Mr2Bits
Gator Fan
<img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/XjohnnyX/GillisleeMike_090806_1881_TCasey.jpg" class="alignnone" width="209" height="299" />
Sorry guys, I didn’t forget about my blog. I promise.
With the Orange & Blue Debut on Saturday, the Gators are in full swing. And so is Urban Meyer. This year’s spring schedule has produced some stand-outs and some controversy (as there always is in the spotlight). I’m so glad that everybody finally stopped bickering about rights and wrongs, and it boiled down finally to X’s and O’s.
Though the injuries are piling up and starting to show the Gators’ lack of depth, true freshmen are getting a chance to show that they can make an impact as well.
But, my breakout star of spring practice isn’t a freshman, and he’s someone that many didn’t expect to rise up and produce. Mike Gillislee has shown that he is a true elite running back. And I think he is going to give Emmanuel Moody a run for his money. Day in and day out, Gillislee comes out and shows his speed and elusiveness in scrimmage drills, and his incredible work ethic is going to get him a lot of carries this fall.
A freshman who I knew was going to impress was Matt Elam. And he did just that, earning playing time on special teams and on defense at safety. According to Urban Meyer- “Matt Elam will play next year, he’s earned that right already. He’s a hell of a player.” Other freshman have come in and shown their worth as well. Trey Burton has improved his throwing motion noticeably since the start of spring practice. So much, in fact, that Coach Meyer has said that he intends to play a two quarterback system. Similar to 2006 with Chris Leak and Tim Tebow. And with Jordan Reed (who recently switched from QB to tight end) playing in a wildcat package this spring, it seems to me that Coach Meyer and Coach Addazio are still experimenting with the offense. Trying to find their identity and whatever will work best to win games. In my opinion, the offense this fall will look a lot like back in the days of the Ole Ball Coach and his Fun N’ Gun offense. Timing routes with receivers, and a pure pocket quarterback in Johnny Brantley.
I’m also excited to see what the defense will look like in the fall. Right now, the defensive line is “all banged up” according to Meyer. And there are still questions in the backfield of the defense. Though with reinforcements set to come in this summer. The likes of Ronald “ the beast ”Powell, Dominique Easley, and Lynden Trail are almost certain to make an impact. I have complete faith that the defense will recuperate and be a monster come September.
I don’t think there is any question on whether or not Urban Meyer is back. Just ask Jeremy Fowler. Coach Meyer started off a little slow this spring by standing back and letting his staff run the practices a little, with his supervision. But he is back to making powerful speeches after practice and yelling at freshman to pick up their feet. “No stealing, no drugs, no weapons! There’s a good decision and a bad decision. Make that good decision! […] We have a drug policy here! You smoke marijuana, you won’t play football!” I think Coach is going to be just fine.
All is gravy in Gainesville
&
It's Great to be a Florida Gator
p.s. Info on the Orange & Blue Debut this Saturday, April 10th is <a href="http://www.gatorenvy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12781">here</a>
Sorry guys, I didn’t forget about my blog. I promise.
With the Orange & Blue Debut on Saturday, the Gators are in full swing. And so is Urban Meyer. This year’s spring schedule has produced some stand-outs and some controversy (as there always is in the spotlight). I’m so glad that everybody finally stopped bickering about rights and wrongs, and it boiled down finally to X’s and O’s.
Though the injuries are piling up and starting to show the Gators’ lack of depth, true freshmen are getting a chance to show that they can make an impact as well.
But, my breakout star of spring practice isn’t a freshman, and he’s someone that many didn’t expect to rise up and produce. Mike Gillislee has shown that he is a true elite running back. And I think he is going to give Emmanuel Moody a run for his money. Day in and day out, Gillislee comes out and shows his speed and elusiveness in scrimmage drills, and his incredible work ethic is going to get him a lot of carries this fall.
A freshman who I knew was going to impress was Matt Elam. And he did just that, earning playing time on special teams and on defense at safety. According to Urban Meyer- “Matt Elam will play next year, he’s earned that right already. He’s a hell of a player.” Other freshman have come in and shown their worth as well. Trey Burton has improved his throwing motion noticeably since the start of spring practice. So much, in fact, that Coach Meyer has said that he intends to play a two quarterback system. Similar to 2006 with Chris Leak and Tim Tebow. And with Jordan Reed (who recently switched from QB to tight end) playing in a wildcat package this spring, it seems to me that Coach Meyer and Coach Addazio are still experimenting with the offense. Trying to find their identity and whatever will work best to win games. In my opinion, the offense this fall will look a lot like back in the days of the Ole Ball Coach and his Fun N’ Gun offense. Timing routes with receivers, and a pure pocket quarterback in Johnny Brantley.
I’m also excited to see what the defense will look like in the fall. Right now, the defensive line is “all banged up” according to Meyer. And there are still questions in the backfield of the defense. Though with reinforcements set to come in this summer. The likes of Ronald “ the beast ”Powell, Dominique Easley, and Lynden Trail are almost certain to make an impact. I have complete faith that the defense will recuperate and be a monster come September.
I don’t think there is any question on whether or not Urban Meyer is back. Just ask Jeremy Fowler. Coach Meyer started off a little slow this spring by standing back and letting his staff run the practices a little, with his supervision. But he is back to making powerful speeches after practice and yelling at freshman to pick up their feet. “No stealing, no drugs, no weapons! There’s a good decision and a bad decision. Make that good decision! […] We have a drug policy here! You smoke marijuana, you won’t play football!” I think Coach is going to be just fine.
All is gravy in Gainesville
&
It's Great to be a Florida Gator
p.s. Info on the Orange & Blue Debut this Saturday, April 10th is <a href="http://www.gatorenvy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12781">here</a>
