HB's Quick Take from the game and more
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:57 am
I wish I could have done this last night or earlier today, but I didn't get to bed until 4 am as it was and I had to check out of my hotel and get home today by car from new Orleans. It was a very fruitful trip and we provided a ton of content I am sure you will agree over the last week. Here is what I garnered from the game and the week.
First of all, I don't know if there was ever a better time for such a blow up of the offense. The Gator nation as a whole needed that. I think all the negativity of everything during the last month and all the uncertainty following Urban Meyer's health issues just multiplied all the angst among Gator fans, coaches, players, and recruits. It should not have been nearly as bad as it was, but the good news just wasn't there.
Tim Tebow played the game of his life and everyone in the world was watching. Pro scouts had to see the throws he made and the efficiency he possessed in the game and they know physically what he can do. One thing about coaches is that they all believe they can coach better than the level below them. By that I mean, NFL coaches are going to believe they can coach Tebow up better than Florida ever did. I think Tebow earned himself a late first round pick with his performance and what a wonderful thing for him and all the gators that adore him.
Another deserving person was Steve Addazio. That was probably the best offensive game plan in two years for this staff and it was masterful. There were a few stuffs of running plays, but the threat to run certainly opened up the passing game.
Addazio has taken a ton of heat in his rookie year as the Gator's offensive coordinator and now as the interim coach with no doubt more responsibilities already heaped on him, his offense was a masterpiece for recruits and the world to see. Congrats Addazio and kudos to a great game.
On the juniors and possibly going. Joe Haden is definitely going. Dunlap continues to tell teammates he is coming back, but there is no way he turns down the money. Before last night I thought it was a sure thing Aaron Hernandez is back and it is what he is saying. However, a game like last night can certainly change things. I am torn on the Pounceys, but got the feeling last night they are leaving. I think Major Wright goes, it is what I am hearing. Ahmad Black and Chris Rainey will stay IMO. I asked Moody (I know) and he is staying.
On the coaching front, I told you guys in chat during the game that Florida would counter offer on Bedford. That is what is happening. Remember the million dollars Foley had for Strong to remain as Interim, well I think that money can be there to help assist the pay of the assistant coaches now. Whether Bedford is offered a promotion or not, I don't know as of yet.
The Coach Carter thing doesn't make sense without a promotion and Louisville already has an offensive coordinator. If he leaves for Louisville, there is more to it than is public.
Loefler basically said he was coming back again next year and can't wait to coach Brantley.
I expect a defensive assistant to be named early in the week. One name I have heard prominently is former Notre dame assistant and co coordinator Corwin Brown. Brown is a big time recruiter and usually coaches DB's but played linebacker in college and the pros.
From the Under Armour game and more....
At least a few committed Gators are saying Jordan Hicks will be a Gator once a linebacker coach is named.
There is another Under Armour prospect that told a Gator commit that he will likely be a teammate come signing day.
I was told before the game that Dunkley said wherever he goes, Dorsey will definitely be going. Since then we have seen Dunkley publicly commit to UF and Dorsey firm up that commitment even more. They have arranged for Dorsey's official to be during the last visit weekend.
A little birdie also told me that a recently flipped Gator commit will likely return the coin to the other side if you know what I mean.
First of all, I don't know if there was ever a better time for such a blow up of the offense. The Gator nation as a whole needed that. I think all the negativity of everything during the last month and all the uncertainty following Urban Meyer's health issues just multiplied all the angst among Gator fans, coaches, players, and recruits. It should not have been nearly as bad as it was, but the good news just wasn't there.
Tim Tebow played the game of his life and everyone in the world was watching. Pro scouts had to see the throws he made and the efficiency he possessed in the game and they know physically what he can do. One thing about coaches is that they all believe they can coach better than the level below them. By that I mean, NFL coaches are going to believe they can coach Tebow up better than Florida ever did. I think Tebow earned himself a late first round pick with his performance and what a wonderful thing for him and all the gators that adore him.
Another deserving person was Steve Addazio. That was probably the best offensive game plan in two years for this staff and it was masterful. There were a few stuffs of running plays, but the threat to run certainly opened up the passing game.
Addazio has taken a ton of heat in his rookie year as the Gator's offensive coordinator and now as the interim coach with no doubt more responsibilities already heaped on him, his offense was a masterpiece for recruits and the world to see. Congrats Addazio and kudos to a great game.
On the juniors and possibly going. Joe Haden is definitely going. Dunlap continues to tell teammates he is coming back, but there is no way he turns down the money. Before last night I thought it was a sure thing Aaron Hernandez is back and it is what he is saying. However, a game like last night can certainly change things. I am torn on the Pounceys, but got the feeling last night they are leaving. I think Major Wright goes, it is what I am hearing. Ahmad Black and Chris Rainey will stay IMO. I asked Moody (I know) and he is staying.
On the coaching front, I told you guys in chat during the game that Florida would counter offer on Bedford. That is what is happening. Remember the million dollars Foley had for Strong to remain as Interim, well I think that money can be there to help assist the pay of the assistant coaches now. Whether Bedford is offered a promotion or not, I don't know as of yet.
The Coach Carter thing doesn't make sense without a promotion and Louisville already has an offensive coordinator. If he leaves for Louisville, there is more to it than is public.
Loefler basically said he was coming back again next year and can't wait to coach Brantley.
I expect a defensive assistant to be named early in the week. One name I have heard prominently is former Notre dame assistant and co coordinator Corwin Brown. Brown is a big time recruiter and usually coaches DB's but played linebacker in college and the pros.
From the Under Armour game and more....
At least a few committed Gators are saying Jordan Hicks will be a Gator once a linebacker coach is named.
There is another Under Armour prospect that told a Gator commit that he will likely be a teammate come signing day.
I was told before the game that Dunkley said wherever he goes, Dorsey will definitely be going. Since then we have seen Dunkley publicly commit to UF and Dorsey firm up that commitment even more. They have arranged for Dorsey's official to be during the last visit weekend.
A little birdie also told me that a recently flipped Gator commit will likely return the coin to the other side if you know what I mean.