- Jun 12, 2014
- 8,927
- 32,357
Founding Member
Don't know about merging and didn't want the subject of this thread to get lost in the Waffle House discussion :), so I just started a new one. The Mods can do what they need to as far as combining. This also might be a little long, so be forewarned. Anyhow, here's what went on:
Muschamp began by taking pictures with the guests and signing memorabelia. He looked a little tired, but was very congenial. Afterward, there was a little motivational piece from one of the GSW folks and a blessing and we all enjoyed smoked chicken, pork loin, rib tips, shrimp and grits, and the rest of the trimmings (the Miller Lite wasn't bad either!). Coach was introduced by Jimmy Rane who talked a little about being exceptional and used Gator great Forrest "Fergie" Ferguson as an example. Ferguson enlisted in the army immediately after graduation and was among the first to land at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Showed great bravery by setting charges that opened a gap in the German defenses and was critically wounded, never fully recovering and dying ten years later. This was the kind of effort that not only our Gators need to give, but Americans everywhere. Holds Will in high regard and hired him as a salesman out of college. Had to fire him, though, due to Will getting in a fight with a competitor who bad-mouthed Rane and GSW! Say what you will about his temper, but I'd rather have a guy with that kind of passion and loyalty than someone who's PC and smarmy. Will started with a little humor about having Nike design a Gator polo for him that was light and comfortable, but also bullet-proof! During his talk, he hit on the following points:
*Feels real good about the defense at this point as well as the special teams, but knows that the offense has to be much improved over last season. Roper was hired to do just that and came highly recommended by the college football people whom he solicited for advice. In addition to bringing an increased tempo and spreading the field, Roper is regarded for his ability to develop QB's, which is important for not only Driskel, but also Grier and Harris. Excited about the maturity as an athlete and a leader that Jeff has shown and expectations of him are great this year.
*Also feeling good about a decrease in soft tissue injuries (from the spring to now) and that great attention was being given to prevention through the conditioning arm of the program, though he didn't get into the specifics.
*Acknowledged that a better job must be done in the recruitment and development of offensive players (see Roper and Summers, etc.) as indicated by the number of our offensive guys who have been drafted lately and feels good about that progress after the spring.
*Says Hargreaves is the best CB in college football and is a natural leader who does so by example and not so much with his mouth. Secondary is young but talented. DL should be solid and deep, just needs to gain experience, and expects better play from the LB's.
*OL is much deeper and talented, but like the DL just needs to gain experience from playing time. Antonio Ryals has been a pleasant surprise there.
*Offensive skill players are as deep and talented as they have been since he has been in G'ville. Praised Robinson, Showers, and Thompson among others. Really likes McGee (TE transfer) and the skill set he brings to the position.
*Answered a question about the locker room by saying that this year, our best players are also our best people and they have been doing a good job of setting the tone for the rest of the team!
*Said when questioned about who the starting RB would be that he told them that there was six of them and one ball, so they would need to figure that one out!
*Was asked about his involvement with the offense and the playcalling. Stated that he has never called an offensive play since he's been here and has no plans to do so! Would like us to be as balanced offensively as we can.
I got the feeling that he is ready to tee it up now, wanting to do far better than last year's results. Knows what he and the team needs to do and is preparing them as such.
Muschamp began by taking pictures with the guests and signing memorabelia. He looked a little tired, but was very congenial. Afterward, there was a little motivational piece from one of the GSW folks and a blessing and we all enjoyed smoked chicken, pork loin, rib tips, shrimp and grits, and the rest of the trimmings (the Miller Lite wasn't bad either!). Coach was introduced by Jimmy Rane who talked a little about being exceptional and used Gator great Forrest "Fergie" Ferguson as an example. Ferguson enlisted in the army immediately after graduation and was among the first to land at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Showed great bravery by setting charges that opened a gap in the German defenses and was critically wounded, never fully recovering and dying ten years later. This was the kind of effort that not only our Gators need to give, but Americans everywhere. Holds Will in high regard and hired him as a salesman out of college. Had to fire him, though, due to Will getting in a fight with a competitor who bad-mouthed Rane and GSW! Say what you will about his temper, but I'd rather have a guy with that kind of passion and loyalty than someone who's PC and smarmy. Will started with a little humor about having Nike design a Gator polo for him that was light and comfortable, but also bullet-proof! During his talk, he hit on the following points:
*Feels real good about the defense at this point as well as the special teams, but knows that the offense has to be much improved over last season. Roper was hired to do just that and came highly recommended by the college football people whom he solicited for advice. In addition to bringing an increased tempo and spreading the field, Roper is regarded for his ability to develop QB's, which is important for not only Driskel, but also Grier and Harris. Excited about the maturity as an athlete and a leader that Jeff has shown and expectations of him are great this year.
*Also feeling good about a decrease in soft tissue injuries (from the spring to now) and that great attention was being given to prevention through the conditioning arm of the program, though he didn't get into the specifics.
*Acknowledged that a better job must be done in the recruitment and development of offensive players (see Roper and Summers, etc.) as indicated by the number of our offensive guys who have been drafted lately and feels good about that progress after the spring.
*Says Hargreaves is the best CB in college football and is a natural leader who does so by example and not so much with his mouth. Secondary is young but talented. DL should be solid and deep, just needs to gain experience, and expects better play from the LB's.
*OL is much deeper and talented, but like the DL just needs to gain experience from playing time. Antonio Ryals has been a pleasant surprise there.
*Offensive skill players are as deep and talented as they have been since he has been in G'ville. Praised Robinson, Showers, and Thompson among others. Really likes McGee (TE transfer) and the skill set he brings to the position.
*Answered a question about the locker room by saying that this year, our best players are also our best people and they have been doing a good job of setting the tone for the rest of the team!
*Said when questioned about who the starting RB would be that he told them that there was six of them and one ball, so they would need to figure that one out!
*Was asked about his involvement with the offense and the playcalling. Stated that he has never called an offensive play since he's been here and has no plans to do so! Would like us to be as balanced offensively as we can.
I got the feeling that he is ready to tee it up now, wanting to do far better than last year's results. Knows what he and the team needs to do and is preparing them as such.
