That’s what you have for “Something Encouraging in 2024”? Oy vey. FYI, just because you don't understand the context of the "reports", doesn't mean they're not helpful.
Just like that you follow the power-whiners script of playing the victim card when called on your BS- smh Bellyaching isn’t “constructive” criticism and the only “evidence/analytical” info you posted was complaining about recruiting rankins, (the talent level (based on recruiting) is some of the lowest in the conference)... So, you have an issue with players like Slaughter (low 3*)- interesting. UFs starting OGs in 2022 had the lowest recruiting star ratings in the entire power five. They must have been awful- right? Anyway, @doctor8r’s fine thread here is about “Encouraging Signs for 2024”. I’ll take your hypernegative OL stuff to his January “OL Developing” thread. To get back on track for encouraging signs, the reported improved OT depth will be a ginormous improvement in 2024. UF had 1 (one!) ready OT in 2023. Looking to have 4-5 and maybe even 6 (six!) in 2024. Westpal as OT6 has a Harris vibe to him with regards to being physically ready as a true Fr. We’ll see.
The defense looking like they know their responsibilities and getting plays called in on time would go a long way. Coaching towards instant recognition and reaction allows the players to play their assignments with smart aggression. Giving them to much on their plate (elite brainiac scheme) causes them to be a bit slow going through progressions. Love the ones your with
This is sort of true but if you have Barry Sanders coming through your hole and you have two guys flanking you to keep his ass going straight, it’s a little easier to tackle him. But if he has the option of left or right, you are screwed.
They have 50 walk ons, on the team. There has to be at least 10 special to the defense to learn to tackle.
I understand that folks that buy all the "reports" hook, line, and sinker can be adequately described as gullible.
Yeah, that sucks, but apparently it's an injury that needed attention so he decided to get it handled instead of doing it later. Good move. But it's a bummer having him gone for the spring. Kid's gonna be a stud. Not that many HS kids come in that buffed and man-like! Maybe his down time can be spent learning the "D"? This is the time for optimism. It happens every spring for me. Eventually, one of these springs will carry over and make a difference come fall! Woo-Hoo. Go Gators.
We have 3 coaches on the defense that have coordinator experience, coaching all 3 levels of the defense. That and all the experience we are bringing back should create a very sound defense. If you don't have optimism at some point in time, then you will be miserable at all points in time.
Mertz and Dike are starting to hook up. Both, of course, played together at Wisconsin for three years. Saturday was Chimere Dike's "coming out party." Mertz looked comfortable hitting deep and intermediate throws. Aiden Mizell "was catching bombs from Mertz and Lagway on Saturday." This "was Graham Mertz best day at practice yet." Reportedly, Mertz had the protection and time to make deeper throws and he was on the money! This is an example of some wide receiver's possibly stepping up to have a breakout fall season. Manuel and Crenshaw-Dickson stood out, as did Caden Jones and Fletcher Westphal. These players were especially attributable to Mertz having more time to make throws. It is practice, but these are encouraging signs. Lagway looked really good running bootlegs. IF the OL and wide receiver's can be a strength of the offense this could get interesting. Pup Howard is looking good, and he is showing speed at LB! Manny Nunnery looked sharp. Safeties and the Star position stood out. Note: This is a small example of having regular practice notes from Florida Victorius at $25 per month. Not a commercial but had to give credit for the information. Go Gators!
How's this for optimism: I'm expecting an improved defense in 2024 because it would be next to impossible for it to be any worse than 2023's unit . Of course, I had the same thought after the 2022 debacle and you know how that turned out
Actually, I can relate, but I am hyped for a better performance in 2024! Maybe I will be disappointed, or maybe I will be able to congratulate myself for being optimistic. I also attribute part of my optimism with the media. And, frankly, the Gators need to surprise the heck out of us!
The 2024 class ranking of 14 is not a piss poor class. Going 7 and 5 or better next season and the new recruiting budget should have the Gators cracking the top ten again.