Brad

I'd suggest we try it and find out... **** CB, facilities do not make the coach, the recruiter, the strategist, the teacher, and on and on. Facilities don't sign players, make line-up cards or get a kid up in the pen. As you say, it's a part of the formula. Mediocre coaches have lost at programs that have nice facilities. Yes, they get fired. Good coches have won at programs with mediocre facilities. Yes, they often move on to places with better facilities (and pay). You're becoming to focused on facilities alone. You're not with HOK are you?

He looks like another Beanie Baby offering from TY, however I wouldn't let him get too close to Jonathan - this "panther" looks a little well ...you know... he might overtake Jonathan and get a little puppy love.

Thanks for the link Vicki...the brochure looks really nice It provides a real nice look at the travel options for traveling Bulls. Very informative and nicely done.

To clarify: CyberBull said: So I was thinking along the lines of baseball careers...

Sorry to continue to needle, but what "career" died at USF - EC has had a 20+ year career at USF. Name a notable coach that came here with a career and died here...

It's not that I don't get it, it's that I don't agree.  The disparity in the facilities across the state and/or country does not fully explain where we are today.  It's the sense of "surrender" in your posts that I absolutely refuse to agree with and so too should anyone associated with any program at USF.  When you waive the white flag - and can not overcome the obstacles in the job you applied for - resign!  Doug Woolard knew what he was stepping into and is determined to make a difference, to hell with excuses. Now that, I don't get. "Regulars" is a stretch....Do you mean like regular Top 25 like others in the state?  Or regular Top 64?  Regular implies year to year over at least a generation.  We've not been that.  We've been content to sniff success a few times - and fall back on it when we need to.  Well, gee the Sun Dome is 25 years old...  I guess we ought to be proactive and cry a river for RMC before he even starts to struggle in what will be the premier college basketball conference. 20 years we've rode the same horse (pony, burro, dog) in baseball.  We've got little to show for it.  RMC will not get 20 years.  I believe no one should. We need a change, that is for sure.  Unfortunately a new stadium can't get here fast enough.  I'd love that to be here tomorrow and EC to start winning tomorrow.  However, neither is going to happen.

From a player's perspective - improve it. I'd want to go where the winners are regardless of whether the bathroom facilities are nice. ;D

Certainly Collin, but we'll need to bring a long with us an agreed upon definition of "cultural barrier." ::deal::

The reason I posted the quote was because the reporter chose to get a little saucy with Eriksen's comment.  Eriksen's smack was earlier in the week directed at UCF. Reading the other stories posted by HowieP, I can see the full context of his comment, but I still think he should have handled the loss better.  I always appreciate a coach that comments on his own team's or the other team's effort instead of the other team's "good luck."  And that is probably what the reporter was alluding too.  Yep, credit the lucky rabbit's foot instead of the team that beat you.  I mean, despite them nearly handing the game to the Bulls - B-CC held on after giving up two unearned and shut the Bulls out the rest of the way never yielding an earned run - that is impressive. Eriksen is outspoken and perhaps a little arrogant - we all know that and in some ways appreciate it. I understand why a pro-B-CC writer would write the comment in the News-Journal.  B-CC BEAT the Bulls, it had nothing to do with luck. They may have taken offense to Eriksen's inability to professionally concede that B-CC beat them.

This just in: We have found someone interested in the newly available Bulls tickets. please contact: Mr. R. Smith c/o USF Football 4202 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620

At risk of going off topic, what are the "cultural barriers" in softball? They beat us - plain and simple. And I hope you drop the politically correct sympathy by the time FAMU rolls into RJS!!!

"Real fans" put up FireRonZook.com, right? Bulls fans, let's not make this personal. All opinions should be welcomed, that is, opinions on the hire - not opinions of each other. As board admins we do not censor opinions. We probably should delete more than we do - especially the ones that go off topic. And in some cases, like this, we probably should call an end to the personal side of the argument. Much like I do with the fine people I've come across here - I just have to agree to disagree. I have my sparring partners (you know who you are, ;D). As far as giving up tickets or donations to USF over this hire, there was an infinitesimal small number that suggested they would do so. Most rational people know that is a comment made out of emotion rather than good sense. A shortsighted option indeed. Pull it together, we still have more than 100 days until kickoff.

