Re: [gatortalk] FW: [gatornews] GatorNews from the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, courtesy of JunoGator

Amen Brother Oliver!

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From: Oliver Barry <oliver@bobparks.com>
To: gatortalk@googlegroups.com
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2015 12:23 PM
Subject: RE: [gatortalk] FW: [gatornews] GatorNews from the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, courtesy of JunoGator

I hope Georgia hires him as their next head coach.

 

Oliver Barry, CRS, GRI

Real Estate Broker

PARKS

305B Indian Lake Blvd

Suite 220

Hendersonville TN 37075

Phone: 615-826-4040

Mobile: 615-972-4239

barryo@realtracs.com

 

From: gatortalk@googlegroups.com [mailto:gatortalk@googlegroups.com]
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2015 11:03 AM
To: gatortalk@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [gatortalk] FW: [gatornews] GatorNews from the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, courtesy of JunoGator

 

Coaching, yes.  But I don't think a generalized statement is fair to three different OCs and Driskel.  The issue was Muschamp.  He handcuffed every single one of his OCs to protect his precious defense.  He didn't allow them to open it up, push the ball vertically, or be aggressive.  There is no doubt in my mind that our last three OCs will be successful elsewhere, just like Driskel is now that he is out from under Muschamp.  Our ineptitude offensively falls directly at the feet of Will, and I am glad to see the handcuffs off.  Now these players finally get to showcase their talents... they are NOT the disappointments that they were forced to be.  They would not have been highly rated recruits if there talent level was truly what we saw on the field.  They didn't forget how to catch and run routes...

Its very telling how the team now speaks of the offense... the new energry, the new excitement.  The defense mentions it, the offensive players mention it.  They feel invigorated and renewed.  Sure, that could be because change is sometimes good but this is because they finally get to be offensive players again!

 

I blame Muschamp for ALL of our offensive troubles... all of it.  The OCs are operating under his direction.  Games plans made at his direction. 

 

He is an outstanding DC, but nothing more.  He will never make it as a head coach if he doesn't learn to change and delegate.  He didn't show he could do that with three OCs.

 

 

 

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From: Oliver Barry <oliver@bobparks.com>
To: gatortalk@googlegroups.com
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2015 10:45 AM
Subject: [gatortalk] FW: [gatornews] GatorNews from the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, courtesy of JunoGator

 

2. Jeff Driskel a "scapegoat" at Florida?: Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz believes former Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel was the "scapegoat" at Florida. "I think down at Florida, it got very toxic for him. He became the scapegoat," Holtz said per The News Star. "He became the guy that was tied to losing at Florida as a fan base that does not take very well to losing. It really became a negative situation, which is unfortunate because he's such a great Christian young man with such great values who is a leader." (Click here for the full story from The News Star)

I saw this as I was scanning the Miami news…

Yes, is my answer, Driskel was a scapegoat.  The real blame should be/was placed on Mustchamp. 

How many, 3 offensive coordinators in 3 years?  Why couldn't either he or Harris hit a barn?  Why couldn't the WRs catch anything?

COACHING.

 

Oliver Barry, CRS, GRI

Real Estate Broker

PARKS

305B Indian Lake Blvd

Suite 220

Hendersonville TN 37075

Phone: 615-826-4040

Mobile: 615-972-4239

barryo@realtracs.com

 

From: gatornews@googlegroups.com [mailto:gatornews@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of JunoGator
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2015 6:13 AM
To: GatorNEWS
Subject: [gatornews] GatorNews from the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, courtesy of JunoGator

 

 

McElwain imbues passion for discipline he got as young coach on Gators

By Anthony Chiang - Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

It's hard for Jim McElwain to hide his passion for details.

As he spoke about the growth of his quarterbacks Wednesday, McElwain's voice grew a little louder when he remembered the mistakes made at that day's practice.

