Can McElwain recruit elite defense? (article)

[Gatorbreath]

Two quick disclaimers:

1. Coach Mac was by far my first choice of realistic options and I am still completely on board.
2. He can recruit 25 wheelchair-bound, blind kids for all I care if he wins 10-13 each year, has us in Atlanta and making noise in the playoffs.

That said, the title of this thread should be, "Can McElwain recruit elite PLAYERS?", because he really hasn't so far, on either side of the ball - at least to the standards a coach at UF should recruit elite players - especially kids from Florida.

 

[BMF]

Two quick disclaimers:

1. Coach Mac was by far my first choice of realistic options and I am still completely on board.
2. He can recruit 25 wheelchair-bound, blind kids for all I care if he wins 10-13 each year, has us in Atlanta and making noise in the playoffs.

That said, the title of this thread should be, "Can McElwain recruit elite PLAYERS?", because he really hasn't so far, on either side of the ball - at least to the standards a coach at UF should recruit elite players - especially kids from Florida.

No, the title of the thread is appropriate...because it was linked to an article with pretty much the same title. You could email the dude who wrote the article and discuss with him....or you could send your article with that title to SDS and maybe they'll publish it. Otherwise, the title of the thread is perfect.

 

[BMF]

If it makes anyone feel better, we lead for 4* DE Z Carter.

https://www.seccountry.com/florida/...er-releases-his-final-four-schools-on-twitter

If this kid doesn't choose UF it will be a major recruiting fail. He's likely our top DE prospect. Hopefully he doesn't have a brain fart and choose UT.

 

[Rentmoneygawd]

If this kid doesn't choose UF it will be a major recruiting fail. He's likely our top DE prospect. Hopefully he doesn't have a brain fart and choose UT.

I agree with this...him and 4 star Kai Leon Herbert should be Gators...

 

[T REX]

No argument from this pumper. The article provides a relatively accurate big-picture perspective - one that I've never argued against. It is the absolute statements made (he's a 3*, so he sucks) without ever giving a kid the chance to prove himself that I disagree with. We've all seen busts and sleepers, so I prefer to let a kid show it on the field before I form an opinion.

And yes, I'd rather see Mac recruit like urbie did (before the entitlement set in).

Sure there is a case by case basis for said 3 star argument. On an individual level, sure. I get that, But when the bulk of your roster is 3 stars. It IS going to be a problem. Anyone saying otherwise isn't dealing with the reality of the situation.

 

[gatormandan]

Sure there is a case by case basis for said 3 star argument. On an individual level, sure. I get that, But when the bulk of your roster is 3 stars. It IS going to be a problem. Anyone saying otherwise isn't dealing with the reality of the situation.

Can you please provide ONE person who is happy with not recruiting enough 4-5 stars? I have yet to see that.

 

[CGgater]

Sure there is a case by case basis for said 3 star argument. On an individual level, sure. I get that, But when the bulk of your roster is 3 stars. It IS going to be a problem. Anyone saying otherwise isn't dealing with the reality of the situation.

T Rex, you're starting to make sense... Time to up my medication!



I think we agree more than we realize, we just type it out differently.

 

[T REX]

Can you please provide ONE person who is happy with not recruiting enough 4-5 stars? I have yet to see that.

Not in those exact words. Don't backtrack now lil fella.

 

[Ancient Reptile]

Sure there is a case by case basis for said 3 star argument. On an individual level, sure. I get that, But when the bulk of your roster is 3 stars. It IS going to be a problem. Anyone saying otherwise isn't dealing with the reality of the situation.

Who, pray tell, is saying "otherwise"?

 

[gatormandan]

Not in those exact words. Don't backtrack now lil fella.

I challenge you to answer the question. Your so called "pumpers" simply know that pissing and moaning wont change a thing. Not one single person here is thrilled with the recruiting as it currently stands but may just believe its being turned around. Something you cant possibly understand.

 

[T REX]

I challenge you to answer the question. Your so called "pumpers" simply know that pissing and moaning wont change a thing. Not one single person here is thrilled with the recruiting as it currently stands but may just believe its being turned around. Something you cant possibly understand.

Great! I'm finally glad you see the light. There's a lot of pressure on Mac. We need a huge influx of massive talent not these bargain bin gems. No more excuses.

 

[gatormandan]

Great! I'm finally glad you see the light. There's a lot of pressure on Mac. We need a huge influx of massive talent not these bargain bin gems. No more excuses.

I have always seen the light. I just realize it takes more to turn a program around than just a snap of a finger. I wish you were the coach, we know you would have already won a NC.

 

[T REX]

I have always seen the light. I just realize it takes more to turn a program around than just a snap of a finger. I wish you were the coach, we know you would have already won a NC.