Excerpts from the Oracle: "Getting the tournament was a relief," said coach Eddie Cardieri, who has only missed the conference tournament -- in the Sun Belt, Metro and C-USA leagues -- three times in his 20 seasons as head coach. "It was a real monkey off our back." "Like (pitching) coach Nelson (North) said, it was a gorilla -- not a monkey -- we had to get off there," said Hierlmeier who set a new Bulls record for being hit by a pitch with 20 on Friday night. "It was good to get that win out of the way and get the pressure off." "This was just a big weekend," North said. "When it all shook down to the last series again ... yeah, I called it a gorilla biting my head off, and I was glad to get it off. It was motivation for me and everyone." "I still may not be over last year against Louisville. I'm just glad that gorilla is gone," added Hierlmeier. "Bulls in conference tourney after wins "  Story Link I'm not sure these guys even know which primate they should be concerned about.... What have we come too?  Like basketball, the goal is to make the conference tournament?  I understand the rebuilding the "new coach" is undertaking in basketball (and I believe we are progressing) - I do not know what a 20-year veteran baseball coach means by the pressure being off and the relief experienced in making a C-USA baseball tournament... The pressure should still be on and very heavy - no one should be talking about feeling relieved.  Those words alone should warrant a meeting in the A.D.'s office.

According to a post on the main board: #4 Gators #8 Florida State #12 Miami #79 USF #101 UCF #113 FAU #119 FIU

I'm glad Martin brought up the fact his son plays for him...I didn't want to bring that up.  I'm not the parent of a player, but that tells me something is rotten in the state of Denmark (especially when the son hits around the Mendoza line). Bad facilities, not enough salary? "At these prices, never underestimate the value of a good guy."  ::sick:: Wrong Answer! Have the good guy go out and fund raise instead...just get someone that is not willing to buy into the whole underpriveleged ********. He seems like a nice guy, I don't know - but nice guys belong elsewhere, kick him up to Paschal's old job or something. Woolard put it best: "We need to step up ourselves.''  There can be no excuses.  Improvements in performance need to be made today...and not wait until tomorrow, or next decade.  For anyone else holding a job (even a "real" job), resources are usually limited and you do not have everything you wished you could have.  Sometimes you just have to quit sobbing and overcome the obstacles. If we bump the salary, we get a new coach...For any coach or player to make any excuses is a sign that guy has already lost.  We've been too soft for too long.

When the facilities are renovated, let's hope the budgets are at the top of the conference (nation) too, oh yeah, and that the weather is good - er, it is good, isn't it? I'd hate to hear that despite our wonderful new facilities, we can't compete with other BE schools because their budget is bigger. Let's just throw in the towel. No one argues facilities play a role as does a number of things. But no one should ever excuse losing because of facilities. Nor should a stalled program(s) or incompetent coaching decisions be able to hide behind "facilities." Everything new today is old tomorrow. You need to have a little more going for you than facilities.

Story Link

The voting has concluded with the following inductees receiving the required number of votes for induction into the SouthFloridaBulls.com Hall of Fame. Lee Roy Selmon Marquel Blackwell Charlie Bradley Radenko Dobras Of the 14 nominees, only those listed above received the requisite number of votes. It was a large group of outstanding Bulls to choose from. Please re-nominate those you would like to see re-considered in the Spring 2006 selection process. Lee Roy Selmon was named on 88% of the ballots. Already Nominated for Spring 2006: Kawika Mitchell Mitch Rebenstorf J.R. Reed Hakim Shahid Nominations can be made on the Hall of Fame Page. Thanks to all for participating, I will target having the Hall of Fame page updated with our new honorees by early June.

Taj allegedly lacked the tools to be a quality DI player according to a story I read on Rivals...  Would KB meet that description?  Doesn't seem like it. More to salivate over: Brumbaugh distinguishes himself with his three-point accuracy and high-energy motor. The 6'8" left-handed swingman is difficult to guard because of his ability to penetrate the lane in addition to being able to knock down jumpers from the perimeter. He is also an outstanding defensive player, which led to him being a four-time All-State selection. PPG: 34.0      RPG: 13.0      APG: 5.0

I'm sure the team will welcome him with open arms just as we welcome you here...  From Draft City: Link

Now we need a four run homer - the Grand Salami...

