Will Kelvin Taylor compete for starting job?

[MikeCapshaw]

Florida coach Will Muschamp was asked during his presser today if he thought Kelvin would be "ready to compete for a starting job."

Here was his answer:

“Kelvin’s a guy that’s mature ... certainly from a maturity standpoint and a physical standpoint and stature, he’s a guy that is a good-looking guy who will figure in. He will get every opportunity in the world to accomplish what he wants to as a freshman.”

[grant1]

What else would he say? He will say the same for Adam Lane; that or "no, we'll just sit them for a few years and see how they develop". Hmmmm, what would a coach say?

[orangeblueorangeblue]

Yeah I'm not sure the point of asking questions that will elicit nothing but coachspeak.

[fox]

Kelvin's potential is off the scale.

[regurgigator]

Sure, there's coach-speak there, but I could see the answer being a little different if Muschamp thought Taylor wasn't physically ready. I think I've even seen coaches say that some players may need to develop more physically or even may redshirt.

To answer the OP's question, my sense from the answer is that Muschamp really thinks there's a decent chance Taylor will earn some playing time early. My gut (not always reliable) tells me he will also.

[gator7_5]

I would wager that Kelvin will get carries in his first game as a gator. I would not wager that he unseats Matt Jones as starter off the bat, though. If 100% healthy, I don't think Lane redshirts either.

[GATORDONE]

C'mon. Seriously? Without question.

I can't wait when Adam Lane is actually the one turning heads. Just watch

[CSpantheGatorFan]

I think Mack Brown is going to surprise some people next year in Gillislee like fashion. That being said, I expect more of a running back by committee next year.

[Gator19]

I agree with this^ about Mack Brown...I think he will defintely be in the rotation and I feel like Lane could use a redshirt to seperate He and Taylor.

[RayGator]

First, Coach Muschamp spoke in coach speak language. No big deal.

Second both these guys coming in are super! I'm glad they'll be Gators! I certainly hope we use both of them, not just one of them.

[gator7_5]

I think Mack Brown is going to surprise some people next year in Gillislee like fashion. That being said, I expect more of a running back by committee next year.
I wouldn't be surprised, I'd be completely blown away if Mack wins the starting job next year.

[GatorDoc74]

Don't all players compete for a starting job every year? Most won't win it, but they all compete.

Dumb question.

[Spiff24]

My prediction is that Kelvin is named the starter by SEC play, still rushes for 1,000+ yards.

[TnCamoGator]

I agree with this^ about Mack Brown...I think he will defintely be in the rotation and I feel like Lane could use a redshirt to seperate He and Taylor.

Lane is a tank. I doubt he redshirts. Brown, jones, Taylor and Lane are all capable backs. They'll all play. But I think it'll be in certain packages and situations. It'll be interesting to see if we have a clear cut "starter" cause I think it'll be who fits the scheme for each team we face

[corbittcaptain]

Adam Lane will end up at fullback. My prediction

[GATORAZ]

Adam Lane will end up at fullback. My prediction

is this a serious prediction?

[mbgator]

They will all get a chance,but we have something EXTRA special in Matt Jones.

[GATORAZ]

They will all get a chance,but we have something EXTRA special in Matt Jones.

If Matt plays up to his ability the SEC is in for a real surprise.

[GatorInSC]

Wouldn't surprise me Matt and Kelvin have a season like Gurley and Marshall did this year

[your_perfect_enemy]

I think Mack Brown is going to surprise some people next year in Gillislee like fashion. That being said, I expect more of a running back by committee next year.

I just haven't seen anything from brown that would suggest anything close to a Gilly type break out next year. Unfortunately I think brown will be lucky to even get a handful of carries this year with jones and the talent we bring in.

[CharlesUF09]

Mack will probably get a shot to prove himself this offseason and in the first couple games, but it'd have to be a somewhat substantial turnaround since Matt Jones passed him in the depth chart at some point this season.

[sec1]

i think it will be between , taylor ,lane and matt jones to start , jones will prob start but taylor n lane will play alot , i do not see brown playing much

[coldsteel120]

Adam Lane will end up at fullback. My prediction

Not with Lane's speed. Plus our future FB is visiting this weekend.

