KABOOM! Dunlap is a GATOR.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... this guy was supposed to be an SC lock?!

Nice pick-up Gators...

[frygator]

January 22, 2007
Carlos Dunlap Commits To Florida
By Phil Kornblut
We have learned that highly touted Fort Dorchester defensive end Carlos Dunlap Jr. has committed to Florida. He will officially announce the choice in just a couple of minutes. He chose the Gators over USC. He visited Florida over the weekend and apparently that visit pushed the Gators over the top. Dunlap is considered by some as the top defensive end prospect in the country. Last season he had 126 total tackles and 19 sacks.

Oh Yeah!!!!:beer:

[Williams-Brice]

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... this guy was supposed to be an SC lock?!

Nice pick-up Gators...

Well, considering that he committed to us two weeks ago, yes, he was supposed to be an SC lock. Either way, nice get Florida. He'll be a good one.

[blockallhaters]

Well, considering that he committed to us two weeks ago, yes, he was supposed to be an SC lock. Either way, nice get Florida. He'll be a good one.

Well he said on radio that he did not commit and that there were alot of rumors . Please don't shot me! I don't know kids lie but he seem like a up front guy going on a radio show of a team you did not choose!

[OmahaBound]

Well he said on radio that he did not commit and that there were alot of rumors . Please don't shot me! I don't know kids lie but he seem like a up front guy going on a radio show of a team you did not choose!

I agree with you that it was pretty big of him to go on the radio here in Columbia, especially since he's been so quiet throughout the process....but WB has serious inside sources in the dept. I take it you were listening to the broadcast and did you not notice how it took three times for him to really answer the question? He kept saying "well there have been a lot of rumors about a lot of schools." I think the kid probably said he was going to Carolina, but if he did commit he probably was sure that he was going to be a Gamecock at the time...but people are allowed to change their minds and it doesn't make them liars.

[blockallhaters]

I agree with you that it was pretty big of him to go on the radio here in Columbia, especially since he's been so quiet throughout the process....but WB has serious inside sources in the dept. I take it you were listening to the broadcast and did you not notice how it took three times for him to really answer the question? He kept saying "well there have been a lot of rumors about a lot of schools." I think the kid probably said he was going to Carolina, but if he did commit he probably was sure that he was going to be a Gamecock at the time...but people are allowed to change their minds and it doesn't make them liars. I did hear it and I want to believe him but kids sway and thats why it is never over . I am so pumped up and I know this only makes the cocks stronger even if this seems bad!! We never know how kids see things!!!!!

[WayzUp]

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... this guy was supposed to be an SC lock?
There are no locks. Even if the kid says it himself, until that LOI is signed, it's all just conversation & speculation.

[gatorunvrsty]

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... this guy was supposed to be an SC lock?!

Nice pick-up Gators...

Yep! You beat me to the post, Blake. Our best theft, so far. He fell under the "spell of the crystal" and decided to flee the Palmetto state. Don't expect this to be the last one, either. We had 12 five-star and four-star guys visit this past weekend, and several have hinted at defecting to the Trophy House.:thumpsup:

[Gator2753]

Wow! I didnt see this one coming. Im shocked.

[gatorunvrsty]

I read this article this morning, and have been waiting on pins and needles for 5:00 to roll around.


By Jonathan Jolley
GamecockAnthem.com
Posted Jan 21, 2007


Fort Dorchester (North Charleston, SC) 5-star
defensive end Carlos Dunlap is one of the most
highly sought after Palmetto State prospects in
recent memory, and after taking his final official
visit of the recruiting process this weekend, the
premier defensive lineman is now set to
announce his college choice on Monday afternoon
at 5 p.m.


Dunlap is currently on his way back from his official visit to Gainesville, but his father, Carlos Dunlap Sr., confirmed that his son will announce his college choice tomorrow afternoon at his high school.

“I got word from him on his way back from Florida that he is beat beyond recognition, and he wants to get this over," said Dunlap Sr. "He’s going to do it first thing tomorrow afternoon at 5 o’clock at Fort Dorchester High School.”

