Charlie Weiss Talks Gator Football

Florida Gator Volleyball beats FSU....Sweeps Them

Pics Of My Favorite Dude Tyler

Some pictures of my favorite high school lineman....Tyler #60. Looks like he is becoming a beast. Thanks Dad for sending them to me. I am so proud of him. Let me know if he needs a Gator jersey. And, if he gets an offer from Boise State tell him to say, "No, thanks I want be a Gator."

 

Three Days Away

Needless to say I am excited the college football season is upon us.

Everyone that knows me also know my tempered excitement for a really good season from my Gators.

I can't wait to see how they look on FAU. I don't care about the score so long as we win and win by 65 and look good....(so much for not caring about the score huh?)

But, make no doubt I watched every video out there on how everyone is doing. I must say I am please with what I am hearing from the players and the coaches. Now, it's time though. And, as Charlie Weiss says, 'The first open book test is Saturday." (OMG, I'm quoting Charlie Weiss)

This team has so much potential though. I just can't see them not coming out on fire and coming out and showing college football #22 is way too low.

But, I am a Gator...and I wear these orange and blue sunglasses a lot.

Go Gators!!!

Mayor Of Philadelphia Has Strong Words

I found this on a Gator website where the title was, "If A White Conservative Had Said This." This Mayor is so to the point on this I wouldn't have cared who said it.

The violence that is going on in Philadelphia right now is ridiculous. And. in this video the Mayor calls out the parents and the gang members.

I am especially fond of the point he drives home to pull down your hoodies in the middle of the Summer, pull up your pants, and buy a belt. No one wants to see your underwear and or the crack of your butt.

Good stuff....we more accountable parents and mentors.

I know it's not sports related but, this needs to be said over and over. I had a responsibility to repost it to my readers.

I Love Our New Coach

All Access Was Well Worth It!!!

More than anything it was good to see my Gators and our colors all over ESPN all day. You would think we were back in the Tebow era. 

Good to Jesse Palmer back in the building. Also, I love the confidence of Muschamp. I love the staff that we have put in place. 

And, to see my Gators hard at it makes me excited for the season to start.

Quarterbacks Meeting....

Gator boys having lunch...

Running Backs Meeting

Florida Gator Football Staff

This behind the scenes look at what Urban Meyer went through is so emotional. He was a man possess on the recruiting trail and football field. And, his family life suffered. Good for him to recognize that there comes a point where you have to make a decision to step away for the sake of family, health, and longevity.

Awesome stuff....

Former Gator Jesse Palmer On Campus For.....All-Access Pass to Florida Gators Training Camp August 8

ESPN will give fans a day-long, multimedia, all-access pass to the Florida Gators football program Monday, Aug. 8.Inside the Program: Live with the Gators, hosted by ESPN game and studio analyst Jesse Palmer, will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Florida team for a day of preseason camp from wake up to curfew.

Palmer will offer a live look at numerous aspects of training camp across multiple ESPN platforms at least once an hour beginning at 9 a.m. ET. Shows include SportsCenter, First Take and College Football Live. ESPN.com will also provide a live stream of all of his appearances. In addition to Palmer, ESPN.com writer Chris Low will be on-site writing a behind-the-scenes blog throughout the day.

As part of the coverage, Palmer will conduct live interviews with head coach Will Muschamp, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and multiple players throughout the day. He will also give fans a live look into various meetings, team meals, practices and more. ESPN’s College Football Live at 3:30 p.m. will televise a practice drill live.

Additional elements:

• Still photographer posting images on ESPN.com throughout the day
• Video of training room, cool tubs, etc.
• A ride-along on the bus to the stadium
• Live shots during breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Gator Room
• Video and interviews with players
• Post-practice interviews

My Thoughts....

My heart goes out to Tebow and the QB situation.
Welcome to the business side of life Tim. This is where adulthood really takes over. What puts me at peace is your faith. This will all work out. We don't have to continue to boo Orton's every move. What is to be is already written. Go Gators!!! And, Go Broncos!!

Who had the best HOF Speech. It's sad to day, I never appreciated any of these athletes. Maybe Marshall Faulk and Richard Dent. But, I thought Deion was too flashy and Sharpe just had a big mouth....literally.

But, I thought both Sharpe and Sanders really brought to life their struggles of being poor and wanting to take their families to the next level. That I applaud them for. And, I love the bond that was so obvious between Sterling and Shannon.

Sad to see Moody cut by the Buffalo Bills. I hope he gets another chance.

