They chose Gumbs because of size and upside over the smaller Howell. It's certainly a debatable point given production, but also have to consider Gumbs being relatively new to the position. I might have been tempted to roll the dice and take both, but if they didn't think Howell can fill the role they need I get that too.
I hear you on the Gumbs upside as he’s new to the position. Last year we took Quincy Ivory for upside and he was also new to the position. Thing is, if Napier has a third losing season in a row I don’t think he survives at UF past 2024. Nor does the AD. That is just my opinion. Napier May have a behind the scenes vote of confidence from the AD or was told he’d get to 2025 but the new school president has zero ties to Napiers boss the AD and could care less about anything told to Napier. The president can dump both of them. Anyway….in my opinion Napier needs to be stocking the cupboard with as many guys at every position that can contribute in a big way in 2024 or he won’t be around in 2025 to see if the more project type players in Gumbs and Ivory’s of the world can pay off down the line. I am not privy to the plan and other players they may pursue But I do think we need some experienced/proven edge help.
Then should we not have taken Waller's commitment for Edge, or is Waller sufficiently more athletic than Howell that we would offer Waller and not Howell despite Waller's smaller side? I love having edge guys with more reach, but I wouldn't turn down a Perkins from LSU type just because he is a couple inches shorter than Searcy or James.
Again, Waller is in high school so that's a different proposition re his size and development. I do know Waller wingspan was supposed to be a big advantage....but it's also not unreasonable to think Waller is 250 in the not to distant future
I have no clue on the Ivory take unless there is something there I'm unaware of. I believe they are under the impression both Gumbs and the juco Taylor are immediate contributors...maybe not "starters" but certainly guys giving quality snaps. I'm not sure any of the guys we are discussing are really the difference between a winning and losing season....it's the composite of all he additions and how it comes together.
When you are negotiating for a "Cashius", don't be surprised if he winds up with the Agricultural and Mechanicals.
He knows defense yes, but he's literally taking our cast-off from a very bad defense. As with Howell it's comical how many people are melting down like we missed on Aaron Donald. None of us are privy to why he signed at TAMU & not here, but if it's true he's not SEC weight and a short wing span did we really lose out on a Grantham special?
The Gators 2024 edge roster is much different than the past few years. Just my opinion, but many seem to complain about CBNs recruiting without acknowledging the high level talent he's brought in the last two years. This is especially true at edge. Of course it would be great to add a Greenard type player, but it's not "needed". The amazing young edge talent, and there's lots of it, needs to play.
All you have to do is look at teams that compete for championships. It has always been the same. You need experienced players.
We won’t be playing for a championship this year but in a couple years, our talent will be upperclassman. Let em play