Good thread. One spot for the general stuff. So far liking the HS SRs/FR... Jayden Woods standing out early at Edge. He knows what he's doing and looks like an upperclassmen in the weightroom.
From Graham Hall: Billy Napier made it clear the spring semester would be a massive one for a player recently placed on scholarship: cornerback Cormani McClain. Fast forward six weeks, and all signs point to McClain being on the right track as the cornerback's first spring in Gainesville arrived. In the weight room, McClain has made noticeable strides from a strength standpoint while increasing his speed. He's up to 182 pounds and reaching a maximum speed of 23 miles per hour, putting him in elusive company. Coach Napier made these comments. "Cormani has been phenomenal. And not just putting on weight, like, he has conducted himself extremely well. I'm extremely proud of Cormani McClain. 'Yes sirs,' 'how can I get better?' You know, he's put on 20 pounds. And, you know, people always think that skinny is fast. I don't how it got out there already, but yes, he ran 23 miles an hour. He never ran that fast last year, and he weighs 20 pounds more and is running a whole mile per hour faster," Tyler Miles, UF's Director of Strength and Conditioning, said. "And I think he's like the example now for, like, what building strength and muscle can do, and being skinny is not the answer, and he's just done a phenomenal job."
There is nothing to worry about. The center is usually the smallest guy on the OL. It allows for a good bend so he can see the defense and make calls. Also it allows him to get into a strong hiking position and to easily pull for sweeps. Right around 300 lbs is optimal. The only time you want a center well over 300 lbs is if you are predominantly a run up the middle team.
Agreed as long as they are strong enough not to get blown up by a big, quick nose tackle. I still recall that center from Oregon getting abused by Nick Fairley all game long in NC game years ago. He wrecked Oregon's offense. Based on reports, Slaughter is plenty strong. He reminds me a bit if Jeff Mitchell...not huge but strong with great technique.
As a reference Jason Kelce played 13 years for the Eagles at center and weighed 280 out of college and finished at 295. Maurkise Pouncey played at 304 For the Steelers Both are future HOFs
Mark Stepnoski was in and around 265lbs for the Cowboys in the 90s. After he retired he did that Brad Culpepper weight drop thing. He looks like he's 150lbs now. All Pro Corey Linsley was around 295lbs with the Packers. He still might be with the Cardinals. So, yeah, a lot of examples a very good lighter centers.
Some DL comments from Graahm Hall after the 2nd practice: Florida defensive lineman Jamari Lyons was observed at practice in a black non-contact jersey, another promising step in his return to the field. Lyons was observed participating in individual bag drills with his unit and did not appear to be hindered from an athleticism standpoint Stephon Shivers, who is currently practicing in a non-contact jersey due to a lower-back injury, appears to have impressive mobility for his 399-pound stature, with technique being a point of focus for him, as Saturday's session indicated with coach Chatman. "The guy can move. He just has to figure it out. It's just a lot for him," UF's director of strength and conditioning, Tyler Miles, said Thursday of Shivers. "He's got to get comfortable. He's got to get settled in, and once he does, his life will be a lot easier, but he can move. He's an athletic big guy, for sure."
The coaches really need to have a serious conversation with Shivers about his weight. Just point to D Watson, couldn't lose the weight and won't have any future in the NFL. Tell the kid he has 3 years to drop 60-70 pounds (20lbs/yr) and play at 330/340 his Sr year and he has a shot at getting drafted.
