Tebow

Tebow's vertical leap was 381/2. That ties Josh McCown for the best ever by a QB.

Life Of Riley

Riley Cooper runs a 4.52. Not what Gator Nation thought he would do...really way off. But, I still think he will impress a lot of scouts.

Syracuse Makes A Case For #1

 

I thought Scottie Reynolds would help me out and stop this whole orange crush thing. But, no, as ESPN said, "a full house won." You gotta think they are on their way now. They have all the tools. A great inside presence, good PG play, and great perimeter play....not to mention that dreadful zone no one seems to be able to figure out. This was a great win for the program and for college basketball. The whole Carrier Dome setting proves college basketball can be as big as college football....at least it can in the North. What else are they going to do in this call weather?

Can't Deny Kentucky Is Back Despite The Loss

Magic Johnson was the guess at the game to do the "Y" and then he does the John Wall move. First Lebron and now Magic. At least Magic didn't wear any Kentucky blue. I would have been sick then.

I didn't see the game. But, I really needed Kentucky to win. A loss by Tenn. would have kept us in third place since the Gators didn't handle business in Athens.
Oh well....great video anyway.

Gators And The Combine

Quote from Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson on Tim Tebow: “Let’s not sell him short just yet.” ... Minnesota coach Brad Childress on former Gator star Harvin: “I’d be lying if I told you he would be Rookie of the Year. But Urban did a great job of preparing him for all of the spots we played him.”

Riley Cooper said the test he’s looking forward to the most is the 40-yard dash. Asked what his goal was, Cooper joked, “I’d like it to be a 4.2. How realistic that is I don’t know. But I’d like to be in the 4.4s.”

The former Florida football players heading for the NFL Combine received advice last week from a couple of players who know what they’re talking about — Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy.

The two NFL receivers who starred at Florida are in Gainesville working out and told the players going to the Combine to relax.

Sea World Trainer Killed By Orca Whale

The reason that this on my page is because I am a Floridian. And, I have been to Sea World every year of my upbringing and that of my neices and nephews. The same holds true for Disney World and it's surrounding parks. We still go as adults and enjoys showing the younger kids in the family. Depart from the fact that this is really sad...but, I am a amazed that the show will go on. 

SeaWorld Orlando also said, "it intends to continue using in its performances Tilikum, the 6-ton orca that pulled veteran trainer Dawn Brancheau to her death on Wednesday, though the animal will not be used Saturday."

"We have a wealth of experience on how to train marine mammals, obviously, more than anyone else in the world," Atchison said. "But we're hoping if we get some new eyes on this that maybe we'll find something we missed."

But the executive was defiant when asked about the merits of keeping orcas in captivity.

"We have created an extraordinary opportunity for people to get an up-close, personal experience; to be inspired and connect with marine life in a way that they cannot do in anywhere else in the world -- and for that, we make no apologies," Atchison said.

Tebow At The Combine

The announcement everyone was waiting for finally came a little after 3 p.m. ET Friday.

“Some guy named Tebow on Podium C,” the public-address announcer jokingly said.

Tim Tebow, University of Florida quarterback and undisputed star of this NFL Scouting Combine, was about to address the media, and they were more than eager to hear from him. A crowd gathered in front of the podium and stood five deep. Reporters’ questions were shouted down by other reporters — a rarity here since most media sessions aren’t this heavily attended.

“Hey, can I get a question in here?” one reporter asked, drawing loud laughter since many probably felt that way, too.

Through it all, Tebow was calm and collected. He politely answered every question for about 15 minutes, then did something befitting his character: He spent a whole minute handing back the stack of tape recorders that littered the podium.

Dez Bryant Measurables

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: Considered the top receiver heading into the combine, Bryant measured out at 6-2, 225 pounds with 34-inch arms. With exceptional measurements like that, he will be viewed as a match-up nightmare for smaller defenders on the edge. And his superior arm length explains why he is able to routinely win jump balls down the field.

 This is guy is a beast. Another Anquan Boldin if you ask me. I think he was given an excessive penalty by the NCAA. If you ask me the NCAA was sending a message to Deion Sanders more than anything. 

But, now he is at the draft and will be the #1 Receiver taken.  Good luck Dez.

Jets Stuff At The Combine

 Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum covered a wide range of topics with reporters Friday, but he had two particularly interesting comments on RB Thomas Jones. Really, it was more what Tannenbaum didn’t say that caught some attention.

“Nothing has really been finalized on T.J.,” Tannenbaum said about Jones’ future with the Jets. “We’re getting closer to a decision there, but nothing has been finalized yet.”

If that comes across as vague, it was. Jones is due a reported $3 million roster bonus next month and is set to earn a base salary of $2.8 million next season, when he’ll be 32.

If the emergence of Shonn Greene makes Jones expendable to the Jets — which presumably would be the “decision” referenced by Tannenbaum — what came next from the GM felt like a send-off.

