HOW IS THE OL DEVELOPING?

Because of the TP, that's happening in every program. Last year, to your point, we lost a number of OL to the portal, and that definitely affected execution. Hopefully, with the transfer additions in 2024, that will change.

 

I read an article about Crenshaw-Dickson, and apparently he allowed only one sack in 932 snaps (see article below). I am no expert on offensive lineman efficiency, but it sounds extremely exceptional to me! We were God awful last year with 39 sacks for the year. That's averaging over three sacks per game! And worse than that, Graham Mertz was running for his life, with not much time to throw! So, hell yes, I am optimistic about 2024 for the Gator football team! I am expecting much improvement from the OL. With better OL, we should have a better run and passing game. Mertz described Crenshaw-Dickson as "fantastic" in his reads of the defense, and also characterized him as locked-in as a tackle. Mertz is optimistic, so why shouldn't Gator fans be hopeful for the season? Go Gators!
https://247sports.com/college/flori...e-lineman-brandon-crenshaw-dickson-231541498/

 

So, I would rate the OL in 2023 as below average. To me, a 5 would be a C grade. I'm thinking a two or 3 at best! 39 sacks and all the pressure on Mertz. A five is very generous! If the OL is only two notches better--which I do not believe--then, that would indicate Vegas is spot on with their projection of seven losses! My money is on the Gators this year!
Incidentally, I saw this question and answer on Gatorcountry (see link below) and thought I'd share it.
"Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate last years Oline and this years and projected next years?"

AS: "Last year I would say the offensive line was a 5 simply because the right side of the line was in bad shape. I think this year’s line is better if Austin Barber is healthy and I also believe Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson is better at left tackle. I would say this year’s offensive line should be a 7 or 8 depending on the health and how the young guys improve. Guys like Bryce Lovett, Knijeah Harris and Roderick Kearney are all young guys who should take a step forward this year."
Florida Gators recruiting mailbag: May 8th edition | GatorCountry.com

 

I reread your post and decided to respond. I don't believe in excuses, but execution is not only a valid reason, it has been the Gators modus operandi the last two seasons! Sure, BN has made his share of mistakes, but player execution has been the biggest culprit. In year one, the OL wasn't great, but AR was the biggest issue. He could hit the long passes and totally botch the shorter ones. Consistency was another issue in both years, and I just referenced lack of consistency with AR in year one. The defense played consistently bad in year one and two; or, it could be said differently--they played consistently subpar. In year two, the OL, as a whole, played inconsistently. Due to how badly the OL performed, we were fortunate to win as many games as we did; and we were fortunate to be in a few games. We played Arkansas OK, but did not play all four quarters well. And inconsistent play was evident in every game; although Missouri--far and away--was our best performance by the offense. The lack of execution by the defense was the reason for the loss to Arkansas and Missouri. Who can forget the defense giving up fourth and 17 to Missouri. Maybe that could be called sheer luck by Missouri or simply piss-poor defense! In year one and two, successful execution occurred some, but execution was inconsistent enough to prevent winning against really good teams. Not sure why you struggle with execution, when it was so blatantly obvious!!!

 

Ah, ugly rumors have existed on the media about George moving to guard until this:
https://247sports.com/college/flori...ly-napier-uf-offseason-spring-camp-231784435/

 

Yes, I expect MUCH BETTER EXECUTION, and few injuries would also contribute to a much better season. Sounds like Fletcher Westphal, Caden Jones, and Roderick Kearney are expected to contribute well. Austin Barber and Kam Waites are expected to go this fall. For the first time under Napier, we are three deep at tackle!

 

Three months from now will tell the tale. Is he at a good playing weight or not?

 

No one in journalism or in any podcasts that I follow have raised any issues about this, so I am not concerned about it until it becomes a concern!

 

Congratulations, you love to argue. At least I am happier for accentuating the positive!!!