If at this point you had to choose the starting offensive line for Florida, Carl Johnson and the Pouncey twins would definitely be there, somewhere.
Where it gets tough is when you have to slot each of the players into a specific position.
Steve Addazio, who is the offensive coordinator for the Gators as well as the offensive line coach, has been quite frustrated by some of the team's injuries as of late. Maurkice Pouncey has not done much during the preseason, for example, because he is still recovery from surgery on his shoulder. Having an all-Pouncey brother guard tandem could be possible since Mike Pouncey could play the other guard spot. This is only going to be possible if the coaches are completely 100% sold on Sam Robey, a redshirt freshman, being able to handle the center position.
Addazio had certainly hoped to take a good look at the sophomores Matt Patchan and James Wilson, however both have injuries. Patchan was sidelined by a concussions and Wilson by an ankle injury, so this past scrimmage on Saturday did not allow Addazio to see them play. Patchan is aiming for a big to take the left tackle position, while Wilson also happens to be having a solid preseason. The key when it comes to Wilson is going to be remaining healthy.
Is there good news for the Gators? Yes. They are building plenty of depth and it appears as if they are going to have quite a few different options come the fall.
Johnson could possibly be playing left guard or perhaps left tackle depending on what Patchan ends up doing for the remainder of the preseason camp. It will appear that Marcus Gilbert is going to be the right tackle starter. Gilbert, who is a junior, has both started as left guard and as right guard during his playing career.
Photo Credits: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/
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What To Know: With Harvin and Murphy gone, the offense is going to be missing their sure thing stars for receiving, but there is plenty of speed to be burned at running back and so the line should be able to grow into something that is terrific. The quarterback situation is definitely special, because Tim Tebow seems to make everyone around him significantly better. John Brantley, additionally, is a strong back up that is going to prove to be a superstar. The new coordinator for the offensive line, Steve Addazio is going to use a little bit of I-formation which will go along with their typical spread attack, but no matter which scheme is followed, the offense is definitely going to be balances by running 231 yards each game and throwing for another 214.
- Offense Star: Definitively Tim Tebow, the senior quarterback.
- Player to Step Up: Deonte Thompson, the sophomore wide receiver.
- Unsung Star: C Sam Robey, the redshirt freshman.
- Best Prospect for Pro: Tim Tebow, the senior quarterback.
- Top Three Candidates for All-Star: Tim Tebow, Aaron Hernandez and Mike Pouncey.
- Offense Strength: Speed, Tim Tebow
Quarterbacks
Tim Tebow is a projected starter that has not had a bad part of his career yet. So far he has earned two different national titles, a Heisman trophy, a Heisman runner up trophy, and he's become quite the folk hero. He was the first player to run and throw for a total of 20 touchdowns in one year, which happened in 2007, and then he followed up with an improved 30 touchdowns coupled with 4 interceptions. He is more than just statistics, however, as he's the ultimate team leader and can carry the entire team at times. Now he is quickly moving from being among the greatest of all players in college ball history to being a true top pro prospect.
As far as projected top reserves go, John Brantley, a sophomore player, might be an even better pro prospect. He is 6-3 and 217lbs, and has completed 18 out of 28 passes for a total of 235 yards and three outstanding touchdowns and an interception. During the spring season he was outstanding and showed why he was such an important recruit when brought onto the team a few years ago. He has a tremendous command over the offense, a live arm, and enough accuracy and mobility for him to lead the team toward a national title.
Do not forget about Jordan Reed, 6-3 with 225lbs. He is a dual threat player that offers outstanding mobility considering his size, and he packs a phenomenal arm as well. He may not be a superior recruit, but he may have a starting job by 2012.
Watch Out For: Definitely watch out for Brantley, who has an impressive arm that makes every throw possible and every read possible even while he looks the part of a typical starter. He isn't going to come in to the game unless Tebow is hurt, or unless there happen to be blowouts, but that doesn't make him any less the real deal.
- Strength: Definitely Tim Tebow.
- Weakness: A No. 3, because there isn't currently a third option for emergencies and there isn't going to be a challenger in place for Brantley for next year.