[UGator]

Kelvin plays for a 2A school but was often times the best player on the field against higher rated schools and competition.

He is durable, can cut on the move with the best RB's I've seen, has good speed, and should be a benefit to our team in terms of his humility and character.

We all want our offense to come much closer to matching our defense, and the additions of Taylor, Lane and maybe another RB will help immensely. Matt Jones and Mack Brown will also provide valuable skills and leadership and the depth that is crucial as injuries seem to occur every season.

[gatorkev_85]

I don't see Brown being a big part of the offense. I expect it to be around 50% Jones, 40% Taylor and 10% Lane next year. I'd go Jones most of the 1 quarter, Taylor the 2nd quarter mix in Lane, Taylor , and a springle of Brown in the 3rd and finish strong with Jones in the 4th.

[oxymoron]

Its impossible to really know how good a football player will be until they put on the pads and do it in live contact. The Indy Colts had Peyton and Ryan Leaf as equals and couldn't decide between the two. Leaf is now in prison for drug crimes and Peytons making $20million a year.

[pcolagator]

Matt Jones would be the prohibitive starter. but, I would expect both Taylor and Lane (am assuming that Mack decides to transfer, although I think he should stay and if he did would be part of the rotation) will get some touches to provide the necessary depth. Plus, could see either Taylor or Lane providing some knockout punches/runs later in games when the opponent's defense is gassed and ripe for the taking.

[GATORAZ]

I think Brown will play more than Lane

[luciaboy]

hell, yeah he will.

[lean_gator]

Mack Brown will be the starter against Toledo barring injury, imo.

[GatorSean]

People seem to be forgetting that Mack was #2 behind Gilly, and playing well, before he got injured. I'm not sure why its all of a sudden assumed everyone is going to pass him by.

[lean_gator]

People seem to be forgetting that Mack was #2 behind Gilly, and playing well, before he got injured. I'm not sure why its all of a sudden assumed everyone is going to pass him by.

Exactly.

[Gator19]

This^

[gator7_5]

People seem to be forgetting that Mack was #2 behind Gilly, and playing well, before he got injured. I'm not sure why its all of a sudden assumed everyone is going to pass him by.

We'll see. I have no doubt that MJ will be the starter. If Mack wins the job, hopefully he has improved immensly, or we're in trouble.

Gilly always showed flashes of brilliance when he was behind demps and rainey. I just haven't seen that from MB.

[gymgator]

Sorry, but that was a dumb question. Coach hasn't watched Taylor take one snap in practice and he is suppose comment on him being the starter? Stupid.

[StrangeGator]

I just haven't seen anything from brown that would suggest anything close to a Gilly type break out next year. Unfortunately I think brown will be lucky to even get a handful of carries this year with jones and the talent we bring in.

You weren't watching very close early in the season. He was very sharp running inside. There was one game where he was shredding the opposing defense and would have exceeded Gillislee's yardage, but he had two runs totaling 50 or 60 yards called back because of penalties. Mack hits the hole fast and hard. He's much more decisive in the backfield. He also has the best top end speed of any RB we have right now. Don't know what happened to him later in the season. He may have been injured. Jones started getting a lot more carries, but he was never given opportunities to run between the tackles. I'm not sure he can. They had a different running package for him.

[StrangeGator]

I'm guessing Lane will redshirt. He will provide competition, but I don't think we'll need him to provide depth.

[StrangeGator]

Not with Lane's speed. Plus our future FB is visiting this weekend.

Lane's best 40 time since his injury was about 4.7. Derrick Henry ran a 4.5 on the same track on the same day. Hopefully he's gained back more of his speed.

[Juggernautz]

Adam Lane will end up at fullback. My prediction

We need bulk @ fullback not a RB

[NoahBeanBizzel]

You weren't watching very close early in the season. He was very sharp running inside. There was one game where he was shredding the opposing defense and would have exceeded Gillislee's yardage, but he had two runs totaling 50 or 60 yards called back because of penalties. Mack hits the hole fast and hard. He's much more decisive in the backfield. He also has the best top end speed of any RB we have right now. Don't know what happened to him later in the season. He may have been injured. Jones started getting a lot more carries, but he was never given opportunities to run between the tackles. I'm not sure he can. They had a different running package for him.

