Gators Face Uphill Battle As Spring Practices Opens

[lacene]

Gators face uphill battle as spring practices opens

I'm surprised this hasn't been posted yet:

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida coach Urban Meyer spent his first spring evaluating and his second one fine-tuning.

His third one is all about rebuilding.

The defending national champion Gators open spring practice Wednesday with one goal: finding replacements for 14 starters, including nine on defense, from the team that dominated Ohio State in the title game.

It could be a challenge, especially with a small number of upperclassmen waiting in the wings. Meyer will have seven seniors and eight juniors to rely on for leadership during spring drills.

"We're not a good team," Meyer said last week. "We're a little bit of a train wreck right now. You can't have seven seniors at the University of Florida. It's not a real positive right now."

The Gators lost every starter on defense except for end Derrick Harvey -- the defensive MVP of the title game -- and safety Tony Joiner. End Jarvis Moss, safety Reggie Nelson, cornerback Ryan Smith and linebacker Brandon Siler could have returned for another year, but they decided to leave early for the NFL.

"I wish I could say we're going to make another run," Meyer said. "I have no idea. That's so farfetched, but rebuilding the defense is obviously the key to us having success. Our coaches on defense are going to have to earn their stripes this year."

Several young players will be counted on to pick up the slack. At linebacker, many expect Brandon Spikes and Dustin Doe to step in without much trouble.

The secondary and defensive line are much more of a concern because of limited numbers. But the Gators plan to look at several offensive players on the other side of the ball, including running back Markus Manson, receiver Joe Haden and tight end Trent Pupello.

Meyer will turn the offense over to Tim Tebow, a two-dimensional quarterback who split time with senior Chris Leak during his freshman season. Tebow mostly ran in short-yardage and goal-line situations last season, so Meyer hopes to hone his passing skills in the spring.

The Gators also lost center Steve Rissler and receivers Dallas Baker and Jemalle Cornelius.

But after signing the consensus No. 2 recruiting class in 2006 and then adding the top class last month, Meyer has plenty of young talent to help fill the void.

That's not always the best situation, though.

"A lot of the younger guys woke up on third base and didn't hit the triple," Meyer said. "That's a great way of looking at it. All of a sudden they're holding up ... crystal balls and getting measured for rings and they're [shaking] the president of the United States' hand without going through three years of -- some people consider it torture -- we call it player development."

Much of the incoming recruiting class will get an early start since nine signees already have enrolled at Florida and will practice this spring. The group includes quarterbacks Bryan Waggener and Cameron Newton and four teammates from Class 5A state champion Lakeland High.

Meyer signed three quarterbacks in all, and said two of them will play behind Tebow next season.

"I think the competition's going to be fierce," Meyer said. "I think that's going to be a great thing to watch as a coach."

The rebuilding process might not be nearly as enjoyable.

"You watch the highlight tapes, you watch the rerun [of the title game] ... and you realize that a lot of those guys are gone," Meyer said. "There are so many positives from last year that we have a heck of an obligation or responsibility to build upon that.

"There's no sustaining. If you're sustaining, you're losing, you're going backward. We're moving. We're not sitting back trying to figure out how to enjoy this. We're trying to figure out how to build upon it and that's a hell of a task."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

via ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2806235)

Do we need to re-evaluate our pre-season SEC projections??

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

It has been. Here's the thread.

http://www.sectalk.com/boards/sec-football-talk/16355-interesting-find-about-our-beloved-gators.html

[lacene]

It has been. Here's the thread.

http://www.sectalk.com/boards/sec-football-talk/16355-interesting-find-about-our-beloved-gators.html

Dagummit! And I looked for it, too. LOL, oh well, delete this thread then. Sorry......:wacko: :laugh:


Ha, I even posted in it.....:brick:

[shanksta13]

Yeah, yeah everyone keeps taking jabs at the Gators. We will just hold up our rings and get ready for another great season! Some advice: Beware of Brandon Spikes, he's an absolute monster!

[lacene]

Yeah, yeah everyone keeps taking jabs at the Gators. We will just hold up our rings and get ready for another great season! Some advice: Beware of Brandon Spikes, he's an absolute monster!

why would the Associated Press want to take jabs at the Florida football program, shanksta13?

[shanksta13]

why would the Associated Press want to take jabs at the Florida football program, shanksta13?

Because they need stories at this time of year and they always drum up stupid stuff like this to get people's interest. I seem to remember something about Bob Tebow last year. Just make sure that Pretty Boy Blake stays away from Five Points so you guys have a QB next year. You can count on us being ready to play when the lights come on.

[crawfish]

You Gators will be just fine and right there at the end. Yea, you lost alot from your NC team, but you're still loaded with talent (LOTS of talents)---talent that has just been waiting for the opportunity to shine. Other SEC East teams are catching up with the Gators, but I still think they are a year or two away. I believe the Gators will be playing Auburn or LSU in the SEC Championship game (hopely LSU) and the winner of that game will play for the NC (perfect world).

[lacene]

Because they need stories at this time of year and they always drum up stupid stuff like this to get people's interest. I seem to remember something about Bob Tebow last year. Just make sure that Pretty Boy Blake stays away from Five Points so you guys have a QB next year. You can count on us being ready to play when the lights come on.

so you're saying that what the AP posted in the quote above is untrue? SC may have as many as 4 QB's ready for "next year", possibly 5 with the way that WO McQueeney is coming on during spring practice.....

[Gator2753]

You Gators will be just fine and right there at the end. Yea, you lost alot from your NC team, but you're still loaded with talent (LOTS of talents)---talent that has just been waiting for the opportunity to shine. Other SEC East teams are catching up with the Gators, but I still think they are a year or two away. I believe the Gators will be playing Auburn or LSU in the SEC Championship game (hopely LSU) and the winner of that game will play for the NC (perfect world).

My offseason prediction is UF vs LSU in the SECCG.
Tennessee & Auburn could just as easily be there too.

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

My offseason prediction is UF vs LSU in the SECCG.
Tennessee & Auburn could just as easily be there too.
I'm picking Kentucky and Mississippi State to play in the SECCG.

Just call me Rich Brooks. :laugh:

[Gator2753]

I'm picking Kentucky and Mississippi State to play in the SECCG.

