DL and OL Evaluation at the Bye: Post LSU Update

TrueGator · Nov 18, 2024

Donzo said: ↑

Post LSU update post #24

Both units were bad against UM to start the season. Both units have also improved as the season progressed.

Starting with the OL. Slaughter has been the same solid OC that he was last year. The right side had some early issues, but the left side with Barber and Harris has been solid to good all year. Harris is the player we hoped he’d be. Big and athletic, he started to dominate against MS ST. He was on a three game roll going into UK’s DL. I guess he was kinda average against UK and had a couple bad plays, which is OK. He's a true SO and looks like a future NFLer. I think the bye will be good for him. I look for him to stand out in the last five games.

The right side issue was really a Kamyrn Waites issue at RT. I don’t know what was going on in practice, but I have no idea how the coaches had him starting over BCD; it's beyond me. Waites is just awful at OT, always has been. He should only be an emergency 3rd team option at OT. BCD is now the full time RT and playing well. He’s shown his skill set translates to the SEC, especially in the last three games.

George has been good at RG. I know a lot of “fans” want to throw him under the bus, but he’s just been solid. He kinda got caught in the wash when Waites was getting blown up next to him. He looks better with BCD by his side at RT. Surprisingly, he’s been better against the pass rush than he has with run blocking. I also like Lovett getting some reps at RG. He looks the part and should be ready to take over next year.

All in all, the starting OL of Barber, Harris, Slaughter, George, BCD is a quality group. Lovett is a playable 3rd guard. Waites has even shown he could play some OG. Hopefully Manuel will be healthy for UGA. He’d give UF excellent depth at OT. I’d say the OT trio of Barber/BCD/Manuel is the best UF’s had since Meyer.

The DL has improved so much since the start of the season. I think it’s why the defense has gone from bad to maybe even good the last month.

Losing Lyons really hurt the DL, big blow. I think he would have been the best DT this season. Then Slackman went down as he was getting started and the DT depth was challenged. At DE/edge, there’s a lot of talent, but no established producers. As the season has gone on, the players have just gotten better. I think the DL coaches are a good group and starting to get the talent to show up.

I've noticed a big rotation on the DL- DEPTH! I think this has been a big part of the improvement. UF has talent on the DL and coaches are playing all of them. Against UK, I couldn’t keep up with who was in the game, 10+ guys were rotating in and out. Keeping the DL fresh has always been a key to a good defense.

At DT, Slackman is back and the FR are playing too. Against UK, I don’t think a DT even played 30 snaps. The DE’s are rotating as many guys as the DTs. A lot of talented players getting PT across the DL.

The last five games will be interesting.
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So, what's your assessment of Damieon George's development this year? So much was said about his issues in the past, but, you don't seem to hear much anymore. How do you think he stands now?

Wanne15 · Nov 18, 2024

TrueGator said: ↑

So, what's your assessment of Damieon George's development this year? So much was said about his issues in the past, but, you don't seem to hear much anymore. How do you think he stands now?
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Hes a much better gaurd and has been an asset

Donzo · Nov 18, 2024

TrueGator said: ↑

So, what's your assessment of Damieon George's development this year?
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He's been good. As Wanne said, he's an asset. He's been consistently solid to good all year. His run blocking is about what we expected, but his pass blocking has been better than antisipated. He's been a clear upgrade from Mazzccua, last year's RG.

TrueGator · Nov 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Donzo said: ↑

He's been good. As Wanne said, he's an asset. He's been consitently solid to good all year. His run blocking is about what we expected, but his pass blocking has been better than antisipated. He's been an a clear upgrade from Mazzccua, last year's RG.
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Good to know. He seemed to struggle in the past, but, I guess he's moved to where he should naturally be now.

Donzo · Nov 19, 2024 at 2:49 PM

TrueGator said: ↑

Good to know. He seemed to struggle in the past, but, I guess he's moved to where he should naturally be now.
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Exactly... He's a bad OT, but a good OG.

Gatorrick22 · Nov 20, 2024 at 4:50 AM

Donzo said: ↑

Check in three weeks past the bye:

On the OL, so far so good. Again, the transition HS recruiting class from 2022 is all but gone. Williams is the only one left and he's been passed by the entire 2023 class. We'll see if he's around next year. Regardless, the 2023 classs has been excellent. The guys playing are Harris, Lovett and Kearney. All three are playing as well as advertised, especially Harris. He could be special. The intial reports on the 2024 class are positive; we'll see.

