Spring Battles

[gymgator]

2nd String QB: Ty vs Sky: Both have the rep of being smart and above average athletes. Murphy is older and might have more confidence in Spring since he played (and did well last year).

WR: Really only a question if Robinson can end all doubt that he will be in the two deep come fall camp. There is always a chance that a talented player might not 'get it' right off the bat. Would like to see if Debose can establish himself as a clear starter along with Dunbar or will Pittman pass him.

TE: Taylor should have the advantage, but the option of using Burton as a WR and having the 6th OLinemen could be the better option.

OL: Moore vs Hump vs Thurman at OT and Silberman vs Garcia vs Koehne at OG

RB: Brown vs Jones vs Taylor

On D, so many will play because the rotation is great, but I am excited to see the RS FR like McAlister & Cox. I expect a lot of mix and match to try various DL combinations.

MLB: Most think it is between Taylor & Morrison, but I don't know how you don't put them both on the field. Our best 4 LBs are those two and Ball & Kitchens. RS FR Jeremi Powell had great reports during his RS year. And the two EE FR came to play. I know people think I am crazy, but I would love to see if Ron Powell can play MLB. Same size as Spikes only faster. But it is a different set of instincts. But I have no doubt, he will be the leader of the 2013 D.

SS/FS: Can Showers & Gorman hold off Maye & Ledbetter? They all will play, but who will earn the starting nod.

[Jstewie15]

Well Humpries v:s Trenton Brown for Lt. Green v:s Moore Rt. I think Jabari Gorman will be 1 of are starting safeties.

[GATORAZ]

2nd String QB I dont care if they play we are doomed

WR- What are Robinson and Purifoy going to do and how far has Pitman come a long?

TE- It is only a question did Taylor necessary gain weight. Colin Thompson should also pass Burton on the depth chart

RB Its Matt Jones job. The fight is for the back up spot with Brown and Taylor

LB- is Morrison's job Taylor has no chance. Ball will also start. The two EE's and J Powell will fight for playing time. R Powell is not playing MLB he will be in the BUCK rotation and is non contact in the spring.

S- Maye is going to get one of the starting spots. Not sure who will get the other but there are a ton of candidates.

[OaktownGator]

2nd String QB: Ty vs Sky: Both have the rep of being smart and above average athletes. Murphy is older and might have more confidence in Spring since he played (and did well last year).

WR: Really only a question if Robinson can end all doubt that he will be in the two deep come fall camp. There is always a chance that a talented player might not 'get it' right off the bat. Would like to see if Debose can establish himself as a clear starter along with Dunbar or will Pittman pass him.

TE: Taylor should have the advantage, but the option of using Burton as a WR and having the 6th OLinemen could be the better option.

OL: Moore vs Hump vs Thurman at OT and Silberman vs Garcia vs Koehne at OG

RB: Brown vs Jones vs Taylor

On D, so many will play because the rotation is great, but I am excited to see the RS FR like McAlister & Cox. I expect a lot of mix and match to try various DL combinations.

MLB: Most think it is between Taylor & Morrison, but I don't know how you don't put them both on the field. Our best 4 LBs are those two and Ball & Kitchens. RS FR Jeremi Powell had great reports during his RS year. And the two EE FR came to play. I know people think I am crazy, but I would love to see if Ron Powell can play MLB. Same size as Spikes only faster. But it is a different set of instincts. But I have no doubt, he will be the leader of the 2013 D.

SS/FS: Can Showers & Gorman hold off Maye & Ledbetter? They all will play, but who will earn the starting nod.
I like the idea of Powell at LB, too... although maybe on the outside. Got to have McCallister and/or others ready behind Fowler at Buck, though.

Dunker could be a factor at OG. Seems like starting OTs probably come from Humphries, Green and Moore. Want to see a starting group settle in, and work on communication... too many times we didn't seem to talk on picking up stunts and blitzes.

I wouldn't rule out Lane at RB. At 5' 7" and over 215, state weight lifting champ, and fast... he's a beast. At some point, I expect he'll be big time for us.

