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From the I-told-you-so department...
GAINESVILLE -- Following up on Monday's disputed blog entry about freshman Chris Rainey helping the defense...Rainey practiced briefly at nickel back today. To read what senior captain Tony Joiner thinks about Rainey in the secondary, check out the Gators' practice report in tomorrow's paper. Herald whiz-kid correspondent Mike "Mike" McCall interviewed Joiner and got a pretty interesting response.
-jo-
Bad news for the Gators...
If Trautwein has indeed broken his foot, then I think coaches should give him the option of a taking a medical redshirt. There's no sense in rushing Trautwein back from the injury. Florida will be favored to win a national title in 2008 and Trautwein will have the chance to earn his second ring.
-jo-
GAINESVILLE -- Big news on Tuesday from the other side of the world. Former Gators track star Kerron Clement (pictured) won a world championship in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2007 IAAF World Championships in Osaka, Japan.
Clement's gold is the second individual world title for a Gator in a men's event. John Capel won a world championship in the 200-meter dash in 2003. Clement's 400-meter hurdles time of 47.61 is the world's fastest outdoor time of the year.
Novlene Williams, another former Gator, will be racing for gold today in the women's 400-meters world championship final.
No news yet on who would win in a 40-yard dash between Clement and Percy Harvin.
-jo-
GAINESVILLE -- Might Chris Rainey be making a switch to cornerback? Don't laugh. The coaches are at least thinking about the possibility.
"It hasn't been determined that way yet," said Heater when asked if Rainey might switch to defensive back.
Moving Rainey to defensive back sounds like a great idea. The Gators are weak at that position and Rainey is one of the quickest and fastest players on the team. His football instincts are excellent, so a move this early in his career to defensive back shouldn't set him back too much.
When you think about it, Rainey would likely have more long-term success (shot at the NFL) as a cover man/return specialist. After all, he only weighs about 160 pounds. As for the short term (college), Rainey might have to wait two or three more years to be a starter at running back. Kestahn Moore is a junior and Emmanuel Moody, the USC transfer, will be around for at least the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Even with Moore and Moody out of the picture, I don't see Rainey ever developing into the type of pass blocker needed to make UF's offense fully successful.
Rainey's abilities are too great to be wasted on a career of kick returns, field goal and punt blocks and niche offensive plays. A move to defensive back would benefit both Rainey and Florida. And, besides, Rainey's out-going personality already fits the mold of an all-American cornerback.
-jo-
GAME WEEK!!!
GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer told reporters today that sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson sprained his knee on Saturday and will likely miss the Gators' season opener against Western Kentucky. If Anderson is unable to go on Saturday, then sophomore reserve Wondy Pierre-Louis will make the first start of his career. Congrats to Wondy, who shined as a special teams contributor as a freshman and now gets his big chance to impress coaches in the secondary.
Don't expect Pierre-Louis (pictured, nice hair!) to remain a starter for long, though. Anderson is the Gators' most experienced cover man and, if he's not available against Western Kentucky, should be ready to go against Troy, a team with a talented senior quarterback.
Before being elevated as a starter, Pierre-Louis was expected to be a significant contributor on special teams against Western Kentucky. Meyer said on Monday that Pierre-Louis will be relieved of his duties as a gunner on kickoffs in an effort to keep his legs fresh.
-jo-
GAINESVILLE -- Just a "reporter's hunch," but expect former University of Southern California running back Emmanuel Moody to be enrolled at Florida come Monday. Moody, who started four games and appeared in nine his freshman season at USC, visited Gainesville on Thursday and attended the Gators' practice.
"USC is all about the rotation, getting everybody sharing time," said Moody, who was also considering North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Texas and Oklahoma State. "I want to be the featured back."
The addition of Moody will spark an immediate (friendly) rivalry with Florida running back Kestahn Moore. Moody and Moore played in the same pee-wee football league in Dallas, Texas.
"I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing," Moore said. "We've still got running backs here, so there's always going to be competition. It's nothing new to me. I'm always ready for competition."
In other news...
--Florida coach Urban Meyer said on Saturday that freshman Joe Haden will start at cornerback next Saturday against Western Kentucky. Meyer said Haden was one of the five fastest players on the team.
--Other freshmen defenders who will likely see the field against Western Kentucky include safety Major Wright and defensive linemen Carlos Dunlap, Justin Trattou, Duke Lemmens and Torrey Davis.
--The eligibility of freshman defensive tackle John Brown is still pending. Meyer said Brown will not play against Western Kentucky even if cleared next week by the NCAA.