“All I can really say is I’m really fortunate we traded for him three years ago,” Tannenbaum said. “He’s done great things for us on the field and even more off the field. He’s really been our leader, [and] a tireless worker. He’s a really good player and a better person. So, we have a few more days to get that finalized, and once we do, we’ll let you know.”

Tannenbaum also said he expects RB Leon Washington, who is recovering from a broken leg, to be ready by Week 1.

Tebow's Autographs Will Cost You Now

If you want Tim Tebow's autograph, be prepared to reach into your pocket for more than a pen.

Tebow has signed an exclusive memorabilia contract with Palm Beach Autographs, the leader in Florida Gators signed and unsigned collectibles and his first autograph session will be March 6 at the Avenues Mall in Jacksonville.

Cost for an autograph will be $160. For $210 fans can get a professional photo and autograph or just a photo of the former Gators quarterback for $75.

Autograph tickets and photograph tickets may be purchased in advance on Palm Beach Autographs' website (www.PalmBeachAutographs.com), in any of their retail stores, or by calling (561) 776-1680. There are a limited number of tickets available. Photo tickets are good for a professionally posed photograph with Tim Tebow and his Heisman Trophy. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tim Tebow Foundation.

Chan Gailey Talks About The Buffalo Bills

The Bills have many questions on offense, but new coach Chan Gailey isn’t exactly answering them all publicly.

During his Thursday news conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, Gailey wouldn’t address reports that the Bills might be interested in adding a veteran quarterback.

“I’m going to sidestep that,” he said, drawing light laughter from the assembled media.
The Bills have Ryan Fitzpatrick, Trent Edwards and Brian Brohm at quarterback, but some believe Gailey is seeking an upgrade.

“If we can try to improve our situation, we’ll improve it,” said Gailey, who added that holds true for every position.

Gailey spoke highly of Marshawn Lynch, who has been mentioned in trade rumors, and said he believes NFL teams need two quality running backs to be successful. Lynch lost some carries to Fred Jackson, who just posted his first 1,000-yard season.

Gailey also said he hasn’t talked to WR Terrell Owens, who came to Buffalo last season on a one-year contract and caught just five touchdown passes.

Gailey did acknowledge that the Bills are looking for help on the offensive line, especially after RT Brad Butler’s surprise retirement. Eric Wood and Demetrius Bell sustained season-ending injuries in 2009, but Gailey said their prognosises look good.

Measurables Come In On Quarterbacks

INDIANAPOLIS — All eyes seem to be on the quarterbacks at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, and their measurements were just posted. Here’s how the “Big Four” measured up:

Sam Bradford: 6-foot-4.2, 236 pounds, 34 3/8-inch arm length, 9 1/2-inch hand span
Jimmy Clausen: 6-foot-2.5, 222 pounds, 30 3/4-inch arm length, 9-inch hand span
Colt McCoy: 6-foot-1.1, 216 pounds, 31-inch arm length, 9 3/8-inch hand span

Tim Tebow: 6-foot-2.6, 236 pounds, 31 3/4-inch arm length, 10 1/8-inch hand span

I am surprised to the Bradford and Tebow weigh the same. I am assuming it's because Bradford is taller. Bradford's toughness concerns me.

Combine Schedule

General Player Schedule

February 24th – March 2nd, 2010

24th-27th	Day 1 Arrivals*: Grp 1(PK, ST, OL), Grp 2(OL), Grp 3(TE)
Wednesday	Travel, Registration, Pre-exam & X-ray, Orientation, Interviews
Thursday	Measurements, Exams, Media, Psych Tests, Interviews
Friday	NFLPA Meeting, Psych Tests, *PK/ST Workout*, Interviews
Saturday	Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Departure

25th-28th	Day 2 Arrivals*: Grp 4(QB, WO), Grp 5(QB, WO), Grp 6(RB)
Thursday	Travel, Registration, Pre-exam & X-ray, Orientation, Interviews
Friday	Measurements, Exams, Media, Psych Tests, Interviews
Saturday	NFLPA Meeting, Psych Tests, Interviews
Sunday	Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Departure

26th-1st	Day 3 Arrivals: Grp 7(DL), Grp 8(DL), Grp 9(LB)
Friday	Travel, Registration, Pre-exam & X-ray, Orientation, Interviews
Saturday	Measurements, Exams, Media, Psych Tests, Interviews
Sunday	NFLPA Meeting, Psych Tests, Interviews
Monday	Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Departure

27th-2nd	Day 4 Arrivals: Grp 10(DB), Grp 11(DB)
Saturday	Travel, Registration, Pre-exam & X-ray, Orientation, Interviews
Sunday	Measurements, Exams, Media, Psych Tests, Interviews
Monday	NFLPA Meeting, Psych Tests, Interviews
Tuesday	Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Departure