I agree that Mack is the real deal. He's one of those guys who has always impressed me when I've seen him live. He's got the talent to really take the running game by storm if he can just stay healthy.

I like what you said about how he runs sharp inside. He does. His style reminds me of Ben Tate when he was at Auburn. Brown's a physical runner.

[StrangeGator]

People seem to be forgetting that Mack was #2 behind Gilly, and playing well, before he got injured. I'm not sure why its all of a sudden assumed everyone is going to pass him by.

I didn't forget. He fit much better into the scheme than Jones who couldn't get his shoulders down low enough and get his feet moving quick enough to clear the LOS between the tackles. Mack was as quick as Mike G. but wasn't quite as adapt as making the moves at the second level to get out of the secondary. He had a hell of a burst though and was making progress. Not sure how legit it was, but Mack Brown has run the fastest 20 yard shuttle time of any UF recruit in my memory.

[sleeze]

Mack has battled injuries since highschool.

Maybe he can last a whole season this coming year.

[regurgigator]

Don't all players compete for a starting job every year? Most won't win it, but they all compete.

Dumb question.

:roll:

Of course, you are completely correct (except for the occasional player who comes in pretty much planning to redshirt).

For your benefit I'll revise the question to what I think the questioner was really asking: "Does Taylor have a realistic chance to win the starting job even though he'll only be a freshman?" :joecool:




Again: Yes, it was coach-speak, but not all coach-speak is equal or completely devoid of clues to the real answer. If Muschamp thought Taylor may need to mature more physically to be able to "compete" for the starting job, his answer would NOT have focused on how physically (and mentally) mature Taylor is. Is that an important factor in whether a freshman can win the starting RB job? I would say it is one of the more important factors when you're discussing a freshman RB.

I think the answer also indicates that Muschamp's conversations with Taylor have probably been along the lines that they both believe he has a good chance of playing as a freshman. I wouldn't be surprised if Muschamp's discussions with some players are more along the lines of : "You'll get a chance to compete for playing time as freshman, but there are some pretty good upperclassmen you'll have to beat out, and if you end up redshirting it won't be considered a failure in any sense. Some of our greatest players (throw in some examples) started out as redshirts." From his answer, I don't think Muschamp has had any such conversation with Taylor.

Could it still be true that Muschamp's thinks Taylor has a snowflake's chance in hell of winning the job? Maybe. But, my gut says that's not the case here.

[co_gator89]

Can't wait to see what Kelvin does this spring. Color me shocked if he doesn't see significant playing time next season.

[LimeyGator]

People seem to be forgetting that Mack was #2 behind Gilly, and playing well, before he got injured. I'm not sure why its all of a sudden assumed everyone is going to pass him by.

Injury can do that for your chances. It's bad luck, but a team can't just wait until someone is healthy again and then throw them the steering wheel assuming all else has stood still while they've been out.

Some facts:

Mack Brown had the 5th most rushing attempts (25), accounting for less than 4% of the team's carries last year, behind Gillislee (244), Driskel (118), Matt Jones (52), and Trey Burton (29). He was just ahead of Hines (20) and Patton (14). 4 per cent!

He averaged 4.1yds per carry and had a long of 11 and no TDs in 9 games.

If we'd extrapolated his form before his injury, he was on for season figures of around 35 carries for 150 yards.

In 3 seasons at Florida, he has 40 carries for 167 yards and no TDs. 5 stars or not, that's a major disappointment: Matt Jones has already eclipsed that as a freshman and Kelvin Taylor has the potential to come in and be a major force too. Great players tip the coaches hand to get time on the field. Brown has yet to do that, as talented as he may be.

No disrespect to Mack Brown whatsoever, but I see no reason he should be annointed as the de facto starter because he's the most experienced of our RBs going into next season. Merit should be the reason he takes the starting job - if he's the best in camp, so be it. I hope he does well.

The cynic in me says we will see a much more balanced spread of carries between our backs next year, perhaps riding the hot hand a bit more.

[mildee]

Injury can do that for your chances. It's bad luck, but a team can't just wait until someone is healthy again and then throw them the steering wheel assuming all else has stood still while they've been out.