-jo-
10 days until kickoff ...
GAINESVILLE -- Now is the time to start worrying about the secondary. Florida coach Urban Meyer is less than a fortnight away from his season opener and he still doesn't know who his starting cornerbacks will be. (Meaning, he knows who his starters are but he's not very happy about it.)
Sophomore Markihe Anderson and freshman Joe Haden are the frontrunners followed by redshirt junior Markus Manson and sophomore Wondy Pierre-Louis. Is anyone comfortable with a freshman and sophomore starting on the corners? Get prepared for a lot of zone coverages.
-jo-
True story: Only one player waves to reporters every day after practice ... His name is Tim Tebow. Stunned by the gesture, reporters offer no reply save the blank stare of a small animal startled by some unexplainable force, like a a bolt of lightning or gunfire. Deer/reporter: "I don't know Steve, I can't explain it. The tree makes a loud noise and there's Joseph dead on the ground and bleeding from the ears...Tongue all hanging out."
GAINESVILLE -- Lou Holtz visited the Gators' practice today. He wants to know the same thing every college football fan in the Southeastern Conference has been wondering: Can Tim Tebow throw a football?
Tebow answered his question. Holtz walked away from practice impressed and wearing a Florida Gators cap. Holtz (pictured, scary hands) hired Florida coach Urban Meyer in 1996. (Holtz's last season at Notre Dame.) The mentor-apprentice relationship continues. Meyer calls Holtz the "greatest motivator I've ever been around."
I think some of Holtz's famous motivational coach-speak inspired Meyer today. In a post-practice press conference, Meyer said "drag ass" or some variant of the phrase four times during a 20-second refrain.
"If you have a team that doesn't like football then they drag-ass around. When your best players are dragging ass then you have a bad team. Like I said, there's a percentage of the players that get up and drag ass all day because they're drag assers. But if your best players on offense--your Drew Millers and Tim Tebows on offense and your Brandon Spikes, Tony Joiner and Derrick Harvey [on defense], then you've got an issue and you've got to deal with it."
-jo-
GAINESVILLE -- Here's a picture to go with today's lead notebook item (CLICK THE LINK TO READ MY STORY.) This might not be the final design for the tag. The Georgia department of motor vehicles will likely have the final say on the design, according to the folks at the Atlanta Gator Club.
Of course, I've always been in favor of no license plate tags at all. It's not quite the same as the government tattooing a number to your backside, but it's the next best thing. (And cars don't wear pants.)
-jo-
14 days until kickoff ... TWO WEEKS, PEOPLE!!! Better leave South Florida now if you want to make it to Gainesville on time.
GAINESVILLE -- The removal of a thin strip of adhesive plastic from the helmets of freshmen Gators continued today. This right-of-passage occurs every fall in honor of Urban Meyer's favorite movie character (Stripe, pictured). Freshman receiver Deonte Thompson (Belle Glade) is the latest Gator to remove his sticker. (Actually, a teammate does it.)
Other ritualized freshmen include Major Wright, Mike Pouncey, Brandon Hicks, Steve Wilks, Carlos Dunlap, Chris Rainey and Matthew Broderick (pictured).
--In related news of the occult, Billy Donovan spoke at the Gators' annual séance, Champions Night. This is when the football team gathers in the dark to summon the proper motivation needed to compete in the Southeastern Conference. This is the second year for Champions Night. It apparently worked quite well last year. Players watched a 20-minute highlight video of various champions last night. The compilation included video footage of Tiger Woods and Jerry Rice. Donovan explained the difference between believing in a teammate and trusting a teammate. Sounds like summer camp.
--A couple days ago I wrote in this blog that recruiting by way of cell phone text messaging ended on Aug. 15. I was wrong. It actually ended Aug. 1. I apologize for the mistake and will pay everyone who was deceived by the error $100. Just send me your social security number, driver's license information, mother's maiden name and checking account numbers.
-jo-
GAINESVILLE -- Wilber Marshall, considered the greatest defender in the history of Florida football, will be added to the Gators' Ring of Honor prior to Florida's home game against Auburn on Sept. 29.
The Ring of Honor, located above the north endzone inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, was started in 2006 to display the names of former Gator greats. The inaugural class included Emmitt Smith, Danny Wuerffel, Jack Youngblood and Steve Spurrier.