·        Big Ten football coaches troubled by trend toward early recruiting

"If you want me to call it out, we had two late throws in the red area today. It can't happen," the first-year Gators coach said. "We had one late over the middle that's going to get intercepted. That's unacceptable. Those are things that kill you, is the unacceptable behavior, when you know better. And that's what I'm getting at. It's not OK. No, it's not OK."

But for those close to McElwain off the field, that's just the way he is.

"For whatever reason, when Jim dials something in that is of importance to him, he has an aura of intensity that others don't," said Eastern Washington associate athletic director for development Marc Hughes, who is a friend of McElwain and has stayed at his house multiple times in recent years. "He just has something that when he cares about something, he's incredibly intense."

STEPHEN M. DOWELL

Florida head coach Jim McElwain coaches during the New Mexico State at Florida NCAA football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium ... Read More

McElwain's approach has spilled over to the rest of Florida's football program, forcing a drastic shift in the work environment for the players and coaches around him.

It has been less than nine months since Florida earned a 28-20 win over East Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl on January 3, but the Pirates will see a much different team this week. The more disciplined and offensive-minded Gators (1-0) will host East Carolina (1-0) in a rematch of last season's bowl game at 7 p.m. Saturday (ESPN2).

"It's about continually taking a path and understanding the details that help you be successful," McElwain said about his approach with the Gators.

JOHN RAOUX

Florida head coach Jim McElwain, center, leaves the field after defeating New Mexico State in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, ... Read More

Since arriving to Gainesville in December, McElwain has preached discipline and efficiency.

It showed in last week's season-opening win over New Mexico State, as the Gators finished the game with one penalty and 61 points on just 13 offensive drives. It was the first time Florida committed just one penalty in a contest since 1977 and it marked the most points Florida has scored in the first game under a new head coach.

"He's a motivator," Gators defensive lineman Bryan Cox Jr. said of McElwain. "He has a certain aura about him that players want to play for him. We have total confidence in him and he shines."

But how has McElwain already earned the trust of his players with just one game under his belt?

"Jim comes across as being a little bit low key, but Jim is a great communicator," said former Eastern Washington coach Dick Zornes, who dealt with McElwain as a player and later hired him as a graduate assistant for his first coaching job. "But I've always said his biggest asset as a coach is his ability to communicate. When you say something to somebody, they have to believe what you're telling them is the way to do things. It's like selling. You have to get them to invest in something that you're doing."

Some of McElwain's biggest coaching attributes come from Zornes. McElwain spent 11 seasons on Zornes' staff, eventually getting promoted from a graduate assistant to quarterbacks and wide receivers coach.

Many of the people close to McElwain believes Zornes had the biggest influence on him as a coach.

Zornes was known as a "strict disciplinarian." Since arriving to Florida, McElwain has earned a similar reputation while holding each of his players accountable for their actions.

Safety Duke Dawson reportedly served a first-half suspension against New Mexico State for being late to a team meeting and receiver Demarcus Robinson was dropped to third-string on this week's depth chart for reportedly missing a team meal.

"We didn't have a ton of rules, but the rules we had were going to affect your behavior and success as a football player, college student and human being," Zornes said of his approach. "Violations of those rules are going to have a consequence."

It sounds similar to the way McElwain is handling things at Florida.

"He doesn't put up with anything, no matter if you're the star player or scout team player," Cox said of McElwain.

Offensive players knew things would be different when they received the playbook.

"Our first install was probably like eight pages more than last year's entire playbook," redshirt senior wide receiver Valdez Showers said. "We have adjustments for everything for every coverage and things like that. Last year, it was kind of, it was very simple, just get out there and go fast."

McElwain, who shot up the coaching ranks as an offensive coach, is known for his ability to draw up plays and manipulate defenses.

"Jim is really good at designing mismatches," said former Eastern Washington tight end Trevor Westlund, who played under a young McElwain from 1989 through 1992. "I think he's very good at recognizing what he has and how he's going to exploit the other team. I think he probably does that better than anybody."

