Mr2Bits
Gator Fan
<img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/XjohnnyX/bilde.jpg" class="alignnone" width="250" height="311" />
Today was a big day for the University of Florida and its children. The Tim Tebow story, Joe Haden proving himself on his home field, the start of a new era of Florida Gator football, Urban Meyer returning from his LOA, as well as countless other storylines were in the spotlight on the day of the Pro Day and first day of spring practice.
As Tim Tebow took off his jacket to begin warming up, the crowd cheered in support. Tebow 2.0 was on display in the Swamp. And he impressed NFL coaches and scouts with his most improved footwork. But reports were that his throwing motion was improved slightly and sped up, yet Tim would still dip the ball a little when putting more velocity on his throws. However, his improvements even impressed quite possibly his toughest critic in Todd McShay, who in an interview with Mike Mayock, expressed his fascination in how much Tim has changed in just a few short weeks. McShay implied that Tebow certainly helped his draft stock, and showed just how coachable he is to all 32 NFL teams in attendance. In watching Tim throw, I could tell that his mobility and being able to throw on the run with accuracy had improved a great deal. Tim threw crisp, and tight deep balls to Cooper, Hernandez, and David Nelson in showing off his greatest strength, in my opinion. A few tosses here and there were low or high, but stayed tight spirals because of his improved dropback and release. T2 helped himself today in the best way he could, by showing how coachable he is and how quickly he improves. He has possibly moved himself into a late first round or early second round pick.
Field conditions in the Swamp were hardly ideal for running 40’s and shuttle drills, due to rain the night before. The drill cones had to be moved constantly to prevent players from slipping on the torn up grass. Though the tough conditions were hardly a factor for Aaron Hernandez, who impressed the scouts with clean route running and clearly impressive shuttle drills. Hernandez ran an unofficial 40 time of 4.61, and benched a very impressive 30 reps of 225 lbs. Cornerback Joe Haden greatly improved his 40-yard dash time to reported unofficial times of anywhere from 4.39 to 4.46. His time at the NFL scouting combine was 4.57. Reports were that Haden accomplished what he set out to accomplish, and even though his time wasn’t as fast as he would’ve liked, he brought himself back to the realm of a first round draft pick. Brandon Spikes was disappointing at the Pro Day posting an unofficial 40 time of 5.0 seconds. David Nelson was also on display in the Swamp, hoping to impress. Running clean routes, and catching balls from Tebow. Nelson posted an unofficial 4.4 second 40-yard dash. But, because of the tough field conditions, scouts may deduct up to 0.05 seconds off of recorded 40-yard dash times. Also of noticeable improvement was Carlos Dunlap. Dunlap improved his bench press reps to 22 of 225 lbs, a 4.58 40-yard dash, and his performance in position drills. Players put on quite a show today for fans and NFL scouts alike. Children on field trips were able to see and talk to their favorite Gator players and even get a few autographs and pictures. And Tebow even made his famous lap around the Swamp to greet fans, and show his appreciation. Success was the overall story in the Swamp today, in my opinion.
Now, to a new era of Florida Gator Football. The return of Urban Meyer and the start of Johnny Brantley’s term as starting QB. Brantley and freshman QB Trey Burton were the first two players on the practice field, starting to warm up with quarterback’s coach Scot Loeffler. The rest of the first team offensive line and running back Emmanuel Moody joined in and Johnny assumed the leadership role, yelling and directing the offense along with clear-cut team leader, center Mike Pouncey. Due to Jeff Demps still training with the track & field team and Chris Rainey moving to slot receiver, RB Moody got the first carries of the day. Just simple running back dives and draws. Freshman strong safety Matt Elam appeared in a very sacred numbered jersey, #22(Emmitt Smith). Hopefully, he does the number justice. Andre Debose also appeared dressed out and jogging to the field. But he was not participating in full speed drills, as he is still in the rehabilitation stages with his hamstrings. And Chris Rainey started working out as return man, along with a few other second team players, as the special teams work out began. Last on the field was the head man himself, Urban Meyer. Casually walking onto the practice field, enjoying the sights and sounds of spring football. It was clear to me that even though Meyer was there as the head coach, Steve Addazio was still kind of running the show for the first part of the practice. As I was not able to see the entire practice, I cannot say exactly how the day progressed. However, I will be making a trip back to Gainesville hopefully next week to catch more of spring practice, and report the action for <a href="www.gatorenvy.com">GatorEnvy.com</a>. Spring football is in the air folks. I’m excited, and I know you are too.
If you would like to catch the Gators in spring practice at Sanders practice fields these next few weeks, the spring schedule is as follows. It is open to the public, and free of admission. Be reminded that photography(still or video) is not permitted.
Friday, March 19 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 20 – 10:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Monday, March 22 – 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 24 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Friday, March 26 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 27 – 10:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Monday, March 29 – 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 31 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Friday, April 2 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Saturday, April 3 – 10:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Monday, April 5 – 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 7 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Friday, April 9 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Saturday, April 10, 1 p.m. – Orange and Blue Debut
p.s. Check out <a href="www.gatorzone.com">GatorZone.com</a> for the latest practice schedule updates.
