STAFF/PERSONNEL EVALUATIONS

Though Meyer said that, like every year, he will evaluate his staff and team members at the appropriate time (read: end of the season), he also made it a point that there is still plenty of year left and the No. 1 objective at this point is to win games for the seniors as well as the rest of the team. “We’re into solutions, not blame and not excuses,” he said. “We need to get this place back to where we need to get it.”

Asked if he believed offensive coordinator Steve Addazio would be removed from his current position with different responsibilities next year, Meyer said the following: “I don’t think that will happen. I’m not into blame, I’m not into excuses, we’re into solutions. Right now the solution is somehow have a great Tuesday and Wednesday. I know that’s a coach-speak answer, especially around here, but that’s what we do.”

ENERGY VOID AT ISSUE IN GAINESVILLE

All season, through the close wins and losses, Meyer along with his coaching staff and players discussed “execution” as the main issue. Things changed on Monday with everyone talking about a lack of energy on a game-to-game basis. “I don’t see an offense full of life. I don’t see a lot of energy,” Meyer said. “That’s one thing as a head coach that concerns me. That’s all personnel based and success based. [...] We’re a staff that believes energy equals production.”

“We have energy givers on the team, but it’s a collective effort,” senior center Mike Pouncey added later. “When you have one or two guys giving energy on the field, it turns out like that. [...] [Our team has] guys that just drift away during the course of a game.”

BRANTLEY IS THE QUARTERBACK AT FLORIDA

Contrary to what many may think hope, redshirt junior quarterback John Brantley will remain the Gators’ signal caller now and for the foreseeable future. “He’ll start at quarterback for Florida this weekend,” Meyer said. “We have to do a better job in a lot of areas and to say it’s all our quarterback – that’s not fair – and that won’t be said. Obviously our team wouldn’t say that. [...] We have to raise the level of play around him.”

Though the roles of freshman QB Trey Burton and redshirt freshman tight end Jordan Reed behind center will expand, Brantley is the starter and will likely remain that way through 2011. He has not raised any issue with being replaced for option plays, and that is likely what will continue happening the rest of his time in the orange and blue.

MEYER PANICKED EARLY ON SATURDAY

Meyer also put the onus on himself for how the team performed once it was down 15-7 to the South Carolina Gamecocks. He said that – as he tends to do – he panicked and that resonated throughout the entire team. Instead, Meyer believes they should have stuck to the offensive game plan (using three QBs, hurry-up offense) rather than putting the ball mostly in Brantley’s hands with the thought that the team had to throw to get out from behind a deficit.

Because the team did not get into a rhythm, Meyer said the up-tempo was ineffective. The team could not gain any yardage on first down – leading to too many 3rd down and longs – and it went away from utilizing Burton simply because he was shut down early by South Carolina’s run defense.

QUOTES (After the break…)

Meyer on the seniors: “We have 23 seniors. We have five that left last year and they’re all playing in the NFL. We have two that already graduated, eight will graduate in December and all the others are on schedule to graduate. Sometimes that takes a hit when these guys take off in the spring to go to these combine preparation camps that they do, but we’re pushing it real hard. I have great confidence that they all at some point will have a degree from the University of Florida.”

Meyer on personnel changes: “Well, the head coach will be back next year. I can’t say that, I hope I am. I’m going to do the best I can to get this thing back at the elite level which we all expect.”

Meyer on freshman DT Dominique Easley’s status with the team: “He is back on the team and practicing. As of Monday, I wouldn’t say resolved, but he’s doing well in the classroom and working hard.”

Meyer on the offense line not playing well: “That’s one of several concerns we’ve had. To say we’ve lost confidence in the offensive line is very incorrect because so many things go into it. So once again this is not about excuses or problems or blame, it’s about coming up with solutions as fast as we can.”

Meyer on the offense: “Offense is the area of our prime concern right now. We’re pushing every button possible to get that fixed.”

Meyer on what is lacking: “There’s a void in our team right now – somewhere. I’m trying to figure out what it is.”

Meyer on if not having a running QB means the spread won’t work in the SEC: “On a national level – you have to have that thread.”