Just call me Rich Brooks. :laugh:

LOL. Rich Brooks would not approve this thread.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Urban's undefeated record in the Swamp ends next year when Auburn rolls into town. You heard it here first. =)

[Gator2753]

Urban's undefeated record in the Swamp ends next year when Auburn rolls into town. You heard it here first. =)

Yeah the gator nation is pretty worried about AU coming to town. Esp. if Tebow does not win the MVP award of the Orange and Blue game. That would be a nightmare:ohmy:

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Yeah the gator nation is pretty worried about AU coming to town. Esp. if Tebow does not win the MVP award of the Orange and Blue game. That would be a nightmare:ohmy:

He's gonna have to learn how to throw a tight spiral if he wants to have any shot at winning those honors. =\ Can't get by on jump-passes and lobs all season in the SEC. :thumpsup:

[Gator2753]

He's gonna have to learn how to throw a tight spiral if he wants to have any shot at winning those honors. =\ Can't get by on jump-passes and lobs all season in the SEC. :thumpsup:

You can if your UF. (I think we won that game):laugh:

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

You can if your UF. (I think we won that game):laugh:


To be honest I'm excited to see if Tebow adapts quickly or if he is even a 100% starter.. I think Urban enjoys the 2 QB system and it wouldn't surprise me to see Tebow sharing snaps with one of the new guys.

[Gator2753]

To be honest I'm excited to see if Tebow adapts quickly or if he is even a 100% starter.. I think Urban enjoys the 2 QB system and it wouldn't surprise me to see Tebow sharing snaps with one of the new guys.

You know I thought the exact same thing. Gator fans have high expectations for Tebow in the passing dept.
To be honest I don't dont think he is a better passer than leak. Ill even say that Leak is much better than Tebow in passing.
However Tebow may be more effective than Leak was with this offense.
He wont be afraid to run the traditional option and take big hits like Leak was. If thats the case then he should be throwing the ball alot less than Leak did in a single game.
And if thats the case then Tebow should have a few more wide open WR's downfiled to throw to from time to time.
It should be fun to watch this offense next year.
By far Auburn will be the biggest threat to end our home undefeated streak but I am really looking forward to this game.
I get excited even thinking about seeing tubbs in the swamp.

[msgadawg]

Give Me a break Gamecock Fan,, We have to get past 3 wins first and I am not sure we are even close to that yet!

[WarEagle73]

Actually I think the game in the Swamp between Auburn & UF next year will be one of the better games of the season. I think the key to the game will be the ability of our O-line to protect Cox. If they can do that I think we very well could win this game. Honestly, Auburn has a really long row to hoe next year and it will be tough to say the least to go into places like the Swamp & Death Valley and emerge unscathed. I think this team has the ability to do so but it will not be easy nor is it certain. either way... War Damn Eagle!

[WarEagle73]

You know I thought the exact same thing. Gator fans have high expectations for Tebow in the passing dept.
To be honest I don't dont think he is a better passer than leak. Ill even say that Leak is much better than Tebow in passing.
However Tebow may be more effective than Leak was with this offense.
He wont be afraid to run the traditional option and take big hits like Leak was. If thats the case then he should be throwing the ball alot less than Leak did in a single game.
And if thats the case then Tebow should have a few more wide open WR's downfiled to throw to from time to time.
It should be fun to watch this offense next year.
By far Auburn will be the biggest threat to end our home undefeated streak but I am really looking forward to this game.
I get excited even thinking about seeing tubbs in the swamp.

I think you may be right about Tebow's throwing ability. However, I think what he brings to the game is that he forces the defence to account for him on every down. This changes what most defences do to some extent and this can be used to Florida's advantage.

[GatorHunter]

Urban's undefeated record in the Swamp ends next year when Auburn rolls into town. You heard it here first. =)

The Tigers won't have the benefit of "home-cooking" in Gainesville like you did last season at JDS...and your offense will need to score at least 1 TD...:ph34r:

[WarEagle73]

The Tigers won't have the benefit of "home-cooking" in Gainesville like you did last season at JDS...and your offense will need to score at least 1 TD...:ph34r:

I like that. The sound of Auburn 7 Florida 0 seems to just roll of the tongue. :thumpsup:

[GatorHunter]

Tebow can throw the ball. Is he a better passer than Leak.....not last season...Leak was a SR and Tebow a FR...I would hope that Leak was a better passer. Tebow played in the toughest division of HS football in Florida and threw for over 10,000 yds....he can pass and in looking at "footage" from Spring Practice so far, he's improved.

Last season, when Tebow came in...folks knew that he would be running the ball...defenses keyed on it and still couldn't stop him. In the LSU game, a wrinkle was thrown in to allow Tebow to throw the ball...and look what happened...he had 2 TD passes and 1 TD rushing. LSU couldn't "key" on him running...that is what we expect in every game this upcoming season....and with the speed we have at WR....I expect our offense to be much improved.

[GatorHunter]

I like that. The sound of Auburn 7 Florida 0 seems to just roll of the tongue. :thumpsup:

The Gators haven't been "shut-out" in 20 years...but it was Auburn that done it last. As I said, I expect this offense to be much better. We return the OL, which, with a new QB...is the most important factor. I honestly believe Auburn will have to score 30 points to beat the Gators in the Swamp...and I don't see that happening...;)

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

The Tigers won't have the benefit of "home-cooking" in Gainesville like you did last season at JDS...and your offense will need to score at least 1 TD...:ph34r:


Look at the bright side (of losing to AU next year), we will be able to hear the calm and melodic cheers of two-bits instead of the Urban Cryer whining about "piped in noise" :laugh:

[GatorHunter]

Look at the bright side (of losing to AU next year), we will be able to hear the calm and melodic cheers of two-bits instead of the Urban Cryer whining about "piped in noise" :laugh:

The "bright side" will be watching "wing-nut" hold hands with his players as they "click-clack" their whooped arses back to the Plains....:laugh:

We won't need "piped noises" or "errant officiating" to whip the tiggers...chalk another one up in the Swamp for the Gators...:thumpsup:

[Gator2753]

The "bright side" will be watching "wing-nut" hold hands with his players as they "click-clack" their whooped arses back to the Plains....:laugh:

We won't need "piped noises" or "errant officiating" to whip the tiggers...chalk another one up in the Swamp for the Gators...:thumpsup:

Yeah the swamp always ranks amongst the loudest stadiums in the country year after year.
No need for piping in noise in Gainesville:thumpsup:

[GatorHunter]

Yeah the swamp always ranks amongst the loudest stadiums in the country year after year.
No need for piping in noise in Gainesville:thumpsup:

I know...and it was the players complaining about the "piped in" noise during the huddle...pretty shady practices they have in the Plains...but, it always has been.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

The "bright side" will be watching "wing-nut" hold hands with his players as they "click-clack" their whooped arses back to the Plains....:laugh:

We won't need "piped noises" or "errant officiating" to whip the tiggers...chalk another one up in the Swamp for the Gators...:thumpsup:


:whistle: :dozey: :sleep2: Unfortunately for the Gators they will be forced to try and beat one of the best defenses in the nation next year, and that attempt will come up short. Hell, you guys couldn't put up a single point on us in the entire 2nd half last year with as much offensive firepower as you guys had. With so many young guys in key starting roles, the gators will be lucky to get 2 bits, much less 4 bits or a dollar.