Outlook: Tebow is going to be the front runner looking for the Heisman, Brantley is going to be a superstar looking for an opportunity to bust out, and the passing game is definitely going to be special even with some of the starters playing at receiver. Scott Loeffler, the new quarterback coach is going to attempt tweaking things so that even more can be gained from the air attack, but why mess with a good thing?
Score: 10
Running Backs
The projected starter here is Jeffrey Demps. Demps is so fast that he took time off from spring ball so that he could run for the track team, and after suffering a recent groin problem he doesn't seem to be showing any ill effects. This 5-8 and 183lb sophomore definitely has what it takes to be similar to Harvin by taking a role as a receiver and also a runner. He's caught 15 passes for a total of 141 yards as well as a score. He was at his best when he was running and averaging 7.8 yards with each carry for 605 yards and 7 scores in back to back Arkansas and LSU games. He spent most of the second half of the year starting, and he'll be a main man in many of the key spots this season.
As far as projected top reserves go, Chris Rainey, a sophomore is the best home-run hitting option on the team right now despite the fact that he hasn't been consistently healthy lately. He's more than just fast, he runs a 4.24 and can average around 7.8 yards per carry for four scores and 652 yards. He's not very large at 175lbs and 5-9, but he is definitely tough enough to handle between 10 and 15 touches every game.
Emmanuel Moody is a junior that was supposed to be the running game savior after he transferred away from US. He wasn't very special, however, running a single touch down and 412 yards. This 210lb, 6-0 runner did average 7.2 yards with each carry and definitely managed to bring an additional power option when it came to the speedy backfield. During the off season he showed that he can be used as a receiver as well. He suffered a hand injury and has to spend some time getting healthy, but then he will have plenty of time to show himself in the game.
The Senior Brandon James is going to be more of a start for special teams than for the offense, but after running 59 yards, catching 11 passes, running 2 touchdowns and a score, he's going to get a little bit of work here. This 5-7, 185lb player is going to line up in a variety of different ways this year, especially as a top kick returner and top punt returner.
Watch Out For: A steady rotation, especially since Tim Tebow is going to work more on the idea of being a passer as well as an occasional option for fullback. The ground game, then, is going to rely on Demps, Rainey and Moody to get the same amount of work.
- Strength: Yards per carry, considering how cartoonish the numbers are. The team is averaging 5.9 yards with each carry, and Demps and Rainey are each averaging 7.8 yards with each dash, and Moody averaging another 7.2.
- Weakness: Harvin, since the team could not have been carried to a national title without Harvin. He averaged around 9.4 yards with each carry and made 10 touchdowns. He finished second in terms of rushing, just behind Tebow. Speed may be returning to the team, but no one is as good as Harvin.
Outlook: The running backs definitely have the flash, the speed and the experience but more of the workload needs to be shouldered. Urban Meyer does not have a history of relying on running backs but he may have to do so this year considering how many good options there are. In a pinch, however, it will be Tebow that is carrying the ball.
Score: 8
Receivers
Aaron Hernandez is a projected starter, and a 6-3, 250lb junior that is expected to play a truly large role in the offense after he finished third on his team last year with 34 catches, 381 yards and a total of 5 scores. He is considered to be one of the top tight end recruits in the nation, and he has yet to disappoint with his speed and his great hands. He is definitely going to be a No. 1 target this year.
Deonte Thompson is the leading returning WR for the team after having finished fourth on his team with 269 yards, 18 catches, 3 touchdowns and an average 14.9 yards with each catch. This 6-0, 195lb player has the home-run hitting wheels to really stretch the field and to be the top vertical element for the team. Now what he needs to do is to be consistent as well as to get the ball moving a little more so that he can get more involved.
Riley Cooper, 6-3 and 215lbs caught 18 passes, ran 261 yards and claimed 3 touch downs. His average is 14.5 yards with each catch. He's never fantastic but he sure is steady, though he never caught more than just two passes in each game last season. Now may just be his time to shine.
David Nelson is a senior that made 12 catches last season, but he also made five scores with four of them coming during the last six games, including Oklahoma and Alabama. At 6-5 and 212lbs, he has a great height that he can use to become a real matchup nightmare. He may not be a big-time speedster, but he has plenty good enough wheels and he is also quite physical.