Combine Stuff

Players that have had good combines and have not done well for the most part at the next level:

1. Peter Warrick WR (Florida State --Drafted by Cincinnati) [3rd Pick Overall in the 2000 Draft]
2. Jamal Reynolds DE (Florida State -- Drafted by Green Bay) [10th Pick Overall in the 2001 Draft]
3. Ashlie Lelie WR (Hawaii -- Drafted by Denver) [19th Pick Overall in the 2002 Draft]
4. DeWayne Robertson DT (Kentucky -- Drafted by New York Jets) [3rd Pick Overall in the 2003 Draft]
5. Reggie Williams WR (Washington -- Drafted by Jacksonville) [10th Pick Overall in the 2004 Draft]
6. Thomas Davis LB (Georgia -- Drafted by Carolina) [14th Pick Overall in the 2005 Draft]
7. Reggie Bush RB (USC -- Drafted by New Orleans) [2nd Pick Overall in the 2006 Draft]
8. LaRon Landry S (LSU -- Drafted by Washington) [6th Pick Overall in the 2007 Draft]
9. Darren McFadden RB (Arkansas -- Drafted by Oakland) [4th Pick Overall in the 2008 Draft]
10. Tyson Jackson DE (LSU -- Drafted by Kansas City) [3rd Pick Overall in the 2009 Draft]

Players that have had bad combines and have done well for the most part at the next level:

1. Keith Bulluck LB (Syracuse -- Drafted by Tennessee) [30th Pick Overall in the 2000 Draft]
2. Adrian Wilson SS (North Carolina State -- Drafted by Arizona) [64th Pick Overall in the 2001 Draft]
3. Brian Westbrook RB (Villanova -- Drafted by Philadelphia) [91st Pick Overall in the 2002 Draft]
4. Anquan Boldin WR (Florida State -- Drafted by Arizona) [54th Pick Overall in the 2003 Draft]
5. Darnell Dockett DT (Florida State -- Drafted by Arizona) [64th Pick Overall in the 2004 Draft]
6. Justin Tuck DE (Notre Dame -- Drafted by New York Giants) [74th Pick Overall in the 2005 Draft]
7. Marcus McNeil OT (Auburn -- Drafted by San Diego) [50th Pick Overall in the 2006 Draft]
8. LaMarr Woodley DE/ LB (Michigan -- Drafted by Pittsburgh) [46th Pick Overall in the 2007 Draft]
9. Ray Rice RB (Rutgers -- Drafted by Baltimore) [55th Pick Overall in the 2008 Draft]
10. Shonn Greene RB (Iowa -- Drafted by New York Jets) [65th Pick Overall in the 2009 Draft]

Blog....

Hey Guys....I am in meetings the next couple of days so, you may not see a lot on the blog.. Let me know though if there is a hot topic you would like for me to discuss. Until then make sure you catch this video on Tim Tebow on NFL Network.

Coach Ham On Sports Talk... An Exclusive

I spoke to Coach Hamilton this morning and congratulated him on a good win. I told him to tell the team that they displayed excellence on National TV.  I ask him for a statement exclusive for my blog and here is what he had to say...

"I think anytime you are developing a program, there are always those signature wins that you are successful in, and that highlight your season. But we need to make sure to keep thing is proper perspective. At this stage we have won eight games...but we need to stay focus on the fact that this is just part of the journey and the not the ultimate goal. We need to get better and keep stacking wins on top of wins and then, we will evaluate where we are at the end of the season."

I would like for our guys to expect to wins these types of games and continue to keep learning and maturing and understanding that great teams play with great focus every game. I want us to be fierce competitors and be emotional and mentally ready to play every time out."

"I am excited about the win but, the next big game is Clemson."  

Thanks Coach....I am proud to know ya.

FSU Cruises To Win In Chapel Hill

This was a big game. The Seminoles could not lose to North Carolina and collect a bad loss. And yes, this year losing to the Tar Heels would be a bad loss. The Seminoles couldn't afford that in the overall NCAA Tournament picture. And, they came out and played like it. They played like they knew what was at stake.

I can't say enough about this win. I can't say enough about this performance. I am as proud of this team as I am my Gators Basketball team. Each player contributed so much. Chris Singleton was nasty inside and on the parimeter. He blocked shots....he made dunks and finesse baskets. He made steals. Dulkeys is not in a slump anymore. He was 5-11 in the game. The Seminoles shot over 50% in the first half...had nine threes and shot 60% beyond the three point line in the first half. Derwin Kitchen was hot early and really took care of the ball at the point position. The team out-hustled the Tar Heels. They dove for lose balls. They executed plays out of the in bounds pass. Luke Loucks never looked tentative. Solomon Alabi never really got into the flow of the game but, he wasn't need this time. 