[Gator2753]

:laugh::thumpsup: This is awesome. Man I cant wait for football to start. Well have these conversations day in and day out.
Until then I can only dream...:wub:

[gatorunvrsty]

:whistle: :dozey: :sleep2: Unfortunately for the Gators they will be forced to try and beat one of the best defenses in the nation next year, and that attempt will come up short. Hell, you guys couldn't put up a single point on us in the entire 2nd half last year with as much offensive firepower as you guys had. With so many young guys in key starting roles, the gators will be lucky to get 2 bits, much less 4 bits or a dollar.

And AU's offense couldn't put up a single point the entire game in their own house. I'm not sure what UF offensive firepower you're referring to. We struggled all year getting points, with Leak still learning throughout the year. Our offense finally started clicking in the SECCG; and was obviously working well by the time we blew up tOSU for the National Championship. By the time Tebow starts, he'll have learned the offense from the ground up. And, he got an early start by playing some last year. By the end of the season, I think you'll see that we averaged at least 10 more PPG than last year. I don't even think Auburn will stay close in the Swamp. Write it down: UF 41 - AU 20.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

And AU's offense couldn't put up a single point the entire game in their own house. I'm not sure what UF offensive firepower you're referring to. We struggled all year getting points, with Leak still learning throughout the year. Our offense finally started clicking in the SECCG; and was obviously working well by the time we blew up tOSU for the National Championship. By the time Tebow starts, he'll have learned the offense from the ground up. And, he got an early start by playing some last year. By the end of the season, I think you'll see that we averaged at least 10 more PPG than last year. I don't even think Auburn will stay close in the Swamp. Write it down: UF 41 - AU 20.


So Tebow who has never started a game for the gators, will be more offensively productive in his first year than Chris Leak was as a senior in an experienced offense? Not buying it, sorry. In a year or two though, like most college QB's, he should be at a complete understanding of the offense.

[KillerNut]

Florida will be fine. They have had awesome recruiting classes the last few years and are loaded at about every position. Hell, I think you guys have 3 - 5 star QB's on your roster now. Florida like tOSU or any other top tier program replaces NFL draft picks with NFL talent. I really believe that Florida will probably have an undefeated year this year and will more than likely be well in the NC hunt.

My predicted top 5 at the end of the year.
1. Florida - loaded
2. Michigan - Henne, Hart, Manningham, defense?
3. West Virginia - White and Slaton running show
4. USC - loaded
5. Ohio State - defensive team like 2002 and 2005

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

My predicted top 5 at the end of the year.
1. Florida - loaded
2. Michigan - Henne, Hart, Manningham, defense?
3. West Virginia - White and Slaton running show
4. USC - loaded
5. Ohio State - defensive team like 2002 and 2005

Neither Florida or Ohio State will be top 5 teams next year. Hell, Ohio State will be lucky to end the year in the top 10. Too many losses at key positions for both teams, particularly on offense for Ohio State. Do you guys play Wisconsin next year? OSU better hope not.

USC will be the consensus #1 next year, and should have an easy run to the title game.

[lacene]

And AU's offense couldn't put up a single point the entire game in their own house. I'm not sure what UF offensive firepower you're referring to. We struggled all year getting points, with Leak still learning throughout the year. Our offense finally started clicking in the SECCG; and was obviously working well by the time we blew up tOSU for the National Championship. By the time Tebow starts, he'll have learned the offense from the ground up. And, he got an early start by playing some last year. By the end of the season, I think you'll see that we averaged at least 10 more PPG than last year. I don't even think Auburn will stay close in the Swamp. Write it down: UF 41 - AU 20.

So you're saying that a sophomore (Tebow) with little game experience in the SEC is going to have a better command of Meyer's offense than a senior (Leak) who had an entire 4 years of game experience as a starting QB in the SEC? Not at the end of the 2007 season, where it might not matter for anything but the 2008 season, but right off the bat?

I understand your argument that Tebow fits Meyer's offense better than Leak did, but you're not talking about style of play right now: you're talking about innate intelligence.....:wacko:

edit: damn, I'm slow. AU Blaaaaaaaake beat me to it......

[GatorHunter]

:whistle: :dozey: :sleep2: Unfortunately for the Gators they will be forced to try and beat one of the best defenses in the nation next year, and that attempt will come up short. Hell, you guys couldn't put up a single point on us in the entire 2nd half last year with as much offensive firepower as you guys had. With so many young guys in key starting roles, the gators will be lucky to get 2 bits, much less 4 bits or a dollar.

Yea...that's what folks said last year, too.

I think labeling the Auburn defense as "one of the best defenses in the nation" is a stretch to say the least...IMO. BTW, did I mention...We won the National Championship...just in case you forgot...;)

[KillerNut]

Neither Florida or Ohio State will be top 5 teams next year. Hell, Ohio State will be lucky to end the year in the top 10. Too many losses at key positions for both teams, particularly on offense for Ohio State. Do you guys play Wisconsin next year? OSU better hope not.

USC will be the consensus #1 next year, and should have an easy run to the title game.

Yes we play Wisconsin this year. While we won't have much offense other than its going to be the Chris Wells running over people show. We will have one of the better defenses in the country. We will be a preseason top 10 but probably about 8th or 9th. Florida will be preseason #1 followed by USC. Auburn and LSU will also be up there to.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Yes we play Wisconsin this year. While we won't have much offense other than its going to be the Chris Wells running over people show. We will have one of the better defenses in the country. We will be a preseason top 10 but probably about 8th or 9th. Florida will be preseason #1 followed by USC. Auburn and LSU will also be up there to.


I would be surprised as hell to see Florida as #1 pre-season. I can definitely see them as a top 5 pre-season pick by default of being national champs, but as sketchy as the pre-season polls are they do account for some research into returning starters and schedule difficulty.


Ohio State will field a decent team like normally, but Wisconsin and Michigan will be more talented teams. Whether or not LLLLLLLLloyd Carr can pull that talent together and win a meaningful game will be interesting to watch. Can you post the OSU schedule in this thread?