Carl Moore is a projected top reserve that caught 73 passes for 16 touchdowns and 1068 yards for Sierra C.C. in California. Last year he managed to make 14 grabs for a total of 184 yards and a single touchdown, averaging around 13.1 yards with each catch while playing for the Gators.
Frankie Hammond is a 6-0, 175lb RF that really lit it up during the spring season. He may not be as large, but he is definitely a speedster and is wonderful in the open field and versatile enough to be used in a number of different ways. He may not be a star for another season but when he gets the chance, he should definitely put up his big numbers.
Desmond Parks is going to be the No. 2 tight end. He is a 6-6, 215lb true freshman with excellent hands. He's willing to be a big blocker and he isn't afraid to put up a real fight for the ball when it is in the air.
Watch Out For: Hammond, who isn't going to be another Percy Harvin, but he definitely isn't a bad imitation. He could make the good receiving corps even better.
- Strength: Hernandez, who should be as good as he has been expected to be, which will take pressure off of the receiving corps. He is the one that the team is going to turn to on those key third downs, and he is likely going to open things up for everyone else.
- Weakness: Louis Murphy. Losing Murphy is vital because he was the steady and unsung running mate, averaging 17.2 yards with each grab and seven scores. While there is a ton of talent returning and a lot of upside, the Gators have lost their sure thing for a top wide receiver and their No. 2 spot.
Outlook: Losing Harvin and Murphy would have been devastating for any team, and it is definitely going to impact the Gators. They are going to make up for it with good size, speed and quickness. Having a tight end player like Hernandez is definitely going to help, but players like Thompson and Cooper are going to need to take over as rising stars.
Score: 7.5
Offensive Line
As far as projected starters go, Carl Johnson should be making a successful move to tackle from guard. This man is 6-6 and 330lbs and started eight out of the last ten games on the inside last year. He is the most versatile lineman on the team and can also play center when needed.
Maurkice Pouncey, who is a junior and a guard by nature is most likely going to be moving over to the left guard spot even though he was at center for every game during the last season. This junior is 6-5 and 312 lbs, making him a big blocker that is terrific in nearly any position that you put him in.
Now that Pouncey was out for the spring, David Young, a sophomore, was able to become one of the biggest surprises for the team center. This 303lb 6-5 guy saw a little bit of time for the season opener but then was not able to get back on the field, but during the off season he definitely showed that he wants to become a larger part of the team's offense over the next three years.
Marcus Gilbert is going to be the right tackle, which will be the other key opening. Gilbert is already appearing to be a star. He used to be a defensive lineman, but he's now going to be protecting the blindside for Tim Tebow. He is 6-6 and 320lbs, and while he is a bit big, he's more than experienced for the job.
Mike Pouncey, brother to Maurkice Pouncey is going to be a fixture at the right guard spot after having started every game last year. This junior, who is 6-5 and 320lb was originally considered to be the better player of the two brothers on the offensive, but he moved to the defensive side of things so that he could boost some depth.
James Wilson could possibly end up being started as a left guard depending on what happens to Maurkice Pouncey. This 6-5, 329lb player is a sophomore with the potential for being a great backup.
Matt Patchen may be undersized but he is certainly feisty, and he is quickly becoming a promising left tackle backup just behind Carl Johnson. This 6-6, 260lb player is a sophomore that made 7 tackles and ended up being a key player on special teams after he recovered from a shoulder gunshot wound.
Nick Alajajian is one of the top recruits for the team right now, and is going to push to get time at the right tackle spot, which is an all important position. This 6-4, 280lb player worked his way up into the number 2 spot through tremendous quickness and athleticism. He is not going to be the same mauler run blocker that Gilbert has been, but he still has great pass potential.
Watch Out For: Robey was terrific this spring, and he will be a force to be reckoned with if he is able to hold onto his center job and his consistency. This will allow Maurkice Pouncey to move to guard and then the line is going to be a rock.
- Strength: The biggest strength right now is the talent. Some big replacements may need to be made, and there is definitely a little bit of uncertainty for left guard and center, but between Johnson and the Pouncey brothers, the line is definitely full of all star players that are very good at what they do.