Marshall was a two-time All-American (1982-83) who many believe to be the greatest outside linebacker in the history of football. His most memorable game as a Gator came against Southern California in 1982. On the heels of a win against Miami (Marshall recorded 17 tackles and three sacks against the 'Canes and Jim Kelly), Marshall had 14 tackles and four sacks against the Trojans. (USC's quarterback at the time was Sean Salisbury.)
Marshall had 343 tackles as a Gator and 23 sacks and was drafted (1994) in the first round by the Chicago Bears. A three-time All-Pro selection, Marshall won two Super Bowls (Bears 1985, 'Skins 1991) and finished his career pro career with 45 sacks and 23 interceptions. Now a native of Titusville, Marshall is the only player in the history of the NFL to record 20 sacks and 20 interceptions.
-jo-
17 days until kickoff...and Tim Tebow makes it rain.
GAINESVILLE -- Training camp wears on the the Gators' freshmen class. The youngsters are pulling hamstrings, tweaking knees, suffering from the heat -- basically learning what it's like to play football.
-Freshmen John Jones and Jerimy Finch have worked their ways up the depth chart quickly. Jones and Finch could serve as back-up linebackers this season.
-Sports Illustrated's college football preview hits the stands tomorrow morning (Wednesday). SI ranks the Gators No.3 in the nation behind No.1 USC and No.2 LSU. There are five regional covers this year featuring USC, Michigan, West Virginia, Oklahoma and ARKANSAS. Take that as a slap in the face, Gator fans.
-jo-
This email comes to us from Bartholomew Motes of Tallahassee...to submit your email for publication email Joseph Goodman at jgoodman@MiamiHerald.com along with your name and city of residence.
Am I the only one who was baffled at why TWO of your guys think that Tebow said that he puts up 400 pounds? I'm pretty sure that by "four" he means 4 plates aka 225.
--Bartholomew M. Motes
FSU Law Review
Founding President, Society for Chinese Law
Editor's Note: By writing "TWO of your guys," Mr. Motes is referring to me [Joseph Goodman] and Miami Herald sports columnist Israel Gutierrez.
Mr. Motes attached a link to this article, which I found to be pretty interesting. http://www.criticalbench.com/pro-athletes-bench-press.htm
GAINESVILLE -- Better leave your house early for the Gators' season opener. Florida opens the 2007 football season with a 12:30 p.m. kickoff on Sept.1 against Western Kentucky. Blah!!!
The ESPN networks passed on the Gators in favor of Oklahoma State at Georiga (5:45 p.m., ESPN 2) and Kansas State at Auburn (7:45 p.m., ESPN). Lincoln Financial will televise the Gators' home opener.
If you live in Miami-Dade or Broward counties and you're planning on attending the season opener, I suggest you pack up the RV and leave today.
-jo-
18 days until kickoff ...
GAINESVILLE -- I'm learning that little news comes out of fall training camp. The practices are closed and Urban Meyer addresses the media for about four minutes every morning.
-Meyer says that freshman Jerimy Finch of Indianapolis is practicing well and has already earned himself playing time this season. Meyer doesn't know where he'll play Finch just yet but the coach is leaning towards either safety or outside linebacker.
-Cameron Newton is practicing without pain, according to Meyer. Newton missed the first week of fall practice due to academic reasons (according to Meyer) but the freshman quarterback is also recovering from a back injury.
-jo-
This bit of smack was sent to me by a Gators fan. Or maybe an FAU fan? ... Rebuttals anyone.
If a pin drops in an empty Orange Bowl, does it make a noise? Things are testy these days in Coral Gables and their flimsy fan base, and quite frankly, i love it. Blah Blah Blah the 1980s, blah blah blah private school, blah blah blah we make excuses for not attending games....somethings never change, but all you have to do is be a casual college football fan to see one thing that has is the pecking order in the state, and the only more laughable then you old timers living in the past is watching the seminoles flush down the toilet with you guys lol. Can't wait till September! -Howard Schnellenberger's Ghost... Hoot, Hoot |
Florida's media day highlight...
Freshman running back Chris Rainey told reporters, "I like white girls."
-jo-
GAINESVILLE -- It's funny to watch fat people push each other around. This happened for about 10 minutes during Florida's practice on Thursday.
Circle of Cockfighting
The drill is called "Circle of Life." Here's what happens. Players square off against each other in a three-point stance. The two opposing helmets are separated by about 10 feet. A coach claps his hands or spits tobacco or drops a rose or blows a kiss or something and then said opposing helmets run full bangaroo at each other and collide.
Encasing the action is a circle of teammates cheering or placing bets or something. The point of this spectacle is to win a pushing contest. Things of this nature also happen in Mexico (and Alabama and allegedly Michael Vick's summer home).
