You have good reason to be high on Dickson, but I am hearing really good things about Manuel too! The naysayers will jump on my comments, but the OL, as a unit, are already looking way better in practice, and this is coming from people in the know. Yes, it is just practice, but I am understanding that it is more than just hype! The coaches have never felt better about the OL. And, who should really be surprised? Because it's year three, we should developmentally see players emerge. Knijeah Harris will start and this should be no surprise. The staff is excited about Caden Jones who is a massive beast and Roderick Kearney. Kearney is said to be pushing Slaughter for playing time. That doesn't mean he will rotate with Jake, but it does indicate we have depth at center. In fact, there's depth across the entire offensive line. Consider this: Montrell Johnson ran for 800+ yards in both seasons at Florida and as a freshman at Louisiana. The OL appears to be one of the strengths this year, which seems to indicate that not only will the running backs have blocking but we could see Montrell reach 1,000 yards in 2024. Mertz should have pass protection as well; and because of that, Mertz will be able to make longer throws. I despise unrealistic projections and false promises. I entered 2024 very skeptical about the OL, but I am not anymore. I'm not promising the moon, but I do think we will see way better play on offense! This should not come as a surprise to anyone. Mertz starting coming on in the middle of the season in 2023, and his confidence will be even more evident in 2024! I am not suggesting a banner year, but I do think UF makes some noise in the SEC!
Kinda interested in Caden Jones development. Certainly has the size, hopefully the strength, savy and mobility to make it happen. A late signee as I recall out of the Bayou state. With you Doc, perhaps this years unit opens some holes for Montrell, would love to see him punch a 1,000 yard ticket. And of course to give Mertz and DJL time to work some magic.
Great news. Came in looking like a guy LSU might not have wanted badly, not sure. Also seemed a little light. Way tall enough for tackle. Think he arrived in the 270ish so probably needed a couple years to build up. Really hope he becomes a player.
Caden is way heavier than I realized. If they can develop his strength, technique while keeping him at a decent fighting weight, he will have a bright future.
The coaches and practice observers claim Caden is getting extra reps due to injuries, and he's impressing people. He is currently projected as a reserve. Christian Williams and Bryce Lovett (both r-fr) are impressing and will be backups! Gators 2024 Positional Outlook: Offensive Line
Projecting as back ups does not impress me. They are impressive. They should be fighting for first team snaps. They should be thinking that also
I heard Manuel is having such a good Spring that he could be pushing Barber for the starting position in the fall! How's that for a backup Wanne?
Thanks Doc — I really appreciate the encouraging updates. You’re apparently connected to some degree and provide tangible information and not just sunshine. Go Gators
Relying solely on analytics can sometimes lead people to the wrong conclusion. There are too many reasons that don't show up as mitigating factors for these O-lineman, like injuries... in the wrong system... bad coaching... bad rankings... over looked... playing out of position. If there's one thing I like about Napier is that he is pretty good at evaluating talent. And given the article and the general feeling that on-lookers have mentioned about the O-line position in particular, I feel good about what I've been hearing. Now the real proof will be realized on the field and in games, but I'm not too concerned with the talent nor depth we have on the O-line for next year. Pure analytics can be misleading when it comes to potential of a player.
Sometimes the analytic specialist get so lost in their numbers that the overlook the biggest factor. That factor being the "Human Element" (the drive, passion, need, the ability, and luck).
Say what?... lol I just got frustrated with the hyper negative narrative and decided to stop reading GC for a bit. It’s one thing to bellyache about everything, but to make things up to whine about is too much for me. Even worse is how the made up BS is accepted as legitimate material to facilitate the negative agenda- smh Anyway, I stopped by today to make a post in the 4-deep OL thread with regards to today's scrimmage and saw @doctorg8r’s new thread. I hit that and decided to respond to some of the nonsense here. I should be back after the O&B game.