- Weakness: The biggest weakness right now is proven back ups. There is definitely a lot of talent when it comes to the second team, but there isn't much there when it comes to experience. It is important that a steady rotation is found and that the backups are able to step in as quickly as possible.
Outlook: Although largely unsung throughout much of last year, the Gator line was truly fantastic in all areas of play. They were great when it came to pass protection and were able to pound away as well for the ground game. Florida fell into 10th in the entire nation as well as first in the SEC in rushing, and in sacks allowed Florida was 13th in the country. There is definitely going to be some shuffling but this should still be one of the best lines in the SEC, led by the brothers Pouncey, and they should play terrifically throughout the entire year.
Score: 8
Photo Credits: neepster, chuckwaters83, cracklow's faux toes
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What you should be watching out for on the offense: The I-formation. The new offensive coordinator, Steve Addazio, has been experimenting over the off season in order to add a few more wrinkles to this equation. This isn't going to end up being 1977 Nebraska, and the spread really isn't going to go anywhere, but part of the plan here is going to be to develop the passing ability for Tim Tebow while allowing the running backs to become more involved. The biggest beneficiary that is involved in the offense this year is the tight end, Aaron Hernandez. The third leading receiver for the team last year is going to get the ball much more often, and now that Murphy and Harvin are both gone, he is going to be the go-to receiver.
What you should be watching out for on the defense: Watch for the backups. 11 starters are returning from a team defense that managed to finish in ninth place for the entire nation, holding down the Oklahoma defense and taking fourth in scoring defense, and this means that there isn't much room available for wild and sweeping changes to this line up, but some of the back ups are better than the starters, and this is a problem without really being a problem.
The team is going to improve if: If the team doesn't buy into all of the outside hype and pressures, and if the penalties slow down, then the team is going to be far better. Every week there is going to be another greatest of all time type of story, and the players are going to want to hit that point. The attention from the media, everyone trying to win the games by three touch downs, is not necessary because all that the team has to do is play up to their capabilities rather than the hype, and everything is going to be fine.
The schedule: Playing on October 10th against LSU and then October 31st against Georgia, and this is it. There is plenty of talk already about a potential upset in South Carolina, but if Florida is going to play as well as its supposed to, then this is not going to be a bad trip at all. Unless there is some kind of a major upset at Kentucky, at Mississippi State or against Florida State, there is nothing else that needs to be worried about.
Who is the best offensive player? The Senior Quarterback, Tim Tebow. You may be sick of him, and it is likely only going to get worse, but he really is that good. He has completed 66% out of all of his passes for 67 touch downs and 6,390 yards, 11 interceptions, 43 scores and 2,037 yards rushing. He throws a much better and much more accurate ball than most of the scouts are giving him credit for. His bruising style of running isn't really pretty but it is still quite brutally effective.
Who is the best defensive player? The senior linebacker, Brandon Spikes, is the best defensive player on the team right now. He has made 239 tackles in his career, breaking up 11 passes, claiming 25 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions. His athleticism and size are prototype for the sport and he is likely to become more of a spokesman for the team than even Tebow will.
Key Player: The key player to achieving a successful season is going to be the sophomore wide receiver Deonte Thompson. Florida isn't going to have another Harvin, but it will have several different receivers capable of flying. Thompson has caught 18 passes, 3 touch downs and 269 yards and he has a catch average of 14.9 yards.
The season is going to be successful if: If Florida manages to go 14-0 while winning the national championship. If anything less than the absolute perfect season is obtained, then the team is going to be disappointed. Anything less than obtaining a national championship is going to be a complete failure. The expectations may be ridiculously high, but they certainly deserve to be.
The Key Game will be: The October 31 game against Georgia. Watch out for this. Georgia is really, exceptionally good, better than they were last year, and they absolutely have the potential to pull off this win in this truly heated rivalry.
Here are some interesting stats from 2008:
- Florida threw 5 interceptions, opponents threw 26.
- The third down percentage of conversions for Florida was 52% or 83 out of 161, and for Opponents was 33% or 63 out of 192.
- The first quarter scoring for Florida was 167 and only 20 for Opponents.
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