Well considering that both our potential starting QBs both had several more interceptions than they had TD... how difficult can that be?
lol
--Quinn committed to creating ball-hawking defense
Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has again made creating turnovers a priority in spring practice after a disappointing season that saw only 14 turnovers forced. (Photo courtesy of UF Communications)
By Robbie Andreu
Gainesville SUN Staff writerPublished: Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 6:43 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 6:43 p.m.
Dan Quinn is obsessed with turnovers. He needs them. He has to have them. He can't live without them.
His Florida defense didn't get enough of them last season, so the obsession continues.
He won't let it go. He can't.
A former NFL defensive line coach, the second-year UF defensive coordinator spent a great deal of time this winter studying how some of the best defenses in pro football produced turnovers last season. He's passed those lessons along to his defensive players.
"It was important for me to call some other (NFL) clubs and say, 'What are some things you're doing that you guys played so well to get that ball away?' " Quinn said. "I talked to the guys at San Francisco; they had a terrific turnover margin, so it was important for me to reach out — 'Are you guys doing anything different?'
"I got clips from good TV copies of examples (and I've shown them to our players)."
Quinn's obsession with creating turnovers isn't new. Last spring, during Will Muschamp's high school coaches' clinic, Quinn did a lengthy presentation on how to strip balls and produce turnovers, using tapes from NFL games as examples.
He made it clear that one of his biggest goals going into last season was producing a bunch of potentially game-changing turnovers.
But despite the emphasis, the Gators came up almost empty.
The UF defense produced just 14 turnovers (eight interceptions and six fumbles) in 13 games, the fewest in a season since the school started compiling fumble statistics in 1950.
The Gators ranked 113th nationally in turnover margin (minus-12).
Unacceptable, Quinn says.
So, the Gators are back working on forcing turnovers this spring.
"We're giving a points system for how we're doing for each forced fumble, each interception, each takeaway, and we use the term 'ball hawk' — and those are guys that can get a rip or a strip, a batted ball or an interception," Quinn said. "It's awareness for the players.
"I've emphasized it. So, we're going to challenge, do some different drills for it, and we're going to improve in that area."
Maybe it's starting to happen this spring.
In the two practices that were open to the public last weekend, the defense came up with numerous turnovers (fumbles and interceptions), including three interceptions by junior cornerback Jaylen Watkins over the two days.
"We've emphasized it as far as trying to get strips on the ball," Watkins said. "When you watch film, all you see is guys trying to rip the ball out. That was our biggest problem last year. I don't think we ever had a year that low in turnovers.
"During practices, you get shirts, little prizes that make you want to get a turnover. And it's just the style of defense we want to stand for. We watched plays from last year and it was kind of disappointing, balls hitting us right in the hands and just dropping it. How it was just seeing it for ourselves."
Muschamp recently said the Gators dropped 15 potential interceptions last season. Six of those drops were credited to outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins, who could have turned at least two of those into pick sixes.
This spring, Jenkins is spending a lot of time catching balls from the Jugs machine at practice, said his roommate, senior safety Josh Evans.
"We always joke around with it (Jenkins' drops last season)," Evans said. "He's out there on the Jugs a lot. Hopefully, he can catch the six drops he had last year.
"He wasn't a big Jugs guy (last season). Now, he's taking it real serious."
It's all about the obsession. The obsession with turnovers.
"The biggest thing Coach Quinn is hitting on is getting turnovers," Evans said. "He's been coaching it real well and we've been coming up with some turnovers.
"Look at our numbers last year. Turnovers were not very good. One thing we're looking forward to is creating turnovers."
Quinn needs them. He has to have them.
Contact Robbie Andreu at 352-374-5022 or andreur@gvillesun.com. Also check out Andreu's blog at Gatorsports.com.
March 22nd, 2012 03:38pm
WR a potential problem area in 2012
by Robbie Andreu (Gainesville SUN)
When you look back at all the great wide receivers Florida has put on the field dating back to the start of the 1990s, it is shocking to see how little talent the Gators have at wide receiver this spring — and it's not going to change in the fall.
In breaking down the wide receivers for the media the other night, new offensive coordinator Brent Pease mentioned only four — and that really catches your attention. He said he was probably leaving somebody out (he was), but the reality is the guys he did not mention likely will be little or no factor in the passing game in 2012.
The overall lack of proven playmaking ability at wide receiver is downright scary. Pease is hoping to generate a consistent passing game that produces some explosive plays. But the burning question is: Who is going to make those plays?