Do or die time for Debose. He should be playing for a payday. Hope between that and adding Phillips, the light comes on. But DR should help regardless, and Pittman could be ready... often takes a year between showing in practice and seeing it in games.

Then, if JD can settle in and get more effective and decisive reading defenses, we should really have something.

[TJtheGator]

Don't sell Darrin Kitchens short at LB. Morrison, Taylor, and Kitchens will lead the way. Powell should also help at Buck. McMillan and Anzalone need to be ready to play.

Is Gideon Ajagbe ever going to contribute?

[GATORAZ]

Don't sell Darrin Kitchens short at LB. Morrison, Taylor, and Kitchens will lead the way. Powell should also help at Buck. McMillan and Anzalone need to be ready to play.

Is Gideon Ajagbe ever going to contribute?

Where is Kitchens going to play? I know he is a fan favorite but how is he going to get on the filed unless we are in 3 LB sets? Mike Taylor cant cover he plays when the other team is inside our 30. If Morrison Kitchens and Taylor lead the way we are in serious trouble. It should be and probably will be Morrsion and Ball. The freshmen are going to pass some of the back ups.

[UFreak]

I am looking forward to the No. 2 QB competition. Hopefully, CWM will open up a few scrimmages to the public.

Obviously, the battle at the two safety positions will be huge.

[AFCyberGator]

I guess I am the weirdo that wants somebody to compete with Driskel as #1 QB, to push JD into being better.

[dohcvtecpower]

2nd String QB I dont care if they play we are doomed

WR- What are Robinson and Purifoy going to do and how far has Pitman come a long?

TE- It is only a question did Taylor necessary gain weight. Colin Thompson should also pass Burton on the depth chart

RB Its Matt Jones job. The fight is for the back up spot with Brown and Taylor

LB- is Morrison's job Taylor has no chance. Ball will also start. The two EE's and J Powell will fight for playing time. R Powell is not playing MLB he will be in the BUCK rotation and is non contact in the spring.

S- Maye is going to get one of the starting spots. Not sure who will get the other but there are a ton of candidates.

So you don't think Tyler Murphy has the tools to be the backup after being in the program this long?

[GATORAZ]

I guess I am the weirdo that wants somebody to compete with Driskel as #1 QB, to push JD into being better.

I dont think its weird but you are def dreaming because none of the guys behind Jeff are going to push him for the job.

[g8rfan22]

Is Gideon Ajagbe ever going to contribute?

Gideon unfortunately gets bitten by the injury bug everytime he makes progressions. He has the talent. He was making serious progress with the buck position last spring. With Powell getting hurt, he had a shot to contribute but he had a mcl injury the Tuesday before the first game. Hopefully he will stay healthy this year.

[Notoriousgator]

SS/FS: Can Showers & Gorman hold off Maye & Ledbetter? They all will play, but who will earn the starting nod.

In my opinion Brian Poole will lock down one of the Safety spots before Showers and Gorman. He has a year under his belt and with Elam, Evans and Saunders gone it offers a great opportunity for all of our young safeties.

BTW, will Jaylen be playing safety this coming fall?

Either way, we have tremendous depth on our roster and they're all so young. Our defensive backfield is going to sick for the foreseeable future.

Brian Poole SO
Jabari Gorman JR
Valdez Showers RS SO
Raheim Ledbetter RS FR/SO
Marcus Maye RS FR/SO
Nick Washington FR
Keanu Neal FR
Marcell Harris FR

(Possibly Jaylen Watkins SR)

[OaktownGator]

Good call on Poole.

[gymgator]

Lane will not be here for the Spring, so this is about where the depth chart will be at the end of Spring. Of course it will change with the various FR at WR, DL & CB.

With Purifoy spending time at WR, I assumed that Poole & Watkins would stick with CB with Roberson & Riggs as the starting CB's for each team.

Dunker, I wasn't sure of what his status would be for the Spring.

[ATLitigator]

I heard an interview with Elam after the season and he says watch out for Maye. he will be a beast,

[OaktownGator]

Lane will not be here for the Spring, so this is about where the depth chart will be at the end of Spring. Of course it will change with the various FR at WR, DL & CB.

