Keiwan Ratliff

[awebbf5]

Alright guys I am ready for some Gator Football, it's almost here. Was thinking about some of my favorite Gators of all time today, and instantly Keiwan Ratliff comes to mind, he wasn't on the best Gator teams, but he was awesome to watch and kept us in alot of games. So here is a highlight video. Enjoy
GREAT TO BE!

 

[Escambia94]

Agreed. Keiwan Ratliff was one of the greatest. Last year I ranked the top 100 Gators based on set criteria, and he came in at #26. http://www.gatorenvy.com/threads/26-days-to-gator-football-keiwan-ratliff.15602/

 

[awebbf5]

That's a good ranking E. I can remember so many games during the zook era when he kept us in a game or got us out of one with a W. If I am not mistaken he saved us from a loss against Kentucky picking off Lorenzen in the final moments.

 

[DRU2012]

Not right-on-topic (and I'm a Ratliff-fan too), but I've been watching old "Big Gator Victories" when they've shown up of late on ESPN Classic, as they work up to the opening of August camps, and this has afforded a number of opportunities of course to see great players on various Gator-teams-of-old...Best of all so far was the Cincinatti Sugar Bowl, Tebow's last game as a Gator a month after the disastrous SEC Championship loss to Alabama (itself following a disastrous week preceding it, where the kinds of problems that Meyer-special-treatment of "his guys" finally turned into the "chickens that came home to roost" they were probably always inevitably destined to be)...A game I didn't really appreciate that much at the time, such a letdown after all the hopes going into AND coming OUT of the season, in that final SEC game--but watching it now a lot of things seemed clear, in retrospect: Maybe Tebow's finest game as a Gator, as well as his last (a testament once more both of his "liabilities" in terms of the technical aspects of his throwing motion--and at the same time that perfect demo of all he could do with those supposed "limitations", and at the same time his enormous heart), AND at the same time, even though this was a Gator team that was much more a "half-court offense" in terms of how they ground out scores, rather than the high-flying "fast-strike" offense of previous Meyer-coached Gator "spread" offenses, on this evening they were once again flying high. It really marked out how much of that we have been missing of late--and how even a moderate return to some of that would be so welcome. Above all, I was struck by how much we'll be depending on young, just-emerging players, who will be relied upon now to raise their games and together, as individuals and as a TEAM, make this team enough better in enough different places, especially on offense, to even equal (let alone ultimately surpass) last season's overall return to prominence AND number-of-wins. Not saying it can't be done, but a lot of guys will have to step up--again, not just as individuals but as a unit on offense--while the no doubt HIGH potential on the defensive side works it's way into its own "tight unit" over the first half of the season. It'll be up to the offense to raise ITS play while this is (hopefully) steadily taking place.

 

[Escambia94]

I will bring it back on topic. Keiwan Ratliff was a highly recruited athlete out of Ohio that played receiver, running back, and cornerback at Florida. Louchiez Purifoy is a similarly skilled, multi-talented athlete that should have similar successes this year for Florida.

 

[awebbf5]

@ DRU. That Sugar Bowl win was sorda bitter sweet. We all wanted to be in the championship game, but the way we executed was dominant and one of our best performances that year. I will never forget Rainey hurdling for that TD. I always wondered if Dunlap had not been suspended and if Percy would have come back that year, would we have beaten Alabama and went on to win the national championship. Does anyone know if the rumor was true that some players didn't play as hard against Alabama and held back so they wouldn't risk injury and hurting their draft stock?

 

[Escambia94]

@ DRU. That Sugar Bowl win was sorda bitter sweet. We all wanted to be in the championship game, but the way we executed was dominant and one of our best performances that year. I will never forget Rainey hurdling for that TD. I always wondered if Dunlap had not been suspended and if Percy would have come back that year, would we have beaten Alabama and went on to win the national championship. Does anyone know if the rumor was true that some players didn't play as hard against Alabama and held back so they wouldn't risk injury and hurting their draft stock?

