* The offense is definitely
going to look a little different – and do some different things – with
the influence of new quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler, who has an
excellent track record developing quarterbacks.
For one, Tim
Tebow is going to line up under center at times for the first time in
his career, and the Gators are going to have a conventional two-back
look like they did with Chris Leak in 2006. This won’t happen often,
but it’s going to be part of an expanding offensive package that will
give opposing defenses more to prepare for.
UF also has added some downfield passing plays that will stretch the field more than the Gators have in the past.
One
offensive change that has nothing to do with Loeffler, is the hurry-up,
no-huddle attack UF is working on this spring. Urban Meyer likes what
Oklahoma has done with a fast-break offense, and he really likes the
idea that it could give the Gators as many as 20 more offensive plays a
game than they ran a year ago.
* Carl Moore is starting to look
like the explosive wide receiver everyone thought he was going to be
when he signed with UF out of junior college a little more than a year
ago.
Moore looks like he’s in much better shape, and much
quicker getting off the line of scrimmage and separating from defensive
backs. He’s doing everything a lot faster, a sure sign that he’s
feeling comfortable and confident in the offense now. He has a chance
to have a breakout spring and enter the fall as one of UF’s top two
receivers.
* Redshirt freshman David Young looks like he might
be able to help out at left tackle, at least in a reserve role. He’s
healthy now, and he’s got the look of a tackle, with a big, strong
frame and extremely long arms. He moves real well for a guy his size
(6-foot-4, 303 pounds).
* For the first time since he’s been
here, redshirt freshman defensive tackle Omar Hunter is healthy and
going through drills at full speed. He’s replaced some fat with muscle
and has a chance to give the defensive line a considerable boost if he
can stay off the injury list.
* Earl Okine looks like he’s
ready to contribute at defensive end. He’s up to 274 pounds and
defensive line coach Dan McCarney loves his non-stop motor. Okine was
at 220 pounds early last fall after struggling with some health issues.
* No. 2 quarterback John Brantley has gotten bigger and stronger, and he looks extremely sharp throwing the football.
*
Junior defensive end Duke Lemmens doesn’t look anything like he did
when he arrived here as an undersized lineman three years ago. He’s up
to 260-plus pounds now and he appears much stronger.
* Maurice
Hurt is healthy for the first time in a long time and he’s running with
the No. 1 offense at right guard. He’s trimmed a lot of fat and looks
ready to contribute.
