It’s amazing what two weeks can do.
Last month everyone was asking who the new coach would be, now I’m getting questions about the recruits Muschamp might flip.
The Treon effect has certainly had a positive impact not only on the football team but in recruiting. I don’t think you guys should start expecting commitments left and right just yet, but if the Gators keep this up they could cap off their 2015 class in a very successful manner.
On to the questions!
Any hope we can salvage this class now that Treon Harris is the QB and there seems to be some momentum? — @GoGatas, @NorthKnoxGator
Winning cures all. The Gators rank nowhere near the top 25 in team recruiting rankings, but that could change soon with their recent success on the field and the emergence of Harris.
The narrative has been the same throughout this recruiting cycle — if Florida can win games, it will have a stellar recruiting class because there’s so many elite in-state prospects.
Some of those kids have committed elsewhere, so the Gators won’t be in contention for the No. 1 recruiting ranking on signing day. But there’s still enough uncommitted targets left that they could finish a great class if Harris and the team continues to play well.
What are the chances of landing Martez Ivey, Byron Cowart and CeCe Jefferson? — @MikeyDepasquale, @montanagator
They have been and still are very good. The two losses by the Gators last month likely set them back a little with these five-stars, but the way the team is playing now has helped.
Cowart, Jefferson and Ivey grew up Florida fans and see an opportunity to play right away in Gainesville. If Will Muschamp wasn’t on the hot seat entering and during this season, they might already be committed to UF.
But it’s also important to note that all three have previously said they would come consider coming to Florida regardless of the coaching situation. For the Gators to lock them up, I just think they have to close out the season strong with two more wins and a good showing against Florida State.
UF’s biggest competition for these three at this time are Alabama (Cowart), Ole Miss (Jefferson) and Auburn (Ivey).
If we hold onto our offensive line commits an add Jalen Merrick and Martez Ivey, do we finally have the depth/rotation we need? — @ryan_grimaldi
Definitely. The numbers would be up at the position with some talented players.
The Gators currently have 15 offensive linemen on the roster — which is about what you want — and they lose three starting seniors.
Adding Merrick and Ivey would put UF at six linemen for 2015 and double the amount of players leaving. That would be huge for the offensive line and eliminate some of the depth-chart shortcomings seen in recent years.
Will we sign a player at the LB position in this class? What are the chances of getting Adonis Thomas back and landing Jeff Holland? — Nate
You can count on Florida signing not one but a few linebackers for 2015.
The Gators didn’t sign any in their 2014 class and lose two (possibly three with Morrison) starters after this season, so they need to load up at the position.
UF still has a great shot at Thomas, although Alabama is believed to be his leader. Jerome Baker isn’t flipping back from Ohio State, so don’t hold out hope for his return.
Outside of Florida’s decommitments, Holland is without question the top target remaining on the board. Despite his interest in other schoools, anything other than a UF commitment from him would be surprising.
The Gators might also make a run at a few recruits committed elsewhere, including Te’Von Coney (Notre Dame), Victor Alexander (UCLA) and Derrick Graham (Arkansas).
Any indication that we can flip Ray-Ray McCloud with Treon and improvements on offense? — @WilbertVancol
I know from a source close to McCloud that he thinks highly of Harris and is happy about him becoming the starting quarterback for Florida.
But that alone, it appears, won’t be enough to change his mind.
He’s very solid to Clemson. In my opinion, it would take something like UF upsetting FSU and/or making it to the SEC championship game for McCloud to even entertain the thought of flipping.
What do you think our chances are of flipping Lamar Jackson and Deon Cain? — @justiwood
In my eyes, Florida’s chances with them aren’t great right now. Neither has visited UF so far this fall.
Cain told me after the Tennessee game that he wanted Harris to be the guy. But as is the case with his friend and fellow Clemson commit McCloud, I doubt Florida’s newfound quarterback can solely flip the script on Cain’s recruitment.
Remember, the Tigers have a talented true freshman QB of their own in Deshaun Watson. I think it will take the Gators doing something special this season for Cain and McCloud to truly reconsider.
As for Jackson, while the emergence of Harris may help UF with some recruits, he might scare off a quarterback recruit. The position will likely be occupied by Harris for at least the next two years, and Florida has Mr. Football USA 2013 as well.
If Kurt Roper can somehow flip Jackson with an Elite 11 finalist already on board for 2015 and two studs on the roster, Muschamp better buy his offensive coordinator a steak dinner.
Is it possible we have 3 quarterbacks transfer (Driskel, Grier, Mornhinweg) with Harris emerging and are back to no depth at position? — @DustinUselton
Anything is possible, I suppose.