For this year, the starting five continue to play well. The QB situation has stressed the OL and they've reponded. We could go into a lot of detail, but to sum up. They are much better than last year and have been plus in both run/pass sets. Yesterday was just another good game. Oddly, the one guy who struggled a little was Barber, who's been a rock. He started with a holding penalty and had some issues on the edge. Bad games happen. I'm betting he'll be excellent the rest of the year.

The DL has been up and down. Way up right now after yesterday. Hopefully that's the start of continued success. Banks development has been the story. Simply, much improved over last year.

Looking at next year there are a lot of questions. Two big ifs at DT. If Banks comes back for a 5th year and if Lyons comes back healthy, the DTs are in good shape with lots of young talent for depth. IF not, then CBN will be in the portal looking for ready talent and he will have to find production. Slackman was a miss this year. That can't happen next year.

At edge, a lot to still sort out. So many young guys in postion to make for a dynamic group. Some have flashed, but no consistant performers yet. By the end of the year, have to feel good about four of them going into spring. If not, back to the portal.

One guy we don't have questions about is Sapp. What a game aginst LSU! For his role next year, he's a hybrid edge/DT. I don't see him starting, but he'll have as many snaps as anyone at edge or at DT.
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I have one coment on this Donzo. Most of your post is spot on, but I did notice when Slakman was in the LSU game he was being doubleteamed. It's hard to make plays when you're having to deal with two O-lineman.

And Sapp was all over the place making plays too... with Banks and several others. The whole defense had moments where they looked as good as any team defense in the SEC. Too bad they were not as consistent as we needed them to be all year long.

I also think we need to hit the portal for SEC quality, plug and play, D-lineman, and I have confidence that Napier and his army will find good people to fill in. It's not an exact science, so some of these new Gators will not become the stars we hoped they would, but at least these young men are all good honest football players that have earned the right to be called Gators... Gators for life.

Donzo · Nov 20, 2024 at 12:07 PM

Gatorrick22 said: ↑

I have one coment on this Donzo. Most of it is spot on, but I did notice when Slakman was in the LSU game he was being doubleteamed. It's had to make plays when you're having to deal with two O-lineman.

And Sapp was all over the place making plays too... with Banks and several others. The whole defense had moments where they looked as good as any team defence in the SEC. Too bad they we're consistent as we needed them to be all year long.

I also think we need to hit the portal for SEC quality, plug and play, D-lineman and I have confidence that Napier and his army will find good people to fill in. It's not an exact science so some of these new Gators will not become the stars we hoped they would, but at least these young men are all good hoest football players that have earmed to right to be call Gators... Gators for life.
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I think Slackman played 10-15 snaps when the D was on the field for 92 plays. I hoped he'd be a difference maker this year, especially after Lyons' injury. It just hasn't turned out that way. He's a low end depth piece.

We'll see who comes back next year. Never can have enough good linemen. The more the merrier. With that said, if both Lyons and Banks come back, I think the DL would look pretty good. They would definately need to be replaced by plug and play linemen.

DeepPurpleGator · Nov 20, 2024 at 12:11 PM

Gatorrick22 said: ↑

...I did notice when Slakman was in the LSU game he was being doubleteamed.
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If a Defensive Lineman is drawing two OLs, he is doing his job.

Gatorhead · Nov 20, 2024 at 1:52 PM

antny1 said: ↑

Are we losing Kelby Collins? It's really disappointing to see the fall off after promising freshman years from McLellan who transferred after a falloff sophomore year and now Kelly Collins disappearing in his sophomore year as well. Kelby posted a strange tweet about trials and tribulations and Napier gave some thinly veiled response when asked about him. Kelby was one of the most fervent gators throughout his recruitment and during his freshman year. Would hate to see him leave or be disgruntled.
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I was disappointed nobody responded to Antny1's post above about Collins.

Anyone? I did hear one Podcaster suggest Collins may hit the Portal seasons end.

What happened?

Gatorrick22 · Nov 20, 2024 at 1:55 PM

Donzo said: ↑

I think Slackman played 10-15 snaps when the D was on the field for 92 plays. I hoped he'd be a difference maker this year, especially after Lyons' injury. It just hasn't turned out that way. He's a low end depth piece.

We'll see who comes back next year. Never can have enough good linemen. The more the merrier. With that said, if both Lyons and Banks come back, I think the DL would look pretty good. They would definately need to be replaced by plug and play linemen.
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I think only the DB and Safeties (I read) played most if not all 92 snaps, which is crazy amazing. I would never have believed it if you had said that would happen before the game.