I have heard that rumor from many reliable sources--that some of the key players lost focus and were saving themselves for the NFL Draft.

 

[Leakfan12]

That's a shame when the players who had a chance win three titles in four years (become a dynasty) chose to mail it in after halftime despite actually having a chance to win only down by six. Bama had their own NFL talent and they didn't worry about the NFL yet (lucky for them).

 

[Escambia94]

That's a shame when the players who had a chance win three titles in four years (become a dynasty) chose to mail it in after halftime despite actually having a chance to win only down by six. Bama had their own NFL talent and they didn't worry about the NFL yet (lucky for them).

Alabama has been using additional coaches since Nick Saban came onboard. Those additional coaches were not considered part of the staff of nine that was allowed by NCAA bylaws, which meant they were allowed to do things that the official coaches were not allowed to do--control the players, monitor their behaviors, babysit them, make sure they stayed out of trouble. It helps that Bama owns the Tuscaloosa police department, or has some sweet cover-up arrangement with them.

 

[DRU2012]

awebbf5, Escambia94
...so many things wrapped up in there that applied then and STILL apply: First, yeah, I have DEFINITELY heard from folks inside and close to the program, then and since, that the wheels began to come off the careening wagon that was Meyer's walk-on-the-edge approach-to-"team" that week (and to a great extent it was Tebow who pulled things back together for that Sugar Bowl week and game, btw)...and "DOUBLE yeah" re Saban and the Tide's "fortunate situation" in Tuscaloosa that makes so MANY differences "small-edges-that-add-up-to-a-BIG-one"--and wouldn't we just settle for ONE of 'em, like maybe a less aggressively hostile UPD, let alone City-of-Gainesville PD-treatment and attitude?...As for "working the NCAA bylaws", well, strikes me that if u can DO it and get away with it, that's just smarts and winning attitude, right? Our guy has his OWN approach to reigning his guys in, and given the realities in G-ville (only some of which we've referred to here), I think he's doing what he can to keep it clean AND make things work long term for a Gator program that Chomp figures will benefit in MANY ways by his guys living UP to high expectations, rather than camouflaging their unhindered letdowns.
(Meanwhile, tho', while I see and appreciate the practical and philosophical advantages, the improvements that can be expected for both individuals and team over time, would it kill the various "powers and personalities" involved to find some road to goin' a little easier on our kids, maybe ease up on apparent ongoing efforts to build careers on the backs of youthful indiscretions? Not saying they should "just get a pass", no matter what, but GEEZ...Just sayin'...)

 

[DRU2012]

Now again WAY off-topic here, but I couldn't think of where else to put this--and didn't really want to start a new thread with it...
Thing is, that "situation" they have up there in Tuscaloosa is SO different, contrasts so sharply with ours in Gainesville:
I mean, I thought Morrison was a fool for doing ANYTHING to apparently draw the attention of--and I admit it, figured he somehow provoked--the G-vile PD, but as the facts emerged in the words of their own prosecutor, this was an outrageous "bust", hostile and absurd even by the standards of a local constabulatory that seems to have a general habit of making their reps on the backs of Gators, and with what appears to be a plethora of officers for whom this is right up their alley. By the quoted words of each, Morrison was just kidding around as he walked by, not even especially loud in calling a "Woof! Woof!" to a dog sitting in the back of a cruiser as he walked by with friends while the cops were busy inside with something having nothing to do with them--but the K-9 cop overheard him from behind, freaked out (almost certainly at least suspecting he was dealing with a Gator player and his friends), and clearly relished the chance to REAM him--TOLD him so! Morrison begged, PLEADED for him to go easy, let him go, he was sorry but "didn't mean ANYTHING by it", probably KNOWING this would look bad for him with his Head Coach--and this time at least it DOES sound like just youthful fun, pretty innocent and lacking in any anger or machismo, which is exactly why the prosecutors recommended it be dropped.
I'm not a fan of stupidity, and like a lot of folks I thought he'd probably done something dumb to put himself in this position--but when even the prosecutor is basically saying otherwise, well, I can only hope that for Antonio's case, in THIS case, our Coach sees it that way too and stays focused on the original "problems" and doesn't let this amplify or confuse the situation that already exists. In short, I'm hoping that whatever punishment was already in the cards for him (again, I figured he'd miss the first couple of games, but be back for Tennessee--but what do I know?) will not change, and he will get a chance to get in there and play himself out of the Doghouse.