Dunlap Jr. made the trip to Florida with his mother this weekend, but his father, who played college basketball at South Carolina, has been outspoken in his hopes that his son will follow in his footsteps. However, according to Dunlap Sr., whichever school his son chooses, he will support his decision.

“I’m a Gamecock to the heart, but I’m going to follow whatever my son’s decision is, because he is the one that has to be happy. Whatever he decides, if he’s a Gamecock, then I’m a Gamecock, and if he’s a Gator, then I’m a Gator. I’ve just got to honor his decision. It’s got me very, very nervous, but it’s a good nervous. Both of them are great universities, so I just close my eyes and imagine what a wonderful situation he’s in. God has put him there, and now God will take him through.”

Dunlap Sr. briefly spoke to his son on his way back from Florida, but that conversation did not include how Dunlap Jr. enjoyed his time in Gainesville.

“I haven’t even talked to him about that. When he called, he was calling from his cell phone, and he said, ‘Daddy, I’m tired and I just want to get this over with.’”

Dunlap Sr. was originally surprised at his son’s decision to move up his announcement date, because they had tentatively set the decision date for January 31st to honor the one year anniversary of the passing of Carlos Jr’s grandmother. However, according to Dunlap Sr., he supports his son’s decision to move up his announcement.

“We had tentatively made a decision that January 31st would be the decision, because that is the one year anniversary of the death of my mother. He and my mom were very close, so he was going to honor her in that way of making the announcement on that day. It’s been so rough on him, and he’s got so many people coming at him right now that he needs to focus on the other parts of his life right now. Getting his decision behind him is something that I’m encouraging him to do.”

Lastly, Dunlap Sr. wanted to pass on a statement thanking everyone who has supported his son throughout the recruiting process.

“I want to thank everybody in the rivalry and everyone else for being so supportive of my son, and I want everybody just to pray for whatever decision he makes. I don’t have any idea what the decision is. I’m going to be surprised, just like y’all are. I really thank you all. May God be with all of us in this time and in the shape that our world is in. I just want you to keep my son in your prayers.”

After all this, I'd say he's a pretty solid commit.:thumpsup:

[blues_cap]

There are no locks. Even if the kid says it himself, until that LOI is signed, it's all just conversation & speculation.

exactly...none are certain, some more solid than others, and some sketchy guys. until they sign, they are anybody's.

[OmahaBound]

I did hear it and I want to believe him but kids sway and thats why it is never over . I am so pumped up and I know this only makes the cocks stronger even if this seems bad!! We never know how kids see things!!!!!

Well I think you said it best earlier....kids want to go where they can play early. It just so happens that this year, it's possible for a kid that plays DE to go to the national champs and still play early. It's hard to top that.

I, for one, don't buy the whole "Carolina had some of their family there, Florida had their entire family there" reasoning for his decision. Everyone knows that the coaching staff stresses family life here and heck, Spurrier's wife just got in trouble for being too much of a team mom. My guess is he just had a good feeling about the atmosphere down there for no particular reason, and didn't want to say something so open-ended. When it comes to a tie (or minimal difference) in comfort level, why not go to the national champs if you don't have a stronger bind to another school?

One thing I heard earlier was that Dunlap's mom liked Florida and his dad obviously prefered USC...so I just hope they have an amicable relationship cause I've seen families with regular academic students get further messed up when one claims the kid took their side in a college choice.

[blockallhaters]

My wish list left is

1 B. Hicks-LB

2. T. Toliver-WR

3. Justin Trattou-DE

sign and place slots John Brown and Noel Divine Please!!!!!!

[gatorunvrsty]

My wish list left is

1 B. Hicks-LB

2. T. Toliver-WR

3. Justin Trattou-DE

sign and place slots John Brown and Noel Divine Please!!!!!!