With Purifoy spending time at WR, I assumed that Poole & Watkins would stick with CB with Roberson & Riggs as the starting CB's for each team.

Dunker, I wasn't sure of what his status would be for the Spring.
Poole played Safety and Nickel last year.

[gymgator]

Sure, so did Watkins, but again, if Purifoy plays WR in the spring and Maye & Ledbetter are options available, it would seem coaches would want to know if Poole will have a spot at CB. Otherwise, who are the top 4 CBs in the spring?

[StrangeGator]

2nd String QB: Ty vs Sky: Both have the rep of being smart and above average athletes. Murphy is older and might have more confidence in Spring since he played (and did well last year).

WR: Really only a question if Robinson can end all doubt that he will be in the two deep come fall camp. There is always a chance that a talented player might not 'get it' right off the bat. Would like to see if Debose can establish himself as a clear starter along with Dunbar or will Pittman pass him.

Two deep for sure, but that includes five other WRs. I think Robinson will be a major contributor. Better yet, he will light a fire under some of these older guys we've been waiting to develop. I think Debose will find his place, partly because of improved pass protection, a more potent power running attack, which will lead to long play action passes to uncovered receivers.

TE: Taylor should have the advantage, but the option of using Burton as a WR and having the 6th OLinemen could be the better option.

Don't forget Colin Thompson. He might be a better full time TE than Taylor. Great size, hands and very good athleticism for his size. He will compliment a more power oriented running game better than Taylor. I think Taylor will have a big role, but he might not always be lined up at TE.

OL: Moore vs Hump vs Thurman at OT and Silberman vs Garcia vs Koehne at OG

I think Humphries will lock down the left side. Moore is better suited for the right side, probably not quick enough to pick up weak side DEs. I expect that Garcia will be the best OL we have so he'll be put where he's needed most. Not sure where everything shakes out after that.

RB: Brown vs Jones vs Taylor

You and I might be the only people on this board with any faith in Mack Brown, but I think your list might turn out to be the actual depth chart at RB, though it will be fluid throughout the year. Brown and Taylor are the better inside runners. Jones is the better toss sweep, swing/screen pass guy. He seems to have breakaway speed, but takes a little while to get going.

On D, so many will play because the rotation is great, but I am excited to see the RS FR like McAlister & Cox. I expect a lot of mix and match to try various DL combinations.

McCallister and Cox are the most intriguing redshirt freshmen on the team. If they show up big time, it could create a lot of new opportunities to move people around to where they play best instead of where they are needed most.

MLB: Most think it is between Taylor & Morrison, but I don't know how you don't put them both on the field. Our best 4 LBs are those two and Ball & Kitchens. RS FR Jeremi Powell had great reports during his RS year. And the two EE FR came to play. I know people think I am crazy, but I would love to see if Ron Powell can play MLB. Same size as Spikes only faster. But it is a different set of instincts. But I have no doubt, he will be the leader of the 2013 D.

Morrison has the middle. I have no idea where everyone else fits in. If Powell plays LB, he should play at Sam, but my other favorite LB is Ball and he seemed most comfortable at Sam. Don't know what all those other LBs can do, but it sounds like we have great depth.

SS/FS: Can Showers & Gorman hold off Maye & Ledbetter? They all will play, but who will earn the starting nod.

Too much talent at DB for me to even guess what will happen there, especially with our two best corners possibly changing positions.

Good analysis over all. Very thought provoking thread and opening post.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

1) Situation at running back. How much promise does Taylor show us in the spring? He will absolutely get carries this year. It will also be interesting to see how Brown performs. I still think he can be an effective back.

2) Does anybody want to make a play at receiver? Does anybody really believe in Andre Debose? Is the staff actually serious about the idea of Purifoy getting meaningful reps at receiver this fall? How will DRob perform? Will anybody take the heat off of Dunbar? This position has the most question marks surrounding the situation.

3) Ronald Powell will not play MLB. You just don't line your best pass rusher up in the middle of your linebacking corps. Are McMillian and Anzalone ready to contribute at this level? Our best options right now may just be Morrison at MLB, Ronald Powell at Buck, Ball on the strong side, and possibly Jeremi Powell at the WILL position.