And, I can't say enough about Terrence Shannon. He played five minutes, got three steals, a lay-up and a rebound. He is going to be special and I think he earned more playing time against Clemson. 

The whole bench was into this one. They really showed they are a team that's together and one that cheers for each other. 

I even saw Coach smile a little before the game was over. That never happens. But, this game was in hand early. This game was never in doubt after the 10 minute mark in the first half. 

Congrats guys....you deserve to celebrate this for the day. But, it's back to it tomorrow. We can't lose the momentum to Clemson this Sunday.

Sam Wyche Weighs In On Tebow

These days, Wyche is part of Tebow's pit crew, the collection of coaches in charge of reinventing Tebow's passing mechanics. Last month, Wyche and Tebow spent two days at a facility in Franklin, Tenn., working in the classroom and on the field.

In the end, Wyche was impressed with what he saw. And if the reports out of Franklin are correct, NFL scouts might do well to give Tebow another look when he has his pro day (March 17).

"Would I draft him?" Wyche said. "Absolutely. Sure. If he's not taken early, somebody
is going to be called a genius for taking him wherever he goes."

Perhaps you have heard different reports, haven't you? Since the end of the season, skeptics have lined up to talk about the varied reasons why Tebow will not succeed in the NFL. At times, the talk was so harsh you wondered if those 47 games Tebow's Florida team won was a misprint, or if his 88 touchdown passes were just a rumor.

Some of that, naturally, is the way the draft process dissects a player. But some of it seems to be a backlash toward a player who was praised so often in college.

Give Tebow credit for this much: He has at least been on a quest to get better. How many quarterbacks who were stars in college can say that? Former NFL offensive coordinator Zeke Bratkowski is the chief mechanic, but Montreal Alouettes coach Marc Trestman and Arizona State offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone have offered input, too.

As for Wyche, he became involved when Tony Dungy, the coach who replaced him in Tampa, recommended him to Bob Tebow, Tim's father. Wyche, now 65 and a county council member in Pickins, S.C., dusted off his whistle and came aboard.

"He's accurate," Wyche said of Tebow. "He's smart. He anticipates well. He's a commander in the huddle. He has good footwork. … He has agility. He has athleticism. So many things are right about this guy."

Wyche said their sessions began in the classroom. What does it mean when the free safety is in the middle? (It means a defense can't outnumber you.) What does it mean when the corner is bent at the waist? (Probably zone coverage, because it's not a good man technique.) What does it mean when the corner plays inside technique? (He doesn't have safety help.)

"He's as smart as anyone," Wyche said. "I was around Montana and Boomer, and they would be at the top of the list of understand theory coming out of college. They understood concepts. This guy is right with them. I hope he gets a good coordinator and a good quarterback coach. If not, he'll be smarter than they are."

Arm strength? Wyche says Tebow will have one of the strongest arms in the league. Footwork? Wyche says it's as good as anyone's. Accuracy? Along with intelligence, Wyche says that's Tebow's strongest asset.

Ah, but then there is Tebow's much-discussed delivery. While at Florida, there were a lot of plays when Tebow wound up like a pitcher and threw the ball like a shot-putter.
Wyche admits that if he knew nothing more than what he was seeing on film, that would concern him. As it is, Wyche thinks Tebow will quickly overcome his flaws in the manner that former NFL star Randall Cunningham did when he came out of college with his own awkward delivery.

"Everyone wants to talk about his long windup and dropping the ball," Wyche said. "But if he takes the ball up with two hands, which he didn't do in college, you have to put it in the same spot near your ear every time. If you wind up (as Tebow did at Florida), you get a different release point every time.

"Boy, he worked hard at it. He could tell when he tried and it wasn't right. He was coaching himself."

So where is Tebow going to be drafted? First round? Third round? As an H-back?
Wherever it is, Wyche said, he hopes there is a veteran there who can mentor him for a year or so.

"Paul Brown used to say to me, 'Don't tell me about how good an athlete a guy is. Tell me about how good a football player he is.' I think Tebow is one of the elite."

So, you ask Wyche. Is Tebow better than anyone you coached in Tampa Bay?
"Well, yeah."

Coach Donovan Quotes After Tennessee WIn

 Despite the big victory, Donovan wanted to temper excitement. There are still three games to play - against Georgia, Vanderbilt and Kentucky. The SEC Tournament is down the road. The Gators got a big win over a ranked opponent but there is still work to do. That's where Donovan wanted to keep the focus. That might be difficult after the Gators' performance.

"You guys talk about a lot of that stuff and have to do that and have to cover that, really for us, we have three games left to play," he said. "It's really simple for me: The more games you win the better chance you have. I'm not going to look at it like this got us in, we lose this game we're out.

"I know you guys have to do that in terms of keeping readers or fan interest alive, like they're dead, they're over, now they're in, or they're not, or they're playing for a seed. You guys know as well as I do, it's smoke and mirrors and drama. Very simple and you guys can write this: The more games we win, the better chance we have to go."