While I see Driskel and Mornhinweg leaving after this year, I can’t imagine Grier bolting until he gives Harris a run for his money next spring and fall. He’s a very competitive player, and I’d be shocked if he walked away from Florida without trying to win the starting job.
And who knows, maybe Harris will continue to progress, become a great quarterback as a junior and leave for the NFL. That would give Grier two years to quarterback the Gators, which is a scenario I could see him being OK with.
But as I wrote before, having a QB depth chart next season of Harris, Grier and Sheriron Jones would be pretty good.
Zach, a lot of recruits seem to really analyze the coaching staff these days. What effect on recruiting WRs does having a recently promoted (by default) grad assistant who wasn’t a wide receiver coaching that position? Love Leak and all he’s done for UF, but if Muschamp stays, does he have to consider replacing Leak? — DC Gator
Some recruits may have reservations about Leak, although not all receivers are being recruited by him. Derrick Dillon is primarily recruited by Derek Lewis, while Travaris Robinson recruits Antonio Callaway.
I don’t think Leak necessarily hurt the Gators in their pursuit of someone like George Campbell, but he didn’t help their cause, either. He just doesn’t have the notoriety as a coach or recruiter, nor should he at this stage of his coaching career.
Florida was in a bind when it hired Leak, and he’s done an admirable job considering the circumstances. Being a former QB, he does know enough the receiver position to coach it.
But I do expect Muschamp, if he remains at UF, to go out and hire an assistant with more experience and a widely-respected reputation.
That’s all for this week! Be sure to leave your questions for the next mailbag in the comment section below.
If Chad Morris gets a HC job somewhere I foresee UF flipping McCloud and Cain easily.
MAIL STACK: Zach can you tell us who Muschamp has been recruiting personally and how each case appears to be going (or went)…I noticed you didn’t mention LB Roquan Smith as a potential signee. Thanks. LUV UF!
As competitive as Grier is, I don’t see him hanging around when he could go to another school and start. Yes he will have to sit another year, but then he would have three years to play. If he does leave, hopefully that will not come back and haunt Gator Nation.
One thing I’m curious about is a report from a few weeks ago that some of UF’s current commits were trying to go elsewhere but were turned down because, as an assistant SEC coach put it, we thought the guys we had were better. It still looks grim, while the talk is that the gators are in good shape with some top guys, it remains true that none have pulled the trigger. Muschamp’s seat is still lightning hot, the win over Georgia does not mean he’s going to be retained. If UF loses to FSU, the best record possible would be 7-4. I don’t think that record defines a “very good” team” which Muschamp kept calling UF. Muschamp should be held to his own words, in my opinion, and either he doesn’t know how to evaluate talent, remember he said this was the most talented team he’s had on offense, or he does a poor job coaching. Either way, the result may be the same, another mediocre record and no trip to Atlanta means he should be fired, in my mind. The season is not over, UF can win out, and I’ll be the first to say he should keep his job, but , otherwise, he should be fired.
Geez Aux, Are you really seeing what is happening or do you have a bug up your butt concerning Muschamp. Get a grip on reality and stop bashing..Do you not see what this coach means to the U of F. If Orr had pulled that stunt at FSU he would be team captain just to keep him. The coaching position is more than what you see it as. He is the leader of over 100 teenagers, keeping them from making stupid stunts is a job in itself. Getting them to stay in class, be respectful of others especially the females on campus etc. This man has been the best we have seen in decades. The wins will come on the field but the way most Alumni see it the wins are already there off the field.
Great job coach, we DO respect you and Go Gators
People need to get over the “Leak never played WR” angle. The guy is a student of the game and a film guru. What we need is to keep the same WR coach for 2 years in a row.
As for Mornigweg and Driskell leaving, where will they go? Driskell can probably be a starter at a DII or DIII school but that’s about it. Mornigweg will be lucky to earn another scholarship. They both may as well stay at UF and get their education while being on a DI team.
Gator Rob, We are proud that Muschamp made the correct decision as a coach in the Orr case and what FSU does makes not different, we should ALWAYS be ahead of them in those respects on and off the field. But we should not settle for who has the best SHERIFF, we need a coach also. Muschamp is not a “GOOD” HBC in respect of the on the field activities. Get us a “GOOD” HBC and if you need to HIRE a SHERIFF separately. GO GATORS!!!!
Sorry, but all of the attributes of the HBC position must be considered. Every University is scrutinized and with the reputation others have if i were a recruit I would want to go to one with a solid rep.