USF's Bats Go Wild In 14-3 Rout of UCF Ledger staff and wire reports GAINESVILLE -- South Florida's softball team rallied with a seven-run third inning and a five-run fourth in a record-setting performance to beat Central Florida 14-3 on Friday in an NCAA regional game that was called in the fifth because of the eight-run mercy rule. Senior first baseman Carmela Liwag broke USF's single-game RBI record by driving in six runs on two doubles. She also tied the NCAA Tournament single-game record with her two doubles. Tiffany Stewart (home run, RBI double, RBI single), Danielle Urbanik (two-run homer) and Samantha Ray (RBI walk, RBI single) helped the Bulls compile an NCAA Tournament single-game-record 20 hits, breaking Iowa's 1995 record of 17. Pitcher Bree Spence picked up her 22nd win of the year, setting a new freshman record for wins in a season at USF. USF advances to play at 1 p.m. today against BethuneCookman. B-CC 3, FLORIDA 2: In Gainesville, the fourth-seeded BethuneCookman Lady Wildcats (48-17) used a strong pitching performance from Lauren McCoy to defeat the top-seeded and 13thranked Florida Gators. Lady Wildcats pitcher Lauren McCoy struck out five Gator hitters and went the distance to earn her first career win over Florida. Gator pitcher Stacey Stevens surrendered only one earned run in a losing effort. FLORIDA STATE 5, AUBURN 0: In Auburn, Ala., Seminoles pitcher Casey Hunter struck out eight in a dominating 2-hitter against Auburn. Veronica Wootson drove in two with a home run, and Tatiana George blasted a solo shot. BAYLOR 1, FLORIDA A&M 0: FAMU pitcher Monique Mattingly scattered five hits but still came out on the short end against Baylor. Story Link