Congrats To Lou and Jon....

It seems to have been a good night for our teams all around. So, here is some love for you guys...
I thought for a moment Providence was going to make a game of it. But, Syracuse showed they were too much for them. 

I didn't see much of the Hoyas game Jon but....congrats!!

It's Florida State Versus North Carolina Tonight

The faces have changed. There is no more Toney Douglas or Ty Lawson. They have moved on to the NBA. But, this ACC match up is still just as important and heated. 

Coach Hamilton has his team in North Carolina preparing for tonight. My contention is if his team plays a complete 40 minutes, don't turn the ball over, and weather the initial emotions by the team and the fans...they can win. 

I still think the Tar Heels player for player have more talent. But, they are not playing together. They are not playing smart. This is one that the Seminoles can steal. I will be watching.

Gators Finally Beat Tennessee

In talking to Coach he said, Florida would take away their transition and defend better on the perimeter this time. Well, I didn't believe him...but, here is my moment to say, "he was right." 

This was a good win for the Gators. Irving Walker came alive in the second half and hit three straight 3s. Chandler Parsons then hit another. Both players ended with 19 points for the evening.

I like the way this team is playing. Now, I don't think they have all the pieces like a Syracuse or Kentucky to go deep into the tournament but, I am glad they are making a push to make it to the dance. 

More to come on this win for sure. 

Florida Gymnast Are SEC Players Of The Week

 

Florida's SEC Gymnasts of the Week
Name	Date
Ashanée Dickerson	Feb. 23, 2010
Melanie Sinclair	Feb. 24, 2009
Amanda Castillo	March 18, 2008
Amanda Castillo	Feb. 19, 2008
Melanie Sinclair	Jan. 15, 2008
Melanie Sinclair	March 20, 2007
Amanda Castillo	Feb. 27, 2007
Ashley Reed	Feb. 6, 2007
Corey Hartung	Feb. 7, 2006
Ashley Reed	March 1, 2005
Savannah Evans	Feb. 1, 2005
Erinn Dooley	March 16, 2004
Erinn Dooley	March 2, 2004
Orley Szmuch	Jan. 20, 2004
Orley Szmuch	Feb. 11, 2003
Orley Szmuch	Jan. 29, 2002
Hilary Thompson	Jan. 30, 2001
Chrissy Van Fleet	Feb. 22, 2000
Chrissy Van Fleet	Feb. 15, 2000
UF's SEC Freshman of the Week^
Marissa King	Feb. 23, 2010
Ashanée Dickerson	Feb. 2, 2010
Ashanée Dickerson	Jan. 26, 2010
Ashanée Dickerson	Jan. 19, 2010
^started in the 2009 season

Dickerson’s three event titles Friday brings her season total to 12, which is the most by a Gator freshman since Corey Hartung turned in nine wins through the first seven meets of the 2006 season. She is ranked No. 3 in the nation in all-around for regional qualifying average (39.375). Dickerson also holds top-20 rankings for three events – No. T5 vault (9.895 RQS), No. T19 beam (9.825) and No. T4 floor (9.890).

King set or matched every collegiate-best mark last Friday. She set her collegiate-best for the uneven bars to share that event title at 9.875 with Georgia’s Kat Ding. King equaled her top vault mark (9.875) for the second consecutive meet to share third overall. She also turned in a collegiate-best of 9.825 on beam and equaled her floor best of 9.85. Those marks led to a collegiate-best all-around total of 39.425, which took second in the meet.

In the Feb. 22 GymInfo national all-around rankings, King holds the No. 16 position with her regional qualifying average of 39.070.

Next up, No. 4 Florida (5-2, 4-1 SEC) finishes its 2010 SEC regular season slate with a dual meet at No. 16 Auburn (2-4, 2-3 SEC). Every opponent Florida has faced this season has ranked among the nation’s top 25.  

Tony Kornheiser Suspended For Two Weeks From PTI

Let me just say there will be no picture of Kornheiser on my blog. Any man who still takes a piece of hair and flips it to other side to cover baldness just won't make it on here. Now, that being said, here is the story...

ESPN announced a two-week suspension of Tony Kornheiser on Tuesday afternoon, not exactly swift, but a reprisal nonetheless for allegedly humorous remarks (at least Kornheiser thought they were funny) about the way ESPN co-worker Hannah Storm presented herself on ESPN television.

On his Washington D.C.-based radio show last Friday, Kornheiser described Storm's outfit as "horrifying." He said, she is got on these red go-go boots....He called her shirt "very, very tight" and suggested her skirt, a "Catholic school plaid skirt" was, as Kornheiser said, "way too short for somebody her age." That age, Kornheiser said, was upper 40s or maybe past 50. The horror! Storm is 47, by the way.

