Don't Worry Too Much If We Miss on Tunsil...

[ArtDeco]

I'm no scout, but I just watched him in person play a much smaller Navarre team. Not exactly impressive. To summarize:
1. Very good when only responsible for blocking the guy in front of him, esp if said guy is 100 lbs less than him. Unfortunately, I don't think he'll be able to simply sit on top of Alabama Dlinemen.
2. OK on run blocking, OK on pass protection. Often would pull out on a run and be the lead blocker while letting smaller LBs knife in behind him and allow the RB to be stopped in the backfield. On rollouts, often could not find his man to block, same on screen passes-often missed blocks to allow small defenders free access to the QB and RB.
3. This and the next point really bothered me. Despite easily beating the Dlineman in front of him, he seemed to get really frustrated, esp when they fell behind 21-0. One time, saw him basically kicking a player when he was down and "gave him the business", then the very next play, was called for unsportsmanlike conduct for doing similar stuff on the Navarre sideline.
4. Finally, after losing to Navarre, I noticed he was off by himself when both teams lined up at midfield to shake hands. The Navarre players had to actually go out of their way to go over and pat him on the back or handshake, and he really seemed kinda...odd. I mean, I'm sure every Tiger was upset with losing, but this was bordering on bad sportsmanship.
In summary, I went to the game to see the guy and maybe even root for him while playing my local team, but I came away thinking it's fine if he goes elsewhere. My nephew plays college football as an Olineman, lost in the State Finals to UF's own Juice Johnson on a heartbreaking play in high school, so I know how players should behave and perform at this stage of their careers. Tunsil left me a little wary, strange for a #1 recruit at their position.

[gatordee]

Was this the first time you have watched him? I wonder if he just had a bad game. A lot of big programs really want him. I do not believe he he is that interested in us anyway.

[ArtDeco]

I wonder if he just had a bad game. A lot of big programs really want him. I do not believe he he is that interested in us anyway.

It must be the size thing, because he really does tower over everyone else on the field. I could spot him walking off the bus. A giant among men.
And he didn't exactly have a bad game. He kicked the azz of whomever was directly in front of him. But it was relatively easy for the smaller, quicker defenders to knife in behind him while he was leading the charge. I guess I was expecting more technique from the guy; instead, I saw him literally fall on top of his man and sit on him, over and over. I don't think he'll be able to do that at the next level.

[GATORAZ]

Art so you dont want him because of his attitude after a loss?
(I think one of the Florida coaches was at the game tonight)

[DieAGator]

Art so you dont want him because of his attitude after a loss?

That's not what he said AZ. :)

[newdad]

Gator Bait !

[dawny]

Coach Boom will not beg anymore for recruits,Gator Bait.

[tomis_gator]

we'll be fine either way.

[magnafides]

Art so you dont want him because of his attitude after a loss?
(I think one of the Florida coaches was at the game tonight)

You just really like to argue, huh? Did you actually read the post?

[Speedofsand]

Art so you dont want him because of his attitude after a loss?
(I think one of the Florida coaches was at the game tonight)

Being flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, not finding blocks, and technique were described in the post. Those were during, not after the loss. Obvious troll is being obvious.

[Lawdog88]

I'm no scout, but I just watched him in person play a much smaller Navarre team. Not exactly impressive. To summarize:
1. Very good when only responsible for blocking the guy in front of him, esp if said guy is 100 lbs less than him. Unfortunately, I don't think he'll be able to simply sit on top of Alabama Dlinemen.
2. OK on run blocking, OK on pass protection. Often would pull out on a run and be the lead blocker while letting smaller LBs knife in behind him and allow the RB to be stopped in the backfield. On rollouts, often could not find his man to block, same on screen passes-often missed blocks to allow small defenders free access to the QB and RB.
3. This and the next point really bothered me. Despite easily beating the Dlineman in front of him, he seemed to get really frustrated, esp when they fell behind 21-0. One time, saw him basically kicking a player when he was down and "gave him the business", then the very next play, was called for unsportsmanlike conduct for doing similar stuff on the Navarre sideline.
4. Finally, after losing to Navarre, I noticed he was off by himself when both teams lined up at midfield to shake hands. The Navarre players had to actually go out of their way to go over and pat him on the back or handshake, and he really seemed kinda...odd. I mean, I'm sure every Tiger was upset with losing, but this was bordering on bad sportsmanship.
In summary, I went to the game to see the guy and maybe even root for him while playing my local team, but I came away thinking it's fine if he goes elsewhere. My nephew plays college football as an Olineman, lost in the State Finals to UF's own Juice Johnson on a heartbreaking play in high school, so I know how players should behave and perform at this stage of their careers. Tunsil left me a little wary, strange for a #1 recruit at their position.


