Spotlight on Key Role Players
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 8:00 pm
Throughout spring practice, GatorCountry.com senior columnist Mark McLeod will try to follow the progress of several players who are expecting to play a key role for the Gators in 2008. These are not returning starters, but reserves from a year ago who are trying to step up or players at positions where help is definitely needed.
Offensive guard Jim Barrie has played both of the guard positions on the second unit this spring. The sophomore has predominantly worked on the left side. I’ve watched Barrie over the past few days and like most of the others he has had his share of ups and downs. I don’t think that he is ready to push Jim Tartt or Mike Pouncey for a starting position. However, I do think that Barrie is a player who is developing into solid reserve. Today, I watched him do three things that helped validate my theory.
Barrie worked several plays against redshirt freshman defensive tackle John Brown, who we all acknowledge is physically strong and presents quite a challenge when trying to get a push into the middle of the offensive line. Barrie worked well with reserve center Corey Hobbs in stifling Brown’s push in passing situations. They took turns on a couple of consecutive plays battering Brown. During one of those plays, Brown moved to the right and Barrie locked him down. Later, Barrie picked up defensive end Jaye Howard, who used a spin move stunting inside while one of the linebackers blitzed outside. Barrie picked up Howard and made the block giving quarterback Cam Newton time to roll to his left and find a receiver.
He also was able to get second tier blocks on linebackers at times, but he missed a couple of those too. Again, by no means was he perfect, for example, was able to get a push at times and Troy Epps also had some success in the middle. But, I do think that we’re seeing Barrie develop into a reliable reserve.
The development of John Brown to provide a much needed boost to Florida’s interior defensive front is getting better. It’s not coming as quickly as most would like though. Brown has proven the ability to get a strong push on an offensive line and at times collapse it. Unfortunately, he those times are few and far between. Brown needs a lot of work. One of his best plays of the day was when he dropped into coverage from his noseguard position and followed Tebow’s eyes as he looked at running back Kestahn Moore, who was drifting across the middle. Brown tipped the ball and nearly picked it off. A play or two later, Brown hustled after the ball when Tebow, who was under pressure tried to pitch the ball to Moore. It was a bad pitch and Brown and Moore fought for control of the football.
The purpose of this column is to highlight the players who are expected to step up for various reasons. So, why is Brandon James even mentioned in this space? Well, because he has been fighting for the top spot at running back. It didn’t take long for James to establish himself as one of the premier return men in the Southeastern Conference. James has seen time at running back too, but his time has been limited. James has been undersized in blocking situations and while he has some power for his size, he is not a short yardage back.
He has looked as if he is running the ball stronger this spring. Today, he made one of the better blocks of the day when he picked up middle linebacker Brandon Spikes on a blitz. His block of Spikes afforded quarterback Tim Tebow the opportunity to search for an open wide receiver As you can imagine, the block took a lot out of James, but he made the play. It wasn’t pretty or probably as it was drawn up, but there’s no question that he has the heart to sell out for the block.
Offensive guard Jim Barrie has played both of the guard positions on the second unit this spring. The sophomore has predominantly worked on the left side. I’ve watched Barrie over the past few days and like most of the others he has had his share of ups and downs. I don’t think that he is ready to push Jim Tartt or Mike Pouncey for a starting position. However, I do think that Barrie is a player who is developing into solid reserve. Today, I watched him do three things that helped validate my theory.
Barrie worked several plays against redshirt freshman defensive tackle John Brown, who we all acknowledge is physically strong and presents quite a challenge when trying to get a push into the middle of the offensive line. Barrie worked well with reserve center Corey Hobbs in stifling Brown’s push in passing situations. They took turns on a couple of consecutive plays battering Brown. During one of those plays, Brown moved to the right and Barrie locked him down. Later, Barrie picked up defensive end Jaye Howard, who used a spin move stunting inside while one of the linebackers blitzed outside. Barrie picked up Howard and made the block giving quarterback Cam Newton time to roll to his left and find a receiver.
He also was able to get second tier blocks on linebackers at times, but he missed a couple of those too. Again, by no means was he perfect, for example, was able to get a push at times and Troy Epps also had some success in the middle. But, I do think that we’re seeing Barrie develop into a reliable reserve.
The development of John Brown to provide a much needed boost to Florida’s interior defensive front is getting better. It’s not coming as quickly as most would like though. Brown has proven the ability to get a strong push on an offensive line and at times collapse it. Unfortunately, he those times are few and far between. Brown needs a lot of work. One of his best plays of the day was when he dropped into coverage from his noseguard position and followed Tebow’s eyes as he looked at running back Kestahn Moore, who was drifting across the middle. Brown tipped the ball and nearly picked it off. A play or two later, Brown hustled after the ball when Tebow, who was under pressure tried to pitch the ball to Moore. It was a bad pitch and Brown and Moore fought for control of the football.
The purpose of this column is to highlight the players who are expected to step up for various reasons. So, why is Brandon James even mentioned in this space? Well, because he has been fighting for the top spot at running back. It didn’t take long for James to establish himself as one of the premier return men in the Southeastern Conference. James has seen time at running back too, but his time has been limited. James has been undersized in blocking situations and while he has some power for his size, he is not a short yardage back.
He has looked as if he is running the ball stronger this spring. Today, he made one of the better blocks of the day when he picked up middle linebacker Brandon Spikes on a blitz. His block of Spikes afforded quarterback Tim Tebow the opportunity to search for an open wide receiver As you can imagine, the block took a lot out of James, but he made the play. It wasn’t pretty or probably as it was drawn up, but there’s no question that he has the heart to sell out for the block.