Auburn will be something like 15th pre-season, maybe higher but in the 10-15 range I think. Good place to be IMO*, expectations reasonable with room to improve and lose a game or two without a huge letdown.

[GatorHunter]

So you're saying that a sophomore (Tebow) with little game experience in the SEC is going to have a better command of Meyer's offense than a senior (Leak) who had an entire 4 years of game experience as a starting QB in the SEC? Not at the end of the 2007 season, where it might not matter for anything but the 2008 season, but right off the bat?

I understand your argument that Tebow fits Meyer's offense better than Leak did, but you're not talking about style of play right now: you're talking about innate intelligence.....:wacko:

edit: damn, I'm slow. AU Blaaaaaaaake beat me to it......

Has nothing to do with "innate" intelligence...it's "football" intelligence. And in this scheme, Tebow "understands" better than Leak. Leak was a passer, read defenses based on passing schemes...Tebow can do both...therefore, it makes sense that he should be more successful in this offense. Do I expect the Gators to "pick-up" where we left off...heck no...we lost some great players...but unlike times in the past, the "replacements" are among the nation's best at their positions and our coaching staff is as good as it gets.

[KillerNut]

I would be surprised as hell to see Florida as #1 pre-season. I can definitely see them as a top 5 pre-season pick by default of being national champs, but as sketchy as the pre-season polls are they do account for some research into returning starters and schedule difficulty.


Ohio State will field a decent team like normally, but Wisconsin and Michigan will be more talented teams. Whether or not LLLLLLLLloyd Carr can pull that talent together and win a meaningful game will be interesting to watch. Can you post the OSU schedule in this thread?


Auburn will be something like 15th pre-season, maybe higher but in the 10-15 range I think. Good place to be IMO*, expectations reasonable with room to improve and lose a game or two without a huge letdown.

Michigan will be the class of the Big 10 this year as much as I hate to say that but Purdue, PeeSU, Wisky, and tOSU will be up there. I think that we will finish 3rd in the Big 10 and probably play in the Capital One bowl and maybe with a little luck, the Rose Bowl. tOSU has one of the easiest OOC schedules next year before picking up Southern Cal in 2008 for a 2 year series.

Sat 09/01/2007 Youngstown State Columbus, Ohio TBA

Sat 09/08/2007 Akron Columbus, Ohio TBA

Sat 09/15/2007 Washington Seattle, Wash. TBA

Sat 09/22/2007 Northwestern Columbus, Ohio TBA

Sat 09/29/2007 Minnesota Minneapolis, Minn. TBA

Sat 10/06/2007 Purdue West Lafayette, Ind. TBA

Sat 10/13/2007 Kent State Columbus, Ohio TBA

Sat 10/20/2007 Michigan State Columbus, Ohio TBA

Sat 10/27/2007 Penn State State College, Penn. TBA

Sat 11/03/2007 Wisconsin Columbus, Ohio TBA

Sat 11/10/2007 Illinois Columbus, Ohio TBA

Sat 11/17/2007 Michigan Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Has nothing to do with "innate" intelligence...it's "football" intelligence. And in this scheme, Tebow "understands" better than Leak. Leak was a passer, read defenses based on passing schemes...Tebow can do both...therefore, it makes sense that he should be more successful in this offense. Do I expect the Gators to "pick-up" where we left off...heck no...we lost some great players...but unlike times in the past, the "replacements" are among the nation's best at their positions and our coaching staff is as good as it gets.


How do you know that Tebow "understands" better than Leak? Tebow certainly "fits" the physical aspect of that offense much better than Leak did, but how do you know that he will pick up the hundreds of plays and formations faster than Leak?

[GatorHunter]

How do you know that Tebow "understands" better than Leak? Tebow certainly "fits" the physical aspect of that offense much better than Leak did, but how do you know that he will pick up the hundreds of plays and formations faster than Leak?

The coaches have stated many times that Tebow "understands" what they are wanting to do. Leak was working with his 3rd OC...so he was being asked to "forget" everything that he'd learned and run this offense....Tebow has experience with this offense and unlike Leak, who for 2 years was never asked to read a defense, Tebow did it from the start. For example, the long TD pass vs LSU that Tebow threw...the play was suppose to be an option, but the safety rotated over and left the middle open, Tebow saw it, called the audible...it was wide open, TD. Tebow also called several audibles on running plays...he called the audible when he scored on OSU at the end of the game....was suppose to go to the left, but he saw the LBs stacking so he audibled. Little things like that...Leak was never asked to do. Leak admittedly had trouble reading defenses and running the spread...Tebow doesn't. That's all we're saying. Has nothing to do with "intelligence" or "who's better"....it's about who's better for this offense...and the answer is Tebow.

[gatorunvrsty]

How do you know that Tebow "understands" better than Leak? Tebow certainly "fits" the physical aspect of that offense much better than Leak did, but how do you know that he will pick up the hundreds of plays and formations faster than Leak?

1. Leak had already learned one system with Kook. He had to try and put that aside, and start a new one from scratch. I think that's harder than learning one from the beginning. Leak had to try and forget what he'd been taught and keep that out of his mind while running a new offense. That's a tall order. That's why Meyer didn't try to change it entirely. He kept some aspects that Leak was already familiar with, because completely starting over is difficult when the two systems are nothing alike. I use the term "system" loosely when referring to Kook. He's an idiot who can recruit.

2. Meyer says so. He's said repeatedly, that Leak was at a disadvantage having to learn his system after already playing for 2 years with another one. Tebow won't have that same problem. A QB learning a system from the beginning can run it better than a QB who has to discard an old scheme, and pick up a new one. It's a testament to Leak's intelligence and determination that he could do it well enough to win a NC. Meyer helped a great deal by not totally revamping things. He's a smart coach, and decided to impliment only those things he AND Leak thought he could handle. He even let Leak design his first dozen plays, so he could get in a rhythm.

Frankly, many of us Gator fans are amazed we won the NC this year. Many were kind of looking ahead to '07 and '08. Most thought all the changes would prevent us from doing it this season. We all thought we had a good shot at the SEC, based on last season; but getting to the NC was a dream, and winning was an unexpected bonus. After the game against Arky, we really started thinking we might be able to do it. None of the teams outside of the SEC scared us, except maybe USC. All SEC fans knew UF played the nation's hardest schedule; and I think that prepared us for any bowl game we might play.