In any case, ESPN's executive vice president of content, John Skipper, released a statement Tuesday afternoon that said: "Tony Kornheiser's comments about Hannah Storm were entirely inappropriate. Hurtful and personal comments such as these are not acceptable and have significant consequences. Tony has been suspended from PTI for two weeks. Hannah is a respected colleague who has been an integral part of the success of our morning SportsCenter."

A 2** Recruit And We Have Him

This young man has to be all smiles. Just two months ago he was a 2 star QB recruited and offered only by Temple and Syracuse. He chose and committed to the Temple Owls. Then the Florida Gators came calling and ask to see more tape on him. His coaches sent it in. Coach Meyer then called and talked to Tyler himself and said, "that they were impressed with the plays he made with his feet. " They informed him that they would like to offer him a scholarship. The rest is history. Of course Tyler Murphy decommitted from Temple and committed to the Gators. He is expected on campus this Summer. 

From the perspectivce of Gator Nation we were all suprised. Why were we going after a 2 star at any position considering the success we have had in recruiting this year and previous years?

But, obviously the staff saw something in the young man that no one else saw. 

Now, he is a Gator and a very popular kid in his high school. I am anxious to see what he brings and what the coaching staff saw in him. Welcome to Gator Nation Tyler!!

2009 NCAA DIVISION I FBS ATTENDANCE TEAM LEADERS

Rank School        G       Attendance      Average

1. Michigan         8       871,464           108,933
2. Penn St.         8       856,066            107,008
3. Ohio St.         7       736,830            105,261
4. Texas             6       607,049           101,175
5. Tennessee      8       793,760            99,220
6. Georgia         6       556,476             92,746
7. LSU               7       647,420             92,489
8. Alabama        7       644,084             92,012
9. Florida          7       634,446              90,635
10. Nebraska     7       601,216              85,888
11. USC             6       508,796              84,799
12. Oklahoma    6       508,670              84,778
13. Auburn        8       676,911              84,614
14. Notre Dame 7       565,565              80,795
15. Wisconsin    7       560,764              80,109

The NFL Combine Starts Tomorrow

Jon I told you I would try my best to follow the Combine. But, you know my coverage will be skewed just a little. So, here's a start...

 

Florida Participants in the NFL Scouting Combine:

 

 WR Riley Cooper

Riley has been a pleasant surprise to many all year. I think early he dropped some key passes but all in all the toughness and the speed of this WR will land Riley somewhere in the 1st or 2nd round of the Draft. Most will be surprise at how fast this white boy can run....and I say that with much affection

 DE Jermaine Cunningham

Jermaine was a beast on the line and a starter for the past two season. He lead the team in sacks this year and I think he finished 2nd in the SEC in that category. He has quick feet and he is tenacious. The scouts will be surprise at his football speed and talent

 

DE Carlos Dunlap

Carlos has been given a bad rap since the DUI but, truly that was the first time he had ever been in trouble. And, he was at a party that included many more Gators....he was just the only one foolish enough to drive. He maybe guilty of poor judgement and of course a DUI but the 6'7 DE can play. Lead the team in sacks 2008 and was having another great season. I would be surprised if he dropped to the second round.

 CB Joe Haden

Haden is considered the top Corner coming out of college this year as a Jr. I would be surprised to see him drop out of the top 10 in the draft. He is tough and Florida's version of Revis Island. The Scouts will be pleased with his toughness, speed, and character

 TE Aaron Hernandez

Aaron was the go to guy this year when it came to receivers. He is a good route runner with decent speed. He is a match up problem for any LB in the NFL. I have heard rumors of Hernandez work ethic or lack thereof but, he should be gone by the second round.

 WR Brandon James

Brandon is a Darren Sproles type. He can return kicks and that is what he is known for in Gator Nation. He lead the nation or was in the top five for his career in kick returns. He has 4.3 speed. It will be that speed that gets the scouts attention at the combine. Probably a draft pick up though

 C Maurkice Pouncey

This Pouncey is considered the top C in the draft. He has great feet and can get out on the screen pass very quickly. He will be a first rounder.

LB Brandon Spikes

Spikes has a great football mine. He was the anchor of Florida's defense and the emotional leader. He had a strange year this year and would have gone higher had he come last year. But, this is my next Ray Lewis. He has the speed, the mind, and has the street fight. I have heard he is New York Giants bound.

 

QB Tim Tebow

I can't say enough about Tim. I think the NFL is getting the total package. Now, a lot has been said about his draft stock. But, it only takes one team to fall in love with him. He has been beat up over the last few months but, he is a gamer. I say first rounder...

S Major Wright

The rumor is Major declared for the draft after he was not promised a starting spot. Major was known for his major hits though. He just didn't seem to be the smartest on the field. He athleticism can't be denied though. He can make a name for himself at the combine and improve his stock. I see him as a fourth or fifth rounder. But, i think he can contribute in the NFL.