Coach stayed with Driskell a little too long. Great job Monday morning quarterbacking everyone. With the way we are moving we are on the right track to more championships. Sit back and enjoy the ride the rest of the way.
As for Leak I agree with Homer. After seeing the complete job the WR’s have done lately including the down field blocking I say keep him going at least one more year.
Julian….if I’m not mistaken, since Grier has sat out all year I believe he can transfer and be eligible to play immediately. Either way he has 4 years of eligibility whether he has to sit or not
Saying as competitive as Grier is he’d transfer doesn’t make sense at all. Competitive guys believe they are the best, they work hard and they fight to earn what they want. They don’t give up and leave at the first sign of competition. Grier wants to be a Gator. More than that he wants to be the Gators’ starting QB. That’s why he committed to the Gators. He’s not leaving before he’s had a chance to compete for the starting job. No real competitor would. No matter what Treon does on the field, competitors, like Grier, would believe that they could win the starting job next year when the redshirt was gone. Grier’s not going anywhere yet. If he loses next apring/
Saying as competitive as Grier is he’d transfer doesn’t make sense at all. Competitive guys believe they are the best, they work hard and they fight to earn what they want. They don’t give up and leave at the first sign of competition. Grier wants to be a Gator. More than that he wants to be the Gators’ starting QB. That’s why he committed to the Gators. He’s not leaving before he’s had a chance to compete for the starting job. No real competitor would. No matter what Treon does on the field, competitors, like Grier, would believe that they could win the starting job next year when the redshirt was gone. Grier’s not going anywhere yet. If he loses next spring/fall then he’ll probably transfer after that year. But until he knows he’s not going to be Florida’s starting QB hell stay and fight for that starting role.
We need depth at QB…hopefully we have and can get guys who understand the potential of being a backup and the critical importance of the role. The overwhelming majority of QBs entering the NFL do so as BACKUPS..now if you understand that, why would you transfer? Accept the challenge, use it as motivation and learn how to improve from the sideline, the ability to do so could make or break your career! Love Leak, but we need a proven WR who knows the intangibles of the craft. Wonder why Ricky Nattiel, Wes Chandler, Willie Jackson or some of the other former Pro/UF WRs never got on a UF staff?? LUV UF!
Mike Summers – Florida OL coach
http://www.gatorzone.com/football/staff/summers
PLAYING CAREER
•Summers played defensive back at Georgetown (Ky.) College after playing high school football at Tates Creek High in Lexington (Ky.).
Advice, both unneeded and unwanted, (but maybe necessary). Been saying this for a while now…
Jeff Driskel, follow Tyler Murphy’s excellent (D-1 BC starter) example.
Skyler Mornhinweg, you really should already be gone, (unless you’re basically just interested in getting a solid UF degree with it’s networking advantages). You could follow Max Stavers example.
Will Grier, (me, I’d go in DEC) if you’re not the obvious starter by Spring 2015, go elsewhere (SCa) instead of wasting your college time and opportunity. It seems more and more obvious to me that ‘this particular team’ will only play for a Harris/Jones type of QB. Incoming QB-DT Sheriron Jones can easily fill in for the 3 vacated QB slots. In any 3rd string QB emergency, there are several other similar players that were QB’s in HS already on the team. Example: CB Deiondre Porter – A 1st team all-state QB-DT in Class 6A as a senior. Tampa Bay Times’ All-Sun Coast Offensive PoY. Led Florida HS’s with 4,698 total yards and 53 TD’s as a senior. Threw for 3,199 yards and 33 TD’s, while racking up 1,499 yards and 20 TD’s on the ground in 2013. Completed 150-of-26, (57%) of his passes, with only 8 interceptions.
>Adam Lane, to MsSt if Mullen stays there. You’re already been wasted for 2 years at UF.<
HS Wide receivers everywhere, you can easily start at UF if you can just get open, and then CATCH the freakin' ball (downfield blocking is a huge plus)…. Yawl all, have a nice 🙂 day….
The ‘transfer’ talk absolutely KILLS me!! Whe the heck are you all promoting Will Grier to freekin’ TRANSFER!!??! And just like a couple of postere stated the dude WANTS to be a Gator. He committed releatively early, stuck with it, & never wavered so that right there tells me that he has high character and is a man of his word. He seems like a guy that would relish the chance to dethrone Treon & you know why? Because he’s a competitor and realizes that the better he is the better Treon is. Plus in this league you need 2 QB’s-Harris is only one wrong tackle on the ankle away from starting. I do like the sound of Harris/Grier/Jones as the QB’s of the future. That sounds like a good plan along with Big George Brown anchoring the O-line. GO GATORS!!
