Recruiting 2023 Recruiting Thread: 4* OT Caden Jones completes the class

oxrageous

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You told me we were going to get all the good guys in 2019 and 2020 when I warned you then.....care to check the archives?
You also told me I was wrong when I told you we won't have a winning record after hiring this stiff a year ago too(if fact you said we would win 10 games)..... Is Karl Scarecrow related to you?
I liked Billy when he was hired, and like him now. Maybe you should check out the USC boards.
 

Concrete Helmet

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I liked Billy when he was hired, and like him now. Maybe you should check out the USC boards.
I look at all the boards(well national boards) and know some current asst coaches as well as living CFB for 58 years....I know a stiff when I see one.
 

oxrageous

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Some people don't like the truth and some people don't like the truth until the rest of the herd follows...
You don't know the "truth", you're spouting your opinion. If you knew the future you wouldn't be wasting time on Gatorchatter.
 

ThreatMatrix

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@cover2 We all respect your opinion. My biggest knock on Napier was his inexperience. This season sure looked to prove the point. What is the reason for inconsistent play especially late in the season?
The past does not forbode well for the future. Historically this shytty a season doesn't get turned around. Basically the question is - are the solutions learnable by the coaching staff by spring?
Oddly the only example I can think of is Norvell. He went 3-6 and 5-7 and looked horrible doing it. Then this year went a respectable 9-3. Can we hope to have Norvell? :lol:
 

Durty South Swamp

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@cover2 We all respect your opinion. My biggest knock on Napier was his inexperience. This season sure looked to prove the point. What is the reason for inconsistent play especially late in the season?
The past does not forbode well for the future. Historically this shytty a season doesn't get turned around. Basically the question is - are the solutions learnable by the coaching staff by spring?
Oddly the only example I can think of is NorveLLLL. He went 3-6 and 5-7 and looked horrible doing it. Then this year went a respectable 9-3. Can we hope to have NorveLLLL? :lol:
Norvell can actually call an offense. So at this point Billy is in a hole, even compared to that tard.
 

GatorJB

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Lots of us have played football, coached football, and taught football. Football isn't an impossible game to understand, and there are a lot more people educated on the game today than there were when we were growing up as kids. When I was growing up I got my hands on every book I could find that had to do with coaching and strategy when it came to football. Wanna know how many books that came out to? Oh, about a dozen or so from my local library :lol:

Fast forward to today and there are more resources available than there is time to watch/read it all. The elitism some display based on their knowledge and experience is ridiculous at times. I have credentials, but I don't run around dropping them and I certainly don't use them to try and discount other people's opinions. The truth is, most coaches won't be able to take a team where a fanbase wants them to take their team. There is only one winner at the end of the year, and just getting there is very hard to do, much less staying on top. My point is that it isn't hard for those who say BN won't succeed here to be correct; that's just the nature of the beast.

If you're happy with the direction BN is taking us, then that's great. Many disagree with your opinion, but you're definitely entitled to it and I'm not going to sit here and call you a moron for feeling that way. However, to just discredit opinions you don't agree with simply because they lack the playing and coaching experience you do is short-sighted. Throwing your resumé out there does nothing to bolster your argument. Your argument becomes nothing more than a "trust the coaches" platitude, which is simply a call to end all debate and defer to the so-called experts in the room.

Personally, I'd love to hear your reasons for being pleased with the direction BN is taking us. Rather than falling back on the appeal to authority (i.e. your experience as a player and a coach), I'd love to hear some concrete reasons why. Perhaps you're seeing things that others are missing based on your experience. If that's the case, then that's the sort of information that is actually worth something. However, I can understand if you don't want to put yourself out there like that. I was calling for Trask to start after watching his first spring game at UF and took hell for it. Donkey told me I was the dumbest motherf'er to never play the game of football (spoiler alert, I played). Poor ferg became so unhinged about it that he ended up in my signature. Still, until Trask actually proved it on the field, me and a few others had everything about our football expertise questioned. So believe me I can understand if you don't want to get into specifics that others can point to and use to tear down your thought process behind being "pleased with the direction BN is taking us." It's much easier to hide behind a jersey and clipboard.
I'm pleased with the direction Billy is taking us. The culture seems to be much improved. The "me first" attitudes that plagued the previous regime is no longer tolerated rewarded, hence Cox's dismissal. This year's class is already better than anything McElwain and Mullen brought in, and while Muschamp had a top 5 class one time, this one potentially will be better even if we finish outside of the top 5. He's also on track to get that top 5 class next year. I'm pretty sure we have two 5 stars already committed for '24. Also, could you imagine the dumpster fire this program would be in right now if Mullen stayed on one more year?