4) Safety is anyone's guess. It won't truly be settled until the fall. Where will the staff line Poole up?

5) How good are Colin Thompson and Kent Taylor? The offense needs them to step up.

[OaktownGator]

Sure, so did Watkins, but again, if Purifoy plays WR in the spring and Maye & Ledbetter are options available, it would seem coaches would want to know if Poole will have a spot at CB. Otherwise, who are the top 4 CBs in the spring?
Good point. As Strange noted, there's a lot of strong DBs, so I'm not sure how it will play out, but you could be right on Poole at CB, with Purifoy at WR.

[GATORAZ]

Sure, so did Watkins, but again, if Purifoy plays WR in the spring and Maye & Ledbetter are options available, it would seem coaches would want to know if Poole will have a spot at CB. Otherwise, who are the top 4 CBs in the spring?
Poole has been moved back to corner. I think he will get the nickle spot.

[manigordo]

2nd String QB: Ty vs Sky: Both have the rep of being smart and above average athletes. Murphy is older and might have more confidence in Spring since he played (and did well last year).

WR: Really only a question if Robinson can end all doubt that he will be in the two deep come fall camp. There is always a chance that a talented player might not 'get it' right off the bat. Would like to see if Debose can establish himself as a clear starter along with Dunbar or will Pittman pass him.

TE: Taylor should have the advantage, but the option of using Burton as a WR and having the 6th OLinemen could be the better option.

OL: Moore vs Hump vs Thurman at OT and Silberman vs Garcia vs Koehne at OG

RB: Brown vs Jones vs Taylor

On D, so many will play because the rotation is great, but I am excited to see the RS FR like McAlister & Cox. I expect a lot of mix and match to try various DL combinations.

MLB: Most think it is between Taylor & Morrison, but I don't know how you don't put them both on the field. Our best 4 LBs are those two and Ball & Kitchens. RS FR Jeremi Powell had great reports during his RS year. And the two EE FR came to play. I know people think I am crazy, but I would love to see if Ron Powell can play MLB. Same size as Spikes only faster. But it is a different set of instincts. But I have no doubt, he will be the leader of the 2013 D.

SS/FS: Can Showers & Gorman hold off Maye & Ledbetter? They all will play, but who will earn the starting nod.

WR and OL: Going to be LOTS of competition across the board at WR and OL. The only positions locked down are going to be Dunbar at receiver and Harrison at C. (Maybe Halapio, though many will doubt it.) Competition across the board is a good thing in both cases.

TE: Agree with others that it will be Taylor and Thompson leading the group. If not, that is bad news.

LB: The LAST thing Powell needs is to "think" his way through a new position. IF he is healed enough to play, he needs to be in a spot he is familiar with. Morrison will likely man the middle (need and assist from Dillman big time here) with Ball (here too!)on one side. Don't know who will man the other.

Safety: Good competition here...here is where some Muschamp magic will do wonders!!

[NoahBeanBizzel]

It'll be interesting to see how quickly guys like Harris, Maye and Neal can adapt to what Muschamp requires from his safeties. With the personnel we've brought in at defensive back, along with the size of some of our safeties, don't be surprised if the staff starts to incorporate some 4-2-5 (similar to what Strong toyed with in giving the opposing offense 3-3-5 looks) into the weekly gameplans. Anyone of the three (Harris, Neal or Maye) I mentioned above have the frame to add 15-20 lbs., and line up at OLB. Or they can just be large safeties.

Plus, with the amount of nickel we run, the bigger position battle may be to see who lines up as the fifth defensive back, as opposed to who wins the battle at WILL.

Part of the reason Jelani Jenkins gained the extra weight last year, was because he needed to bulk up to provide support against the run out of the nickel, a defense we were in 70% (or whatever the exact figure was) of the time. His natural position was on the weakside, but you typically leave the SAM 'backer on the field when you line five dbs up on the field. Hence the added weight. Expect Ball to be on the field more in nickel situations.

[tec68]

I like the idea of Powell at LB, too... although maybe on the outside. Got to have McCallister and/or others ready behind Fowler at Buck, though.