Off the field and on the field, McElwain has already put his stamp on the program.

The 53-year-old Montana native is confident in his style. The players are confident in McElwain's style, too.

"Jim is pretty self-assured," Zornes said. "Montana people have a little cockiness to them. Jim has that little swagger to him. I don't mean that to be negative because I think it's a real positive for him. He has a good belief in himself."

 

 

 

Daily Three: Will Grier to start at QB, more Gators headlines

 September 11, 2015 | Filed in: Anthony Chiang, 

The competition for the full-time quarterback job is still on, but we know who will start at quarterback for the Gators this week.

Florida's quarterbacks Treon Harris (3) left, and Will Grier (7), right, face the cameras during Media Day at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla., Wednesday, Aug., 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

We discuss that news and more in today's "Daily Three."

1. Gators to start Grier at QB: Florida announced Thursday afternoon that Will Grier will start for Florida against East Carolina on Saturday (7 p.m., ESPN2). The Gators will use a similar game plan to the one they used in the opener with Treon Harris splitting time with Grier at quarterback. Harris got the start in the opener. (Click here for more on the news)

2. Jeff Driskel a "scapegoat" at Florida?: Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz believes former Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel was the "scapegoat" at Florida. "I think down at Florida, it got very toxic for him. He became the scapegoat," Holtz said per The News Star. "He became the guy that was tied to losing at Florida as a fan base that does not take very well to losing. It really became a negative situation, which is unfortunate because he's such a great Christian young man with such great values who is a leader." (Click here for the full story from The News Star)

3. Know anything about East Carolina?: Don't worry if you don't. We have you covered. We brought in The Daily Reflector reporter Nathan Summers, who covers the East Carolina football team, to answer some questions on the Pirates. (Click here to learn about the Gators' Week 2 opponent)

 

 

Gators to start Will Grier at quarterback against East Carolina

 September 10, 2015 | Filed in: Anthony Chiang, 

After hinting that quarterback Will Grier could make his first college start this week, Gators coach Jim McElwain has officially flipped the script.

Florida quarterback Will Grier (7) gains yardage against New Mexico State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

The team announced Thursday afternoon that Grier will start for Florida against East Carolina on Saturday (7 p.m., ESPN2). The Gators will use a similar game plan to the one they used in the opener with Treon Harris splitting time with Grier at quarterback.

"I'm sure it will be similar," McElwain said earlier this week when asked about his Week 2 plan for the quarterbacks. "We kind of hit it, I'm not sure the exact pitch count, it worked out a little bit, we tried to sit in kind of that three series, 12 to 15 reps, go from there, and it's just kind of in the flow of the game how it works."

Harris got the start in Florida's 61-13 win over New Mexico State last week, playing the first three series of the game and three more in the second half. The sophomore finished 14-of-19 for 215 yards and two touchdowns.

Grier entered the opener with 12:36 remaining in the second quarter and played six consecutive drives over the second and third quarters. The redshirt freshman went 16-of-18 for 166 yards and two touchdowns, and also ran for 43 yards and a score.

The competition for the full-time starting quarterback job is still going. Some believe McElwain would like to name a starting quarterback before the start of conference play next week.

Grier will take on his father's alma mater. Chad Grier played quarterback for East Carolina.

Who should start at QB for the Gators?

( )Will Grier( )Treon Harris

VoteView ResultsPolldaddy.com

 

 

Recruiting roundup: Gators commit Chauncey Gardner releases list of official visits, more recruiting news

 September 10, 2015 | Filed in: Anthony Chiang, 

Florida's season opener left a good impression on recruits.

Chauncey Gardner (Photo by 247Sports)

Top recruits like 2017 QB Jake Allen, 2016 WRs Sam Bruce and Nate Craig-Myers made the trip to Gainesville to watch the Gators beat New Mexico State 61-13 on Saturday.

This week's recruiting roundup features some news on Allen, Bruce and Craig-Myers along with the official visit plans of Gators commit Chauncey Gardner.