I suspect the "direction" of the program isn't what's bothering fans. It's the pace. I think it's clear we are moving in the right direction, but we aren't moving at the pace we'd all prefer. Meyer won a natty his second year, and Saban's first natty at Bama was year 3. Winning the east in year 3 would be quite an accomplishment for Napier based on where the program is right now. Of course, I would love to win a championsip within the next two years, but I'm willing to wait on that a year or two longer if it means program stability and being legit contenders annually. Meyer won quickly, and then the wheels fell off. I believe Napier is capable and on track to bring consistency that we haven't had since the 90's. As Cover said, that's going to take some time.

Also, what Miami and other schools are doing to nab big name recruits isn't sustainable. Compare Texas A&M last year to this year. I think the same thing is going to happen to Miami, but it just may be an extra couple years. College football right now is chaotic with how NIL and the transfer portal are set up. Yes, some teams right now are winning some big battles, but I believe the stable and consistent programs are the ones who will ultimately survive and thrive in it.

In terms of schemes, play calls, game management, etc., it was a mixed bag. The good news is that all of those things can be improved upon significantly from one year to the next. I'm curious to see if and how those things change next year compared to this year for sure, and then how those compare to year 3 will be even more telling. That said, one thing that I think will never change under Napier is that the offense is only as good as the quarterback, even if that means running the ball 40 times a game. So while that may not bring much hope for next season, I think the future beyond looks bright with the young QBs we have coming. I'm currently willing to be patient enough to see if I'm right.
 

lagator

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I assume you mean Brian, not Chip.

That’s fair, but remember that LSU hasn’t been on a long slide in talent. Coach O got bounced for his personal behavior. Still, Kelly’s rebound during the season is what we should have seen after the SC game. Instead we totally crapped out against Vandy and Ore St. And our defense was indefensible all year.

This class rank is too low, I agree, but that’s mostly in the total numbers. Average player rank we are #3 or #4 depending where you look. Imagine our season without Johnson, Pearsall, Torrance and Etienne. Billy’s sharp
on evaluation. Etienne signed at NSD, not early.

Let’s see what happens between now and NSD and the portal moves. A ton rides on the actual play making ability of Rashada, the WRs and Webb, as well as the development of the D-line.
They beat us with like 36 scholarship players. No one turned over their roster more than LSU.
 

cover2

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@cover2 We all respect your opinion. My biggest knock on Napier was his inexperience. This season sure looked to prove the point. What is the reason for inconsistent play especially late in the season?
The past does not forbode well for the future. Historically this shytty a season doesn't get turned around. Basically the question is - are the solutions learnable by the coaching staff by spring?
Oddly the only example I can think of is NorveLLLL. He went 3-6 and 5-7 and looked horrible doing it. Then this year went a respectable 9-3. Can we hope to have NorveLLLL? :lol:
Thank you. I don’t think turning a bad season around is all there is to it. The variables that are important in my mind have started with attention to not only talented personnel, but also those that fit Billy’s program. That doesn’t mean all choir boys either. Making them stronger and quicker and getting them used to college life is next. Finally, molding them into a TEAM/me group that does their job together.

What I think Billy specifically needs to do himself is find a play caller and/or a QB coach. I’d like to see him take more of a big picture approach where game management is concerned (clock mgt, etc.). Keeping them healthy is important but can only be controlled insofar as strength and conditioning is concerned. Need to catch some breaks.

Really think we’ll see better play, particularly defensively, this season. I think we got better the minute some of the personnel on that side played their last game. We’ll miss Miller and Dexter, but I’m excited to see our young DBs come in with a clean slate. If we become more physical and disciplined, I don’t think scheme should be as big an issue.

Can the coaches learn from the problems of this past season? Yes. If they want to win they will and for the record, one big problem they never consistently surmounted was coaching beyond what was previously learned and allowed. Good depth and a long bench can help in this regard.

* As for the Norvell comparison, for what it’s worth, I think you give them a modicum of credit for not doubling down after going full woke and hiring Taggart and giving him the keys to the joint without oversight until he had run their program into the ditch. Not saying Norvell will be there as long as Bowden, but he had a decent third season with a strong second half. I’d like to see us no worse this season. I think it’s doable, certainly, but that means you’ve got to have some freshmen playing at a high level. Also, it should be noted that Norvell and the Semi’s play in the ACC. A task that’s somewhat less foreboding.