Personally, I think you're going to get a couple of your wishes!:thumpsup:

[GatorHunter]

Personally, I think you're going to get a couple of your wishes!:thumpsup:

I'm pretty sure of it...;)

[blockallhaters]

rumor mill has all this happening if this does wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Gators and Go Bears with 4 Gators in the Super bowl and beat vols I mean colts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[blockallhaters]

Yet right WOW NOW

[gatorunvrsty]

Well I think you said it best earlier....kids want to go where they can play early. It just so happens that this year, it's possible for a kid that plays DE to go to the national champs and still play early. It's hard to top that.
I agree with that. Since Jarvis Moss went pro, he'll probably get to play right away. The guy pictured below is hard to replace, but if Dunlap isn't a carbon copy, I'm Elmer Fudd.

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos2799/1/29/74/67/61/5/561677429107_0_ALB.jpg

[GamecockDieHard]

He didn't officially commit until today and he chose Florida. Great pick-up Florida. I wish CD the best and hope he turns out to be the best recruit for Florida of this class. He did nothing during the process to lose my respect and while I hate it, I hope he's still satisfied with his choice after we consistently beat Florida during his time playing for them.

[shanksta13]

Personally, I think you're going to get a couple of your wishes!:thumpsup:

I have one higher than all of those guys on my list. May be an even bigger surprise than Dunlap.

[GatorHunter]

after we consistently beat Florida during his time playing for them.

:laugh:

That'll take longer than 4-5 years...:rofl:

You guys realize...Dunlap is the very first HS player from the state of South Carolina to commit to play at UF...ever! I know f$u has gotten a few...but the Gators have never signed a player from the Palmetto State.

[palmettocock]

You gators make me sick.....

[gatorunvrsty]

You gators make me sick.....
"Matthews also had one of the best individual plays of the day when he beat offensive lineman Mason Cloy off the edge and drilled quarterback Willy Korn from his blind side."

What's up with your sig? I just read it and thought it had to be made up. Must be what the dialogue from a gay porno flick sounds like. Yuck! :laugh:

[OmahaBound]

What's up with your sig? I just read it and thought it had to be made up. Must be what the dialogue from a gay porno flick sounds like. Yuck! :laugh:

I understand you felt the need to take a shot there, but I think you could have waited til you came up with something a little better, don't you? Feel free to give it another try though, hehe. ;)

[GatorNation]

My wish list left is

1 B. Hicks-LB

2. T. Toliver-WR

3. Justin Trattou-DE

sign and place slots John Brown and Noel Divine Please!!!!!!


Hicks is all but locked, and Trattou sounds very promising. Jury is still out on Tolliver, though.....hoping Dunlap and Wilson's verbals can sway him into the Swamp!

:D

[gatorunvrsty]

I understand you felt the need to take a shot there, but I think you could have waited til you came up with something a little better, don't you? Feel free to give it another try though, hehe. ;)

I'm not taking a shot. I know he was kidding about hating us Gators. Even if he's not, that wasn't in retaliation for his post. Have you read that quote? If I'd heard that on a national broadcast, I'd still be laughing.:happy:

[OmahaBound]

I'm not taking a shot. I know he was kidding about hating us Gators. Even if he's not, that wasn't in retaliation for his post. Have you read that quote? If I'd heard that on a national broadcast, I'd still be laughing.:happy:

hehe, have you really not heard that phrase before or are you just always up for a good cornhole joke?:laugh:

[gatorunvrsty]

hehe, have you really not heard that phrase before or are you just always up for a good cornhole joke?:laugh:

No, I just really paid attention to it for the first time. Did someone really say that on the air? And is it his sig because he liked the play, or because somebody actually said that on the air, and he thought it was funny?

[OmahaBound]

No, I just really paid attention to it for the first time. Did someone really say that on the air? And is it his sig because he liked the play, or because somebody actually said that on the air, and he thought it was funny?

I don't mean to speak for orlando, but since I know the answer I'll go for it anyway, heh. It was a quote from a report on Shrine Bowl practices in SC a few weeks ago. I can't speak as to whether he found it humorous because of any other connotation, but I do know that all of us SC fans love the quote because it was an SC DE commit beating a Clemson OL commit to get to and "drill" Clemson QB commit Willy Korn.