Here's this week's top Gators recruiting news:

* 2016 four-star CB Chauncey Gardner, who is already a Gators commit, tweeted out the list of schools he plans to take official visits to. The plan is for Gardner to visit Florida State or Ohio State, Notre Dame, Georgia, Alabama and Florida in that order. Gardner committed to Florida this past March.

* 2016 five-star Tampa Catholic WR Nate Craig-Myers spoke to Scout.com about his impression of the Gators after attending the opener against New Mexico State: "It was a really good game. I feel like there are big things ahead for them. They have a great season ahead of them."

* The Fort Lauderdale-St. Thomas Aquinas duo of 2017 QB Jake Allen and 2016 WR Sam Bruce were part of the impressive group of recruits who made the trip Gainesville to attend Florida's opener against New Mexico State on Saturday. Allen, who is already committed to the Gators, said the new offense should help recruiting. "The switch from whatever they were running before to what they're running now is definitely huge for offensive recruits," Allen said. Bruce, who committed to Hurricanes more than a year ago and hasn't budged off that decision yet, was spotted wearing Gators gear outside of the stadium before Saturday's game. Florida is making a strong push to flip Bruce's commitment. (Click here for more details on Allen and Bruce's trip to Gainesville)

* 2016 three-star Oak Ridge (Tenn.) TE/DE Darel Middleton tweeted that he received an offer from Florida last week. The 6-foot-6 Middleton is an impressive athlete for his size. (Check out Middleton's highlight tape)

* The Gators' 2016 recruiting class is currently ranked 14th nationally by 247Sports, 13th nationally by Rivals.com, 18th nationally by ESPN.com, and 14th nationally by Scout.com.

 

 

Opponent Overview: Learn about Gators Week 2 opponent East Carolina

 September 10, 2015 | Filed in: Anthony Chiang, 

A lot has changed since Florida and East Carolina faced off in the Birmingham Bowl in January. The Gators won that game 28-20.

see video discussion:

http://video.palmbeachpost.com/?ndn.trackingGroup=90068&ndn.siteSection=palmbeachpost&ndn.videoId=29670838&freewheel=90068&sitesection=palmbeachpost&vid=29670838 

Despite new faces on the field and on the sidelines, Florida (1-0) will look to beat the Pirates (1-0) again Saturday when they face off in Gainesville at 7 p.m. (ESPN2).

We brought in The Daily Reflector reporter Nathan Summers, who covers the East Carolina football team, to answer five questions on the Pirates. Make sure to follow Nathan (@NateSumm99) on Twitter for info on East Carolina leading up to Saturday's game.

East Carolina's Isaiah Jones (7) slips past the Towson defense during an NCAA college football game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, in Greenville, N.C. (Aileen Devlin/The Daily Reflector via AP)

Let's get to the questions …

1. It has been just two games since Florida and East Carolina played each other in the Birmingham Bowl, how different is this Pirates team from the one that appeared in the bowl game?

Nathan: Very different. Not only are stars Shane Carden and Justin Hardy gone from the ECU offense, main outside passing target Cam Worthy is also gone, as is lead running back Breon Allen. Furthermore, the preseason loss of sophomore QB Kurt Benkert and the recent announcement by backup Cody Keith that he has left the team has further thrown the offense into flux. But with mainstays like receiver Isaiah Jones and running back Chris Hairston, the Pirates still possess big-play capability. On defense, familiar faces like linebackers Zeek Bigger and Montese Overton along with cornerback Josh Hawkins are all back for their senior seasons.

2. Were you surprised that East Carolina couldn't pull away from Towson? Why weren't they able to? The Pirates won the opener 28-20.

Nathan: The Pirates lacked killer instinct beyond Hairston's four rush TDs. The game plan for Blake Kemp's first start under center was fairly basic and didn't include any downfield throws. The team also again struggled to convert in the kicking game.