Thanks for the details, AD. I appreciate your description.

[UFreak]

Thanks for the details, AD. I appreciate your description.

Agreed, real live scouting session. Much appreciated.

[GATORAZ]

You just really like to argue, huh? Did you actually read the post?

I read the whole thing

[GATORAZ]

Being flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, not finding blocks, and technique were described in the post. Those were during, not after the loss. Obvious troll is being obvious.

I am a troll now you cant really believe that can you?

[GATORAZ]

Maybe I didnt use the right word I was basically asking if Art didnt want him because of his attitude. Because the missing blocks means absolutely nothing. It is high school football. This is the second Olinemen people have said they didnt want Florida to get in a week. Somebody said they did not like Rod Johnson.

Tunsil had great feet and a great frame to add more weight. He is more ready to play than DJ was out of high school. OL in a developmental position it takes time and good coaching. If his head is in the right place he should start as a sophomore

[StrangeGator]

Interesting observations, but it seems like preemptive sour grapes. Every one who has posted with close personal observations has been very positive about him. A close friend of mine brought her son (an OL prospect) down to UF for Junior Day and got to meet Tunsil and his family. Said that he was a very respectful young man and very affable with his campmates. A classmate of his chimed in recently saying that he's a life-long, die-hard Gator fan who knows that he will mature more during his college years if he gets away from the Gainesville area. I think we should just write him off and be happy with what we get. If by some miracle he does sign with the Gators, it's great news, but there's no point in following his recruitment closely and less point in bad-mouthing him.
I will say that the OP made some legitimate observations, but it's a small sampling of his play and behavior over his career.

[lean_gator]

DJ didnt allow a sack his entire highschool career.

[apkgator]

Art so you dont want him because of his attitude after a loss?
(I think one of the Florida coaches was at the game tonight)

"Because of his attitude after a loss"?????

You said you read his post, but that is hard to believe. He went into detail about his actual playing performance, and some penalty/attitude issues during the game. How did you miss all of that and only notice the "attitude after a loss"?

[GATORAZ]

"Because of his attitude after a loss"?????

You said you read his post, but that is hard to believe. He went into detail about his actual playing performance, and some penalty/attitude issues during the game. How did you miss all of that and only notice the "attitude after a loss"?

did you read my last post?

[gatorbait1]

DJ didnt allow a sack his entire highschool career.

+1 nuff said

[The_Graygator]

Wasn't worried at all.

I said nearly two months ago we weren't getting him and I'd totally fogotten about him. :wink:

[demosthenes]

Tunsil had great feet and a great frame to add more weight. He is more ready to play than DJ was out of high school. OL in a developmental position it takes time and good coaching. If his head is in the right place he should start as a sophomore

He's very, very good but not so sure about him being more ready to play than DJ.

Tunsil will more than likely play Sundays but our program will be fine without him.

[GATORAZ]

He's very, very good but not so sure about him being more ready to play than DJ.

Tunsil will more than likely play Sundays but our program will be fine without him.

The program will be fine without Tunsil is something I agree with. It will be fine without Henry Walker and any other kid that doesn't want to get on board as well.

[elrongator]

All that said, I hope he's keeping an open mind. You can mature plenty by coming to Florida and dealing with the rigors of a top program, press meetings, and attending a top academic institution. Moving a couple hours away to get away from home is not reason enough to miss the chance to become a legend playing for your childhood favorite.
He's bought into a mind set that's putting a huge emphasis on a small facet of the college experience...I grew up in Gainesville and I treated going to UF like I had moved out of state. He could easily do the same.