He's coming up on his THIRD snap in recruiting. Just sayin'

 

[Rentmoneygawd]

Great! I'm finally glad you see the light. There's a lot of pressure on Mac. We need a huge influx of massive talent not these bargain bin gems. No more excuses.

I think we saw that on the offensive side...you know...the side that has been neglected for 4 years...

 

[gatormandan]

He's coming up on his THIRD snap in recruiting. Just sayin'

Yep and I think we will see improvement this cycle and like I said before, if we produce on offense, our recruiting should straighten it self out. If not, heads will have to roll.

 

[rogdochar]

I see positive thinking (hoping) fans. They seem mostly to admit that we need to recruit better across
the board ... but "pumpers" don't stomp their feet screaming "Mac should be out-recruiting Saban, Urban,
Miles, all others" or else he must be condemned right now!

IMO, it's wrong to say Mac's had enough recruiting cycles. The new Mac first year recruiting had no sale's
pitch of worth. Mac & us have had only one recruiting cycle with "truthful" sale's pitch -- that is his first
year showing real success on the field, on the season. The pragmatic elite recruits would say, "Well,
UF's 1st McSeason may have been a lucky fluke, no proof of an elite program. IMO, I'm sure opposing
recruiters will milk this "jury's still out" worry in elite recruits' minds. Elite recruits are interested in proven
elite programs.

The torrential flood of MessedChomp flops completely eroded any recruits' thinking of UF eliteness.
HS players have for years replaced Gator-admiration with admiration for all those other contender schools.
In all practicality, UF's earliest return to elite status in the thinking of HS minds will likely be in the thinking of
today's 9th graders and building from there -- building on the field, on the TV, over LSU, over FSU etc.

Geez, Mac's had one year, one year and we won our way to the SEC CG mired in Treon.
So upcoming I'm pumping this year's team as winning 10+ via high-scoring and TV illustriousness.
And that's because Mac has allowed me highest expectations.

 

[CGgater]

I see positive thinking (hoping) fans. They seem mostly to admit that we need to recruit better across
the board ... but "pumpers" don't stomp their feet screaming "Mac should be out-recruiting Saban, Urban,
Miles, all others" or else he must be condemned right now!

IMO, it's wrong to say Mac's had enough recruiting cycles. The new Mac first year recruiting had no sale's
pitch of worth. Mac & us have had only one recruiting cycle with "truthful" sale's pitch -- that is his first
year showing real success on the field, on the season. The pragmatic elite recruits would say, "Well,
UF's 1st McSeason may have been a lucky fluke, no proof of an elite program. IMO, I'm sure opposing
recruiters will milk this "jury's still out" worry in elite recruits' minds. Elite recruits are interested in proven
elite programs.

The torrential flood of MessedChomp flops completely eroded any recruits' thinking of UF eliteness.
HS players have for years replaced Gator-admiration with admiration for all those other contender schools.
In all practicality, UF's earliest return to elite status in the thinking of HS minds will likely be in the thinking of
today's 9th graders and building from there -- building on the field, on the TV, over LSU, over FSU etc.

Geez, Mac's had one year, one year and we won our way to the SEC CG mired in Treon.
So upcoming I'm pumping this year's team as winning 10+ via high-scoring and TV illustriousness.
And that's because Mac has allowed me highest expectations.

So many great points, Rog. Nicely done. I want to expand on an early point that I'm not sure everyone here understands. EVERYONE has the ability to light up a room. It's just a question of whether it's when they enter or exit...

 

[rogdochar]

So many great points, Rog. Nicely done. I want to expand on an early point that I'm not sure everyone here understands. EVERYONE has the ability to light up a room. It's just a question of whether it's when they enter or exit...

Of like minds CG ... to just curse the darkness and not even light a candle is no help, but to drag in darkness
and refuse to allow others to light their candle, well, that's suffocating enthusiasm, ain't it ?

 

[CGgater]

Of like minds CG ... to just curse the darkness and not even light a candle is no help, but to drag in darkness
and refuse to allow others to light their candle, well, that's suffocating enthusiasm, ain't it ?

That was deep... And I typically don't leave the kiddie pool.

 

[GatorInGeorgia]

it could prove particularly challenging for the Gators coaches. McElwain’s defensive assistants – Geoff Collins (DC), Chris Rumph (DL), Randy Shannon (LB) and Torrian Gray (DB) – all have impressive resumes in their areas of expertise, but it’s asking a lot of them to develop a majority of three-star signees into overachievers for Florida to stay on a level playing field with its rivals.

Then maybe those coaches should do a better job of recruiting.