Anyway, it wasn't much fun watching the defensive backs, linebackers and running backs push each other around. AND TIM TEBOW WASN'T ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE OUT OF FEAR FOR EVERYONE ELSE. But the fat guys -- the people getting their tuition paid in full to push people around on Saturdays -- those fat guys were hilarious. So strong is Carlton Medder. He pushes people around like Neno Brown (pictured) pushes smack.
-jo-
23 days until kickoff ... and Tim Tebow spoke Aramaic today then cured a puppy sick with distemper.
GAINESVILLE -- Lightning ended Florida's practice ON TIME tonight. Normally, Urban Meyer extends practice 20 to 30 minutes after it's scheduled to end.
-Running backs Brandon James, Chris Rainey and Kestahn Moore all broke long gains during team drills. Meyer said that Rainey has a chance to contribute to the Gators' offense this season. (That should be interesting. Tebow: "Green 18! Green 18! Avocado!")
-Someone should test center Drew Miller's right wrist for steroids. His snaps keep soaring over the heads of Florida's quarterbacks. Miller is one of Florida's best linemen, so I'm sure he'll get his rhythm down. But six high snaps during one practice begs the question, "Son, what you been doing with that wrist?"
-Meyer is not happy with the team's place kickers (Joey Ijjas and Jonathan Phillips) and is eager to get a look at invited walk-on freshman Jordan Means, who prepped at Hoover (Ala.) High his senior year. Means has been away from the practice field recovering from mononucleosis and will join the team next week. Good thing kickers are already pretty much quaratined from the rest of the squad.
Meyer: "Hey, Phillip. Yeah, this is Urb. Look, don't worry about flying down from Knoxville this weekend. The boys are pretty sick.
Fulmer, but with an English accent (high class northern London, not cockney): "Good heavens, old boy! Most unfortunate. What in the devil could be wrong?"
Meyer: "They all got mono from the kicker."
Fulmer: "I do say. That IS a kicker. A little crazy in the karzy, eh."
-jo-
Rebuttals anyone...
This serious piece of smack talk comes from Chuck E. Gator:
"Spare me the has beens. UM was the place to go, IN THE PAST !!! I can't wait till next year when you losers get to play in a real stadium in front of a real crowd and get you a$$ kicked all the way back to Miami."
-Nice smack talk Chuck E.
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We'll get to the SEC East tomorrow...a quick NCAA '08 update: It took me three tries to beat Troy. I'm either really pathetic at this video game stuff or Troy is the best team in the universe. While the men of Troy put up a fight, Tennessee was pathetic, as was Ole Miss.
ALABAMA (This from Ian R. Rapoport of the Birmingham News.)
Jimmy Johns moved from running back to fullback. Johns (6-2, 233 pounds), a former Mississippi Mr. Football selection, played quarterback in high school.
AUBURN (This from Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News.)
Lee Ziemba worked with the first-team offense on Wednesday. Ziemba, a 6-8, 297-pound freshman from Arkansas, was one of the nation's most highly recruited offensive lineman last year.
OLE MISS: (This from Robbie Neiswanger of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger)
-Quarterback Brent Schaeffer (Deerfield Beach, pictured) has been moved to wide recevier.
-It appears defensive lineman Jerrell Powe is one step closer to finally playing football for Ole Miss. Powe signed a national letter of intent with the Rebels in 2005 but didn't have the grades to attend the school until now. At least that's what the Rebels are hoping. Powe applied for admission to the university on Wednesday and signed scholarship papers. He can practice with the Rebs for 14 days while the NCAA Clearinghouse reviews his transcripts. This news comes after Powe's attorney said the former Parade All-American nearly signed a scholarship with Miami on Tuesday.
A few notes from Wednesday's practice...
GAINESVILLE -- Freshman quarterback John Brantley practiced with the second-team offense again today. Junior college transfer Bryan Waggener sat out with what coach Urban Meyer called "heat" issues. (Did he mean that figuratively or literally?)
Brantley shined at times, throwing a beautiful fade pattern to Deonte Thompson in the corner of the end zone during team drills. He also threw touchdowns to tight end Aaron Hernandez and wide receiver Jarred Fayson.
-Freshman quarterback Cameron Newton is expected to begin practicing on Friday. Originally tabbed as the team's back-up, Newton should still have plenty of time to win the job.
-Marcus Gilbert (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) sprained his ankle. He finished practice in "the pit," the place where all injured Florida Gators mill about and play with medicine balls. James Wilson spent his second day in "the pit." He struggled to walk off the field after practice.