 

[awebbf5]

Now again WAY off-topic here, but I couldn't think of where else to put this--and didn't really want to start a new thread with it...
Thing is, that "situation" they have up there in Tuscaloosa is SO different, contrasts so sharply with ours in Gainesville:
I mean, I thought Morrison was a fool for doing ANYTHING to apparently draw the attention of--and I admit it, figured he somehow provoked--the G-vile PD, but as the facts emerged in the words of their own prosecutor, this was an outrageous "bust", hostile and absurd even by the standards of a local constabulatory that seems to have a general habit of making their reps on the backs of Gators, and with what appears to be a plethora of officers for whom this is right up their alley. By the quoted words of each, Morrison was just kidding around as he walked by, not even especially loud in calling a "Woof! Woof!" to a dog sitting in the back of a cruiser as he walked by with friends while the cops were busy inside with something having nothing to do with them--but the K-9 cop overheard him from behind, freaked out (almost certainly at least suspecting he was dealing with a Gator player and his friends), and clearly relished the chance to REAM him--TOLD him so! Morrison begged, PLEADED for him to go easy, let him go, he was sorry but "didn't mean ANYTHING by it", probably KNOWING this would look bad for him with his Head Coach--and this time at least it DOES sound like just youthful fun, pretty innocent and lacking in any anger or machismo, which is exactly why the prosecutors recommended it be dropped.
I'm not a fan of stupidity, and like a lot of folks I thought he'd probably done something dumb to put himself in this position--but when even the prosecutor is basically saying otherwise, well, I can only hope that for Antonio's case, in THIS case, our Coach sees it that way too and stays focused on the original "problems" and doesn't let this amplify or confuse the situation that already exists. In short, I'm hoping that whatever punishment was already in the cards for him (again, I figured he'd miss the first couple of games, but be back for Tennessee--but what do I know?) will not change, and he will get a chance to get in there and play himself out of the Doghouse.

Bench him for the first 2 games, get the message across, your bringing unwanted attention to the program. I know he is a kid but its time to grow up.

 

[DRU2012]

Bench him for the first 2 games, get the message across, your bringing unwanted attention to the program. I know he is a kid but its time to grow up.

Well, now the "dashcam video" is out (and this kind of "life in a fishbowl" reality is exactly Chomp's point in the matter), and several things are clear:
(1) Antonio really didn't DO much at all--it's almost funny, in a sad way, when he pleads, "I didn't mean to make any trouble, officer--I just said 'Woof woof'..."
(2) It WAS 3am in the morning and he's out there with friends "horsing around"--not the brightest thing he could be doing, given the prior incidents, and
(3) Our Head Coach IS staying focused on that, and the lesson(s) here for the whole team--and it seems it's getting thru': Check out his comments regarding that, the punishment (which WILL remain suspension for the first two games--including Miami, but NOT Tennessee and the opening of SEC-play--the same as I was given to understand was about to be announced BEFORE this latest deal), and the very fact that team leaders in "the leadership group" came to HIM "embarrassed" at this (as the Coach put it) "shows they're getting it" (me, I'm just as encouraged that there IS something in place now on our team, however informally, CALLED "the leadership group"!).