[StrangeGator]

All that said, I hope he's keeping an open mind. You can mature plenty by coming to Florida and dealing with the rigors of a top program, press meetings, and attending a top academic institution. Moving a couple hours away to get away from home is not reason enough to miss the chance to become a legend playing for your childhood favorite.
He's bought into a mind set that's putting a huge emphasis on a small facet of the college experience...I grew up in Gainesville and I treated going to UF like I had moved out of state. He could easily do the same.

I would agree there. Moving to Tuscaloosa to get away from Lake City is like moving to Latvia to get away from Slovenia.

[LAGatorDoc]

I would agree there. Moving to Tuscaloosa to get away from Lake City is like moving to Latvia to get away from Slovenia.

Slovenia>>>>Latvia, not even in the same ballpark, it's on the Adriatic Sea and is a tourist hot spot, Latvia is northern ex Soviet block disaster zone. I would say like getting away from Czech Republic by going to Slovakia... I would say Lake City slightly > or = to Tuscaloosa

[themistocles]

No single player of group of five players is very important in the long run.

[UGator]

John Theus at GA was a long time Gator fan and so was his Dad until his brother went to GA (we didn't need him) and that lured John there also. Maybe they were pissed big bro didn't get much interest from Gator coaches.

Tunsil is a good player, but for some reason, Lake City talents prefer FSU or out of state---maybe we are too near them and it's not as exciting as they've seen many Gator games,,,,kinda like been there, done that.

We have some good transfer OL talent coming in next year along with Dunker and some other players we're recruiting that will have to be developed for future play.

We have an outstanding coaching staff and strength program that can develop players almost or as good as Bama, and that seems to be the goal now with championship calibre teams.

We might even become better if our coaches don't leave too soon.

[don23lucia]

He does have a poor attitude, you can see it in the interviews that he gives. We arent getting him and really dont need him, would we take him sure we would and so would every other school out there.

[DeBigLeezard]

There are a lot of ways to spin this...
But honestly...
We are getting Garcia at guard... that frees up some guys that would be decent tackles that would have been playing guard if we had not gotten Garcia.
And Garcia is a PROVEN player with NCAA experience.
Secondly, we are getting Moore... who started at NEBRASKA as a freshman.
What does that tell us? He's good... very good. Good footwork and he is very smart!

Personally I would rather have Moore with his great attitude verses Tunsil.
Don't get me wrong... I would love to have Tunsil and I think that he can develope very quickly into a fantastic tackle with a great attitude.

Lastly... looks like we are also getting Brown who is a real beast. A year with Dillman and we are going to have an All-SEC player with him.

The angle that we need to see is:
How would all of us be feeling if we bombed on all three of these transfers AND.... lost out on Tunsil?

It is all about prespective.
Oh...of course... we have Dunker... with a whole year of experience under his belt.
Another beast!

[LAGatorDoc]

He does have a poor attitude, you can see it in the interviews that he gives. We arent getting him and really dont need him, would we take him sure we would and so would every other school out there.

He does not have a poor attitude just because he doesn't like the gators. The coaching staff loves him and are still recruiting him. Which player with a poor attitude is still being recruited with a poor attitude??? Zero. So stop spreading rumors based on what you think from observing a laid back kid on some interview videos. Maybe he's nervous in front of cameras or maybe he had gas.

[DeBigLeezard]

Doc...
I agree with you.
We truly don't know Tunsil and what's going on inside him...
And how many recruits out there want to trash another team or... pull a "Marcus Stroud" on us?
(So sorry Marcus... you went to the wrong team... we beat your butt...)

PS: Oh... just a kind thought to pass along.
The word "Gators" is ALWAYS capitalized.
So are the words: "Gator Fans."
The "F" is always capitalized.

That's all for today classssssss....

[LAGatorDoc]

Doc...
I agree with you.
We truly don't know Tunsil and what's going on inside him...
And how many recruits out there want to trash another team or... pull a "Marcus Stroud" on us?
(So sorry Marcus... you went to the wrong team... we beat your butt...)

PS: Oh... just a kind thought to pass along.
The word "Gators" is ALWAYS capitalized.
So are the words: "Gator Fans."
The "F" is always capitalized.

That's all for today classssssss....