-Freshman Bo Williams (Oakland Park Northeast) continues to limp through practice.
-Freshman Moses Jenkins (Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson) is still adjusting to the intensity of college football.
-Redshirt freshman Jamar Hornsby had a nice interception during team drills.
-Sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow wasn't sharp. (By the looks of his passes, I'd say his back is a little sore.)
-Cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis is coming around. He practiced well for the second straight day.
-The right of passage for all UF freshmen and junior college transfers is having a black stripe removed from your helmet. The stripe comes off and you're a "true" Gator, as the tradition goes. No freshman has been de-striped yet but Major Wright (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) will probably be the first Gator to be baptized. Meyer said Wright nearly earned his de-striping after the freshman made an impressive open-field tackle during team drills. Chris Rainey was on the receiving end of that hit. Hard to tell, but I'm pretty sure Wright transferred some of his stripe onto Rainey's hat.
-jo-
23 days until kickoff ... and Tebow rhymes with Debo ... as in: Mayor Wright deboed Chris Rainey during practice today. (For those who have never seen the celluloid classic "Friday", to be "deboed" is to be, "Knocked the .... out.")
GAINESVILLE -- In honor of Wright's hammer (read about it in Thursday's sports section of The Miami Herald or online at MiamiHerald.com), here is a Top 10 list of things/people that hit just as hard as Major Wright, the Gators' true freshman safety and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas alum.
10. 
Debo, obviously.
________________________________________________________________________
9. Sledgehammer
________________________________________________________________________
8. 
Alex Rodriguez
________________________________________________________________________
7. 
The Juggernaut
________________________________________________________________________
6. 
Patriot missiles
________________________________________________________________________
5. A young Mike Tyson
________________________________________________________________________
4. 
Lightning
________________________________________________________________________
3. 
A speaker stack
________________________________________________________________________
2. 
________________________________________________________________________
1. 
My best friend's mom, who used to beat me nearly every day of my childhood. That's me on the left. Click on the picture for a better look.
-jo-
It's late...I mean early...
GAINESVILLE -- Important news to report during the wee hours of the morn'. So, let me just preface this by explaining that this early morning blogging business can all be blamed on Darren McFadden, Arkansas' running back and Heisman Trophy candidate. He told me to go buy NCAA '08 (video game) because he was the top-rated player in the game. Anyway, I just completed my first game and I'm looking at the box score: Florida 114, Western Kentucky 0.
MY VIDEO GAME
Florida 114, Western Kentucky 0
UF Hilltoppers
First downs 22 0
Total offense 887 75
Rushes-Yards 11-265 22-(-48)
Comp-Att-TD-Int 19-28-10-0 9-32-0-3
Passing 622 123
Turnovers 0 4
Fumbles-Lost 0 2-1
Penalties-Yards 2-20 0
T.O.P 9:15 10:45
INDIVIDUAL STATS
RUSHING — UF: Kestahn Moore 8-239-3; Tim Tebow 2-24-1; Deonte Thompson 1-2.
PASSING — UF: Tim Tebow 19-28-622-10-0
RECEIVING — UF: Percy Harvin 7-225-4; Deonte Thompson 5-131-1; Jarred Fayson 3-134-2; Andre Caldwell 3-128-2; Tate Casey 1-4-1.
SCORING SUMMARY
UF 20 29 28 37 -- 114
WK 0 0 0 0 -- 0
UF-Thompson 66 pass from Tebow (Ijjas kick)
UF-Harvin 19 pass from Tebow (Ijjas kick)
UF-Cooper 73 punt return (2-pt pass fail)
UF-Casey 4 pass from Tebow (Ijjas kick)
UF-Harvin 40 pass from Tebow (Ijjas kick)
UF-Moore 57 run (Ijjas pass to Thompson)
UF-Harvin 4 pass from Tebow (Ijjas kick)
UF-Caldwell 52 pass from Tebow (Ijjas kick)
UF-Caldwell 52 pass from Tebow (Ijjas kick)
UF-Moore 62 run (Ijjas kick)
UF-Moore 82 run (Ijjas kick)
UF-Fayson 69 pass from Tebow (Ijjas kick)
UF-Harvin 68 pass from Tebow (Ijjas kick)
UF-Cooper 62 punt return (Ijjas kick)
UF-Fayson 45 pass from Tebow (Tebow run)
UF-Tebow 23 run (Tebow pass to Thompson)
RECAP
GAINESVILLE — One start. That’s all it took for Tim Tebow to rewrite college football’s record books.
