I thought Montrell would fair better. I'm no scout for sure but he was our complete RB. I guess something in his running style didn't suit the pros? I guess I was thinking maybe 4th round. What am I missing?
To God's ears Rick. If our only position deficiency and the staff can coach through it we might be okay- we have to be. What would we give for two more experienced true DTs right now.
Were it not for NIL, the great equalizer, that would leave a mark on the recruiting trail. Here's to seeing more of our players valued next draft.
So Happy for Mertz. Considering all he has been through. Hope he parlays the opportunity into checks and perhaps an entry into coaching.
True but UF has now had at least one player drafted every year since 67 (The modern NFL era) Only 2 other teams can say that. Michigan being one and I don't recall the other.
Was wondering the same thing, then I read that he withdrew himself from the 2025 draft: Breaking: Gators RB Montrell Johnson Jr. Withdraws from 2025 NFL Draft Pick Due ... I have no idea why he did this.
Well Spurrier was our coach in 94 and he was lighting it up, and I imagine most of the guys in the 94 draft weren't Spurrier signees so it would not matter to the 94/95 recruits.
Hes had been our coach since 89 and he didnt get a high draft pick either. This is Napiers first class which was last minute and small. Weve slso had some transfers drafted early. I dont think it means very much except tgat he didnt take over a talented roster. If he makes it a few more years, we will see if the players he was responsible for developing make nfl players. I really believe god given genetics play a bigger part than coaching anyway. Players make the nfl from countless staffs.
He was hired in December 89 so not our HC in 89 just as Napier was not our HC in 2021. Spurrier had a second round pick in 1994- Eric Rhett I believe. They were both hired in December so same circumstance regarding first class. Princely transferred to improve his draft position. First and foremost a person has to have the physical traits to play in the NFL. There must be a slew of 270lb OL/DTs that are never considered draftable no matter how good they might be if they could just add 40lbs. If they have the size and physical capabilities, they have to be developed and taught out of HS. That is imperative. Sometimes the NFL drafts a player with incredible physical attributes only, but rarely. Reidel Anthony was not drafted because it looked like he could catch a pass if only he played in a system that passed the ball more, nor Fred Taylor drafted because, if only he were part of a team that ran the ball occasionally he might be pretty good. But yes, there are quite a few drafted from smaller or less successful schools but have physical traits and abilities. Those players must have demonstrated some level of skill and what appeared to be development from HS. We had been winning a lot of games by 1994 and our class reflected how much winning helps recruiting, I believe. Maybe Spurrier just got lucky, who knows. We can only hope this next class is loaded at that level. Florida Gators 1994 Recruiting Class
They said we havent missed a third rd or better pick in 30 years, not sure what draft year they were talking about but it had to be SOS
Spurrier much like Golden got good players that fit his system and played hard for him. He didnt recruit as well as georgia but he sure kicked their ass alot.
Part of that might be that they had to practice to play against the style most teams played at the time, only to go up against Florida with a week to prepare. Those were good days. I recall one hyped game against LSU/Saban where Spurrier put that game to bed before the half.
Pearsall, first round. Interesting that he was able to stand out with Mertz throwing to him. Pearsall definitely a talent. It does go to show Napier's system, the passing part can work, even with only a decent SEC level QB. There is hope.