[Bongo]

:laugh:

That'll take longer than 4-5 years...:rofl:

You guys realize...Dunlap is the very first HS player from the state of South Carolina to commit to play at UF...ever! I know f$u has gotten a few...but the Gators have never signed a player from the Palmetto State.

I didnt know that ......

[gatorunvrsty]

I don't mean to speak for orlando, but since I know the answer I'll go for it anyway, heh. It was a quote from a report on Shrine Bowl practices in SC a few weeks ago. I can't speak as to whether he found it humorous because of any other connotation, but I do know that all of us SC fans love the quote because it was an SC DE commit beating a Clemson OL commit to get to and "drill" Clemson QB commit Willy Korn.
Thanks. You have to admit, it sounds pretty bad. The QB's name doesn't help, either.:whistle:

[OmahaBound]

Thanks. You have to admit, it sounds pretty bad. The QB's name doesn't help, either.:whistle:

I honestly didn't think about it because I was just excited thinking about our future DE destroying the Clemson QB now and for four years to come....but after you pointed it out there's no doubt it sounds bad. :laugh:

[gatorunvrsty]

I honestly didn't think about it because I was just excited thinking about our future DE destroying the Clemson QB now and for four years to come....but after you pointed it out there's no doubt it sounds bad. :laugh:

Well, congrats on your bada.s DE, anyway. Maybe he'll keep SC fans from dwelling on Dunlap.:thumpsup:

[blockallhaters]

You gators make me sick.....
Sorry you feel that way. It's not our fault we are proud. Be happy you got a wr today over us that should help you. Did you happen to call a radio show today they sounded sick too!!!!!:wacko:

[OmahaBound]

Well, congrats on your bada.s DE, anyway. Maybe he'll keep SC fans from dwelling on Dunlap.:thumpsup:

Yeah, he's a 5-star on scout and a 4-star but #32 overall on Rivals. We would have loved to have had Dunlap to team with Matthews, but I think we'll be okay, hehe. Congrats again on landing the freak though.

Edit: Random thought just occured to me... was Javon Kearse called "The Freak" when he was at UF or did that start in the NFL? Quite a coincidence the most recent "freak" ends up at UF too.

[Williams-Brice]

Once again, congrats to the Gators. Meyer is a fantastic recruiter, and he literally stole one from us. Here's how I know Dunlap committed to us: When he got back from his USC official visit, he admitted that he committed to a school but was not ready to publically announce which one. When he went to the Rivals.com All-American game, he stated that South Carolina had the most commitments there with 8. At that point, only 6 of the players had gone public with commitments to Carolina, and we were waiting to hear about Dunlap and Culliver. His comments, along with the comments of the other recruits at the game, his dad, and the pictures that came out after the game suggested that he had committed to the Gamecocks. Thus, I find his comments about never committing to a school until today to be untrue. The day after Dunlap returned from Columbia, USC cancelled the official visits of two other defensive ends who they had been recruiting for several months. No sour grapes here. Congrats to the Gators, and congrats to Dunlap for finding the school best for him. I just don't put any stock into what he said today based on previous comments.

[GatorHunter]

Once again, congrats to the Gators. Meyer is a fantastic recruiter, and he literally stole one from us. Here's how I know Dunlap committed to us: When he got back from his USC official visit, he admitted that he committed to a school but was not ready to publically announce which one. When he went to the Rivals.com All-American game, he stated that South Carolina had the most commitments there with 8. At that point, only 6 of the players had gone public with commitments to Carolina, and we were waiting to hear about Dunlap and Culliver. His comments, along with the comments of the other recruits at the game, his dad, and the pictures that came out after the game suggested that he had committed to the Gamecocks. Thus, I find his comments about never committing to a school until today to be untrue. The day after Dunlap returned from Columbia, USC cancelled the official visits of two other defensive ends who they had been recruiting for several months. No sour grapes here. Congrats to the Gators, and congrats to Dunlap for finding the school best for him. I just don't put any stock into what he said today based on previous comments.