Can't wait to see my Gators. Practice has started. I think this year is more anticipated than last year. I just want our team, our offense to redeem itself for the poor showing last year. And, to beat the Seminoles into oblivion.

Go Gators!!!

Conversation With 2012 Recruit Ralph Andrades

I have been promising a conversation write up on Ralph Jr. for about two weeks now. I finally buckled down and got it done. 

It was truly an honor to talk to Raphael Andrades. What a intelligent young man. And, for what I have been hearing not a bad football player either. 

Ralph Andrades Jr,  is ranked #99 by ESPN and #84 by Rivals at the WR position and climbing. He is 6'0 and 195. And, one of the things I love is he has his GPA in order at 3.67.

Andrades is a 2012 recruit coming out of Tallahassee Lincoln in Tallahassee, Florida. His position coach is none other than one of my favorite Gators, Jacquez Green. 

On a side note I had to pause and tell Andrades that I just watch his coach on youtube make that spectacular catch to help ruin the National Championship run by the Seminoles in 1997. And, literally, I cried. There is nothing better than beating your arch rival. And, ruining their chances to play for a national championship is even better...just icing on the cake," I said to him. I also told him I was at that game and even though I was in my teens at the time, we celebrated for awhile.   

So, he allowed me to rave about a Gator period. He made sure to tell me that Coach Green speaks of that game and that catch quite often. 

Ralphael Andreades at the Swamp and FNL

I discovered this, "flying under the radar," WR through his dad on Twitter. He was tweeting about his son doing the recruiting, camp, and 7-7 trail this Spring and Summer. I became interested once he tweeted his son was visiting the Seminoles, and then subsequently the Gators. I have followed his son's progress since that day. I have also watched a lot of highlight tape on Jr. and I am thoroughly impressed. I actually told him he reminds me of a Calvin Johnson, who had great hands and just seem to tower of opposing DBs at the college level. 

Ralph Jr seems to do the same thing on the high school level. 

The word is Andrades has great hands. He runs great routes and has very good footwork. The improvement needs to come in his 40 time from my understanding. . Andrades admits he has never been able to just run fast unless there is someone challenging him....in other words, "trying to catch him." And, I must admit in all the tape and video on this recruit I didn't see anyone catch him. And, he did gain separation on a lot of those plays and catches. 

And, I like this athlete so much I wanted to write about him. I don't know if we can ever get enough of those kids/students who are doing it the right way. And, I think Andrades is doing just that. He plays two sports, excels in the classroom, and seems to be a very mannerable and respectful person. 

Here is a recap of our conversation.....

How long have you been playing football?

I have been playing since I was four. And, I played QB. I didn't have a big brother in the family. I am an only child. But, my Dad got me started early. 

What are some of you goals this year? 

To get better. Coach Green has me working on my routes. I would like to have more yards and catches this year. 

I watched your highlight tape and you remind me of Calvin Johnson. Do you know who he is and what do you think of his play?

Yes I know who that is. He played for Ga Tech. I liked his game. 

When did you decide that you could play receiver? 

I played QB all of my life. But, the coaches came to me and told me I could play on Varsity if I changed to WR, so I did. 

Are you visiting any schools? Where are you taking your official visits.

Yes I am, I don't know where yet. I would like to take one to Florida though.

What do you think of this whole recruiting process?

It hasn't been that bad. I don't have anything to compare it too though. 

So in a perfect world where would like to go to school?

I mean I would love it if Florida offered. I have always been a Gator fan. I could see myself going there. I hope they do offer. I will just keep playing and working hard. 

What do you think of Arkansas? And Bobby Petrino?

It's the SEC and I am excited to have an offer from a team in the best college football conference. I have dealt with Coach Robinson so I haven't had much contact with Coach Petrino.

Did you have fun at FNL?

I loved the atmosphere, I loved being in the swamp, it was great competition and it gave me a chance to get better and show the coaches we can play. I talked to Coach Hill. 

This young man has offers from Arkansas, Florida International, Illinois, Middle Tenn State, Vanderbilt, and Stanford. This is not a bad list at all. And, he picked up and offer from Middle Tenn State since we talked last. 




Rivals scouting report....
The best way to sum up Andrades is like this: While he isn't flashy, he's a very good receiver who does a lot of things well. He has good speed and knows how to separate from defensive backs. He also owns good hands. Andrades has a solid build, too.