By Pete Fiutak So you think Ron Zook had pressure trying to follow the in the ten-mile wide footsteps of Steve Spurrier? That's nothing, nothing to what Urban Meyer is going to face. There's a major difference between Bowling Green, Utah and Florida. Falcon and Ute fans were ecstatic to have high-octane winners that made their respective programs relevant on a national scale. Gator fans are expecting a national title. Now. Most of the Florida faithful understood that the conditions weren't quite right for Spurrier to return home again and that Meyer might be the better fit for the program at the moment, as well as on a long term scale. That doesn't necessarily mean they have to be happy that their Ball Coach is up in Columbia, South Carolina. The only thing that can make fans forgive and forget that Spurrier isn't back in Gainesville is to win, and this is the team to do it. Meyer, known as the great coach of other people's talent, inherits a team loaded with athletes and possibilities. There isn't a glaring weakness as the team looks rock solid in every phase adding even more pressure. All eyes will be on the offense as Utah-like numbers are expected now that Meyer has big-time, next-level athletes to work with. QB Chris Leak has taken to the attack and should put up video game numbers with a deep, fast, receiving corps to work with and a great line to operate behind. The defense isn't full of superstars, but outside of a second corner to play across from the ball-hawking Demetrice Webb, there isn't anything to worry about. So jack those expectations up a few notches. Even in the loaded SEC East, it's title time or bust for the well-compensated, very talented head coach. Let South Carolina shoot for the Peach Bowl. The Schedule: It's not a walk in the park, but it's manageable considering the heavy-hitters the Gators face every year. Tennessee, and Florida State have to come to Gainesville, but there are nasty road dates with Alabama and LSU before the showdown with Georgia. Don't sleep on the opener against a Wyoming team looking for the shocker. At Kentucky, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt are nice wins (yes, even MSU this year) sprinkled throughout the slate. Best Offensive Player: Junior QB Chris Leak. Even though Alex Smith was the number one pick in the NFL draft, there's a school of thought that Meyer finally has a superstar college quarterback to work with (no one thought Smith would turn out to be that good). Leak isn't the type of runner the spread system likes to use, but he's more than talented enough to put up some huge numbers. Best Defensive Player: Junior CB Demetrice Webb. Tackle Ray McDonald might be the defense's most talented player and strong safety Jarvis Herring is the heart-and-soul, but Webb is the team's most valuable player going into the season (even more than Leak) considering cornerback is such a major concern. He's a great hitter and a good ball-hawk. Key player to a successful season: Junior RB DeShawn Wynn. There are three talented backs to work with. Redshirt freshman Markus Manson is the speedy home-run hitter, Skyler Thornton does a little of everything well, and Wynn is the star who has to realize his potential. The better the ground attack is, the less running the franchise quarterback will have to do. The season will be a success if ... Florida wins the SEC East. Spurrier wasn't passed over and Meyer wasn't given all that money for Florida to finish second in its own division. Florida fans demand SEC title appearances every year. Key game: Sept. 17 vs. Tennessee. Of course the one everyone is waiting for is November 12th date at South Carolina, but the showdown with the Vols will be more important. The home team hasn't always had a ton of luck in this series, but the Gators will look to return the favor for last year's controversial classic 30-28 loss. If that happens, they'll be 4-0 going into the road trip to Alabama and likely 6-0 going into the date at LSU. 2004 Fun Stats: - Florida opponents scoring: 3rd quarter: 30 - 4th quarter: 80 - Penalties: Florida 106 for 844 yards - Opponents 71 for 538 yards - Time of possession: Opponents 31:47 - Florida 28:13 Basically ... Urban Meyer has always produced big-time offenses, but the NFL isn't exactly stocked with former Utah Utes (other than Alex Smith) and Bowling Green Falcons. Now he has some big-time talents to work with and the results are expected to be nothing less than incredible. QB Chris Leak appears to be ready to handle the responsibility of leading the new spread attack, even if he's not the perfect fit for it. The receiving corps should explode with Dallas Baker, Andre Caldwell and Chad Jackson all explosive home run hitters. If RB DeShawn Wynn can play up to his talent level, the backfield will be a strength. The starting five on the line will be great. Returning Leaders Passing: Chris Leak 238-399, 3,197 yds, 29 TD, 12 INT Rushing: Skyler Thornton 55 carries for 230 yds and 1 TD Receiving: Andre Caldwell 43 catches, 689 yds, 3 TD Star of the offense: Junior QB Chris Leak Player that has to step up and become a star: Junior RB DeShawn Wynn Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman RB Markus Manson Best pro prospect: Senior C Mike Degory Top three all-star candidates: 1) Degory, 2) Leak, 3) OT Randy Hand Strength of the offense: Receiver, starting offensive line Weakness of the offense: second team offensive line, sure-thing running back Quarterbacks Putting Chris Leak into the Urban Meyer spread offense is a bit like putting a square peg in a round hole, but everything will work out fine. Leak will become a more accurate passer and should put up big numbers once he gets the hang of the