3. Who is the one East Carolina player the Gators will have to worry about the most? What does that player do best?

Nathan: On offense, it's likely Jones, who can beat coverage with speed and a physical presence. He was limited last season only by his number of touches playing on an offense in which Hardy commanded most of the catches. Still, Jones was able to flirt with a 1,000-yard campaign. On defense, it is likely Overton, who stands the best chance to put pressure on UF's passers.

4. Where are the Pirates most vulnerable and how can the Gators take advantage?

Nathan: The Pirates have yet to prove they can stop the deep pass, though Towson did little to challenge them in that way. Hawkins has shown signs of brilliance, and strong safety Terrell Richardson delivered a game-ending hit last week, but the ECU secondary has been its undoing numerous times.

5. What's your prediction for the game?

Nathan: I think Florida wins, perhaps not as big as against New Mexico State, but the Gators' speed on defense will be a constant problem for the ECU offense.

 

Skip Holtz: Driskel became a "scapegoat" at Florida

GAINESVILLE -- Former Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel leads the nation in passing efficiency (321.4) after the first weekend of college football. 

The Louisiana Tech transfer scored five touchdowns in his Bulldogs debut, and his head coach Skip Holtz, formally at USF, felt compelled to defend Driskel's time at UF. 

"I think down at Florida, it got very toxic for him," Holtz said on his radio show Wednesday. 

"He because the scapegoat.

"He became the guy that was tied to losing at Florida as a fan base that does not take very well to losing. It really became a negative situation, which is unfortunate because he's such a great Christian young man with such great values who is a leader. If you ever have a chance to sit down and talk with him, he's almost too good to be true. He's exactly the way you'd want to raise your son. I'm really proud of him and really happy for him that he was able to go out and play that way. Our fan base was able to embrace him the way that they did."

Driskel remains a toxic topic for Florida fans. He represents the tantalizing tease of the Will Muschamp era. 

The 6-4, 230-pound quarterback always possessed the physical tools to excel at the position, but Driskel was crippled by turnovers, inefficiencies and poor coaching at UF. He led the Gators to a 11-2 season in 2012, only for his career to unravel following a broken leg in 2013 and a woeful start in 2014. 

Still, Driskel always handed the adversity with class, meeting with the media after getting benched at Tennessee and, later, officially losing his starting job to freshman Treon Harris.

He was tough as nails, too, but simply lacked the requisite talent to thrive in the SEC. He needed and deserved a fresh start. Good for him making the best of a tough situation. 

Driskel's Bulldogs play at Western Kentucky tonight (8 p.m., Fox Sports 1).

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReSimonton

 

Posted by Jesse Simonton

 

Script flipped: Grier to start over Harris against ECU

GAINESVILLE -- Jim McEwalin officially flipped the script.

Florida quarterback Will Grier will start Saturday's showdown against East Carolina, the school announced Thursday, adding that sophomore Treon Harris will play extensively, too.

Grier, a redshirt freshman, came off the bench in UF's 61-13-opening rout over New Mexico State. He played six straight series, competing 16-of-18 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Grier also flashed his mobility, adding 43 yards and a score on the ground.

Grier will make his first collegiate start against his father's alma mater, as Chad Grier was a backup quarterback for the Pirates from 1989-1990.

Although Grier played well in his debut last weekend, he's hasn't won the competition over Harris. At least not yet.

Harris, who started the opener, performed well, too, throwing for 215 yards and two touchdowns.

The quarterbacks will again split series against the Pirates, with McElwain potentially tabbing a full-time starter next week.

The decision to give Grier the nod comes a day after McElwain ripped the quarterbacks for a poor midweek practice.

Florida's coach called Wednesday's effort "unacceptable."

"We had two late throws in the red area today," McElwain said.

"It can't happen. We had one late over the middle that's going to get intercepted. That's unacceptable. Those are the things that kill you. It's the unacceptable behavior, when you know better."

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReSimonton

 

Posted by Jesse Simonton

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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