I meant Grier is 1 bad tackle away from starting. Competitors like Will won’t want a job handed to him. Once he gets in the weight room and adds a few lbs he’ll be a stud. Jones will be a player in the SEC as well once he arrives. And please excuse my numerous spelling errors on my previous post-I was being hounded by an obnoxious lsu fan in the office & got distracted. GO GATORS!!!
What is the draw for these in-state athletes going to Clemson? They haven’t even won their conference. What are they doing that Florida isn’t? Even when we were winning we lost Sammy Watkins to them.
muddler what exactly do you mean when saying this particular team will only play for a Harris/Jones type QB. Really what does that mean Grier is a dual threat also. How about this maybe the team will play for a QB that gives them a chance to win while throwing a catchable ball. I think any team would play for that type of QB oh and that does not have a certain look.
certain look or type.
goooo gators 9-3 or 10-3 (SEC Champs)
Leak needs to stay on at Florida. I don’t see him leaving doing anything positive for the Gators. Florida needs to be loyal in this respect to Chris Leak. GoGators.
I disagree. I think Leak, along with Muschamp and every other member of this staff should be fired if UF loses to FSU. It would mean a 7-4 record, at best, and that means that UF is no better than when Muschamp took the job. I doubt that my wish will happen, if UF beats South Carolina that will probably be enough for Foley to justify keeping Muschamp and the average to mediocre era of Muschamp will continue, with little chance of the success of the Spurrier and Meyer years happening. For those of you who think retaining this staff will help recruiting, I ask this. What has the past five years of highly ranked classes got Florida? I just wish Foley’s ego would allow him to admit he made a mistake with his choice of Muschamp, but I think he’s too full of himself.
I think your are right A2, these guys are not translating to wins on the field, and half the time it looks like a cluster F out there. Yes the win over Ga was great, I see that as more of a fluke. I’m not sure we even beat SC, if not its a moot point, he’ll have to go!
If we beat SC and FSU, then he survives for another year. With a top 5-10 recruiting class it would be bearable but just can’t get excited about our future w Champ and I actually like the guy!
I get so freaking tired of Gatorsports pages auto refreshing! Im writing a comment and BOOM, it gone in an autorefresh! Im reading a comment and BOOM, its gone in autorefresh and I have to refind it. I wish there was some way to turn it off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s all mentality. At FSU 4 4/5 star QBs have committed in the last 6 months. At UF we can only have one guy at each position. Why? At FSU guys come to compete. At UF fans promote entitlement. Note: if UF carries Harris, Grier, and Jones at QB next year it’s par with the competition. UF quit recruiting the QB position for 5 years and it’s why we went 4-8 or will struggle to an 8-4 record this year despite being more talented.
As a rival fan pointed out, for one of the most powerful schools in CFB the Gators have the most wimpy fan base. They never think they have enough talent or coaching. They don’t even enjoy winning. The only thing UF fans seem to talk about is either how they can lose or just losing. It’s never the opposite.
The fact that UF fans would say UGA win was a fluke. That is it in a nutshell. Go look at the talent on paper again we have at UF. Top 10. The fans in the stands in Jax acted like they were showing up for a funeral. Or the merciless classless cursing of Jeff Driskel during games. It’s embarrassing. He is just a kid who lost his confidence. The team and Will seem to be on an upswing despite all the negativity. It’s time for the UF fans to do their part too and get behind the team instead of sitting back and playing “mystery science theater” with the team and thinking you look smart.
gatorade7 I disagree with you. Fans have never stopped supporting UF, they just want to see some consistency. In successive games, UF was crushed by Missouri and dominated Georgia. Vandy is not a good enough team to even comment on. Just like you would not knowingly buy a car that’s not reliable, that’s how fans feel about UF under Muschamp, the only thing we know so far is that he’s consistently unreliable. As for jeff Driskel, he never lost confidence. He always had plenty of confidence, but it was misplaced. He was never a good quarterback and wasn’t ever smart enough to figure it out. I’m sure he still doesn’t understand why he’s no longer starting. He’s always seemed oblivious to reality, his post game remarks seemed to confirm that. No, Driskel’s never lacked confidence, he’s lacked talent.
11-15-14 Saturday morning on SEC Network:
HBC Kevin Sumlin (aTm) on his coaching success:
~ “Coaches coach, >>>> players play.”
~ “It’s up to the other 10 players to make the QB look good.”