attack. The question will be how much of a licking he'll be able to take when he turns into a runner and how the change in his throwing style affects him early on. The backups are all good runners with some fascinating young talent waiting to shine. Player to keep an eye on: Josh Portis, Fr. ... Quarterback Rating: 9 Projected Starter - Chris Leak, Jr. - Considered one of college football's brightest young quarterbacks, Leak threw for 5,632 yards and 45 touchdowns with 23 interceptions in his first two seasons occasionally showing flashes of brilliance when he got hot throwing for 319 yards and six touchdowns against South Carolina and 322 yards and three scores against Arkansas. He's not all that big at 6-0 and 195 pounds and isn't much of a runner for the type of offense Urban Meyer likes to employ. He has a decent arm, but not a huge one needing to tighten his throwing motion to release the ball quicker and with more zip. Top Backups - Gavin Dickey, Jr. - Dickey has the most experience among the backups completing five of seven passes for 56 yards. He's more of a runner than Chris Leak and has the skills to be a great fit for the new offense, but he spent spring ball playing baseball setting him back in the backup race. There's a question whether or not he'll be back if he gets selected high in the baseball draft, and whether or not he's turned into the team's fifth receiver. - Cornelius Ingram, RFr. - The 6-4 Gator basketball player has the size and athleticism to look the part of an Alex Smith-like quarterback in the Urban Meyer offense. He has mostly been a scout teamer and will likely be no better than the third man in the mix this year. - Josh Portis, Fr. - He graduated early from high school and got plenty of reps in spring ball. Hand picked by Urban Meyer to be his quarterback of the future, Portis originally committed to Utah and then followed the coach to Gainesville. He has the size, arm and mobility to become a star. He had a huge day in the spring game completing 20 of 30 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns with an interception to go along with 39 rushing yards. Running Backs This is a great situation if DeShawn Wynn turns into a consistent producer. Skyler Thornton can do a little bit of everything well and Markus Manson is a dangerous player just waiting to bust off some big runs. But it's all about Wynn and whether or not he can be a workhorse runner to count on game in and game out. He has the talent; now he has to come through. Player to keep an eye on: Markus Manson, RFr. ... Running back rating: 8 Projected Starters - DeShawn Wynn, Jr. - Wynn was under fire this spring from the new head coach for a variety of reasons, but he ran harder and better as the session wore on. The 228-pound junior has all the talent to become an SEC superstar, but he hasn't been able to put it all together yet with only 757 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first two seasons. He has the hands to be used as a receiver and speed to break off big runs. Now he has to be a consistent worker and performer. Top Backups - Skyler Thornton, Jr. - With excellent speed and a strong running style, Thornton has been a good reserve finishing second on the team last year with 230 yards and a touchdown. He's being given every opportunity to win the starting job listed as a co-starter with DeShawn Wynn coming out of spring ball. - Markus Manson, RFr. - A scout teamer last year, the 6-0, 205-pound Manson is the fastest of the three starting running back prospects and the best athlete. He's a home run hitter waiting to happen and will be deadly when he gets into the clear. He has to prove he can be a consistent receiver and blocker in the new attack. While he probably won't win the starting job, he'll see plenty of carries. Receivers This receiving corps should light up defenses like a Christmas tree. Urban Meyer has always had decent receiver talent to work with, but he has never had athletes like this crew and will make them shine. Dallas Baker and Chad Jackson will be devastating deep receivers, while Andre Caldwell could make himself into an early round draft pick if he can be consistent. There's size, speed, and great young potential among the reserves. The tight ends are young, but very promising receivers. Player to keep an eye on: Chad Jackson, Jr. ... Receiver rating: 9.5 Projected Starters - Dallas Baker, Sr. - If you're looking for a new SEC star, Baker could be it. The 6-3, 200-pound senior has been good over the last two years catching 39 passes for 619 yards and six touchdowns, but he appears ready to explode in the new attack catching six passes for 134 yards and three scores in the spring game. - Andre Caldwell, Jr. - Caldwell became a dangerous target last year finishing second on the team with 43 catches for 689 yards and three touchdowns averaging 16 yards per catch. He also served as a kick returner, but struggled only averaging 15.8 yards per return after averaging 20.6 as a freshman. He has good size and excellent speed. Now he has to prove he can show consistent hands. - Chad Jackson, Jr. - Jackson led the team with a UF record 22.3 yard-per-catch average with 29 grabs for 648 yards and six scores highlighted by an 81-yard scoring play against Tennessee. He has next-level speed in a 6-1, 202 pound frame. - Tight end Tate Casey, Soph. - More of a receiver than blocker, the 6-6, 234-pound sophomore has good hands and showed flashes of serious potential last year. He spent most of the season on special teams, but he also showed he could score with four touchdowns on eight catches with a 15.9 yard average. Top Backups - Jemalle Cornelius, Jr. - Cornelius is a special athlete with tremendous deep