O-town Gator
Gator Fan
OK, it looks like the "meat-and-potatoes" of this year's class has been signed, and based on what I've been reading from random lurkings the reaction is mixed - ranging anywhere from clear thinking and optimism to the Negative Nancies crying in their cornflakes.
As far as I see things, sure we had room to sign at least four more recruits, but we could possibly sign another in the next two weeks, from what I've been reading. The quantity may have been missing, but the quality sure isn't.
Before anybody starts ripping on Coach Meyer for this year's class, let me say this - he addressed immediate roster needs this year, especially on the offensive line with Xavier Nixon, Nick Alajajian, and a HUGE one in Gary Brown. Jelani Jenkins was a huge signee, especially given the fact that both two of our returning linebackers will be seniors this fall - not to mention that Jon Bostic has enrolled early. Andre Dubose faces lofty expectations from many fans, especially following in the footsteps of Percy Harvin, but I don't see him disappointing. Unlike the Zooker who seemed to be a little too star-struck and not attentive to other aspects, Meyer addresses the depth chart and adapability in those to whom he makes scholarship offers to - and after the disciplinary issues we've had has, I'm inclined to think, considered the character of these recruits.
Other schools, especially a certain one in Knoxville, can boast all they want about luring two of our commitments away from Gainesville. The moment of truth will take place on the playing field, and if they're expecting miracles right off the bat from this class and Lane Kiffin they're in for a rude awakening. With a few exceptions, teams in transition aren't overnight successes, and don't be surprised to see the backlash hit Kiffin & Co. this fall.
Another area to consider is academics; sure other schools may have signed some prize recruits, but will all of them qualify academically? Another feather-in-the-cap for Meyer: this is also another consideration in his offering scholarships to recruits. To not have a recruit qualify because of grades, SAT/ACT scores and be forced to go to JUCO to make the grades necessary to enroll is futile, don't you think?
It's not all about the stars Rivals and Scout assigns to a recruit either; it's also the coaching that matters. Forgive me if I may be preaching to the choir, but as much as the Zook-apologist remnants still present in our fanbase like to crow about his recruiting abilities, he couldn't coach, control or motivate his players - some have said that he's one of the biggest wasters of talent out there, and I say so as well.
As far as we're concerned 2009 should be considered more-or-less a "reloading" year for us. That being said though, 2010 will be more crucial as far as recruiting is concerned, given the number of graduating seniors we'll have. I have full faith in Coach Meyer that he'll have things covered; as of right now we have four verbals for next year's class so Gator Nation need not fret.
Tomorrow night I'll be attending a Q&A session with "Hollywood Bob" Redman sponsored by the Central Florida Gator Club; I'm anxious to hear his thoughts on this year's recruiting class and what he sees in store for us come this fall. I'll post something about it on Friday.
GO GATORS!!!!!!! :gator::gator::gator:
As far as I see things, sure we had room to sign at least four more recruits, but we could possibly sign another in the next two weeks, from what I've been reading. The quantity may have been missing, but the quality sure isn't.
Before anybody starts ripping on Coach Meyer for this year's class, let me say this - he addressed immediate roster needs this year, especially on the offensive line with Xavier Nixon, Nick Alajajian, and a HUGE one in Gary Brown. Jelani Jenkins was a huge signee, especially given the fact that both two of our returning linebackers will be seniors this fall - not to mention that Jon Bostic has enrolled early. Andre Dubose faces lofty expectations from many fans, especially following in the footsteps of Percy Harvin, but I don't see him disappointing. Unlike the Zooker who seemed to be a little too star-struck and not attentive to other aspects, Meyer addresses the depth chart and adapability in those to whom he makes scholarship offers to - and after the disciplinary issues we've had has, I'm inclined to think, considered the character of these recruits.
Other schools, especially a certain one in Knoxville, can boast all they want about luring two of our commitments away from Gainesville. The moment of truth will take place on the playing field, and if they're expecting miracles right off the bat from this class and Lane Kiffin they're in for a rude awakening. With a few exceptions, teams in transition aren't overnight successes, and don't be surprised to see the backlash hit Kiffin & Co. this fall.
Another area to consider is academics; sure other schools may have signed some prize recruits, but will all of them qualify academically? Another feather-in-the-cap for Meyer: this is also another consideration in his offering scholarships to recruits. To not have a recruit qualify because of grades, SAT/ACT scores and be forced to go to JUCO to make the grades necessary to enroll is futile, don't you think?
It's not all about the stars Rivals and Scout assigns to a recruit either; it's also the coaching that matters. Forgive me if I may be preaching to the choir, but as much as the Zook-apologist remnants still present in our fanbase like to crow about his recruiting abilities, he couldn't coach, control or motivate his players - some have said that he's one of the biggest wasters of talent out there, and I say so as well.
As far as we're concerned 2009 should be considered more-or-less a "reloading" year for us. That being said though, 2010 will be more crucial as far as recruiting is concerned, given the number of graduating seniors we'll have. I have full faith in Coach Meyer that he'll have things covered; as of right now we have four verbals for next year's class so Gator Nation need not fret.
Tomorrow night I'll be attending a Q&A session with "Hollywood Bob" Redman sponsored by the Central Florida Gator Club; I'm anxious to hear his thoughts on this year's recruiting class and what he sees in store for us come this fall. I'll post something about it on Friday.
GO GATORS!!!!!!! :gator::gator::gator:
