By: Nick Marcinko -- October 14, 2023 The Florida Gators improved to 5-2 (3-1 SEC) after defeating South Carolina (2-4, 0-3 SEC) 41-39 behind 423 passing yards from QB Graham Mertz. The Orange and Blue picked up a much-needed road victory as they enter their bye week ahead of their week nine matchup with Georgia. Gator Country provides you with five early takeaways from Florida’s week seven victory over the Gamecocks. Five early takeaways from Florida’s week seven victory over South Carolina | GatorCountry.com
You know for so many years we hear about how such and such player is killing it in in Fall camp only to see that same player sputter into the oblivion of mediocrity. Not so with regards to Wilson. He is one player that has proven the hype that he received during his first Fall practice. He is one of those players that I saw (against USCe) dive for 5 yards (15 feet) to try and get a 1st down only to come up just short. He plays super fast/quick and his not afraid to run through the middle of the field with reckless abandon. He's fun to watch and you can see that he's already a clutch player... just a true freshman. Love that Napier can see talent, and the 12 or so freshman that have played in every game this year so far is a testament to his recruiting genius. Arlis Boardingham is another one that is a home run recruit, and there are several others playing in many different positions for the Gators. I forgot what the talking heads ranked last year's recruiting class, but we know right now the 2024 class is highly ranked which means that even the talking heads are impressed with next year's class. If next year's class is anything like the 2023 class... look out... "We coming."
Our top two TEs are freshmen, and they both contributed in a big way yesterday. That comeback on the road, yesterday, with 12 starters being freshmen and sophomores makes me very encouraged, hopeful for the future, and proud.
And next year is supposed to be an even better class of recruits. Winning is fun! Winning on the recruiting trail. It's been a long while since I can say that about our beloved Gators.
And I'm loving the ride right now. All I want from the team is improvement. I'll take that as long as it looks like they're interested and trying.
I agree, people forget just how young our overall team really is. This team is a team that's being built from the ground up, with far less Portal Players than most team have. Not saying we shouldn't get these Portal Players but that if we recruit the right way (like Napier is currently doing) we should only have limited need/s for Portal Players. And, when needed, Napier is good at getting the good Portal Payers too.
It was so obvious in his high school highlights that he was one of those that come around even major recruiting powers every so often. There was only one other recruit that was comparable to him, who was given the 5th star that Trey deserved (going to media darling USC).
Napier also saw things in Mertz, in terms of both skill and leadership, that lots of fans questioned…some vehemently…
Yep I was one of them... for about a month... 'till stories from camp came out about how good he is... From then on I was hooked and convinced that Napier got the right man for the job.
What is encouraging to see is Napier being adaptable on offensive playcalling. Seems like when it is apparent that we are going to need to trade scores with the other team he is willing to open it up and get away from his run first mentality. Reminded me a bit of last year's Tennessee game where we went for it on most 4th downs knowing it was the only way to keep pace because our defense was stopping nobody.
Meanwhile: unrelated, I just read that Brock Bowers is to have surgery on his ankle. Supposedly it isn't major. But surgery and ankles seems curious to me. I expect him to be unavailable for the big Jax game. I don't like seeing anyone get hurt, but the Gators will have to show up and really dig deep (WITH ENERGY) to win that one. Play-calling has improved. Me likey! Go Gators.