speed. Now he has to become a special receiver after catching 19 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns in a reserve role over the last two years. He'll hit a few home runs behind Chad Jackson. - Kyle Morgan, Sr. - The 6-2, 221-pound senior is big and physical, but he has to prove he can be a steady factor with only one catch for 11 yards. He'll spend most of his time on special teams and as a backup behind Dallas Baker. - David Nelson, Fr. - The true freshman could find his way into the lineup early in his career. The 6-5, 186-pounder has excellent hands catching 91 passes for 1,641 yards and 18 touchdowns as a high school senior. - Tight end Dane Guthrie, RFr. - Guthrie bulked up over the off-season and should be a physical 257-pound tight end option along with Tate Casey. He has good hands and is a good athlete who'll be used often in the passing game. Offensive Line The starting five should be outstanding, but there's a major, major drop-off from the first to the second team. The biggest concern is at backup tackle where none of the big young prospects produced much this spring. The longer the front line guys can stay healthy and give the backups time to develop, the better. Center Mike Degory is one of the nation's best centers, while Taveres Washington, who moved over from tackle, and Jim Tartt will be solid guards if they can stay healthy. Randy Hand and Lance Butler, who moved from guard, should be all-stars. Player to keep an eye on: Jim Tartt, RFr. ... Offensive line rating: 8.5 Projected Starters - Tackle Randy Hand, Sr. - Expected to be one of the team's best blockers and an All-SEC candidate, the 6-6, 310-pound senior has started 28 straight games as a steady producer on the right side. Now he'll move over to the left side pushing Taveres Washington to guard. He can move for a player of his size. - Guard Taveres Washington, Sr. - The former JUCO transfer was hurt last year but is 100% and ready to go. While the 6-4, 320-pound Washington is more than athletic enough to handle the tackle job, he'll be moved inside where he'll be a quick left guard. - Center Mike Degory, Sr. - An All-America candidate, this will be Degory's fourth year starting in the middle. The 6-6, 306-pound senior is a steady, smart quarterback upfront who plays his best in the biggest games. - Guard Jim Tartt, RFr. - The 6-3, 320-pound Tartt took over the right guard spot this spring after being a top scout team blocker last year. He hurt his shoulder and will be out all summer, but he's expected to be fine by the start of the season. - Tackle Lance Butler, Sr. - In one of the most interesting moves of spring ball, Butler, a two-year starter at guard, was moved to right tackle to better utilize his surprising athleticism and quickness. The 6-7, 298-pound mountain should be a star pass blocker able to use his long arms and frame to push rushers to the outside. Top Backups - G Drew Miller, Soph. - Miller will be a key reserve inside after seeing a little bit of mop up action last year. He's 6-5, 302 pounds and will need to be ready on the right side in case Jim Tartt's shoulder proves to be a problem. - T Phil Trautwein, Soph. - With the most upside of all the backup tackles, the 6-6, 305-pound sophomore should grow into a steady reserve on the right side behind Lance Butler. - C Steve Rissler, Jr. - Versatile enough to play either guard or center, the 6-3, 303-pound junior will start out behind Mike Degory in the middle. Basically ... Attack, attack, attack. Co-defensive coordinators Greg Mattison and Charlie Strong are going to bring the noise from all angles in an aggressive scheme to better utilize the great overall team speed. The first team should be great with the only potential hole at cornerback on the other side of Demetrice Webb, but the hope is for JUCO star Reggie Nelson to fill the void if Vernell Brown can't get the job done. The front seven is full of productive, active players that should be able to get into the backfield on a regular basis. Returning Leaders Tackles: Brandon Siler, 77 Sacks: Earl Everett, 4.5 Interceptions: Jarvis Herring, 4 Star of the defense: Junior CB Demetrice Webb Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior CB Vernell Brown or Junior DB Reggie Nelson Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman DE Derrick Harvey Best pro prospect: Junior DT Ray McDonald Top three all-star candidates: 1) Webb, 2) McDonald, 3) SS Jarvis Herring Strength of the defense: Safety, linebacker Weakness of the defense: Second cornerback, backup linebacker Defensive Line The line is long on potential with several talented prospects on the verge of doing big things. Now they actually have to do it. Tackle Ray McDonald is the likely star to emerge from the group if he's able to push his talent to its limits. Redshirt freshman Derrick Harvey looks potentially devastating once he gets to show what he can do, but Jeremy Mincey and Joe Cohen aren't bad ends to start with. The only potential problem is the lack of a big, NFL-sized body on the inside to anchor around. Player to keep an eye on: DE Derrick Harvey, RFr. ... Defensive Line rating: 8.5 Projected Starters - DE Joe Cohen, Jr. - 28 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss ... The 6-2, 270-pound junior has been decent against the run, but he has yet to do much as a pass rusher and hasn't quite tapped his full talent. The former running will be turned loose this year and should grow into a faster, better defender. - DT Marcus Thomas, Jr. - 39 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss ... A strong, quick presence on the inside, the 287-pound Thomas is great at getting into the backfield and has been decent against the