Today was a big day for the University of Florida and its children. The Tim Tebow story, Joe Haden proving himself on his home field, the start of a new era of Florida Gator football, Urban Meyer returning from his LOA, as well as countless other storylines were in the spotlight on the day of the Pro Day and first day of spring practice.
As Tim Tebow took off his jacket to begin warming up, the crowd cheered in support. Tebow 2.0 was on display in the Swamp. And he impressed NFL coaches and scouts with his most improved footwork. But reports were that his throwing motion was improved slightly and sped up, yet Tim would still dip the ball a little when putting more velocity on his throws. However, his improvements even impressed quite possibly his toughest critic in Todd McShay, who in an interview with Mike Mayock, expressed his fascination in how much Tim has changed in just a few short weeks. McShay implied that Tebow certainly helped his draft stock, and showed just how coachable he is to all 32 NFL teams in attendance. In watching Tim throw, I could tell that his mobility and being able to throw on the run with accuracy had improved a great deal. Tim threw crisp, and tight deep balls to Cooper, Hernandez, and David Nelson in showing off his greatest strength, in my opinion. A few tosses here and there were low or high, but stayed tight spirals because of his improved dropback and release. T2 helped himself today in the best way he could, by showing how coachable he is and how quickly he improves. He has possibly moved himself into a late first round or early second round pick.
Field conditions in the Swamp were hardly ideal for running 40’s and shuttle drills, due to rain the night before. The drill cones had to be moved constantly to prevent players from slipping on the torn up grass. Though the tough conditions were hardly a factor for Aaron Hernandez, who impressed the scouts with clean route running and clearly impressive shuttle drills. Hernandez ran an unofficial 40 time of 4.61, and benched a very impressive 30 reps of 225 lbs. Cornerback Joe Haden greatly improved his 40-yard dash time to reported unofficial times of anywhere from 4.39 to 4.46. His time at the NFL scouting combine was 4.57. Reports were that Haden accomplished what he set out to accomplish, and even though his time wasn’t as fast as he would’ve liked, he brought himself back to the realm of a first round draft pick. Brandon Spikes was disappointing at the Pro Day posting an unofficial 40 time of 5.0 seconds. David Nelson was also on display in the Swamp, hoping to impress. Running clean routes, and catching balls from Tebow. Nelson posted an unofficial 4.4 second 40-yard dash. But, because of the tough field conditions, scouts may deduct up to 0.05 seconds off of recorded 40-yard dash times. Also of noticeable improvement was Carlos Dunlap. Dunlap improved his bench press reps to 22 of 225 lbs, a 4.58 40-yard dash, and his performance in position drills. Players put on quite a show today for fans and NFL scouts alike. Children on field trips were able to see and talk to their favorite Gator players and even get a few autographs and pictures. And Tebow even made his famous lap around the Swamp to greet fans, and show his appreciation. Success was the overall story in the Swamp today, in my opinion.
Now, to a new era of Florida Gator Football. The return of Urban Meyer and the start of Johnny Brantley’s term as starting QB. Brantley and freshman QB Trey Burton were the first two players on the practice field, starting to warm up with quarterback’s coach Scot Loeffler. The rest of the first team offensive line and running back Emmanuel Moody joined in and Johnny assumed the leadership role, yelling and directing the offense along with clear-cut team leader, center Mike Pouncey. Due to Jeff Demps still training with the track & field team and Chris Rainey moving to slot receiver, RB Moody got the first carries of the day. Just simple running back dives and draws. Freshman strong safety Matt Elam appeared in a very sacred numbered jersey, #22(Emmitt Smith). Hopefully, he does the number justice. Andre Debose also appeared dressed out and jogging to the field. But he was not participating in full speed drills, as he is still in the rehabilitation stages with his hamstrings. And Chris Rainey started working out as return man, along with a few other second team players, as the special teams work out began. Last on the field was the head man himself, Urban Meyer. Casually walking onto the practice field, enjoying the sights and sounds of spring football. It was clear to me that even though Meyer was there as the head coach, Steve Addazio was still kind of running the show for the first part of the practice. As I was not able to see the entire practice, I cannot say exactly how the day progressed. However, I will be making a trip back to Gainesville hopefully next week to catch more of spring practice, and report the action for <a href="www.gatorenvy.com">GatorEnvy.com</a>. Spring football is in the air folks. I’m excited, and I know you are too.
If you would like to catch the Gators in spring practice at Sanders practice fields these next few weeks, the spring schedule is as follows. It is open to the public, and free of admission. Be reminded that photography(still or video) is not permitted.
Friday, March 19 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 20 – 10:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Monday, March 22 – 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 24 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Friday, March 26 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 27 – 10:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Monday, March 29 – 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 31 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Friday, April 2 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Saturday, April 3 – 10:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Monday, April 5 – 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 7 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Friday, April 9 – 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Saturday, April 10, 1 p.m. – Orange and Blue Debut
p.s. Check out <a href="www.gatorzone.com">GatorZone.com</a> for the latest practice schedule updates.