The bottom line is the Gators lack elite, impact players at wide receiver. There are two guys who have a chance to become playmakers, but both have a long way to go to gain that status.
The Gators lack numbers and talent at wide receiver.
Here's a look at the wide receivers Pease mentioned the other night:
* Andre Debose, Jr. — He was the go-to guy last season, yet he caught only 16 passes for 432 yards and four touchdowns. He's a tough guy to figure out. He's obviously a gifted athlete with great hands and speed. But he's been plagued by injuries and an overall lack of consistency. One game he looks like an elite receiver, the next he disappears. He's once again battling injuries and has not done much so far this spring, according to Pease.
* Quinton Dunbar, So. — He was the talk of preseason camp last summer, then he flopped in the fall. The way the coaches were talking about him in two-a-days, the expectation for Dunbar was that he would be a consistent playmaker and the Gators' biggest home run threat. But once the season started, he was basically a non-factor, catching only 14 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Pease said Dunbar has shown great improvement already this spring and with a year of experience he could be ready to take off. There's no guarantee, though.
* Frankie Hammond, Sr. — The coaches love his work ethic and consistency, but there is nothing flashy about his game or the numbers he's put up in his career. More of a possession receiver than a big-play threat, Hammond caught only 15 passes last season and has only 41 for 514 yards and three touchdowns in his career.
* Latroy Pittman, Fr. — The early enrollee is a very good athlete who has pretty good speed and hands. He's very raw at the moment and has a great deal to learn before he's ready to make plays in the SEC.
Here's a look at the scholarship wide receivers Pease did not mention:
* Ja'Juan Story, RFr. — This former high school quarterback is still in the early stages of learning a new position, and he's extremely raw. He has speed, size and impressive athletic ability, but like Pittman, he has a long, long way to go. He's done little to distinguish himself so far this spring.
* Solomon Patton, Jr. — This undersized athlete has turned into an excellent special teams player, but he's done almost nothing at wide receiver. His role likely will not change much in 2012. In his two seasons at UF, he's caught only seven passes for 62 yards.
* Stephen Alli, Jr. — This little-known high school prospect was an Urban Meyer project that has not worked out. His size and speed have helped him do some things on special teams, but he's been no factor at wide receiver. In two years, he's caught three passes for 17 yards in mop-up duty.
Here's one more who comes on board in the fall:
* Raphael Andrades, Fr. — This three-star prospect from Tallahassee Lincoln was a late addition to the 2012 recruiting class after the Gators missed out on some WRs that were much higher on their board. He has some size (6-foot, 190 pounds) and some speed (4.5 in the 40), but like Alli, he's going to be a little bit of a long-range project.
It's a little bit scary when you look at what the Gators have (or don't have) at wide receiver. Where are the plays going to come from in 2012?
Comments
7 Comments
Robbie it's a little misleading,Burton will factor as will Reed,Hines,Thompson and Taylor.Only Thompson isnt a hybrid.Some tools still in the shed.
by J.
Why can't Omarius Hines get any credit? He may not be a burner, but he has a knack for making plays. Reminds me of Stephen Baker a little. And I hate to say it, but you reference last year's stats to indicate lack of production, and we all know the problems we had at the QB spot. The passing game stunk, and the numbers reflect that. Doesn't mean there's no talent.
by John Who Rocks
"* Andre Debose, Jr. — He was the go-to guy last season, yet he caught only 16 passes for 432 yards and four touchdowns…….. He's obviously a gifted athlete with great hands and speed." WELL OBVIOUSLY!
by RealityBites
Expectations for next year must be realistic. Offensively the Gators are not going to show significant improvement. What is needed is time and a top-notch class with plenty of offensive talent. It can and I believe will be done but on balance the Gators will be a second-tier team in the SEC-East in 2012.
by EMK
Robbie, I totally disagree wih your assesment thus far. Last year we had no QB and know O-line to give anyone time to do anthing. the run will set up the pass. we relied too much on perimeter running plays last year . Once that was figured out we tried to pass everydown and got sacked a bunch due to suspect play calling and a patch work o-Line. We will have more plays as Pease will be able to create and disguise plays. we should be really balanced this year. John was also afraid to take chances down field. We are going to take shots this year pal.