Gatorrick22 · Nov 20, 2024 at 1:56 PM

DeepPurpleGator said: ↑

If a Defensive Lineman is drawing two OLs, he is doing his job.
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Exactly my point.

antny1 · Nov 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Gatorhead said: ↑

I was disappointed nobody responded to Antny1's post above about Collins.

Anyone? I did hear one Podcaster suggest Collins may hit the Portal seasons end.

What happened?
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I'm surprised no one responded. Kelby is one of those high character kids that didn't waiver through his recruitment and 1st year. I did see someone on another board claim he is just struggling with playing inside and is still positive on florida and Napier. Don't know what's true.

Donzo · Nov 20, 2024 at 5:21 PM

Gatorhead said: ↑

I was disappointed nobody responded to Antny1's post above about Collins.

Anyone? I did hear one Podcaster suggest Collins may hit the Portal seasons end.

What happened?
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Just some cryptic stuff on social media about him transferring.

Looking at the situation he hasn't had a SO jump. He's not playing much and some FR have passed him. Definitely disappointing.

Will see what happens.

antny1 · Nov 20, 2024 at 5:31 PM

Donzo said: ↑

Just some cryptic stuff on social media on him transferring.

Looking at the situation he hasn't had a SO jump. He's not playing much and some FR have passed him. Definitely disappointing.

Will see what happens.
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What's your take on him playing inside? Isn't that why he's struggling? Thought they moved him when Lyons got hurt.

Donzo · Nov 20, 2024 at 5:38 PM

The Slackman luv is nice. But, he hasn't been a factor. I don't know how much he's getting doubled. That just gonna happen on certain plays. When I have time I'll break down what the DTs have done this year and what it looks like (at this time) for next year.

LSS, Slackman is the 6th or 7th DT this year. Jackson, Banks and Watson rotate as the 1st group. Fr. Robinson has been the 4th DT since the Kentucky game. Then Boileau, Taylor and Slackman have been the deep depth. I just haven't noticed much production from Slackman when he's played.

When someone transfers in from a lower level, there's always the question if the players talent will translate to success in the SEC. We had two guys like that this year. BCD's game has translated to success at RT- thank goodness. But, not so much for Slackman. He's low on the depth chart and not producing many plays... Just the way I see it. Hopefully he steps up the last three games.

Donzo · Nov 20, 2024 at 5:44 PM

antny1 said: ↑

What's your take on him playing inside? Isn't that why he's struggling? Thought they moved him when Lyons got hurt.
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I thought he moved in the spring, but not important. He's just been invisible when he's played. Now younger guys are playing in front of him.

He's been a rock solid Gator. Hopefully things turn around. But, with the portal, guys tend to look for another spot when struggling after two years.

northgagator · Nov 20, 2024 at 11:03 PM

Gatorrick22 said: ↑

I think only the DB and Safeties (I read) played most if not all 92 snaps, which is crazy amazing. I would never have believed it if you had said that would happen before the game.
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Take a look at the depth chart. for DB's it is depleted due to injuries. They had to play all 92 snaps because there are not enough backups to send end.

gators1994 · Nov 20, 2024 at 11:38 PM

shane4three said: ↑

Sapp is a star now. Potential 2nd team all SEC next year.

Pyburn will have more than a role. That’s why he’s a starter and 2nd in tackles. Like I said ask offensive lineman who they like blocking the least… 100% will say Pyburn. Sacks will come, but he will never be a double digit, sack guy, maybe three or four next year. One of the best in the southeastern conference at stopping the run at his position. Keep in mind he didn’t start two games or he would be close to 65/70 tackles
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I knew Sapp would be good when I saw him get after it in those recruiting videos. He had the size and drive, and now he’s really putting it together.

Wanne15 · Nov 21, 2024 at 3:29 AM

Donzo said: ↑

Just some cryptic stuff on social media about him transferring.

Looking at the situation he hasn't had a SO jump. He's not playing much and some FR have passed him. Definitely disappointing.

Will see what happens.
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He may need to adjust physically and learn to play inside. Edge and taclke are two different body types and skillsets. Maybe he is eligible for a rs still?

fox · Nov 21, 2024 at 8:09 AM

northgagator said: ↑

Take a look at the depth chart. for DB's it is depleted due to injuries. They had to play all 92 snaps because there are not enough backups to send end.
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We are fortunate to be able to put Bridges out there.

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