Conferences with Most Participants In the Combine
SEC – 64
ACC – 41
Big Ten – 41
Big 12 – 41
Pac-10 – 40
*****Big East – 26 bringing up the rear

Workout Schedule
Saturday – Offensive Line, Specialists, Tight Ends
Sunday – Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Running Backs
Monday – Defensive Line, Linebackers
Tuesday – Defensive Backs

Coach Meyer

 

Coach Meyer seems to be getting a little rest and relaxation. Here he is shown playing  in his own benefit golf tournament. I just want to see you back on the field coach for the Spring Game. Go Gators!!

The Success Of Syracuse Means That Jonny Flynn Was No Big Deal Last Year

Again, I didn't think that Syracuse has this type of team. They have truly surprised me. They are a solid team. They have four scoring in double figures and three more that are close....three more that can give you solid contribution in any game. That's a good team.

But, with this success it made me think. I have come to the conclusion that Jonny Flynn was no big deal. He was not the asset that Cuse fans thought he was. He was their stand around and watch guy, their bail out guy. And, obviously this type of guy can ruin your team chemistry. This kind of player limits team play. And, yep I know they had Devendorf last year. But, even with Devendorf and his experience everyone still seem to look towards Flynn.I thought he was a ball hog. Sure he was a hustler and a beast....but, probably not the right fit to make a serious run at the championship.

Flynn's game is obviously more suited for the NBA. He is a scorer and a creator on offense.  Not a good thing in college long term. He was smart to take his game to the next level.

I look for them to make a bigger push this March. Syracuse that is. They have what it takes now. They have the right mixture....

NAME	GM	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	TO	A/T	STL	BLK	PF	FG%	FT%	3P%	PPS
Wesley Johnson	27	34.0	16.0	8.7	2.3	2.6	1/1.1	1.6	1.8	2.1	.511	.781	.404	1.41
Kris Joseph	27	27.2	11.3	5.2	1.6	1.7	1/1.1	1.5	0.5	1.7	.507	.727	.200	1.47
Andy Rautins	27	31.3	11.2	3.3	4.7	2.6	1.8/1	2.1	0.3	2.2	.429	.794	.392	1.43
Arinze Onuaku	27	22.6	10.0	4.7	0.6	1.4	1/2.4	1.0	1.1	2.8	.663	.431	.000	1.46
Rick Jackson	27	25.3	9.4	6.9	1.6	1.8	1/1.2	1.0	2.1	1.8	.597	.514	.000	1.40
Brandon Triche	27	22.1	9.0	1.8	3.1	2.2	1.4/1	0.8	0.1	1.3	.521	.652	.406	1.47
Scoop Jardine	27	21.3	7.7	1.9	4.7	2.1	2.3/1	1.3	0.1	1.4	.481	.758	.345	1.35

The mixture that makes you friends on and off the field. These guys are balling and headed to a number one seed. 

And, there will plenty talent left next year. This is a fairly young team.And, I am impress with them.

The Business Of The NFL....

No more Landanian Tomlinson in San Diego. After over 2800 carrries the organization has decided they have gotten all they can get out of him.

I don't know why I thought this situation would be any different from the Shaun Alexander or Edgerrin James....or Emmitt Smith. Once you hit that wall you are gone.

I personally think he hit it two years ago when he took himself out of that playoff game and never left the bench or took off his helmet.

But, when does the organization owe you just  a little more loyalty. Sure, they gave Ladanian millions but, belive me they made millions more.

Coach Ham

Leonard Hamilton participated in his weekly Monday teleconference and discussed the Seminoles win at Virginia, their week off, preparation for their upcoming game against North Carolina, trying to secure a bye in the ACC Tournament, and much more.

Opening Comments:

"We had a pretty good outing against Virginia last week. We played very well and played a complete game for 40 minutes. We got a much needed weekend off. Coaches will say that this is the time of year where you have a lot of nicks, bangs, and bruises. So we used this weekend to do some mental work and look forward to what we know is going to be a hard-fought University of North Carolina team."

Q: Would you be for or against the expansion of the NCAA Tournament field to 96 teams?

Hamilton: Well, in the first place, if you look back at the history of how the NCAA Tournament has evolved, years ago it was 16 (teams) and people asked the same question when they expanded it to 24, and then they asked the same question when they wanted to expand it to 32. Then there was concern about the quality of the tournament when they expanded it to 48. Now that we have expanded it to 64, I don't know what the number is but we have added a lot more teams to the overall NCAA group of teams to pick from. So it is only logical to me that if the number increases, that you would increase the number of participants. Secondly, there seems to be such an emphasis placed on the criteria that you are supposed to meet in order to be able to qualify for the Tournament and that seems to be a moving target. One year it is strength of schedule, then it is road victories, and now we get a point-and-a-half for a road victory, a point for a neutral site, and half-a-point for a home victory. We go behind closed doors and we vote. So why not take that mystique out of it, include more teams. I think we will all admit that basketball has improved. You have more of the mid-majors that are of higher quality. You have the BCS-type schools where parity is setting in. I think it is only logical and reasonable when you take under consideration the percentage of football teams that go to bowls versus the percentage of basketball teams that go to the NCAA Tournament. The only right thing to do is to increase the pool.

