Robbie Andreu: Gators' spring breakdown

[O-town Gator]

Before we start speeding off toward the dog days of summer, veteran football beat writer Robbie Andreu offers these final thoughts on Florida's spring practice: http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20100413/ARTICLES/100419773/1136?Title=Gators-spring-breakdown

 

[CaliZona_Gator]

Jelani Jenkins starting at middle linebacker? He is super fast and apparently can lay a hit, but I didn't think he had the size to play in the middle. He is listed at 6' 220 which isn't too big. I thought that Bostic was leading for the middle spot, he is larger at 6'1 236.

I love that we have speed, but I worry that we will need more size, strength, and power up the middle when we face power running teams like Bama.

 

[shandsgator8]

Jelani Jenkins starting at middle linebacker? He is super fast and apparently can lay a hit, but I didn't think he had the size to play in the middle. He is listed at 6' 220 which isn't too big. I thought that Bostic was leading for the middle spot, he is larger at 6'1 236.

I love that we have speed, but I worry that we will need more size, strength, and power up the middle when we face power running teams like Bama.

Any possibility we're going to a 3-4 defense rather than our conventional 4-3?

Is depth a issue on our defensive line?

 

[Escambia94]

I like the idea of going 3-4. Alabama schwacked us with a 3-4. Why not go with what works, assuming we have the personnel for it?

 

[shandsgator8]

I like the idea of going 3-4. Alabama schwacked us with a 3-4. Why not go with what works, assuming we have the personnel for it?

I've never been a fan of the 3-4, but if we're a little lean on the d-line and we have plenty of great LBs, go for it (just like you mentioned).

It seems like we're stacked in our secondary, so maybe we'll go to a 3-3-5 like last year's Joker Package?

 

[Escambia94]

I've never been a fan of the 3-4, but if we're a little lean on the d-line and we have plenty of great LBs, go for it (just like you mentioned).

It seems like we're stacked in our secondary, so maybe we'll go to a 3-3-5 like last year's Joker Package?

We got burned in the Joker during the middle of the season. I am thinking the key is to use the Joker once in a while, but not too often. Likewise on offense, I think this year's offense will work well because we will line up in at least two types of formations to run the spead/spread-option, rather than lining up in essentially one formation for all plays.

 

[JvilleJohnny]

I think the defense is going to primarily run in a 3-4. Reason being is that our linebacker spot is deep as can be and all of them are fast. They can be used very effectively as a pass rush or jump back into coverage.

But it all depends on how much of playmakers the 3 freshman coming in this summer are. Dominique Easley, Sharrif Floyd, and Ronald Powell. If they are effective enough in the pass rush. We could be in a nickel the whole time. Where Matt Elam starts at safety.

 

[shandsgator8]

I think the defense is going to primarily run in a 3-4. Reason being is that our linebacker spot is deep as can be and all of them are fast. They can be used very effectively as a pass rush or jump back into coverage.

But it all depends on how much of playmakers the 3 freshman coming in this summer are. Dominique Easley, Sharrif Floyd, and Ronald Powell. If they are effective enough in the pass rush. We could be in a nickel the whole time. Where Matt Elam starts at safety.

What will Elam play, free or strong? And what about Hill and Black?