 

[Escambia94]

Antonio Morrison just needs to understand that the world is not fair: he is black, he was arrested for being stupid just a few weeks ago, he is paying for Urban Meyer & Aaron Hernandez bringing unwanted and negative attention/scrutiny to Gainesville, and he should realized that part of town is never a good place for any Gator to hang out at 3 am. If this were Tuscaloosa, he would just get a butt chewing from whichever disciplinarian coach was on duty at that time, and then be sent to his dorm room. This is not Tuscaloosa, this is Gainesville. Antonio is one more arrest away from being kicked off the team and transferring to North Alabama or Louisville. I like this kid a lot, but I am not convinced that he will remain a Gator much longer. Gainesville has a bad marijuana problem, so between the pot and being stupid, it is only a matter of time before he is gone. I miss good kids like Keiwan Ratliff.

 

[DRU2012]

"...Gainesville has a bad marijuana problem..." (lol)--Can't help it, E-: This is such a long-standing, fact-of-life-in-G-ville reality that it just seems like one of those "givens" that's not gonna change--only the various "actors" on the scene, how they approach their roles, and the resulting "drama" that plays out accordingly, actually changes--or ever WILL change. Heck, back in the late-70s you could stand downwind of Florida Field on a Saturday and, if not actually catch a buzz, you sure as hell could smell it wafting by...Even by then, real "sens semilla" ("without seeds") was already getting rarer 'cause there was so much pollen naturally in the wind getting to free-growing female plants--by now I'm sure they have to be isolated somehow to produce "the good stuff". Point is, "zero tolerance" isn't just "not gonna work" there, but from what I hear you can't even make a probationary or private "rule violation" stick for "presence of THC" in a urine-sample in Alachua County anymore because (for various reasons, many innocent--or at least inadvertent) it can be shown to be present (albeit in minute quantities) in just about everyone who LIVES or indeed spends more than a day or two there.
Your main point is well-taken, though: Stupidity, plus the many opportunities to convert it into dumb mistakes that yield fatal public screw-ups, doesn't bode well for a kid like Morrison, it seems. While it may not be pot itself, or its presence in his system, that's directly responsible for his downfall, certainly anything from the effects of its use, to the general behavior of the crowd he runs with for whom its use is common, and all the other things they do that are an accepted part of that version of "the college lifestyle", somehow, with a certain seeming inevitability, likely WILL.

 

[Escambia94]

Most college campuses have a marijuana problem. Why is it that Gainesville students cannot handle their pot, but other college campuses can? Maybe the University of Florida needs to teach a class in "college lifestyle: how to not get caught being stupid after smoking pot".

 

[DRU2012]

Most college campuses have a marijuana problem. Why is it that Gainesville students cannot handle their pot, but other college campuses can? Maybe the University of Florida needs to teach a class in "college lifestyle: how to not get get being stupid after smoking pot".

Good question--though the perennial answer from proud young undergrads would almost certainly be the same today as then: " 'Cause we got the best bud around!!!"--and for all I know, maybe it's true: If the current quality of the Alachua Cty. product has progressed as far as the strength of what's generally available at large today in America, then it'd be a scary potent thing by now--"Gainesville Green" back then, at it's "best" was head-and-shoulders more powerful than anything else around at the time. A couple of years back a good friend of mine from UF, Tammy, who like the rest of our "posse" both partied and studied hard in those days (ya just had to know when to do each, was my rationale), reflecting on our efforts described it as "Running a big race with heavy weights tied around each ankle!"
Generally WE all did quite well, winning scholarships, graduate fellowships and/or going on to professional success. In too many of these cases, though, whatever are the contributing factors, the resulting behavior is not exactly a ringing endorsement of "harmless fun" OR "victimless crime": I'm not sure how much they owe the school or its students and fans (a whole can'o'worms on its own), but in the worst examples, responsibility to both their teammates and the idea of TEAM, not to mention the futures they have long dreamt of and worked towards, risk sacrifice...