Some facts:

Mack Brown had the 5th most rushing attempts (25), accounting for less than 4% of the team's carries last year, behind Gillislee (244), Driskel (118), Matt Jones (52), and Trey Burton (29). He was just ahead of Hines (20) and Patton (14). 4 per cent!

He averaged 4.1yds per carry and had a long of 11 and no TDs in 9 games.

If we'd extrapolated his form before his injury, he was on for season figures of around 35 carries for 150 yards.

In 3 seasons at Florida, he has 40 carries for 167 yards and no TDs. 5 stars or not, that's a major disappointment: Matt Jones has already eclipsed that as a freshman and Kelvin Taylor has the potential to come in and be a major force too. Great players tip the coaches hand to get time on the field. Brown has yet to do that, as talented as he may be.

No disrespect to Mack Brown whatsoever, but I see no reason he should be annointed as the de facto starter because he's the most experienced of our RBs going into next season. Merit should be the reason he takes the starting job - if he's the best in camp, so be it. I hope he does well.

The cynic in me says we will see a much more balanced spread of carries between our backs next year, perhaps riding the hot hand a bit more.

Good breakdown......if I recall correctly, he was a 4 star, out of metro Atlanta area. Had high hopes for him, but Matt Jones showed a whole lot of upside last year as a true fresh..... While brown hasn't showed anything in 3 years.

IMO, it's jones job to lose

[NoahBeanBizzel]

No, Brown's stats don't really jump out at you, but he is impressive to watch when he hits the hole. Strange pointed out that he had a couple of big gains called back due to penalties.

It'll be an open competition this spring, and I'm not really expecting anybody to emerge from the pack. I too think it'll be a rotation, with Jones/Brown probably getting the majority of the carries, Taylor will get carries and will need to step up when one of them tweaks an ankle, and you'll see guys like Patton, Trey Burton and Joyer get about five to ten carries a game in situational packages (i.e wildcat, jet sweeps, zone reads, etc...)

[dawny]

We could not see much from Mack Brown when he didnt get on the field very much like Gilly did, maybe we will give him his chance, he did do everything the Coaches wanted in 4years patiently waiting, if giving the chance he will start, that is my predictions

[StrangeGator]

The competition will be wide open. I'm certainly not picking any starters, but I'd predict that Taylor, Jones and Brown will all be in the running. Not as sure about Lane. I lot will depend on what our base running package will be. If we keep it between the tackles, that favors Taylor and Brown. If we go outside more, Jones is the obvious choice. He's also an excellent receiver. If he doesn't end up a starter at RB, he could take Hines' role.

[SkyChimp]

Can't wait to see what Kelvin does this spring. Color me shocked if he doesn't see significant playing time next season.

I think we are going to see a lot of him this year. He is a very talented player.

[JefffromJax]

The competition will be wide open. I'm certainly not picking any starters, but I'd predict that Taylor, Jones and Brown will all be in the running. Not as sure about Lane. I lot will depend on what our base running package will be. If we keep it between the tackles, that favors Taylor and Brown. If we go outside more, Jones is the obvious choice. He's also an excellent receiver. If he doesn't end up a starter at RB, he could take Hines' role.


Know that statistics can be hugely overrated; but does anyone know 40 times for Lane, Taylor, Jones, & Brown ? How good are their receiving skills ? Realize it's hard to compare the receiving skills of a HS player versus those of a college player since DB, LB, etc at college level are more adapt at coverage.

In another post on GC, some one stated that Lane was extremely (Jet Sweep ?) fast. If so, does he get the 5-7 outside carries a game ?

Is Alex Collins still a possibility ? Would you rather have him or an additional DL ?

[gatorev12]

Based on production (and nothing else), Matt Jones will be the favorite going into next season since he really came along strong at the end of the year and will only improve with another offseason in the weightroom and with the typical second year jump.

Mack Brown has the talent and the potential--but has yet to put everything together and has struggled with injuries. It'll be a tough road for him to re-establish himself...especially if the freshman come in ready to play.

Bottom line: we'll have a beefed-up OL that should continue to plow holes for our rushing game--and hopefully Driskel gets a bit better in the passing game with more practice time and coaching from Pease.