Florida’s sophomore quarterback threw 10 touchdowns in his first collegiate start and the Gators opened their season in historic fashion beating Western Kentucky 114-0. Florida’s statistician announced his retirement after the game. Mail in your Heisman Trophy votes now, all you smelly sports writers.
Tebow passed for 622 yards and connected on touchdown throws of 66, 19, 4, 40, 4, 52, 52, 69, 68 and 45 yards. And then, in a show of sarcasm aimed at all the sports writers who questioned his passing ability before the season, Tebow ran for a 23-yard score to end the game.
“I just want to thank God for giving me the chance to play this beautiful game,” Tebow said.
“You play like a god,” replied a reporter.
“Bow to me,” Tebow said.
NOTES: Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey had four sacks and one personal foul … Clint McMillan had two sacks … Riley Cooper led the Gators with seven tackles … All of his tackles came on special teams … Cooper also returned two punts for touchdowns … Markus Manson had two interceptions … Lorenzo Edwards had one interception … Deonte Thompson played fullback the entire game … He also caught a pair of two-point conversions.
-jo-
A few notes from Practice No.6 ... just a quick aside before we begin. I picked up NCAA '08 (college football video game) tonight after practice. I did so on the advice of Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, who informed me during a phone interview that he was the game's most highly rated player.
GAINESVILLE -- Today was the first day freshmen practiced with the returning players. It was also the first day players practiced in shoulder pads. Players can practice in full pads on Saturday.
Redshirt junior Jason Watkins practiced with first-team offensive line during the Gators' two-minute drills. One spot is up for grabs on the O-line. Watkins is expected to battle freshmen Maurice Hurt, Maurkice and Mike Pouncey for the starting role. (But I wouldn't count out Marcus Gilbert, either.)
-Injured freshman offensive lineman James Wilson rehabbed on the field today during practice. Wilson, who is recuperating from left knee surgery, will compete for playing time once healthy. Florida coach Urban Meyer said that Wilson will likely begin practicing in three weeks.
-Wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales said he was impressed with Riley Cooper on Tuesday. Cooper had three receptions -- all for touchdowns -- against Western Carolina in 2006, becoming the first freshman to accomplish such a feat since Jabar Gaffney in 2000.
-Spots along the defensive line are wide open right now and the competition rages. Along with returning starter Derrick Harvey, Meyer singled out Clint McMillan as an early top performer. Javier Estopinan (South Miami, pictured) appears to be an early frontrunner at defensive tackle as well. Meyer also said freshman defensive lineman Justin Trattou has excelled and will earn playing time.
Read more about practice in The Miami Herald or MiamiHerald.com.
-jo-
24 days until kickoff...and is it suspicious to anyone other than me that Tim Tebow and Hans Solo have never been seen together? Tebow does have all the characteristics of a rebel space pirate. Square jaw, four-day-old stubble, hairy sidekicks who utter unintelligible moans of want, the gun show. And Tebow's name pronounced backwards does sound a bit ... out of this world. "This is Mit Wobet transmitting from the planet Endor of the ninth galaxy. We're taking heavy fire. Please send in the back-up! Please send in the back-up!"
GAINESVILLE -- Speaking of the back-up, who it be? Junior Bryan Waggener doesn't look as good as freshman John Brantley and the other freshman, Cameron Newton, is no where to be seen. Translation: Tim Tebow please stay healthy!
Big news here. Right tackle Phil Trautwein took reps on Monday as a back-up center. More offensive line news should come out of today's practice. HOW EXHILARATING!!!
Of all the athletes gifted with God-given ability on this Florida team, Percy Harvin is the stinking Pope. Some of the things he does in practice make his teammates clap. And Urban Meyer said on Monday that Harvin is playing tougher this spring than in Augusts past. Whatever that means. It made no sense to me.
Monday's prettiest play was not offered by Harvin, though. An over-the-shoulder catch made by Jarred Fayson took the prize. Fayson expects to have a good season. On Monday he said he actually knows what he's doing this year.
-jo-
GAINESVILLE -- This college town is a quiet place at 4:30 a.m. on a Monday morning. That's what time I fired up the ol' Ford Explorer and headed down to campus for Practice No. 3, the final freshmen-only session of the Gators' training camp. The frosh join the big boys tomorrow.
Not much to report this morning other than the freshmen were scheduled to take the field at 5 a.m. but didn't actually begin practice until about 5:30. A few observations:
-Freshman wide receiver Paul Wilson is as sure-handed as they come. I haven't seen him drop a pass yet.