Q: Can you talk about Solomon Alabi and getting the ball to him and how he delivers in late-game situations? What is it about him that makes him a good finisher when the game is on the line?

Hamilton: Well, Solomon during the year that he was injured really spent time improving on certain skills, certain aspects of his game that we wanted him to be a little more proficient in when he became healthy. His jump hook, his turnaround jumpers, his free throws, and his overall understanding of the game. So he has worked very hard in all of those areas and he is confident, he works very hard, and he is a sponge. He is one of those players that coaches like to have on your team because he is eager to follow directions and allow himself to be coached. We are the kind of team that has to win games by committee, so it is very difficult to assess who we are going to go to when the game is on the line because I am not real sure that our go-to guy may not be the guy who might have the best opportunity or is the open guy. So I think in that particular game against Marquette and some of the other games, we felt that we may have had an advantage at that particular time or the type of defense we were facing, so we thought it was best to go to him but in different games it might be someone else.

Q: Your team is right on the cusp of finishing anywhere from third to sixth in the ACC right now, and with the top four seeds getting a bye in the ACC Tournament, how important is it to get in the top four and get the bye in the first round?

Hamilton: I think it is very important that when you look towards the ACC Tournament that if you have an opportunity to get a bye and be able to get an extra day of mental and emotional preparation, it is very good for a team, especially a team that is dominated by freshman and sophomores like our team is. But the thing that we have tried to avoid doing is looking too far ahead with our young and inexperienced team. We literally have gotten to the point, and I know it is something that all coaches say, but where we just try not to look too far ahead of ourselves. We just try to make sure we stay focused on who we are, where we are, and the areas where we need to improve. I think that we will put ourselves in the best position come tournament time to be as high of a seed as we possibly can. But to answer your question, I think it is very important for a team, more than anything else psychologically, to know that you finished in the upper-echelon of the league and to have an opportunity to go into the ACC Tournament on a positive note.

Q: One of the reasons why your team is at the cusp of that position is that your team has had some success on the road this year winning three road games in conference. Can you talk about doing that with a young team and being able to win on the road in the ACC?

Hamilton: Well our team seems to be maturing and finding out more about each other and how we need to play with the talent that we have in order to be successful. I think we stubbed our toe a couple of times and it has gotten the attention of our guys. I think we have played fairly well on the road especially since we have gotten into conference play. In the times where we have not played as well, I think we have evaluated ourselves and it has been very motivating to our players to assess how we faltered. So I think we have two home games and two road games remaining, we are hopeful that we can be successful on the road because obviously that gives you some more 'quality points' as it relates to the NCAA Tournament, once that selection process is started.

Q: When you beat Virginia that may have been your best road games you played this year and then you had seven days off before your next game. Would you have rather played this past week after beating Virginia or did the seven days off come at a good time?

Hamilton: I think we needed the rest. I think most coaches, we all go through periods where we are playing games without very much preparation and you get bumps, bruises, little ankle turns, sore tips to your fingers, and things of that nature, so to kind of be able to work and practice on fundamentals without some of the physical contact is sometimes good. Guys get a chance to get a little more treatment and into the cold tubs, and things of that nature, so I am thinking it came at a very good time for us. I am not real sure one game on the weekend is that big of a difference this late in the season.

Q: You are heading to Chapel Hill to face a North Carolina team that is struggling, does that take any of the edge off the game or does it make you more hungry to get them? Does it have any impact at all on the game?

Hamilton: I hope that doesn't have any impact on our preparation. We have been operating with adversity as well and trying to deal with injuries. Sometimes hungrier, they are more attentive, and we all know it is just a matter of time before Carolina is going to explode with the talent that they have. We know that they are going to be on their very best game and they are very capable of playing good basketball. You watch every game that they play and there are periods where North Carolina just looks scary. The potential is there. Our approach is going to be like any other time. We have a tremendous respect for them. Roy (Williams) does a great job in preparation. We don't have the luxury as a team in our position or a team that is trying to move up the hierarchy of the ACC to do anything other than play at our very, very best. We have not always done that when we have gone on the road or at home for that matter. We try to not concern ourselves as much with the name on the jersey of our opponents as we have tried to develop a sense of pride and identity of who we are and what we are about. That is what we have been preaching to our players. They seem to be buying in. Hopefully that will be our motivating factor going into the game on Wednesday.

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