* And to answer your first question @ThreatMatrix I don’t think there was ever total buy in and the guys were having to put more effort into it than they were previously required with only slightly better game outcomes. When that happens, adversity will make them question the program and their commitment. I think the bowl game was testament to that. From that standpoint, the thinning of the roster wasn’t a bad thing. But that’s just an opinion.
:chomp:
 
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I Have No Friends :(

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I'm pleased with the direction Billy is taking us. The culture seems to be much improved. The "me first" attitudes that plagued the previous regime is no longer tolerated rewarded, hence Cox's dismissal. This year's class is already better than anything McElwain and Mullen brought in, and while Muschamp had a top 5 class one time, this one potentially will be better even if we finish outside of the top 5. He's also on track to get that top 5 class next year. I'm pretty sure we have two 5 stars already committed for '24. Also, could you imagine the dumpster fire this program would be in right now if Mullen stayed on one more year?

I suspect the "direction" of the program isn't what's bothering fans. It's the pace. I think it's clear we are moving in the right direction, but we aren't moving at the pace we'd all prefer. Meyer won a natty his second year, and Saban's first natty at Bama was year 3. Winning the east in year 3 would be quite an accomplishment for Napier based on where the program is right now. Of course, I would love to win a championsip within the next two years, but I'm willing to wait on that a year or two longer if it means program stability and being legit contenders annually. Meyer won quickly, and then the wheels fell off. I believe Napier is capable and on track to bring consistency that we haven't had since the 90's. As Cover said, that's going to take some time.

Also, what Miami and other schools are doing to nab big name recruits isn't sustainable. Compare Texas A&M last year to this year. I think the same thing is going to happen to Miami, but it just may be an extra couple years. College football right now is chaotic with how NIL and the transfer portal are set up. Yes, some teams right now are winning some big battles, but I believe the stable and consistent programs are the ones who will ultimately survive and thrive in it.

In terms of schemes, play calls, game management, etc., it was a mixed bag. The good news is that all of those things can be improved upon significantly from one year to the next. I'm curious to see if and how those things change next year compared to this year for sure, and then how those compare to year 3 will be even more telling. That said, one thing that I think will never change under Napier is that the offense is only as good as the quarterback, even if that means running the ball 40 times a game. So while that may not bring much hope for next season, I think the future beyond looks bright with the young QBs we have coming. I'm currently willing to be patient enough to see if I'm right.
And that's how it's done. I appreciate your response. For the record even though I don't agree with the brighter outlook, at least I can respect your reasons for having them. If you're right about your reasons, we'll all be happier for it that's for sure.
 

lagator

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Poor effort there .
We should at least get more in states than FN Bama or Ga!

Sorry, sorry fellas, I regressed since this mornings beatings.

How’s this….
“Trust the process!”

Oh and I almost forgot.
All you turds out there with your Fn “opinions “ on this ..uhh, ummm,
MESSAGE BOARD, STFU unless, you’ve actually played the game.

No, not just, per wee, pony league, High school levels, nope, to have a valid opinion on what’s going on here you must have played at the collegiate level.

I expect the participants in this thread to dwindle accordingly.
I never played past High School.
We got exactly zero in the top 20. That's not sustainable. Need to find a way to land the the top in-state recruits.
 

soflagator

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Hey were #12.....:rotfl:
Seems most on here don't remember b!tching about Mullen and Mac's #12 rated classes over the last 5-6 years and being 5th in the conference..... but I can already here the 3 BS responses.
1. Wait until next year....were going to get all the good guys next year.
2. The portal...our guy knows how to work the portal.
3. Coaching...Scarecrow Karl knows how to work 3 and 4 stars into elite players....We'll be knocking on Bama and UGA's doors by 2026.....:lmao:

I don’t know why, but I just can’t shake this feeling that Crete is one of those guys on the Dan Newlin billboards along the turnpike.
 

t-gator

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NorveLLLL can actually call an offense. So at this point Billy is in a hole, even compared to that tard.
I will give billy some credit. There was times during the year that billy had the offense looking really good. Outside of the Oregon st game we pretty much were able to move the ball against anybody. If he was aggressive for the entire game every week like he was against Tennessee, I doubt anybody would be calling for an OC.
 

cover2

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@GatorJB I suspect the "direction" of the program isn't what's bothering fans. It's the pace.
I agree with the caveat that expectations were higher than 6 wins. Whether that was reasonable is the center of this grand debate we find ourselves embroiled in. But I think you make a great point!
 

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