Thanks for the congrats, WB...as always, you're a class-act. I agree with a lot of what you're saying. Dunlap did say that he had committed to a school...and I know he didn't have an offer from UF until Saturday...so, it stands to reason that he was "silently" committed to USCe. But there has to be more to the story, because if he was committed...why not go public? Was he anticipating an offer from UF? Remember, he tried to commit to UF a few months ago but couldn't because of academic questions.

Believe me, we Gators know how it feels to lose a recruit. Last year, the Gators were on the verge of signing the #1 class of all time...but lost B. Cleveland, J. Snead, D. McDaniel, D. Williams, Grant, and P. Robinson...4 of those guys were 5* players, we would have run-away with the #1 class if only one of them would have signed. At least Dunlap went public this early...D. Williams, P. Robinson and D. McDaniel waited until NSD to pull the switcheroo.

[gatorunvrsty]

Yeah, he's a 5-star on scout and a 4-star but #32 overall on Rivals. We would have loved to have had Dunlap to team with Matthews, but I think we'll be okay, hehe. Congrats again on landing the freak though.

Edit: Random thought just occured to me... was Javon Kearse called "The Freak" when he was at UF or did that start in the NFL? Quite a coincidence the most recent "freak" ends up at UF too.

Yeah, Kearse got the name at UF. He was called "the Freak" there because he had a really wide wingspan and high vertical jump for a big man. Most people's length from fingertip to fingertip is the same as their overall height (try it on yourself sometime), but Kearse's wingspan was significantly longer, plus he was already tall and fast; so he could get to anybody. He actually played linebacker at UF. He wasn't turned into a DE until the NFL. Probably because he'd put on a little weight at UF. I always considered Moss to be just like Kearse. 6'6" 260lbs. Looks like Dunlap is exactly the same dimensions. Wild. Tell your kickers.:joke:

[Williams-Brice]

GH, one of the reasons Dunlap did not go public, at least according to what he said back then, was that he wanted to tell the schools face-to-face that he would not be attending that school.

[GatorHunter]

Yeah, Kearse got the name at UF. He was called "the Freak" there because he had a really wide wingspan and high vertical jump for a big man. Most people's length from fingertip to fingertip is the same as their overall height (try it on yourself sometime), but Kearse's wingspan was significantly longer, plus he was already tall and fast; so he could get to anybody. He actually played linebacker at UF. He wasn't turned into a DE until the NFL. Probably because he'd put on a little weight at UF. I always considered Moss to be just like Kearse. 6'6" 260lbs. Looks like Dunlap is exactly the same dimensions. Wild. Tell your kickers.:joke:

Another reason "The Freak" is because of his name...Kearse (Curse)...at least, that's what I remember Mike Peterson saying.

[OmahaBound]

Wild. Tell your kickers.:joke:

Yeah, we're just gonna by-pass the kicking game and just score TDs and 2pt converstions to win next year if Dunlap blocks an early attempt.:laugh:

[gatorunvrsty]

Another reason "The Freak" is because of his name...Kearse (Curse)...at least, that's what I remember Mike Peterson saying.

Hadn't thought about that. All I remember is the constant talk about how freakish his reach, speed, and leap were. Every game the commentators started to refer to it, and list the numbers. The first guy said, "Those numbers are freakish for such a big man.", and it was on from there.:happy:

[GTmorris1970]

Congrats. to UF on a 'HUGE' pickup. I mean that literally. Carolina could have really used him, but Spurrier has done an EXCELLENT job recruiting on the defensive side this year. I can assure you the Carolina staff was as shocked as the fans. Once again, congrats.

[roosterbooster]

Congrats Gators. Dunlap has a tremendous up side. I think it was a good day for both of us. We had a couple of solid ends in the house and you just lost a few to the NFL. I think Culliver was the biggest need for us. Although Sidney Rice and Cory Boyd did a good job for us this year, we truly need a playmaker who is a legit threat to go the distance from anywhere on the field. You had Harvin and Caldwell this year. We haven't had that since Syvelle's injury.

[Gamecocks4Life]

Congrats on the pick up Gators. I think we will be fine. We already have to Top 100 defensive ends but he would have been icing on the cake.