-Freshman punter Chas Henry, who played quarterback in high school, has a pretty good arm. For the second straight day, he lobbed deep balls during a defensive backs drill. I'd expect to see a few fake punts this season.
-I reported yesterday in the blog that freshman running back Bo Williams limped through his first practice. He appeared fine this morning.
-Freshman safety Major Wright is the leader of the young defensive backs. Wright barked orders and encouragement during nearly every drill this morning.
-A few people think freshman cornerback Joe Haden will compete for a starting position this fall. He's got a lot of work to do.
-Freshman defensive tackle John Brown is out of shape. It's understandable. He missed summer conditioning drills while attending summer school.
-jo-
25 days until kickoff...and scientists announced on Sunday that Tim Tebow discovered a new element. International chemists have named the new element Tebownium.
GAINESVILLE -- The University of Florida's sports information staff confirmed on Sunday night that freshman back-up quarterback Cameron Newton will miss the beginning of training camp to focus on his final week of the summer semester.
Newton, who enrolled early at UF, participated in the Gators' spring practice and has been named the team's early back-up quarterback. With Newton away, junior transfer quarterback Bryan Waggener took snaps as the team's back-up on Sunday night. Freshman quarterback John Brantley practiced Sunday afternoon during the freshman-only practice.
-Fans applauded Percy Harvin on Sunday after a simple pass route that befuddled cornerback Markus Manson. Harvin shook Manson so completely that the converted defensive back fell to the ground. During SEC media days, UF senior safety Tony Joiner said that Manson, a redshirt junior who moved from running back to cornerback during spring drills, was the defense's most improved player.
-Florida practices twice today. Freshmen take the field at 5 a.m. and returning players practice at 4:15 p.m.
-jo-
GAINESVILLE -- The freshmen practiced today. It was hot. Just a few quick notes before I head back out to watch the veterans take the practice field for the first time. The Gators' evening practice begins at 7:40.
-Defensive tackle John Brown practiced today but he has not been officially cleared by the NCAA. A two-week window allows Brown to practice with the team before the NCAA Clearinghouse determines if Brown is eligible to join the team permanently. Brown has spent this summer in the classroom and, understandably, appears a bit out of shape compared to the rest of the freshmen.
-Freshman defender Lorenzo Edwards has been moved to linebacker. Edwards (6-2, 221 pounds) was recruited as a safety.
-Freshman running back Bo Williams (Oakland Park Northeast) limped through practice. He is still recovering from an ankle injury.
-Freshman wide receiver Christopher Jones was the only player without a number today. He drew attention to himself after several impressive catches.
26 days until kickoff...and Tim Tebow scored 11 hole-in-ones in one round this morning before his first day of football practice. Reporters contacted the PGA and golf officials decided to rename the ace the 'Tim-Teb.'
FYI: I'LL BE BLOGGING LIVE FROM PRACTICE TODAY IF THE BATTERY IN MY LAPTOP HOLDS OUT; If anyone would like a specific question answered by Coach Meyer or any of the players just leave me a comment and I'll pass it on.
GAINESVILLE -- The No.3-ranked Gators begin football practice today. The first day of fall practice is the day reporters check off names on their rosters to make sure everyone is at practice, especially freshmen. The status of defensive tackle John Brown is still in question. The Lakeland High football coach has said that Brown has qualified. (This was reported in The Lakeland Ledger and the Orlando Sentinel.) But Florida remains mum on the subject.
Five questions to keep an eye on this fall:
1. How many snaps will Jarred Fayson receive at running back? Fayson is one of the most athletic players on the team and coach Urban Meyer said that he plans to use Fayson in the backfield this season. Kestahn Moore is currently first on the depth chart.
2. Will senior Kyle Jackson start at free safety? Jackson started in 2005 but sat the bench in 2006. If Jackson can reestablish himself in the secondary, it would help a unit that needs help.
3. Who will kick? No returning player has attempted a punt or a field goal.
4. Freshmen? It's no secret underclassmen must play several important roles this season. But how many? Keep an eye on these freshmen this spring: DT Torrey Davis, DT John Brown (assuming he qualifies), WR Deonte Thompson and S Major Wright.
5. Will a cornerback please stand up? Cornerback was the Gators' weakest position during the spring game. Either they wanted to make Tim Tebow look great (or Tim Tebow is just that great) or there is plenty of work to be done at the position.
-jo-
28 days until kickoff...and Tim Tebow ate concrete for breakfast and then wrote a novel before lunch.