Thanks. When I'm not using my iPhone it always does get capitalized. Sometimes on my iPhone when I'm typing fast I mess up. Forgive me, it's the holidays

[don23lucia]

He does not have a poor attitude just because he doesn't like the gators. The coaching staff loves him and are still recruiting him. Which player with a poor attitude is still being recruited with a poor attitude??? Zero. So stop spreading rumors based on what you think from observing a laid back kid on some interview videos. Maybe he's nervous in front of cameras or maybe he had gas.

It not a rumor its my observation and opinion. He's not coming here so it really doesnt matter.

Plenty of kids get recruited and offered scholarships with poor attitudes.

[LAGatorDoc]

It not a rumor its my observation and opinion. He's not coming here so it really doesnt matter.

Plenty of kids get recruited and offered scholarships with poor attitudes.

Yes but they don't continue to be recruited to the end if they have a bad attitude is my point

[ArtDeco]

No offense, but I'm pretty sure we recruited Percy til the end despite several people in Virginia High School Athletics having some concerns about attitude.

[LAGatorDoc]

No offense, but I'm pretty sure we recruited Percy til the end despite several people in Virginia High School Athletics having some concerns about attitude.

No offense but that was a different coaching staff

[ArtDeco]

True.
But I think the other poster's point was, no one at big time CFB really cares about a kid's attitude. Even though I didn't like what I saw in a couple hours one night, even I wouldn't yank a scholly offer based on that. Just saying we shouldn't worry if we miss out, not saying Muschamp wouldn't find his condition "correctable"...I'm pretty sure Champ has already fixed a few attitude probs at UF already.

[demosthenes]

Laughing at the idea that Muschamp wouldn't have recruited Harvin. Would he have put up with him sitting out conditioning drills? Hell no but I can guarantee he wouldn't have lumped Harvin in that "bad guy" category mentioned in an article the other day. Most coaches believe they can straighten out players and would probably only put a few in that "bad guy" category.

[grayg8rstevo]

Imhfo..BOOM WOULD MAKE UP IS OWN MIND.
We all agree with that.
that man knows what he wants in a player.
He is clear with his staff as to what he will accept.
He would have ecruited PERCY.
Percy was a good guy. His kindness to fans has been documented.
But Percy was high maintenance.
Something would have had to give for him to stay a Gator.
jmo.
I have nothing to add but my common sense.
But...regarding TUNSIL.
BOOM would work him.
The kid has talent.
He also has a lot to work on.
NIXON was number two in the nation.
He is a good young man.
His family is awesome.
But he struggled..a lot.
High School ranking gives AN INDICATION OF TALENT....but not a guarantee.
IF WE GET HIM...GREAT.
IF WE DON'T GET HIM...WE WILL PRESS ON WITH THOSE WHO WILL MAKE THE SACRIFICE.
Thanks to the op for his observations.
Don't shoot the messenger who tries to bring an honest information.

[lean_gator]

Laughing at the idea that Muschamp wouldn't have recruited Harvin. Would he have put up with him sitting out conditioning drills? Hell no but I can guarantee he wouldn't have lumped Harvin in that "bad guy" category mentioned in an article the other day. Most coaches believe they can straighten out players and would probably only put a few in that "bad guy" category.

Well he did tell Derrick "all world" Henry to kick rocks, so.....

[Gator_84_88]

I've said that SEVERAL times that i'm not impressed and could care less if he commits. I've seen AT LEAST 15 more that are MUCH better than Tunsil at camps and combines this past summer.

[halsgator]

IMO he has crapped on the Gators enough. Doesn't seem we were ever in his mind. Let the guy go regardless where he goes.

[DieAGator]

I've said that SEVERAL times that i'm not impressed and could care less if he commits. I've seen AT LEAST 15 more that are MUCH better than Tunsil at camps and combines this past summer.

Do you HS coaches with affiliations or admiration for a school pass those kinds of evaluations on?

[GatorAvatar]

If he doesn't want to come to UF he needs his tonsils checked.

[Gatorrick22]

I've said that SEVERAL times that i'm not impressed and could care less if he commits. I've seen AT LEAST 15 more that are MUCH better than Tunsil at camps and combines this past summer.

I believe what you're saying is true in that there are several players that are better than Tunsil, but why do the recruiting services have him so highly rated?

[demosthenes]

I think there's a very good chance he'll be playing Sundays. Any team would take him. Not disputing there are other better players though.