[uscrules]

GH, one of the reasons Dunlap did not go public, at least according to what he said back then, was that he wanted to tell the schools face-to-face that he would not be attending that school.

I believe the reason that he did not go public before, according to his dad,"He was going to wait until Jan. 31, his grandmothers birthday, to announce."

[palmettocock]

As far as my sig, it was a quote from the Shrine Bowl. I enjoyed it because of all the Clemson fans in love with Korn, and our Defensive lineman blew by another clemson recruit,Mason Cloy, and supposedly just crushed him. Didn't realize the quote sounded perverted, my heads not in the gutter...so I really didn't think of that.

[GatorHunter]

Recruitniks are funny...most believe only what they want to believe and forget everything else.

Dunlap's father was interviewed by Kornblut today and stated he was still gonna "work on Carlos" for the Gamecocks. Our Gamecock fan breathren seem to think this means Carlos is likely to pull the switcheroo....that he didn't want to go to Florida in the first place...even though, he was 4 hours removed from committing to the National Champions. Carlos Dunlap has only good things to say about his committment.....one of which was he enjoyed the "family atmosphere" with the Gators...this isn't a new sentiment...all the recruits that visit Gainesville say this and are attracted to this...however, many want to discount that statement. Whatever...

Before the '06 season began...the Gator Defense was predicted to be down-right nasty...anchoring the defense was Marcus Thomas...however, after a couple of failed drug tests, Thomas was released from the team....the Gator defense never missed a beat. Point is, you can have all the 5* defensive players you want...and your defense will still suck if there's no coaching...no development. This Gator Defense was the definition of development. These guys were no where near as good last season...but because we have great defensive coaching...the players were developed into a force. That's why Carlos is committed to the Gators...not only do we offer a family atmosphere...but some of the best coaching in the nation.

[palmettocock]

Dunlap's Phone Still Ringing
By Phil Kornblut
Two days after announcing a commitment to Florida, some recruiters are not letting up on Fort Dorchester DE Carlos Dunlap Jr. (6-6 245). "We've asked them to leave him alone for a while," his father said Wednesday afternoon. "He ain't doing nothing but going to school. As of right now, he says his mind is 100% made up. Even I have been trying to get inside his head." The elder Dunlap said Alabama coach Nick Saban has been trying to arrange an in home visit but without success to his point. He said USC has adhered to their wishes and backed off. "It's a truly class act," he said of his alma mater. "They are doing it the right way. He was 95% sure on South Carolina before his visit to Florida. He had actually committed to Carolina, a soft commitment. His desire is still to be at Carolina, but he feels the best playing opportunity is at Florida. But I will continue to show him what the school (Carolina) is about and what great people are down there." Dunlap said there is no plan right now for an in home visit from USC head coach Steve Spurrier

[Williams-Brice]

Dunlap's Phone Still Ringing
By Phil Kornblut
Two days after announcing a commitment to Florida, some recruiters are not letting up on Fort Dorchester DE Carlos Dunlap Jr. (6-6 245). "We've asked them to leave him alone for a while," his father said Wednesday afternoon. "He ain't doing nothing but going to school. As of right now, he says his mind is 100% made up. Even I have been trying to get inside his head." The elder Dunlap said Alabama coach Nick Saban has been trying to arrange an in home visit but without success to his point. He said USC has adhered to their wishes and backed off. "It's a truly class act," he said of his alma mater. "They are doing it the right way. He was 95% sure on South Carolina before his visit to Florida. He had actually committed to Carolina, a soft commitment. His desire is still to be at Carolina, but he feels the best playing opportunity is at Florida. But I will continue to show him what the school (Carolina) is about and what great people are down there." Dunlap said there is no plan right now for an in home visit from USC head coach Steve Spurrier

I remember when Florida fans were saying that Stephen Garcia was afraid of competition. Does this quote by Dunlap's dad suggest that Carlos is afraid of competition? I really don't know where Mr. Dunlap came up with this quote. He's going to have to compete wherever he goes. He would have had to compete with Matthews and Robertson here, and he'll have to compete with all of the big names coming into Florida. Does he not know that Florida is bringing in some big names at the DE position, just like the Gamecocks?