[fox]

If Jones and Brown are beat out of serious playing time I will be shocked and awed.

[Tito22]

No, Brown's stats don't really jump out at you, but he is impressive to watch when he hits the hole. Strange pointed out that he had a couple of big gains called back due to penalties.

It'll be an open competition this spring, and I'm not really expecting anybody to emerge from the pack. I too think it'll be a rotation, with Jones/Brown probably getting the majority of the carries, Taylor will get carries and will need to step up when one of them tweaks an ankle, and you'll see guys like Patton, Trey Burton and Joyer get about five to ten carries a game in situational packages (i.e wildcat, jet sweeps, zone reads, etc...)


Impressive to watch? I disagree. Mack Brown usually runs right into the backs of our OL. He has no wow factor. I doubt he is ever starting at RB for us but I do see him in on short yardage situations. This is Matt Jones job to lose

[orangeblueorangeblue]

"He's impressive to watch when he hits the hole"

"No, he's not impressive to watch when he doesn't hit the hole."

[theologator]

All four RBs will have a fair shot at serious playing time. I don't see an Emmitt vs. Wayne Williams disparity among any of them, but I fully expect Kelvin will be in the rotation and I won't be surprised if all 4 play.

[regurgigator]

No, Brown's stats don't really jump out at you, but he is impressive to watch when he hits the hole. Strange pointed out that he had a couple of big gains called back due to penalties.



I agree.

I thought Brown ran very hard (maybe not as hard as Jones ran later in the season), very fast (faster than Jones), and with excellent vision (which Jones seemed to lack early, but which improved some).


What was Brown's injury?

[NoahBeanBizzel]

Impressive to watch? I disagree. Mack Brown usually runs right into the backs of our OL. He has no wow factor. I doubt he is ever starting at RB for us but I do see him in on short yardage situations. This is Matt Jones job to lose

We must be watching two different players. When I've seen Brown run, he's impressed me. He runs hard, does it in between the tackles, and has looked good in limited action. He's spent a good part of his career dinged up, but he's impressed me when he's been in ball games.

He doesn't run right into the backs of our linemen. I'm not sure where that came from, but you must have film of somebody else. The guy I've seen runs hard, has breakaway speed, and looks like he has the potential to really help the running game if he can just stay healthy.

The staff seemed to be awfully impressed with him last year heading into the season. He must have been doing something right. Guys with "no wow factor" normally receive no praise at all. Maybe you know something the staff doesn't?

[NoahBeanBizzel]

I agree.

I thought Brown ran very hard (maybe not as hard as Jones ran later in the season), very fast (faster than Jones), and with excellent vision (which Jones seemed to lack early, but which improved some).


What was Brown's injury?

Matt Jones really wasn't all that big of a deal until the FSU game. That was really the first time he actually blew me away.

I'm not sure what Brown's injuries have been, but I know he hasn't put together full season yet. Not even close. I really don't know how people can say he's not all that impressive, considering we've yet to see what he can do with 10-15 carries a game.

I'm not sold that anybody is the "clear" choice at the position. We'll see how it plays out going into the fall. I think Mack Brown is about to surprise some people on this board-if he stays healthy.

[SECund2nun]

RB is where it is easiest for a freshmen to contribute. We have just had subpar RB recruits the past 7-8 years which is why we have not had a freshmen stud RB. Kelvin and Lane fit that mold.

[gatorev12]

Matt Jones really wasn't all that big of a deal until the FSU game. That was really the first time he actually blew me away.

I'm not sure what Brown's injuries have been, but I know he hasn't put together full season yet. Not even close. I really don't know how people can say he's not all that impressive, considering we've yet to see what he can do with 10-15 carries a game.

I'm not sold that anybody is the "clear" choice at the position. We'll see how it plays out going into the fall. I think Mack Brown is about to surprise some people on this board-if he stays healthy.

Re-watched some highlights of Gator games this year on youtube, paying particular attention to Brown and Jones.

