Andre Debose must hold the NCAA record....

[NorthCaptivaGator]

.......for most kickoff returns for touchdowns relative to total downs played. I have never seen a kid with so much talent get so few touches. Here's hoping that new coaching plus a new attitude maximizes this kids capabilities next year.

[SmootyGator]

I agree, but I'm not holding my breath. It seems we say this every year.

[TJtheGator]

He gets so few touches because he can't grasp the mental aspects of the game. Anyone can run in a straight line and dodge a couple of defenders on a KO return. A lot harder to run routes, block downfield, etc.

[AmbroseGator]

Originally Posted by TJtheGator

Anyone can run in a straight line and dodge a couple of defenders on a KO return.

It's a safe assumption that Debose can't seem to get things straight as a WR. But he's an extraordinary kick returner and I believe owns the UF record for TD returns--hardly something "anyone" can do.

[swampspring]

However, with such talent, it is the coaches responsibilities to design plays to take advantage of his strengths. He may not be able to do certain things...not everyone can, but you play to the players strengths, and he obviously is very blessed in straight line speed and avoiding tacklers. I'm sure an average coach can design plays with someone that gifted.

[socraticsilence]

Originally Posted by TJtheGator

He gets so few touches because he can't grasp the mental aspects of the game. Anyone can run in a straight line and dodge a couple of defenders on a KO return. A lot harder to run routes, block downfield, etc.

Not mastering the mental aspects doesn't stop Jeff from starting every game, maybe Andre just needs to play QB- he's even faster than Jeff and can probably hit stopped wide open targets.

[ApexNC]

The thing I don't get is that he obviously was available to return kicks at the start of the game, but we had our best DB back there as the primary returner until he got hurt. I don't understand not using such a weapon.

[Jonas]

Originally Posted by TJtheGator

He gets so few touches because he can't grasp the mental aspects of the game. Anyone can run in a straight line and dodge a couple of defenders on a KO return. A lot harder to run routes, block downfield, etc.

I don't think that's true. He doesn't work as hard in practice as he needs to, and this year we could actually punish him by not giving him touches since we had other offensive options. He may have made a turn around in bowl prep. I bet one of the reasons Driskel stared him down on the first play was because he wanted to reward him.

[your_perfect_enemy]

Originally Posted by ApexNC

The thing I don't get is that he obviously was available to return kicks at the start of the game, but we had our best DB back there as the primary returner until he got hurt. I don't understand not using such a weapon.

yeah I didnt get that either. I think they just wanted to get the ball in Purifoy's hands more and Debose having to earn it back.

Unfortunately we've lost 3 of the 4 games Debose has returned a KO for a TD

[Dreamliner]

He may well hold an NCAA record for TD returns per touches. Given how dangerous he is when you put the ball in his hands, it staggers the imagination why he has not been better used. Don't give me this attitude crap. If he has an attitude problem, why is he allowed to play at all ?

[GATORAZ]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner

He may well hold an NCAA record for TD returns per touches. Given how dangerous he is when you put the ball in his hands, it staggers the imagination why he has not been better used. Don't give me this attitude crap. If he has an attitude problem, why is he allowed to play at all ?

They said he practiced better. They clearly still dont trust him to run the right routes.

[Hankxr]

The very first play of the game was a pass near him that he room-serviced into a TD the wrong way.

[g8rfan22]

Originally Posted by Hankxr

The very first play of the game was a pass near him that he room-serviced into a TD the wrong way.

The first play was a bad pass that got tipped. Why would that be Dre's fault?

[ApexNC]

He may not know the wr routes...and maybe it was completely his fault on the INT on the first play....but that still doesn't explain why such a proven weapon wasn't the primary kick returner from the start. sigh

[GreenandScaly]

Debose had TWO catches all season. What was he doing on the field at WR in the Sugar Bowl? He and Driskel had no chemistry or rhythm gained during the regular season. And it showed.

[GATORAZ]

Originally Posted by ApexNC

He may not know the wr routes...and maybe it was completely his fault on the INT on the first play....but that still doesn't explain why such a proven weapon wasn't the primary kick returner from the start. sigh

I agree with you there. I was thinking all night why is Purifoy out there he is just going to get hurt and Debose is a better kick returner.

[GreenandScaly]

At least we won't see Debose's face on milk cartons anymore. Glad he was found and is OK.

[demosthenes]

I like Purifoy on kick returns. He's a playmaker. Probably better suited for punt returns though.

[gatorpa]

Originally Posted by GreenandScaly

At least we won't see Debose's face on milk cartons anymore. Glad he was found and is OK.

[LAGatorDoc]

Originally Posted by GATORAZ

I agree with you there. I was thinking all night why is Purifoy out there he is just going to get hurt and Debose is a better kick returner.

There was an opening on the first kickoff of the day, and Purifoy almost got it. Debose probably would of made a bigger return out of it. But I know, coulda, woulda, shoulda