run. He missed spring ball getting over a back problem, but he's expected to be all back full this fall. - DT Ray McDonald, Jr. - 39 tackles, 3 sacks, 10 tackles for loss ... The key is McDonald's motor after not quite playing up to the level the coaching staff wanted this spring. He's the most talented player on the line with tremendous potential if he goes full bore for a full season. - DE Jeremy Mincey, Sr. - 51 tackles, 2 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 7 broken up passes .. Mincey has always been a playmaker great at knocking down passes and a better than average tackler. Now the 263-pound senior is expected to be more of a pass rusher after a great spring. Top Backups - DE Derrick Harvey, RFr. - The sky's the limit for the lightning fast young prospect. He hit the weight room hard over the last year and got up to a strong 254 pounds. Now he should be a great all-around reserve behind Jeremy Mincey. - DE/DT Steven Harris, Jr. - 23 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss ... Able to play tackle or guard, the 266-pound junior will likely start out combining with Joe Cohen on the outside. He's tremendously quick and strong enough to get by most guards on the inside. - DT Clint McMillian, Soph. - 4 tackles ... The 280-pound sophomore isn't a space eater, but he should be a good, reliable reserve in the tackle rotation starting out behind Ray McDonald. Linebackers This is a good group of linebackers, but not an elite one. The team's top two tacklers, Brandon Siler and Earl Everett, return to lead the corps, and Todd McCullough looks like a playmaker on the strongside. The backups have potential with converted fullback Bully Latsko looking great this spring and Brian Crum appearing to be on the verge of finally contributing. Even so, there's a sense that the real talent will be arriving this fall when freshmen Jon Demps, Kalvin Baker, Darryl Gresham Jr. and Ryan Stamper hit campus. They need to provide the depth. Player to keep an eye on: Todd McCullough, Sr. ... Linebacker rating: 8 Projected Starters - Earl Everett, Jr. - 74 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss ... The 228-pound junior finished second on the team in tackles and has 126 stops in his first two seasons. He has good range and rarely makes any major mistakes on the weakside. - Brandon Siler, Soph. - 77 tackles, 2 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss ... The SEC Freshman of the Year led the team in tackles as a true freshman even though he only started in six games. He's strong for his young age and is tough as nails. He's also decent in pass coverage. - Todd McCullough, Sr. - 23 tackles, 2 broken up passes ... The 6-5, 232-pound senior has been around four four years making 68 tackles, but this spring he finally showed that he can become a fierce defender on the strongside. Top Backups - Billy Latsko, Jr. - In one of the spring's most pleasant surprises, the 227-pound Latsko moved from fullback to linebacker and looked like a natural. He has the quickness and the instincts to be a great backup behind Earl Everett on the weakside. - Brian Crum, Jr. - 1 tackle ... On straight athleticism, Crum is the best in the Gator linebacking corps. Now he has to stay healthy and become a good, reliable reserve after seeing time on special teams and tight end over the course of his career. He's good enough to be the top backup at either the middle or strongside. Defensive Backs The only question mark is at the second cornerback spot. Other than that, the Gators should be rock-solid led by Demetrice Webb at one corner and Jarvis Herring at strong safety. Kyle Jackson should be tremendous at free safety now that he has a year of experience under his belt. That sticky second corner spot will initially be Vernell Brown's but he isn't all that big and would be better as a speedy reserve. JUCO superstar Reggie Nelson is a safety by trade, but he'll likely be tried out early at corner. Player to keep an eye on: Reggie Nelson, Jr. ... Secondary rating: 8 Projected Starters - CB Demetrice Webb, Jr. - 61 tackles, 3 interceptions, 10 broken up passes, 5 tackles for loss ... Probably the best corner you've never heard of, Webb had a fantastic sophomore year and appears to only be getting better. He's a great tackler finishing fourth on the team, and led the Gators with a whopping ten broken up passes. He's not all that huge, but he's quick, consistent and very, very tough. - FS Kyle Jackson, Soph. - 23 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 broken up passes ... Jackson grew into a tough, talented safety as last year went on and should only be better now that he'll be allowed to be more aggressive. He's a great open field tackler. - SS Jarvis Herring, Sr. - 55 tackles, 4 interceptions, 5 broken up passes ... The quarterback of the defense, Herring is as solid as they come in all phases. He's smart, is almost always in position, and is equally good against the run and when the ball is in the air. He's also a valuable special teamer. - CB Vernell Brown, Sr. - 12 tackles, 1 broken up pass ... The heat will be on Brown to produce with passing attacks sure to stay away from Demetrice Webb. He's fast and has good ball skills, but he's only 5-8 and 165 pounds and is certain to be picked on by bigger receivers. Top Backups - CB Reggie Nelson, Jr. - Call this a bit of a projection, but the superstar JUCO safety will likely take over the starting corner spot on the other side of Dee Webb since the starting Gator safeties are so solid. At 6-1, he has the size the other corners lack along with next level athleticism. He made 72 tackles and picked off six passes last year for Coffeyville Junior College. - FS Tony