UF bringing in another big group early

[radbag]

Last year nine signees from the class of 2007 enrolled early at the University of Florida in order to get a jump start on their college career. While those nine players had varying degrees of success during their first year in Gainesville, the bottom line is, in the end, it was beneficial to each and every one of them as well as the team. This time around UF has eight players enrolling early - two junior college transfers and six high school graduates.

There's no arguing with the fact that being able to participate in spring drills provides invaluable practice time for those going the early entry route. It's true they were big, strong and physical coming out of Lakeland High School, but without 15 spring practices and a full summer of workouts under their belt it is doubtful that either Maurkice Pouncey or Michael Pouncey would have been in a position to contribute as much as they did much less become starters along the lines for the Gators in 2007.

As well as those two played, the biggest contributor might have been cornerback Joe Haden. After playing mostly quarterback in high school, it is extremely doubtful he would have made the impact he made this past year had he not enrolled early.

Tight end Aaron Hernandez was the fourth early entry player to earn a starting nod.

Though he didn't become a starter, by coming in early Cameron Newton was able to learn the offense and secure the backup quarterback job, though he left the door wide open for John Brantley after being required to sit out the first half of fall two-a-days.

For the other four it was a mixed bag.

Quarterback Bryan Waggener injured his ankle on the first day of drills and sat out the remainder of spring practice. While running back Bo Williams reported to UF with a pre-existing shoulder injury. He went under the knife and sat out the entire spring.

Both have since decided to transfer.

Two other Lakeland products Ahmad Black and Paul Wilson didn't see the field much, or in Wilson's case at all, but the duo still showed tremendous progress from the beginning of spring ball to the start of fall practice.

Wilson especially.

He looked lost and outmatched for the entire spring, but settled in over the summer and looked much better during fall practices.

That brings us to this year.

Of the eight who are coming in early, who can be expected to make an immediate impact?

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins said he expects to compete for immediate playing time. And with the way UF's secondary played this past season, he may be right.

"In Orlando I showed I can go against the best players and still do my thing," Jenkins told GatorBait.net on Monday. "It won't matter who else is there (at the position), it depends on how hard you want to work to win a job. Coach Meyer told me things are wide open and I'm getting a chance to play."

Jenkins is expected to drive up to Gainesville from Pahokee on Tuesday morning.

As of Sunday evening, whether or not the other early entry cornerback reports or not was still up in the air.

According to Jeremy Brown's mother, he was still taking a required test and wasn't yet cleared to graduate early. He has a couple of days remaining to do what's necessary in order to be able to enroll at UF for this semester.

(Note: On Monday evening Brown was still in Orlando)

Of the eight who are coming in early, the one with the clearest path to playing time is most likely kicker Caleb Sturgis. With Joey Ijjas graduating, Sturgis is the odds on favorite to win the starting job.

Others include linebacker Brendan Beal, athlete Matt Patchan (dubbed an athlete because he told GBN's Ali Peek on Saturday that he wants to work out on both lines and tight end) and defensive end Earl Okine.

While all three will have a chance to earn a spot in the two-deep – with the departure of Derrick Harvey to the NFL, Okine might have the best shot at seeing the field early.

Florida also welcomed in two players from junior college and both are expected to compete for playing time immediately.

Regardless of what the scholarship numbers might indicate, the depth at wide receiver isn't where it needs to be. Plus, UF is in need of play makers at the position. Enter Carl Moore – a five-star receiver out of California.

After a 40 hour cross country car ride, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound game breaker was happy to be in the Sunshine State and ready to show what he is capable of doing.

On Sunday, Moore told GatorBait.net that one of the main reasons for choosing Florida was the opportunity to play in the spread option offense.

"They spread the ball around in this offense to get it to the players who make plays," said Moore. "That's me. I'm big, but I still have the speed to make plays. Coming in here early is going to allow me to learn the offense and get comfortable with what we're doing."

Defensive tackle Troy Epps is a big body in the middle who has shown a knack for getting to the quarterback. He brings a work ethic and a level of maturity to a young group of interior linemen.

Will this year's early graduates live up to the standard set by last year's group? The Gator Nation won't have the answer to that question until right around this time next year.

[a1bion]

Earl Okine--GHS, represent! What, what!

[annarborgator]

is it august yet? i can't wait to see what these guys can do.