I agree. That’s why I’ve said that Driskel, Mornhinweg, and Grier should get out of Gainesville. Go somewhere that they can be QB/players, instead of scape-goats. Better for them, and better for the Gator team (not fans) that doesn’t really want them (opens 3 recruiting slots). Harris & Jones are the Gator’s 2015 future at QB. So be it,,, Go-Gators….
BRGF – JFYI (see Ht & Wt and HS Sr rushing totals)
Will Grier 6-2 200 – Parade HS PoY – #2 QB-DT at Elite 11 vs best defenders in Nation
HS Sr R – 1,251 yds, 13 TD’s.
Treon Harris 5-11 190 – 2x 4A HS Champ – Not invited to Elite 11.
HS Sr R – 633 yds, 9 TD’s
Now, who needs the weight room more? And IF you insist on weight room bs:
Adam Lane rsFr 5-7 222 (Gator D calls him the ‘Wrecking Ball’)
Brandon Powell Fr 5-9 177 (in the games before rsFr Lane)
Now tell the truth, is your own position based on what’s best for the players, or just on what YOU want as a fan?
Derek, good thing that Harris was the 2012 11-2 QB at UF, right?
2012 @ 12-2 ACC-C FSU – UF 37 – 26 FSU (SOS/Wuerffel never did that)
And I was one of the few that supported Sr Leak over Fr Tebow, so stuff it bubba.
11-15-14 Saturday morning on SEC Network:
HBC Kevin Sumlin (aTm) on his coaching success:
~ “Coaches coach, >>>> players play.”
~ “It’s up to the other 10 players to make the QB look good.”
I agree. That’s why I’ve said that Driskel, Mornhinweg, and Grier should get out of Gainesville. Go somewhere that they can be QB/players, instead of scape-goats. Better for them, and better for the Gator team (not fans) that doesn’t really want them (opens 3 recruiting slots). Harris & Jones are the Gator’s 2015 future at QB. So be it,,, Go-Gators….
BRGF – JFYI (see Ht & Wt and HS Sr rushing totals)
Will Grier 6-2 200 – Parade HS PoY – #2 QB-DT at Elite 11 vs best defenders in Nation
HS Sr R – 1,251 yds, 13 TD’s.
Treon Harris 5-11 190 – 2x 4A HS Champ – Not invited to Elite 11.
HS Sr R – 633 yds, 9 TD’s
Now, who needs the weight room more? And IF you insist on weight room bs:
Adam Lane rsFr 5-7 222 (Gator D calls him the ‘Wrecking Ball’)
Brandon Powell Fr 5-9 177 (in the games before rsFr Lane)
Now tell the truth, is your own position based on what’s best for the players, or just on what YOU want as a fan?
Derek, good thing that Harris was the 2012 11-2 QB at UF, right?
2012 @ 12-2 ACC-C FSU – UF 37 – 26 FSU (SOS/Wuerffel never did that)
And I was one of the few that supported Sr Leak over Fr Tebow, but I still wanted Tim to get playing time. And when Tim did drive the team down the field, I wanted to see him score, not Leak, so stuff it bubba.
2012 Season, Muschamp’s 2nd ever as a new HBC:
* CWM’s defense shut-out the 2 weakest opponents.
@ 5-7 Tn, 5-7 Mizz, and Shutout UK
@ 9-4 VU (+14)
10-3 LSU (+8)
@ 11-2 aTm (+3)
11-2 SCa (+33)
His only SEC loss was to 12-2 SECe-C UGA by 8 pts. (Reed’s goal-line fumble)
Shutout JaxSt
8-5 BGSU (+13)
9-4 LaLaf (+7)
@ 12-2 FSU/ACC-C (+11)
Spurrier NEVER won @ FSU in 6 trips, even with a Heisman QB.
(leaving out the NCAA Record injury 2013 season)
7-6, 11-2, 5-3 (so far) = 23-11 (67.6%)
As a never before HBC with constant coaching turnover:
The NCAA Record for injuries season of 2013 (15 lost starters, 72 lost starts overall, 4-8 with 4 losses by 6 pts or less) should be discarded when judging Muschamp’s UF W/L coaching success imoho. Solid substantial REASONS are not excuses, except to idiot or flaming rival fans….
Recruiting, 3 classes with a #4 average rating,
41 ESPN Top 300’s, with a Nation leading 21 Flips.
I think that it’s better to give him time (at least 1 more year) than to get into a HBC’ing merry-go-round.
Zach, in your 10/16 Mail Stack you said “Several of you asked me about Will Muschamp’s fate, coaching candidates and who recruits would want if a change is made. I’m not going to cross that bridge with you all until the time comes.” The time has come.