Here is what FloridaProspects.com had to say:

Athleticism: 4.0

Andrades is by no means a blazer as far as speed is concerned, but he is fast enough to play at the next level. He also has the athletic ability to be a very good route runner when he dedicates himself to it. He appears strong enough to get off of a jam already which is very good for a young receiver.

Field Presence: 5.0

Andrades has a great feel for the game in that he knows how to get open. He sits downs in zones at the right spot and is very good at getting defensive backs to open up their hips. Raphael also attacks the ball at its highest point when it is in the air which is a trait you love to not have to teach a receiver.

Potential: 4.5

Andrades has the skill set to become a good possession receiver at the next level he has decent size good hands and plays well in traffic. If he can learn to block like he is capable of he is a solid receiver and will contribute to a team at the next level.

Stature: 4.3

While 6 feet 1 is nothing to sneeze at it’s not great size for a receiver with his skill set. He already has a college-ready body as fare as size goes because he is already at his target weight for his height at 200 lbs. 

Technique: 3.1

Doesn’t run great route, but what young receiver (Other than former DP WR Kenny Shaw) does? We would like to see him become a better blocker so he can be considered somewhat of a complete player.

No matter what, I am sold on Ralphael. Too bad I don't have a say so or I would be in Charlie Weis's ear. Where ever he goes though I am sure he will make an impact. 


Thanks Raphael for letting me into the life of an athlete. And, tell your Dad thanks for allowing me to ge to know you. A great family indeed. 

Denver Broncos Scrimmage And Tebow Of Course

Video From First Day Of Practice

True freshman Jacoby Brissett, from Dwyer High School, has some ground to make up as he battles red-shirt freshman Tyler Murphy and freshman Jeff Driskel for the No. 2 quarterback job. Murphy and Driskel both went through spring practices under new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, while Brissett’s first practice was today.
But Brissett does not appear to be lagging behind.
“Just after one day, very pleased with where he is,” Muschamp said. “He certainly has a certain command about him. He’s a guy that is very well respected by his teammates. He’s an outstanding athlete, but he can really throw the football.”

– As for the other freshmen, Muschamp was impressed by TE A.C. Leonard, WR Ja’Juan Story, RB Hunter Joyer, CB Marcus Roberson, CB Loucheiz Purifoy, OG Trip Thurman and LB Graham Stewart.

– He said there was “very good retention” of the system and playbook by the older players and “some decent retention” among the younger ones.

– One guy who looked comfortable was RB Jeff Demps, which is somewhat surprising given that he missed spring practices and was not around much in the summer due to track competitions.
“He looked great, actually. Really good,” Muschamp said. “The players are able to really work with each other in the off-season. The quarterbacks and running backs were getting together on their own on their own time. Really constructive learning as far as those things are concerned. I thought he looked great this morning.”

– Deonte Thompson and Quinton Dunbar have been the two best vertical threatsamong the receivers, but junior Frankie Hammond has been the most complete.
“He’s been our most consistent receiver,” Muschamp said. “What I said was Quinton and Deonte have been our most vertical threats down the field, big-play receivers. They were more of our vertical guys down the field. But Frankie consistently has been our best receiver as far as catching the ball, finishing plays, blocking — all-around receiver play.”

– He probably will not know how good his pass rush is until Florida actually starts playing games. The force of the pass rush looks like it will be LB/DE Ronald Powell, DT Sharrif Floyd, DT Dominique Easley and DE William Green.

Media Day - The Players

Media Day - Coach Muschamp

Media Day - John Brantley

D J Humphries Is A Gator

Once I found out the announcement was Friday night at 7pm, I wondered what were the teams he was considering. When I discovered it was between Florida and Tennessee I truly said, "It's a wrap." There is no way that kid is going to Tenn amid all of their confusion when he could come to Florida and play under this set of coaches and truly no scandal.

Well, I actually watched the livestream and I heard him say, "Truly Florida is the only school I was seriously considering. It just felt like home."

Well put young man. And, welcome to the family.

Media Day....

The season is here. And, my excitement is along the same level as my nervousness.

I hear that Brantley showed lots of confidence. Well, he needs to and I am pulling for him. I really hope this team comes together nicely over the next 30 days.

Gatornation is anticipating so much. As I was telling someone on Twitter. I have had my ups and downs with my NFL teams. But, with my Gators my loyalty had never wavered.

 Offensive players talk to the media....Jordan Reed, Trey Burton, Jeff Demps, and Chris Rainey

Matt Elam looks to be an integral part of the defense this year