by Gatorbread
I don't get it, we jump on these journalists constantly about over-hyping our talent, over-hyping our recruiting prospects, and all the 'feel good' nonsense…Robbie, you are very much on point here, we are thin and lacking with the development of our receivers (not on coaches either) and a very real concern; forget about the spring because as you mentioned, I do not see any reason right now it will change this fall. Somebody needs to step up in a big-time way.
by JMD
Recievers are always open and a corner can only cover for three seconds without having to adjust. In a two deep zone there is always under neath routes open. It is up to the coach to coach the qb to identify mismatches and up to the qb to audible and identify coverages on the field. All successful qb's do this effectively no matter who is on the recieving end. You can not always blame recievers for the lack of a passing game. They should be the last position to blame on an offense for a poor passing game. These same recivers would go to any other school with a formidable qb and put up huge numbers. Sure these recievers are not proven but how many balls have been thrown their way on time or by design? Oh that's right not many. Half of those were over thrown, intercepted or to a tailback. With more opportunities and better creativity we should be better numbers from the recievers. There is a reason elite recievers keep passing on us. They are not sold on who is throwing it to them plain and simple. If we had Matt Barkley,we land Agholor and Diggs. So lets stop blaming recievers for our passing woes and lets hope Pease can develope one of these qb's to be more efficient. Go Gators!!!
by gatorbread
South Carolina defeats UF baseball team
Special to The Gainesville Sun
Published: Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 11:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 11:00 p.m.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two-time defending national champion South Carolina put the nation on notice Thursday it has plans of making it three straight.
Next game
Who: No. 1 Florida (20-2, 3-1 SEC) at No. 8 South Carolina (17-5, 1-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
TV: CSS
Radio:103.7-FM
Pitching matchup: UF junior left-hander Brian Johnson (3-0, 3.16 ERA) vs. USC TBAThe No. 8 Gamecocks defeated No. 1 Florida 9-3 and put a halt to the Gators' school-record 18-game winning streak. They hammered the Gators' reliable bullpen for seven runs on five hits and five walks.
South Carolina outhit Florida 12-4. The teams committed two errors each.
UF (20-2, 3-1 SEC) closer Austin Maddox was roughed up by South Carolina by giving up a two-run single and a two-run double in the four-run seventh inning. The Gamecocks also had a three-run eighth.
Florida took a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Preston Tucker's RBI single scored Casey Turgeon, who had reached on an error, advanced to second on Nolan Fontana's groundout and to third on Daniel Pigott's infield single.
Adam Matthews, the No. 9 hitter, then gave South Carolina (17-5, 1-3) a 2-1 lead with his two-run home run in the fourth.
Florida tied it in the sixth inning on Maddox's two-out RBI single that drove in Pigott, who had earlier singled and moved to second on a walk to Taylor Gushue.
UF starting pitcher Hudson Randall worked the first 5.2 innings. He left with a runner on first base after a single and two outs. Randall allowed two earned runs on seven hits and one walk and struck out a career-high 11 batters. Reliever Steven Rodriguez (3-1) was the losing pitcher.
USC starter Michael Roth allowed one earned run through 6.2 innings. Matt Price (3-1), the scheduled starter Friday night, pitched 2.1 innings of relief to earn the win.
Tebow's presence gives Jets' offense options
New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan talks to reporters about acquiring NFL quarterback Tim Tebow from the Denver Broncos at the LSU football Pro Timing Day in Baton Rouge on Thursday. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
The Associated Press
Published: Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
NEW YORK — Each time Tim Tebow steps on the field for the New York Jets, defenses will know what to expect.
Well, the unexpected, of course.
The versatile and elusive quarterback with the flair for dramatic victories was acquired Wednesday from the Denver Broncos and will give the Jets' offense a boost — for at least a few snaps a game.
"Instead of a team just preparing for our base offense, they will have to prepare for what we do and what we may do," coach Rex Ryan said at LSU's pro day Thursday in Baton Rouge, La.
Tebow, who arrived at the Jets' facility in Florham Park, N.J., for the first time Thursday afternoon, won't start as he did in Denver, not with New York committed to Mark Sanchez. But Tebow gives the Jets the option to run offensive coordinator Tony Sparano's wildcat offense — the one that confused teams while in Miami with the Dolphins — and provides an intriguing presence when games are on the line.
"Tim is an outstanding football player, and we can use him," Ryan said. "He'll fit our wildcat package. As a defensive coach, I know how hard it is to defend the wildcat. We can take it to another level with Tim. We will have things for Tebow each week."
Consider that fair warning.