Joiner, Soph. - 6 tackles ... While not all that huge, Joiner is quick enough to grow into a good reserve free safety. He looked strong this spring and will be a reliable backup behind Jarvis Herring. - CB Reggie Lewis, Jr. - The former wide receiver has the speed and decent size to become a good corner, but he needs work. He has five career catches for 27 yards and will now push for time behind Vernell Brown. - CB Tremaine McCollum, Jr. - 23 tackles, 2 broken up passes ... A decent reserve, McCollum is a tremendous tackler considering he's only 5-8 and 173 pounds. He's not an every down corner and will rotate in the mix on both sides. Special Teams The kicking game will eventually be fine once a placekicker emerges between Chris Hetland, Eric Nappy and incoming freshman Jonathan Phillips. Eric Wilbur is an experienced, better-than-average punter. The return game could use some more pop after Vernell Brown averaged a mere 7.7 yards per punt return and Andre Caldwell averaged a paltry 15.8 yards on kickoff returns. The kickoff coverage unit was great, but the punt coverage team was miserable allowing 14.7 yards per return. Expect that to change as Urban Meyer's special teams are always tremendous. Special Teams rating: 7.5 - Placekicker Chris Hetland, Jr. - The walk-on has a good leg and has mostly been used on kickoffs. He hasn't been able to do much as a regular field goal kicker and will be in a battle with Eric Nappy early this fall. Freshman Jonathan Phillips will get a long, long look at getting the work from 40 yards and in. - Punter Eric Wilbur, Jr. - Wilbur has a fantastic leg averaging 43.7 yards per kick over his first two seasons putting 27 inside the 20. Consistency is issue, but he's more than good enough to be a weapon. With a fresh set of downs… 1st and Ten – Lead, Follow or Get the Heck out of the Way – It didn’t take too long for the new sheriff in town to announce his presence with authority. Urban Meyer came in and, well, he had something to say about the lack of leadership on campus. It didn’t matter who you were, if you were wearing orange and blue, he had a message for you. You think you’re a Heisman candidate Chris Leak? Well, not until you become the leader of this football team. Meyer took the first step to getting his team’s attention – he pushed the buttons of the Gators’ most respected and best player. As Meyer saw it, Leak was a very good player, worked hard, but wasn’t the leader that he expected. This was a guy who just got through coaching a number one draft pick, who had all of the intangibles that you’d want in a QB. And, Meyer wanted no less than that from Leak. All spring, Meyer coaxed his star to get the best out of his teammates, and only at that point, would the Gator offense reach its peak. Leak wasn’t the only one on Meyer’s hit list. DeShawn Wynn, talented, mercurial RB, was put on the spot by his new mentor, as well. Be the player that we know you can be, DeShawn. Time to run like you mean it, play with heart and become the All-SEC back that he should be. Of course, it might not have come out quite that way, but THE leader of the Gators was making his point. Then, once the spring was complete, the Urban Plan consisted of one more lesson for the Gators. During summer conditioning workouts, he demanded that the Gator players leave every piece of orange and blue athletic gear in the closet; they can only bring it back out when he feels they’ve become the team he believes will bleed orange and blue every Saturday afternoon. Meyer might be coaching a football team, but he’s showing this band of brothers how to be leaders and how to get the most of their abilities. It might be the Meyer way or the highway, but the Gators at least know who their leader is. 2nd and Seven – The Only time that BS is a good thing – Most true freshman linebackers don’t usually get on the field during their first years on campus, but Brandon Siler was not a run of the mill freshman. With All-American LB Channing Crowder on the bench a portion of the year with injuries, Siler filled in as well as any rookie could. He finished the year with 77 tackles, while only starting six games, to lead the team. This year, Siler goes from being a fast, talented rookie to a seasoned, hard hitting veteran. Siler could be the next All-American wearing orange and blue. 3rd and Three – Cashing in on Potential – The success of Siler is dependent on the play of the Gators’ highly talented defensive tackles Marcus Thomas and Ray McDonald. These two have shown flashes of their enormous potential throughout the past two years, but they’ve also shown that they still have to learn how to play under control and disciplined. Case in point, the two of them combined for three offsides penalties in key situations against Florida State, but then again the two of them were all over the field in that same game – obviously, when they stayed on sides. This year has to be more about being consistently great, disciplined and dominating. In other words, reaching their potential. 4th and One – Eight is definitely Enough – The Gator offense was extremely good in 2004, and a good deal of that success could be attributed to Mr. Big Play – Chad Jackson. The junior from Hoover, AL only had 29 catches, but he averaged 22 yards every time he caught the football. Jackson and company have to adjust to the spread variations within Urban Meyer’s offense. The new head coach really likes what he sees in Jackson, and it’s a safe bet that the man will find a way to get the football to #8. And, when he does get his hands on the ball, there are going to be a lot of defenses saying eight is enough. Link and Depth Chart

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