O-town Gator
Gator Fan
For so many college football players, spring practice before their senior season is their wakeup call, a reminder that there is one last chance to salvage their career. Spring football has brought about a paradigm shift for Duke Lemmens in the way that he approaches practice and prepares for one last football season at the University of Florida. With a starting spot open at defensive end, Lemmens is going about his spring practice business with a brand new resolve and it could be what the California native needs to finally live up to the expectations that followed him to Gainesville when he signed with the Gators in 2007.
“This whole offseason, I really took into effect this is my last year,” Lemmens noted after a sweltering practice earlier this week. “It’s gone by fast. I dreamed of doing more by now. This is my one chance. I’m really stopping to smell the roses a little bit.”
Lemmens, who recorded 10 tackles while appearing in 11 games last year, hopes to see those numbers go up significantly this fall. He has put himself in a position to do make significant improvement thanks to his new lease on football life.
“I feel like I’m really improved,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve shed a little baby fat from last year. I’m lean and mean. I’ve gotten stronger in the weight room, I’ve ran my fastest times. I’m eating healthier than I ever have. Just little stuff like that has changed my whole outlook on things.”
Read more: http://www.gatorcountry.com/footbal...ivated_by_last_opportunity/8840#ixzz0kb6UFC97