"What we've seen from him, you've got to watch every time he's in there," Jets defensive end Mike DeVito said. "He has the ability to throw the ball and a great ability to run the ball, so any role we put him in, it'll keep defenses on their toes."
DeVito and the rest of the Jets know that from experience. Tebow led a 95-yard winning touchdown drive against New York last November, scoring on a 20-yard scramble with less than a minute remaining. That set off a string of stirring comebacks as the Broncos rode Tebow's incredible late-game play — despite his ugly mechanics and passing stats — all the way to the playoffs, including an overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opening round.
Long before all that, Tebow already had developed a faithful following that overlooked his flaws and focused on his leadership and ability to come through in the clutch. He's bringing those same qualities to New York, but he'll be in a different role.
"They want me to come in and compete and get better, and get better as a quarterback and to help the team any way possible," Tebow said Wednesday night. "Whatever that role is, I will do my best every time I step on that field and give my heart and soul."
Sanchez will get the snaps as the starting quarterback, and Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum have told anyone who'll listen that he is their unquestioned No. 1 guy under center.
"Mark is a great competitor," Ryan said. "He's our starting quarterback. We're incredibly fortunate to have two young quarterbacks with playoff experience and playoff wins. Mark has taken us to two AFC championship games in three years. That speaks volumes about him. He is just hitting his stride."
But Sanchez also is coming off a shaky season in which he had as many touchdown passes as turnovers: 26. His decision-making and leadership came under fire by fans, media and even some anonymous players in the offseason. After a quick flirtation with the idea of chasing Peyton Manning, the Jets issued a huge vote of confidence to Sanchez by giving him a three-year contract extension.
But less than two weeks later, New York traded for Tebow — a player with a rock-star persona and an impressive resume smattered with comeback wins. Just how secure Sanchez's job is remains to be seen once he throws his first interception or has a bad drive. But what the Jets envision is Sanchez leading the offense and Tebow running the wildcat formation when they need a spark.
"If our offense is sputtering, and we have, say, three three-and-outs, and we roll this out there and it's successful, who knows?" Tannenbaum said on 1050 ESPN Radio on Thursday. "I think it will just depend on the game and the situation."
Third-and-long? Put Tebow in to make defenses dare him to throw.
Fourth-and-goal? Try to tackle the guy, who's built more like a fullback at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds.
Oh, he's in the wildcat, which Sparano so adores? Well, defenses need to decide if he's going to take off running, hand it off or catch defensive backs napping with a toss over their heads.
"We think we can have explosive plays out of that package as well," Tannenbaum said.
So, it could be five snaps a game. Or, seven. Maybe even nine or 10. One thing's for sure: Tebow gives the Jets their first true multipurpose threat since Brad Smith, who left as a free agent last offseason.
"Excited about the tebow trade," wide receiver Jeremy Kerley wrote on Twitter. "It's obvious tht he's a winner and thts Wht we need!"
For a team that was done in last season by distractions and disharmony, Tebow's addition would appear to do little more than add to an already volatile situation. There are times Sanchez will have to come off the field when Tebow jogs onto it, something that won't please the ultra-competitive quarterback heading into his fourth season. Ryan, though, insists Tebow and Sanchez can co-exist — and win together.
"Tim gives us another competitor," Ryan said. "I love Tim's competitiveness. He'll fit in with our team. There will be no problem at all. We care about our team first and foremost. Those two guys are just like that."
The Jets currently have four quarterbacks on their roster — Sanchez, Tebow, recently signed Drew Stanton and Greg McElroy. Stanton signed with New York to be the No. 2 but wants out now that Tebow is here. Tannenbaum made it clear that Tebow will be Sanchez's backup, serving in the role veteran Mark Brunell held the last two seasons.
"Brunell was more like a coach, and now Mark's going to have like a brother in there, someone he can lean on and someone he can grow with — and they can grow together at the position," DeVito said. "So, I think Mark is going to be excited."
The possibilities certainly make the Jets excited. After all, Ryan is determined to go back to the run-first, "Ground-and-Pound" approach that made them so successful in his first two seasons as coach. With Tebow on board, the Jets just might have gotten the perfect addition for Ryan's master plan.
"What we've become," Tannenbaum said while announcing the deal Wednesday night, "is a diverse, more dynamic offense that's going to make it more difficult for opposing teams to defend."
GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY!
1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions
2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions
2008 National Football Champions |
Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996),
Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us
--
GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY!
1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions
2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions
2008 National Football Champions |
Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996),
Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us
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