[lacene]

The coaches have stated many times that Tebow "understands" what they are wanting to do. Leak was working with his 3rd OC...so he was being asked to "forget" everything that he'd learned and run this offense....Tebow has experience with this offense and unlike Leak, who for 2 years was never asked to read a defense, Tebow did it from the start. For example, the long TD pass vs LSU that Tebow threw...the play was suppose to be an option, but the safety rotated over and left the middle open, Tebow saw it, called the audible...it was wide open, TD. Tebow also called several audibles on running plays...he called the audible when he scored on OSU at the end of the game....was suppose to go to the left, but he saw the LBs stacking so he audibled. Little things like that...Leak was never asked to do. Leak admittedly had trouble reading defenses and running the spread...Tebow doesn't. That's all we're saying. Has nothing to do with "intelligence" or "who's better"....it's about who's better for this offense...and the answer is Tebow.

Sorry, but this argument is kinda weak. When have the coaches ever stated that Leak did not "understand" what they were wanting to do? Whenever someone made a crack about Leak not being as good a QB as other SEC QB's, or as Troy at OSU, the company line from Lizard-lovers was, "well, he led the Gators to the NC, didn't he?". So my question is, "how do you lead a team to the NC, without "understanding" what your coaches wants you to do?

I also fail to see how one QB who's been with 1 OC or offensive philosophy for 1 full year, and has lead his team under that philosophy in only confined, specific circumstances where he's only had to do a very limited number of things (tuck the ball, tuck his head, and run for 2-3 yards), is going to have more knowledge and experience over a senior who's been a starter QB for a SEC team his whole college career, under 3 OC's and playing under many different philosophies. As you Gator fans say, He lead his team to the NC under the current philosophy, not Tebow.

And a passing QB never being asked to read defenses? Come on......what defense reads did Tebow seriously have to do while running those QB sneaks for 2 to 3 yards on 3rd down? Yes, you can name a handful of nice plays that Tebow completed successfully during his limited time on the field as a true freshman. It still adds up to a weak argument against Leak having more experience and "understanding"......

[lacene]

Even if a QB had 50 different OC's during his 4-year tenure at college, he's not going to be required to erase everything he's learned to learn the 51st OC philosophy. He still takes a lot of knowledge from his experience. It's also not going to equate to opposing defenses using 50 different schemes against him and his team. Regardless of what OC he had last season or this season, he's still going to recognise defensive sets from year to year. That recognition comes from his years of extensive practice, tutelage and games leading his team as a starter. You might want him to erase some of his offenses plays from past OC's, and remember more the current OC's offense, but again, you don't see NFL HC's spurning seasoned veterans over rookies coming into the league, just because their OC from last year has taken a HC job elswhere, and they have a new OC this season........

[GatorHunter]

Sorry, but this argument is kinda weak. When have the coaches ever stated that Leak did not "understand" what they were wanting to do? Whenever someone made a crack about Leak not being as good a QB as other SEC QB's, or as Troy at OSU, the company line from Lizard-lovers was, "well, he led the Gators to the NC, didn't he?". So my question is, "how do you lead a team to the NC, without "understanding" what your coaches wants you to do?

I also fail to see how one QB who's been with 1 OC or offensive philosophy for 1 full year, and has lead his team under that philosophy in only confined, specific circumstances where he's only had to do a very limited number of things (tuck the ball, tuck his head, and run for 2-3 yards), is going to have more knowledge and experience over a senior who's been a starter QB for a SEC team his whole college career, under 3 OC's and playing under many different philosophies. As you Gator fans say, He lead his team to the NC under the current philosophy, not Tebow.

And a passing QB never being asked to read defenses? Come on......what defense reads did Tebow seriously have to do while running those QB sneaks for 2 to 3 yards on 3rd down? Yes, you can name a handful of nice plays that Tebow completed successfully during his limited time on the field as a true freshman. It still adds up to a weak argument against Leak having more experience and "understanding"......

This is an opinion...your opinion. I've stated my opinion. It's not an argument...it's a discussion, therefore the "weak argument" statement is pointless. As a Gator fan, someone that closely follows this team, I think my opinion is valid. I'm not "discrediting" anything Leak accomplished. I think he was a great QB that had some bad breaks with coaching changes and offensive philosophies. But, for the offense that Meyer wants to run at UF, Tebow is the better fit. Physically and mentally. Tebow knows this offense, he's ran it for several years. As far as you "belittling" what Tebow did as 2-3 yards on 3rd down...he led our team in rushing for most of the year...not sure if he finished at the top...but nonetheless, he was put into the game during stressful 3rd-4th and short situations and produced. It's well documented that Leak never audibled based on his defensive reads for the first 2 years of his college career. His first season under Meyer...he was asked to do so...had some good games and some bad ones. Same for last season...the offense sputtered at times because of this. Tebow is better at reading defenses and adjusting the play...Tebow is a better runner....Tebow is a good passer....Tebow is physically gifted enough to run the ball....based on these facts, Tebow should be better at running this offense than Leak...IMO...;)

[gatorunvrsty]

Even if a QB had 50 different OC's during his 4-year tenure at college, he's not going to be required to erase everything he's learned to learn the 51st OC philosophy. He still takes a lot of knowledge from his experience. It's also not going to equate to opposing defenses using 50 different schemes against him and his team. Regardless of what OC he had last season or this season, he's still going to recognise defensive sets from year to year. That recognition comes from his years of extensive practice, tutelage and games leading his team as a starter. You might want him to erase some of his offenses plays from past OC's, and remember more the current OC's offense, but again, you don't see NFL HC's spurning seasoned veterans over rookies coming into the league, just because their OC from last year has taken a HC job elswhere, and they have a new OC this season........

There's a big difference between the pros and college. The guys are still learning the game in college. It's hard enough to learn from HS to college. Harder still to learn multiple offenses. Of course, we were going to keep Leak as the starter because of his experience and abilities. But, our point is that Tebow will run this offense better than Chris did. Hypothetically: Take Leak and let him run the O like he has with having to change. Take Tebow running the O (the way it was designed) from the beginning. Tebow puts up more points. He'll make more mistakes as a new starter. But, he might not make the same ones Leak made because of his discomfort with the spread. Meyer said Leak didn't really like it because he was already accustomed to something else. The spread will be all Tebow's been trained for. He'll be comfortable. So, rookie mistakes aside; he'll be far more dangerous than Leak. And, when the coach says that's his assessment, I believe it. Hell, I saw it all year. Leak's mistakes were almost always on plays where he looked confused or unwilling to run the play called. He absolutely didn't like running, although when he did, he had some good runs. But, there were several times when he went down short of a first down, just to avoid contact. I don't think anyone can say that about Tebow with a straight face. Leak was recruited because he was a great H.S. QB. Kook didn't really know what he'd do with him. Tebow was recruited by Meyer specifically for his ability to fit into this offense. Anyone who thinks Tebow won't run it better, and put up bigger numbers, is in for a lot of nausea when their team plays Florida.:ohmy: :barf:

