During his first year, the Gators were well undermanned – totaling but 72 scholarship players, a full 12 under the maximum amount allowed.
Even last year, after awarding three walk-ons a full ride over the last two years, the Gators were still 7 under the permitted allotment.
Now, entering his fourth season, thanks to back to back huge signing classes in 2006 and 2007 and small graduating classes, and assuming no further attrition, the Gators will finally take the field with the maximum number of scholarship players this coming season.
The chart below assumes that offensive linemen Simon Codrington and Eddie Haupt have been granted Medical Hardships and that Chris Rainey and Jerimy Finch were awarded red shirt seasons last year due to injuries they suffered during the season..
It also includes offensive lineman James Wilson, who has asked for but has yet to be granted his release.
On the down side, this upcoming signing class looks to be the smallest yet for this coaching staff while at Florida.
GBN's breakdown shows but 10 seniors on the roster. There of course could be an early entry or two and then some attrition, by the way of player transfers is a given each and every year.
With that said, unless players leave en mass, the signing class of 2009 will total significantly under 20 signees.
The above chart is based on the assumption that Simon Codrington and Eddie Haupt will not be on football scholarship because of career threatening injuries as Urban Meyer indicated in an interview with the Gainesville Sun. It also assumes that Chris Rainey and Jerimy Finch received medical redshirts due to injury sustained early in the season.