GAINESVILLE -- Florida is ranked No.3 in the first release of the USA Today Top 25 coaches' poll. I guess it's customary to rank the defending national champ among next year's best, but a Top 5 preseason ranking for a team that lost so many starters seems a bit questionable. The biggest question of the first coaches' poll, however, has nothing to do with Florida. This is what I want to know. Who the heck voted for Duke?
-jo-
PRESEASON USA TODAY TOP 25 COACHES' POLL
| 1. USC (45) 0-0 1,481 |
| 2. LSU (4) 0-0 1,372 |
| 3. Florida (9) 0-0 1,278 |
| 4. Texas 0-0 1,231 |
| 5. Michigan (2) 0-0 1,218 |
| 6. West Virginia 0-0 1,205 |
| 7. Wisconsin 0-0 1,114 |
| 8. Oklahoma 0-0 1,026 |
| 9. Virginia Tech 0-0 1,005 |
| 10. Ohio State 0-0 919 |
| 11. Louisville 0-0 836 |
| 12. California 0-0 763 |
| 13. Georgia 0-0 604 |
| 14. Auburn 0-0 595 |
| 15. Tennessee 0-0 583 |
| 16. Rutgers 0-0 466 |
| 17. UCLA 0-0 454 |
| 18. Penn State 0-0 440 |
| 19. Nebraska 0-0 388 |
| 20. Arkansas 0-0 360 |
| 21. Florida State 0-0 301 |
| 22. TCU 0-0 233 |
| 23. Boise State 0-0 222 |
| 24. Hawaii 0-0 214 |
| 25. Texas A&M 0-0 209 |
Others Recieving Votes Boston College 150, Georgia Tech 150, Miami (FL) 91, Notre Dame 90, South Carolina 90, Wake Forest 71, Missouri 58, Oregon State 52, Brigham Young 47, Clemson 30, Oregon 30, South Florida 26, Texas Tech 20, Alabama 16, Oklahoma State 15, Southern Miss 14, Iowa 12, Kansas State 8, Memphis 5, Houston 4, Arizona 1, Duke 1, Kentucky 1, Washington State 1. |
29 days until kickoff...
JACKSONVILLE -- I caught up with Florida all-American safety Reggie Nelson on Wednesday after the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice. Nelson is a long way from Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College, the place where his humble college football career began. Life is good these days. Nelson is newly rich after recently signing a five-year contract worth $13.1 million and is a projected starter on one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Q: Have you bought anything with your money yet?
A: I just want to take care of my kid. That is my main priority.
Q: Did it hit you of what was going on while you were signing?
A: The signing hasn't hit me yet. But you know all the guys keep teasing about the money. It's just funny right now.
Q: How is training camp different from mini-camp?
A: "You know everybody is good in shorts. You know when you put the pads on then we will find out who can play and who can't."
Q: Do you have a lot of steam coming off a national championship?
A: "I don't think I got a lot of steam. It's all about playing football. Just got to come out and play football."
Q: How are you preparing for your first NFL start?
A: "I just got to study and keep studying."
Q: Is Tim Tebow the mayor of Gainesville this season?
A: [Laughter] "Tim Tebow has been the mayor of Gainesville since last season. When he walked on campus he was the mayor."
GAINESVILLE -- It appears Billy Donovan wants his young Gators to stay in the kitty pool this upcoming basketball season. Who can blame him, right? It's a smart move. After losing virtually all of his offense last season (three NBA lottery picks, five drafted players and the NCAA record holder for career three-pointers in the NCAA Tournament) Donovan was wise to schedule one of the easiest sets of non-conference basketball games in the country. Here's a link to the basketball schedule. CLICK ME. (Can't wait for Flagler to roll into Gainesville.) In the spirit of all things easy, here's a Top 10 list of things easier than Florida's 2007-08 non-conference basketball schedule.
10. applesauce...as in...The Gators' non-conference schedule is baby food.
9. The Commodores...as in...The Gators' non-conference schedule is easy like Sunday morning.
8. Velcro
7. Clap on. Clap off. The Clapper.
6. Ramen noodles...as in...The Gators' non-conference schedule is that lazy roommate who eats nothing but Ramen noodles. Sure, Ramens come seven for a dollar. And, sure, Ramens are plenty easy. But if you eat enough of them, then black rings form around your eyes and your hair falls out.
5. aging
4. chess match: you vs. President Bush
3. burning gasoline
2. New Orleans...as in...The Big Easy
1. Paris Hilton 
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