[GatorHunter]

There's a big difference between the pros and college. The guys are still learning the game in college. It's hard enough to learn from HS to college. Harder still to learn multiple offenses. Of course, we were going to keep Leak as the starter because of his experience and abilities. But, our point is that Tebow will run this offense better than Chris did. Hypothetically: Take Leak and let him run the O like he has with having to change. Take Tebow running the O (the way it was designed) from the beginning. Tebow puts up more points. He'll make more mistakes as a new starter. But, he might not make the same ones Leak made because of his discomfort with the spread. Meyer said Leak didn't really like it because he was already accustomed to something else. The spread will be all Tebow's been trained for. He'll be comfortable. So, rookie mistakes aside; he'll be far more dangerous than Leak. And, when the coach says that's his assessment, I believe it. Hell, I saw it all year. Leak's mistakes were almost always on plays where he looked confused or unwilling to run the play called. He absolutely didn't like running, although when he did, he had some good runs. But, there were several times when he went down short of a first down, just to avoid contact. I don't think anyone can say that about Tebow with a straight face. Leak was recruited because he was a great H.S. QB. Kook didn't really know what he'd do with him. Tebow was recruited by Meyer specifically for his ability to fit into this offense. Anyone who thinks Tebow won't run it better, and put up bigger numbers, is in for a lot of nausea when their team plays Florida.:ohmy: :barf:

All you have to do is look at the Spring game last year...the Tebow-led offense in Orange completely smoked the Blue offense led by Leak...24-7. This offense will score more points with Tebow behind center...which is good because the defense will be a little "green".

[Gator2753]

There's a big difference between the pros and college. The guys are still learning the game in college. It's hard enough to learn from HS to college. Harder still to learn multiple offenses. Of course, we were going to keep Leak as the starter because of his experience and abilities. But, our point is that Tebow will run this offense better than Chris did. Hypothetically: Take Leak and let him run the O like he has with having to change. Take Tebow running the O (the way it was designed) from the beginning. Tebow puts up more points. He'll make more mistakes as a new starter. But, he might not make the same ones Leak made because of his discomfort with the spread. Meyer said Leak didn't really like it because he was already accustomed to something else. The spread will be all Tebow's been trained for. He'll be comfortable. So, rookie mistakes aside; he'll be far more dangerous than Leak. And, when the coach says that's his assessment, I believe it. Hell, I saw it all year. Leak's mistakes were almost always on plays where he looked confused or unwilling to run the play called. He absolutely didn't like running, although when he did, he had some good runs. But, there were several times when he went down short of a first down, just to avoid contact. I don't think anyone can say that about Tebow with a straight face. Leak was recruited because he was a great H.S. QB. Kook didn't really know what he'd do with him. Tebow was recruited by Meyer specifically for his ability to fit into this offense. Anyone who thinks Tebow won't run it better, and put up bigger numbers, is in for a lot of nausea when their team plays Florida.:ohmy: :barf:

Its alright... let them be suprised. It seems like after you win a national championship its everyones agenda to try to knock you down with speculation.

[gatorunvrsty]

This is an opinion...your opinion. I've stated my opinion. It's not an argument...it's a discussion, therefore the "weak argument" statement is pointless. As a Gator fan, someone that closely follows this team, I think my opinion is valid. I'm not "discrediting" anything Leak accomplished. I think he was a great QB that had some bad breaks with coaching changes and offensive philosophies. But, for the offense that Meyer wants to run at UF, Tebow is the better fit. Physically and mentally. Tebow knows this offense, he's ran it for several years. As far as you "belittling" what Tebow did as 2-3 yards on 3rd down...he led our team in rushing for most of the year...not sure if he finished at the top...but nonetheless, he was put into the game during stressful 3rd-4th and short situations and produced. It's well documented that Leak never audibled based on his defensive reads for the first 2 years of his college career. His first season under Meyer...he was asked to do so...had some good games and some bad ones. Same for last season...the offense sputtered at times because of this. Tebow is better at reading defenses and adjusting the play...Tebow is a better runner....Tebow is a good passer....Tebow is physically gifted enough to run the ball....based on these facts, Tebow should be better at running this offense than Leak...IMO...;)

Tebow played in all 14 games. He rushed 89 times for 469 yards and 8 TD's. That's a 5.3 yard average. He was 2nd on the team in rushing behind RB Wynn's 699 yards and 4.9 average with 6 TD's. Right behind Tebow was Harvin, with 41 att. for 428 yards, 3 TD's, and a 10.4 yard average.:ohmy:

A 5.3 yard average and 469 rushing yards from a part-time QB. Yeah, that's really something to scoff at. By contrast, SC's full-time RB, Cory Boyd, had 164 carries for 823 yards, a 5.0 average, and the same # of TD's (8).:laugh: Now, that's funny. Our freshman backup QB was a more successful ball carrier than SC's starting RB. lacene really should do some research prior to making some of these stupid remarks.

[lacene]

This is an opinion...your opinion. I've stated my opinion. It's not an argument...it's a discussion, therefore the "weak argument" statement is pointless. As a Gator fan, someone that closely follows this team, I think my opinion is valid. I'm not "discrediting" anything Leak accomplished. I think he was a great QB that had some bad breaks with coaching changes and offensive philosophies. But, for the offense that Meyer wants to run at UF, Tebow is the better fit. Physically and mentally. Tebow knows this offense, he's ran it for several years. As far as you "belittling" what Tebow did as 2-3 yards on 3rd down...he led our team in rushing for most of the year...not sure if he finished at the top...but nonetheless, he was put into the game during stressful 3rd-4th and short situations and produced. It's well documented that Leak never audibled based on his defensive reads for the first 2 years of his college career. His first season under Meyer...he was asked to do so...had some good games and some bad ones. Same for last season...the offense sputtered at times because of this. Tebow is better at reading defenses and adjusting the play...Tebow is a better runner....Tebow is a good passer....Tebow is physically gifted enough to run the ball....based on these facts, Tebow should be better at running this offense than Leak...IMO...;)

Sorry if my "weak argument" sounded like I thought you were bickering, or something. I know it's your opinion, and my position is based entirely on my opinion. I have no problem with folks expressing their opinions. But you didn't just state your opinion, and moved on. You defended it, expounded on it, i.e.: argued in defense of it. And that's OK: I've been arguing my opinion, as well. :)

And I certainly feel that your opinions are valid. And as far as Tebow, by the time he's a senior, he may very well be a better QB than Leak was at the same point, and may own every QB record (and some RB ones) at Florida. It just seems very dubious to me that he will start next season - as a true sophomore, and with limited PT - a better QB than Leak was as a senior this past year. But time will tell: I may be returning to this thread in January '08, and posting my apologies.......