[GatorHunter]

I remember when Florida fans were saying that Stephen Garcia was afraid of competition. Does this quote by Dunlap's dad suggest that Carlos is afraid of competition? I really don't know where Mr. Dunlap came up with this quote. He's going to have to compete wherever he goes. He would have had to compete with Matthews and Robertson here, and he'll have to compete with all of the big names coming into Florida. Does he not know that Florida is bringing in some big names at the DE position, just like the Gamecocks?

Looks to me like daddy is trying to take a little "heat" off his son for committing to the Gators...because that statement makes no sense. Meyer doesn't "guarantee" playing time to any prospect.

Garcia said something to the effect of the Gators having Tebow being a strike against them...that's when the "scared of competition" stuff came out...and it was a different situation, the Gators "cooled down" on Garcia as soon as Cam Newton came into the picture.

Dunlap will have plenty of competiton...Harvey is back...he had 3 sacks in the NC Game...not to mention several other "studs" that RS last season...the cupboard on the DL is certainly not bare.

[The Spur]

Looks to me like daddy is trying to take a little "heat" off his son for committing to the Gators...because that statement makes no sense. Meyer doesn't "guarantee" playing time to any prospect.

Garcia said something to the effect of the Gators having Tebow being a strike against them...that's when the "scared of competition" stuff came out...and it was a different situation, the Gators "cooled down" on Garcia as soon as Cam Newton came into the picture.

Dunlap will have plenty of competiton...Harvey is back...he had 3 sacks in the NC Game...not to mention several other "studs" that RS last season...the cupboard on the DL is certainly not bare.

No one is saying that Meyer guaranteed Dunlap playing time. The quote simply says that Dunlap feels his best chance to play early is at Florida. This is a big issue with probably most, if not all of the best recruits coming out of high school.
I think Dunlap is 95% committed to the Gators. I do think he will eventually sign with the Gators. However, there is always that possibility that someone who is committed to your program will not sign that LOI on signing day, for whatever reason. Sure Carolina fans are holding on to the hope that he will change his mind. Can you blame us? Florida fans wanted him as bad as SC fans. Florida fans would have been sorely disappointed if Dunlap had chosen SC but that did not happen. I expect Dunlap will sign with the Gators and I certainly wish him all the best, except against SC.

[gatorunvrsty]

No one is saying that Meyer guaranteed Dunlap playing time. The quote simply says that Dunlap feels his best chance to play early is at Florida. This is a big issue with probably most, if not all of the best recruits coming out of high school.
I think Dunlap is 95% committed to the Gators. I do think he will eventually sign with the Gators. However, there is always that possibility that someone who is committed to your program will not sign that LOI on signing day, for whatever reason. Sure Carolina fans are holding on to the hope that he will change his mind. Can you blame us? Florida fans wanted him as bad as SC fans. Florida fans would have been sorely disappointed if Dunlap had chosen SC but that did not happen. I expect Dunlap will sign with the Gators and I certainly wish him all the best, except against SC.

Actually, most of us had already written Dunlap off. Everyone, including Gator fans, thought he was a sure thing for SC. We held out hope, of course; but nobody would have been too upset at losing a guy we thought was already lost, anyway. He does have a great chance to play early at UF, but we're pretty solid with or without him.:thumpsup:

[The Spur]

The Gators are certainly fine with or without Dunlap. Their DE's put on a clinic in the NC game. It was SC that needed Dunlap more than anyone. Yes we've got a fine DE class coming in but with the way our line has played since joining the SEC, you can never have too much talent. Things are definitely looking up for SC and thank God the past does not equal the future.

[Fl_native]

GH is right on, coaching is extremely important along with physical skills. A winning attitude is another important factor, Florida has had the winning attitude for years, USC is just learning this under Spurrier.
Florida did average under Hall, great under Spurrier, average under Zook and now great under Meyer. The talent didn't change that much so I vote for coaching.