Dunker could be a factor at OG. Seems like starting OTs probably come from Humphries, Green and Moore. Want to see a starting group settle in, and work on communication... too many times we didn't seem to talk on picking up stunts and blitzes.

I wouldn't rule out Lane at RB. At 5' 7" and over 215, state weight lifting champ, and fast... he's a beast. At some point, I expect he'll be big time for us.

Do or die time for Debose. He should be playing for a payday. Hope between that and adding Phillips, the light comes on. But DR should help regardless, and Pittman could be ready... often takes a year between showing in practice and seeing it in games.

Then, if JD can settle in and get more effective and decisive reading defenses, we should really have something.

These are spring battles. Lane is not here for spring.

[OaktownGator]

These are spring battles. Lane is not here for spring.
Right you are.

[UGator]

Winning programs like FL is building means that every year is a challenge for starting players to keep their roster spots. New talent can come in and compete and cause every experienced player to improve or be relegated to backup status.

That's life in the real world and also with championship type football teams, and it makes everyone better and stronger for the challenge.

[int1974]

Safety will be a battle. Watkins, Maye, Ledbetter, maybe Poole, Harris, Neal, Washington unless he moves to CB. RB with Jones, Taylor, Lane.
OT-Hump, Moore, Brown, Green can't wait.

[grayg8rstevo]

Good points all around. I want the best showings from all the men. I think left tackle will be Humphrey and Trenton Brown. Jumbo package especially as I see Brown coming in and Humphrey sliding out to the end spot, just like last year. And catch at least one pass.yes.
Right tackle will be Green being in a dogfight with Moore.
Left guard is BIG MAX GARCIA. Harrison is the center and HALAPIO will hold firm in the right guard slot.
KOEHNE and THURMAN and SILBERMAN will push at the guard slots, as will DUNK when he is cleared to play. This line will be 30 percent better and all linemen will be playing. Dillard is the heir apparent at the center position but must be groomed in the fall. DILLMAN will be more of a factor this year even than last. You will see.:yes:
We will not mow most team's down. We must have that scratch and claw and fight every down mentality. Each year's team must develop it on their own. It is not a given...it is an opportunity. CHEMISTRY , particularly on the o-line, must be created by the players.:yes:
This will be fun to watch.

[lurkingator1]

Barring Injuries Taylor, will pass Brown at RB in the spring that I am sure of, he may even pass Jones. Taylor play a lot next year. Robinson will pass everone currently on our roister a reciever if not spring then by summer. I see Humphries and Moore at LT and Green and Brown at RT (left tackle needs to be quicker QB blind side) Garcia will win one of the Gaurd spots. VH3 will start at one of the coner spots he is just too good to keep off the field and I think that Anzalone will start at one of the LB postions

[socraticsilence]

I like Kelvin but I think a lot of people are either underrating our current backs or overrating him slightly, freshman starters at rb are pretty rare, even guys like Richardson take some time to hit the field and Taylor while very talented isn't as physically prepared as a guy like Trent. AD and Lattimore are the only big time true frosh rbs i can think of nationally in
erecent memory.

[Tito22]

Barring Injuries Taylor, will pass Brown at RB in the spring that I am sure of, he may even pass Jones. Taylor play a lot next year. Robinson will pass everone currently on our roister a reciever if not spring then by summer. I see Humphries and Moore at LT and Green and Brown at RT (left tackle needs to be quicker QB blind side) Garcia will win one of the Gaurd spots. VH3 will start at one of the coner spots he is just too good to keep off the field and I think that Anzalone will start at one of the LB postions

We had best corner tandem in America last year. A true freshman isn't taking their spots

[geauxgator1]

I like Kelvin but I think a lot of people are either underrating our current backs or overrating him slightly, freshman starters at rb are pretty rare, even guys like Richardson take some time to hit the field and Taylor while very talented isn't as physically prepared as a guy like Trent. AD and Lattimore are the only big time true frosh rbs i can think of nationally in
erecent memory.

Jones will be tough to beat out. Taylor may see some playing time, but I don't think he will start. The mental part is hard for a freshman back.