[GatorHunter]

Tebow played in all 14 games. He rushed 89 times for 469 yards and 8 TD's. That's a 5.3 yard average. He was 2nd on the team in rushing behind RB Wynn's 699 yards and 4.9 average with 6 TD's. Right behind Tebow was Harvin, with 41 att. for 428 yards, 3 TD's, and a 10.4 yard average.:ohmy:

A 5.3 yard average and 469 rushing yards from a part-time QB. Yeah, that's really something to scoff at. By contrast, SC's full-time RB, Cory Boyd, had 164 carries for 823 yards, a 5.0 average, and the same # of TD's (8).:laugh: Now, that's funny. Our freshman backup QB was a more successful ball carrier than SC's starting RB. lacene really should do some research prior to making some of these stupid remarks.

Would have left +reps but I have to spread them around...but you are the KING OF STATS....good work!:read:

[lacene]

There's a big difference between the pros and college. The guys are still learning the game in college. It's hard enough to learn from HS to college. Harder still to learn multiple offenses. Of course, we were going to keep Leak as the starter because of his experience and abilities. But, our point is that Tebow will run this offense better than Chris did. Hypothetically: Take Leak and let him run the O like he has with having to change. Take Tebow running the O (the way it was designed) from the beginning. Tebow puts up more points. He'll make more mistakes as a new starter. But, he might not make the same ones Leak made because of his discomfort with the spread. Meyer said Leak didn't really like it because he was already accustomed to something else. The spread will be all Tebow's been trained for. He'll be comfortable. So, rookie mistakes aside; he'll be far more dangerous than Leak. And, when the coach says that's his assessment, I believe it. Hell, I saw it all year. Leak's mistakes were almost always on plays where he looked confused or unwilling to run the play called. He absolutely didn't like running, although when he did, he had some good runs. But, there were several times when he went down short of a first down, just to avoid contact. I don't think anyone can say that about Tebow with a straight face. Leak was recruited because he was a great H.S. QB. Kook didn't really know what he'd do with him. Tebow was recruited by Meyer specifically for his ability to fit into this offense. Anyone who thinks Tebow won't run it better, and put up bigger numbers, is in for a lot of nausea when their team plays Florida.:ohmy: :barf:

I put the above statements in bold because they actually go to my point above. For all I know, Leak may have been fighting Meyer's offense, and being stubborn just for the sake of principle. He may have been just plain beaten by the system, and couldn't learn it completely, no matter what he tried. But the above statments seem to indicate that Tebow will step in as a true soph. and not only take over the O that a senior led last season to a NC with a smooth transition, but that he will even be better at it than Leak was. And not that this would happen before Tebow graduated in 3 years. This would happen NEXT year. I'll just have to see it to believe it.

There has to be some credit given to an athlete spending his entire college career in a leadership position, where he's tasked to sucessfully master not one but several different offensive philosophies (which he did, more or less). To say that a true soph. can do this, and do it better, with less than a full year of experience takes that credit away....

[lacene]

Its alright... let them be suprised. It seems like after you win a national championship its everyones agenda to try to knock you down with speculation.

A NC won with a senior QB. That's my point.....

[lacene]

Tebow played in all 14 games. He rushed 89 times for 469 yards and 8 TD's. That's a 5.3 yard average. He was 2nd on the team in rushing behind RB Wynn's 699 yards and 4.9 average with 6 TD's. Right behind Tebow was Harvin, with 41 att. for 428 yards, 3 TD's, and a 10.4 yard average.:ohmy:

A 5.3 yard average and 469 rushing yards from a part-time QB. Yeah, that's really something to scoff at. By contrast, SC's full-time RB, Cory Boyd, had 164 carries for 823 yards, a 5.0 average, and the same # of TD's (8).:laugh: Now, that's funny. Our freshman backup QB was a more successful ball carrier than SC's starting RB. lacene really should do some research prior to making some of these stupid remarks.

I'm not sure what point you're making here, gator-u: If Boyd was a player that had to be expected by opposing defenses to pass the ball (like a QB would do), how would they approach him regarding his rushes? This is a good point: often it has been posted that opposing D's "knew" Tebow was going to rush instead of pass, and yet he still came at them and got positive yardage, or first downs, or more. This is not necessarily true. Tebow could've passed on any of those plays. He is a QB, after all. Opposing D's have to be more honest with Tebow than they do with, say a true RB. Still, Boyd's average was not bad last year.

And by comparison, Leak had 77 rushing attempts, to go with 365 passing attempts. That's a total of 442 plays, or an average of 31.6 plays per game. Compared with that, Tebow's average of 8.7 plays per game does indeed make him a part-time player, at the QB position. What exactly is "stupid" about my remarks?

[gatorunvrsty]

I put the above statements in bold because they actually go to my point above. For all I know, Leak may have been fighting Meyer's offense, and being stubborn just for the sake of principle. He may have been just plain beaten by the system, and couldn't learn it completely, no matter what he tried. But the above statments seem to indicate that Tebow will step in as a true soph. and not only take over the O that a senior led last season to a NC with a smooth transition, but that he will even be better at it than Leak was. And not that this would happen before Tebow graduated in 3 years. This would happen NEXT year. I'll just have to see it to believe it.

There has to be some credit given to an athlete spending his entire college career in a leadership position, where he's tasked to sucessfully master not one but several different offensive philosophies (which he did, more or less). To say that a true soph. can do this, and do it better, with less than a full year of experience takes that credit away....


I think there's just a semantics problem. Tebow isn't a better QB than Leak. Tebow is a better dual-threat QB than Leak. Now, next year, and forever. Leak has the benefit of more knowledge and experience. Tebow has the benefit of size, and cojones. Leak would be a better QB in a typical drop back, pocket-style offense. Tebow will be better in a spread or option style offense that puts a high priority on running ability. Both can throw a pretty pass. Tebow is obviously stronger. Defenses forced to guard against him running the ball, should allow him more opportunities to go deep. People weren't worried about Leak running. Everybody knew he hated it, and most of our passes were short by design. We got very few chances to throw deep. We just got the ball to playmakers, and let them get all the yardage. We'll see what happens, but I know what Meyer has said; and why he chased Tebow with a vengeance. He's the prototype for Meyer's plan. He may be a sophomore, but he's been learning the real offense for a year, while getting some playing time to get him acclimated to big-time college ball. Leak ran plays designed for him. Tebow ran totally different plays that he'll be running all this season.

