2023 recruiting class predicted our on field struggles

Yep, coaches have been seeing our deficiencies in practices since they got here. Our recruiting reflects what they’ve seen.

 

That’s pretty much an entire defense. We need some talent and numbers for sure but more than anything, I’d just like to see 11 guys playing sound defense. It’s not so much physical ability we are missing but guys that just do what they are supposed to do for four quarters. And yes, we need some overall physicality.

 

Think you mean Bryce Thornton, Brashard is a 2024 guy

 

I was overly optimistic in my outlook on the prospects for significantly improved D play. Others warned that the rot would be difficult to root out and to cure completely - without a near total rebuild. They were at least partially right. I still believe that there are some really talented guys left over from the dark times who are readily salvageable and have a vital part to play in the rebuild. But the poor coaching and insanely uneven recruiting that came before still hangs over the current team like an enormous, reeking fart that won't go away. Like everybody, I hope to see even more playing time for the most promising young players as we move toward the midpoint of the season. There are some veteran players who are still stinking it up "mentally" and they need to get it together or be benched - soon. Enough is enough. If a full-tilt youth movement causes some pain in the short run, so be it. I want to win games as much as ever, but this year must be successful in terms of separating the past from the future by cleaning up DM's mess and recruiting like crazy people. We have problems that only time, and a much-improved roster, can solve. FTR, I believe CBN is the man for the job, now more than ever.

 

The DL and LB deficiencies are inter-twined. Grantham/Mullen loved those DL/LB tweeners (Bucks). Some already left but we still have too many on the roster.

I think Mullen preferred giant WR's for blocking purposes - his MSU teams and UF teams were loaded with them.

And then the lack of DTs over the past four years and here we are.

DL, DB and WR will be better after this cycle but we need two cycles in a row like this one.
LB - we desperately need a stud this cycle.

On another note, I'm surprised that Wingo can't get on the field.

Napier will get the players he needs but it takes two years to clear out the old players that do not fit his scheme.

 

Yeah, Wingo not getting more playing time is perplexing. Thought he would have figured ot out by now. I wonder what is holding him back bc he was a stud LB at st. Thomas aquinas.

 

And I hope the players we get pan out. Just being rated top 300 doesn’t mean that with good coaching they are a lock to be good players. It’s still a crap shoot.

 

Totally different type of player than a guy that plays in the middle.

 

well yeah good post - Napier has made a lot of turnover already and would have been more but inflow portal went mostly dry. At least the guys who stayed want to be Gators and are giving it their best. Chemistry is good. Hope to see some new guys emerge and some leaders, AR being one by showing consistency. We're going to be wobbly until he does.

 

Was expecting Wingo, Black and the Chief to be much bigger contributers.

 

True but borders seems stout….am I wrong? I see him on social media which always annoys me. How you gonna be trying to be a TikTok star while riding the bench?

 

Lol! He's on special teams. Had the penalty on the free kick vs Kentucky.

 

What was black? I could have swore he played LB in HS at Osceola and didn't he come out as the #1 juco where he also played LB ? And I thought chief also played LB in HS. Huh

 

Black nabbed that sweet one handed on-side kick in stride. Too bad you can't advance a onside kick in college that would have been a hell of a way to win the game.

 

Thank black played safety in JUCO