Jones was a late-bloomer...from the South Carolina game onward, he really started putting things together and making the most of his time. The f$u game was the culmination of his steady march up the depth chart; but the South Carolina game was probably the start--when he got the nod over Brown in spelling Gillislee late in the 4th and scored a TD after South Carolina's failed onside kick. He didn't go down on the first contact and concentrated on hitting the hole with speed. When he gets to the second level, he definitely has the wheels to take it to the distance. I dare say that he reminds me a lot of Eddie Lacy from Bama this past year: big, powerful backs that don't go down easily and can get to the second level with above-average speed if they get their motor going.

On second glance, Brown definitely showed me a lot more than I'd previously remembered. He was patient, didn't go down on the first hit, and showed good burst when needing to hit a hole. As far as style of running, he actually reminded me a bit of Gillislee in more ways than not.

All in all, both have the physical tools to develop into the primary RB here next season...but if one or the other slips, there will most certainly be two very talented freshman who can make the most of the opportunity.

[Tebowism0823]

Not with Lane's speed. Plus our future FB is visiting this weekend.

Agree with the last sentence.

[theologator]

I'm not giving up on Mack Brown either. He's got some real power and skill if he can stay healthy. I expect all 4 in the mix and possibly each coming up big in different games. In that, this backfield feels like an LSU lineup coming on.

However...

Taylor and/or Lane may just light the world on fire. In that case, UF will have 2 bruisers who can run fast (Jones & Brown) and two speed/cut backs who can flat run you over. That would be more like the Giants with Jacobs & Bradshaw or Atlanta with Turner & Quizz Rodgers.

And this OL might make all of that very, very possible.

[socraticsilence]

People keep talking about Lane's speed but isn't he a 4.6-4.7 guy post-injury, I mean I get that Knee's are 2 year injuries (notwithstanding the inhuman AP) but assuming he'll be a 4.4 guy next season seems a bit much.

[OaktownGator]

People keep talking about Lane's speed but isn't he a 4.6-4.7 guy post-injury, I mean I get that Knee's are 2 year injuries (notwithstanding the inhuman AP) but assuming he'll be a 4.4 guy next season seems a bit much.
I don't know what Lane's current speed is.... while it's an exception no doubt, Adrian Peterson comes to mind. Doesn't have to be a two year deal.

In the bigger picture, seems like between Jones, Brown, KT and Lane, we should definitely have a very solid set of backs with some complimentary skill sets.

[sleeze]

40 times are overrated. Unless u have worldclass speed..like Demps,,etc..

I wanna know have fast he is in full pads.

[IH8REFS]

I don't know what Lane's current speed is.... while it's an exception no doubt, Adrian Peterson comes to mind. Doesn't have to be a two year deal.

In the bigger picture, seems like between Jones, Brown, KT and Lane, we should definitely have a very solid set of backs with some complimentary skill sets.

Adrian Peterson is a cyborg.

[geauxgator1]

I think both backs will be competeing for a starting job, but who knows at this point how they will be in their fisrt year. If they can pick up the mental aspect quickly, I think they both will compete. The vets have the upper hand as they know the system, playbook and their assignments.

[dawny]

Mack Brown is built like Percy if you look at him, just needs to get healthy, and takes his hits ,he needs to take the rock and start or step aside, I am rooting for him, his Father told him to stick it out at UF, good luck Macky.

[allhailmeyer]

Matt Jones really wasn't all that big of a deal until the FSU game. That was really the first time he actually blew me away.

I'm not sure what Brown's injuries have been, but I know he hasn't put together full season yet. Not even close. I really don't know how people can say he's not all that impressive, considering we've yet to see what he can do with 10-15 carries a game.

I'm not sold that anybody is the "clear" choice at the position. We'll see how it plays out going into the fall. I think Mack Brown is about to surprise some people on this board-if he stays healthy.

The fact that he has not been given 10-15 carries a game should be enough evidence that he is not showing coaches what they want to see despite what may have been stated on the preseason. Unless something changes drastically, if Brown is the opening day starter we got problems.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

The fact that he has not been given 10-15 carries a game should be enough evidence that he is not showing coaches what they want to see despite what may have been stated on the preseason. Unless something changes drastically, if Brown is the opening day starter we got problems.

How is he going to get the ball 10-15 times if he's not dressed for the game? He's been hurt a lot over the past couple of seasons.