[KillerNut]

Would have left +reps but I have to spread them around...but you are the KING OF STATS....good work!:read:

You definetly have to do your homework when you try and argue with GU. :thumpsup:

Lacene vs. gatorunvrsty = heavyweight titlematch :laugh:

[gatorunvrsty]

I'm not sure what point you're making here, gator-u: If Boyd was a player that had to be expected by opposing defenses to pass the ball (like a QB would do), how would they approach him regarding his rushes? This is a good point: often it has been posted that opposing D's "knew" Tebow was going to rush instead of pass, and yet he still came at them and got positive yardage, or first downs, or more. This is not necessarily true. Tebow could've passed on any of those plays. He is a QB, after all. Opposing D's have to be more honest with Tebow than they do with, say a true RB. Still, Boyd's average was not bad last year.

And by comparison, Leak had 77 rushing attempts, to go with 365 passing attempts. That's a total of 442 plays, or an average of 31.6 plays per game. Compared with that, Tebow's average of 8.7 plays per game does indeed make him a part-time player, at the QB position. What exactly is "stupid" about my remarks?

I'm not saying the comment about him being a part-time player is stupid. I'm saying that even as a part-time QB, he had almost as much impact rushing the ball as your starting, full-time RB. When you look at the numbers I posted for Tebow, this is a stupid remark:

I also fail to see how one QB who's been with 1 OC or offensive philosophy for 1 full year, and has lead his team under that philosophy in only confined, specific circumstances where he's only had to do a very limited number of things (tuck the ball, tuck his head, and run for 2-3 yards), is going to have more knowledge and experience over a senior who's been a starter QB for a SEC team his whole college career, under 3 OC's and playing under many different philosophies. As you Gator fans say, He lead his team to the NC under the current philosophy, not Tebow.


And, while he wasn't brought in to throw the ball, he did complete 22-33 for 358 yards, 5 TD's and 1 int. This, and his rushing numbers, are hardly just tucking the ball, his head, and running for 2-3 yards.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

All I know is it takes most QB's a couple years to truly learn and understand a playbook/system, and it would be very surprising to see Tebow (who played mostly as a FB last year) come out his first year and have mastered CUM's scheme.

I'm not one of the Tebow doubters who thinks he can't throw (he can throw, its just an ugly looking pass). I also think he will be good with time, but expectations seem to be pretty high for a kid who hasn't started or played a full game. He wont be able to run up the gut like last year for 4 full quarters with the same efficiency, and the wear-and-tear of SEC football will have the same fatiguing effect on Tebow that it does on all SEC QB's.

[lacene]

I'm not saying the comment about him being a part-time player is stupid. I'm saying that even as a part-time QB, he had almost as much impact rushing the ball as your starting, full-time RB. When you look at the numbers I posted for Tebow, this is a stupid remark:

I also fail to see how one QB who's been with 1 OC or offensive philosophy for 1 full year, and has lead his team under that philosophy in only confined, specific circumstances where he's only had to do a very limited number of things (tuck the ball, tuck his head, and run for 2-3 yards), is going to have more knowledge and experience over a senior who's been a starter QB for a SEC team his whole college career, under 3 OC's and playing under many different philosophies. As you Gator fans say, He lead his team to the NC under the current philosophy, not Tebow.

And, while he wasn't brought in to throw the ball, he did complete 22-33 for 358 yards, 5 TD's and 1 int. This, and his rushing numbers, are hardly just tucking the ball, his head, and running for 2-3 yards.

OK, so I may have diminished his role somewhat, I can delete what I posted in parentheses, and the core of my statement still remains intact, and unchanged:

"I also fail to see how one QB who's been with 1 OC or offensive philosophy for 1 full year, and has lead his team under that philosophy in only confined, specific circumstances where he's only had to do a very limited number of things, is going to have more knowledge and experience over a senior who's been a starter QB for a SEC team his whole college career, under 3 OC's and playing under many different philosophies. As you Gator fans say, He lead his team to the NC under the current philosophy, not Tebow."

one portion of the above quote, which was just an aside to my point, does not make the statement in it's entirety a "stupid" statement. Eliminating that portion, the statement - like my opinion - still stands. But that's the great thing about this: the season is on it's way...... :)

[GatorHunter]

You guys are killin' me!!:laugh:

No one said Tebow is a better QB than Leak...just a different type of QB. Sure, Leak knew the offense...the offense that Meyer had to "adjust" to fit him. The true Meyer offense involves the QB making reads on DE and LB for options and running plays...the QB also has to do what Leak was good at...reading safeties and corners...all we Gators are sayin' is with Tebow, Meyer can "expound" the offense without worrying about the adjustments needed when Leak was under center. No one is saying Tebow will step onto the field in September and be a better QB than Leak...he just offers more "options" than Leak did...and these options worked last year in the SEC...even when teams were expecting Tebow to run...he still got yards...now, figure in that he'll be passing as well and it doesn't take a UF Grad to figure out that he'll create problems for opposing defenses.

As far as Tebow's passing abilities.....he's not as polished as Leak...who was? But Tebow can pass the ball...he's got a cannon for an arm and is very accurate. He'll make plenty of mistakes as most sophomores do...but I wouldn't trade him for any other QB in the Nation.

[gatorunvrsty]

You guys are killin' me!!:laugh:

No one said Tebow is a better QB than Leak...just a different type of QB. Sure, Leak knew the offense...the offense that Meyer had to "adjust" to fit him. The true Meyer offense involves the QB making reads on DE and LB for options and running plays...the QB also has to do what Leak was good at...reading safeties and corners...all we Gators are sayin' is with Tebow, Meyer can "expound" the offense without worrying about the adjustments needed when Leak was under center. No one is saying Tebow will step onto the field in September and be a better QB than Leak...he just offers more "options" than Leak did...and these options worked last year in the SEC...even when teams were expecting Tebow to run...he still got yards...now, figure in that he'll be passing as well and it doesn't take a UF Grad to figure out that he'll create problems for opposing defenses.

As far as Tebow's passing abilities.....he's not as polished as Leak...who was? But Tebow can pass the ball...he's got a cannon for an arm and is very accurate. He'll make plenty of mistakes as most sophomores do...but I wouldn't trade him for any other QB in the Nation.

PERIOD.:thumpsup: