Will Muschamp began his gauntlet of Gator gatherings Wednesday evening, by first talking with the Title Town Gator Club here in Gainesville. Muschamp started off with some humor, as he talked about last year having to attend many of the summer alumni gatherings wearing a “bullet proof” vest. Here is a recap of what Muschamp said to the crowd that gathered Wednesday night.
- On Florida athletics: Will Muschamp began by congratulating the gymnastics team on their NCAA National title. He was also very proud of all the NFL-Bound Gators.
- On new coaches: He said he remembers Jeff Choate from recruiting Texas and that Choate is an outstanding recruiter and evaluator. He also says Chaote will provide a seamless transition. Joker Phillips also provides the Gators with a mature, older coach who knows how to be successful. Brad Lawing is a great fundamental coach who knows how to coach both talent and technique.
- Team improvements: Muschamp said he was very proud of the team’s mental and physical toughness during the fourth quarter of games last year and their ability to come back during several games. He said this offseason there has been a lot of attention paid to forcing more turnovers and developing an explosive offense.
- Offensive line: He said the offensive line is much improved this year and that he believes both Max Garcia and Tyler Moore can help the Gators a lot next season.
- Running backs: Muschamp was very confident with the running back position and spoke very highly of Matt Jones. He said Jones ran a 4.4 40yd dash the other day and is his choice as a breakout player for the Gators in 2013.
- On Freshmen playing time: Muschamp said once again that the staff will continue to play the best players on the team regardless of age and that some freshmen could earn starting spots by midseason. When discussing the incoming freshmen, Muschamp said he has typically found that the farther away a player’s position is from the football, the easier it is for them to play at the pact of the college game.
- Ronald Powell: Coach Muschamp was very excited about having Ronald Powell return to the defense after facing so much adversity. He said Powell is on track to be 100% come time for Fall practice.
- Antonio Morrison: The coaching staff loves what they have seen from Antonio Morrison. They believe he will be a star for the Gators and has taken a huge step from both a physical and maturity standpoint. Muschamp said Morrison’s “throwback” style of play is the way the game is supposed to be played.
- Marcus Roberson: Muschamp certainly seems excited about the abilites of Marcus Roberson, as he has become much more physical and stronger player.
- Loucheiz Purifoy: Purifoy will see the offensive side of the ball in the season but Muschamp will count on seeing something out of the young offensive players during the first 12 to 14 days of Fall practice.
- Safeties: The Gators will need to continue to improve at the safety position and Muschamp said the incoming freshmen will have an opportunity to play there.
- On Tim Tebow: Muschamp said he didn’t know the reason for Tebow’s struggles, just as he didn’t understand why Sharrif Floyd dropped in the draft. He spoke of how talented Tim was when he coached against him and how Tebow has a proven record of winning.