If Matt Jones and Mack Brown stay healthy, Florida is in good shape at the position. Kelvin Taylor will complement them nicely. He may surprise us all and start. Who knows? I'm not worried about the RB position.

[tec68]

We'll see. I have no doubt that MJ will be the starter. If Mack wins the job, hopefully he has improved immensly, or we're in trouble.

Gilly always showed flashes of brilliance when he was behind demps and rainey. I just haven't seen that from MB.

This is very true

[tec68]

40 times are overrated. Unless u have worldclass speed..like Demps,,etc..

I wanna know have fast he is in full pads.

I honestly could care less how fast you can run 40 yards. I put more stock in how fast you can run 20.

Give me a RB that consistently gets 20 yard runs over a guy who gets 1 80 yard run.

[allhailmeyer]

How is he going to get the ball 10-15 times if he's not dressed for the game? He's been hurt a lot over the past couple of seasons.

If Matt Jones and Mack Brown stay healthy, Florida is in good shape at the position. Kelvin Taylor will complement them nicely. He may surprise us all and start. Who knows? I'm not worried about the RB position.

Sorry, but he has dressed for far more than the majority of his games while at UF. It's fine to have your own wrong opinion but don't make stuff up to justify it.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

Sorry, but he has dressed for far more than the majority of his games while at UF. It's fine to have your own wrong opinion but don't make stuff up to justify it.

Yet other people agree that he's been impressive in the limited carries that he's gotten. So, some are impressed; you and a few others aren't. He did miss the last few games of the season but, you are right, he has dressed for the majority of the games he's been at UF for. I thought he missed more time than he had. I was wrong.

To be fair, he was behind Demps, Rainey and Gilly as a freshman. But I did expect more from him this year.

Still, he's impressed me when he's been in games. We'll find out how good the kid is this year. Everybody questioned Gilly and the run game heading into this year, and a lot of people were wrong. I think Brown is better than people think. If he's not, then you can come in and celebrate the fact that he failed to live up to what people thought he would be when he signed. How's that sound?

[regurgigator]

The fact that he has not been given 10-15 carries a game should be enough evidence that he is not showing coaches what they want to see despite what may have been stated on the preseason.

You could have said the same thing about Gillislee before last season.

[theologator]

You could have said the same thing about Gillislee before last season.

For most players, the question is when will the bulb get screwed in that last quarter turn? When that happens - if ever - then the real evaluation as a football player can be made.

By bulb I mean the full mix of grasping scheme, assignments, physical work ethic and film study, etc.

With Mack Brown, I've noted a marked improvement in his running. He seems to be comfortable with that piece. But if that's all he is doing well, defenses will know to expect that off-tackle run when he is in. He becomes an easier key. Much like Debose - he does a few things exceedingly well, but it helps the defense to know what happens when he is in the game.

What we don't see or know is how well Brown is handling the other responsibilities in the scheme, his practice habits and other preparation. Everything, including minor injuries, is behind the Kremlin wall.

I don't think they've given up on him.

[UGator]

Kelvin appears to be a durable back who has good speed, great cuts on the run, and the character to be a welcome addition to our team.

Adam Lane might be a sleeper with his size and speed so don't discount him yet although he might RS to gain some development and experience.

These guys along with Jones and Brown look like we're in good shape for moving the chains.

[c_gator24]

They will all get a chance,but we have something EXTRA special in Matt Jones.
This is true.

John 14:6

[c_gator24]

Matt Jones will start. Kelvin Taylor will play a lot but I don't think he will start over Jones.

John 14:6

[g8rfan22]

If KT starts over Matt Jones he's going to be a beast out of the gates! Matt Jones is a great back.

[wygator]

Didn't Fred Taylor see some pretty good playing time as a freshman?

[socraticsilence]

The fact that he has not been given 10-15 carries a game should be enough evidence that he is not showing coaches what they want to see despite what may have been stated on the preseason. Unless something changes drastically, if Brown is the opening day starter we got problems.

until last year I would have probably agreed with you- but its not like Gilly was getting a ton of touches before his senior year.

[GT Gator]

Didn't Fred Taylor see some pretty good playing time as a freshman?

From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Taylor_(American_football)):

He started two games as a true freshman, picking up 873 yards and eight touchdowns.