Meyer on the maturity of senior safety Ahmad Black: “One of the best I’ve ever been around as far as a football player and a leader.” Meyer also compared him to guys like Major Wright, Ryan Smith, Brandon Spikes and Ryan Stamper in that regard.

- Meyer also said that Florida, as a team, is high-energy and that all five guys who graduated/declared last year had that. It was not replaced fully this season.

OGGOA had the opportunity to participate in Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer’s Southeastern Conference teleconference on Wednesday (we will be doing so every week). Below are some notes from Meyer’s media availability (full transcript later):

» Meyer answering OGGOA’s question about redshirt junior wide receiver Chris Rainey’s importance to the offense: “It’s his year. He’s gonna perform. He’s ready for it. He’s up to almost 180 – 178 he told me yesterday. He’s stronger than he’s ever been. He’s now focused on a position that really his body is more trained to be. And he has to give us the home run shot, and he’s got the ability. There’s really not an offense who can function without a home run hitter. And he’s either one or two on our list of guys that can take it to the distance.”

» Asked about whether or not he was concerned about junior running back Jeff Demps returning kickoffs, Meyer said the team is being “very cautious” but “hopefully we don’t return many kicks.” He also noted that Demps getting injured is one of the team’s main concerns; he no longer participates in “non-essential running” drills during practice and the team is “very cautious” with him throughout the week. “He just goes 40 yards every time he touches it at warp speed.”

» Meyer refused to pick either redshirt sophomore Jeremy Brown or senior Moses Jenkins as the team’s No. 2 cornerback, saying the duo is both competing in practice and will split time.

» He went out of his way to give shout-outs to freshmen quarterback Trey Burton and safety Matt Elam, redshirt freshman linebacker Jelani Jenkins and sophomore LB Jon Bostic as four players who will soon become household names among Florida fans.

» Read the rest of what Meyer had to say…after the break!

Opening statement: “We look forward to Johnny Brantley era of Florida football – he’s certainly well-deserving of this opportunity. There’s going to be two-thirds of our team are freshman and sophomores, but this last week of practice has really put us in position to be a decent football team.”

On versatility at linebacker: “A.J. Jones is basically our [Ryan] Stamper – he’s the only one that we feel that comfortable with moving around. Jelani’s that smart, he just doesn’t have the experience, so I’m not as comfortable as maybe the other guys – moving him around. But A.J. Jones is the one guy who can play all three [positions]. And then the rotation inside, because they’re similar off-the-ball players … to be able to play all three you have to be a special guy and have to have some experience. A.J. Jones is the only one who falls in that category right now.”

On the anticipation of watching his new freshmen: “I’m probably like Gator Nation. All we can do is prepare, so I’m not worried about that yet. I have thought about the first time you get to see those freshman run around out there. I think we’re going to be very pleased. I’m glad it’s home. I’m glad it’s an opportunity for even the ones that aren’t starting to settle down, because I know … I’ve seen their faces in that stadium for the first time. So settle down and let them go play a little bit.”

Meyer on his new personnel on the field: “I’m excited. I can’t say I was excited several months ago because I was more concerned than excited, but now I’ve seen what Jon Bostic has done in practice, I’ve seen what Jelani has done in practice. And, as important as anybody, I’ve seen what Johnny Brantley has – not so much throwing the ball, but the other things we’ve talked about many times – his leadership, his direction and the way his players are playing for him right now.”

Meyer on his keys to building a champion from the ground up: “The No. 1 thing to do is you go find out exactly where you’re at … one thing we’ve always done is have great respect for the institution we’re at. You have to do that. You have to sell that university and get good players in there … if you don’t know your place. The first thing I always do is invite guys like Norm Carlson, James Bates – former players – to come speak to our staff and tell us about what it’s like, because I had no idea. I even call guys like Coach [Steve] Spurrier I really care about. I don’t want to be an outsider, I want to be an insider as soon of possible. That’s hard to do. And then obviously the second thing is to get players in there and demand the work ethic. Once you do that, you have a shot.”

On the turning point for his team during practice: “I think two things. Number one is guys started getting healthy. We had a real rough offseason [and] training camp – real hot, real rough, and guys were dinged up. And there were guys on the field that weren’t quite ready yet. And then all of a sudden you get some experience back on the field and some players back on the field. [Lawrence] Marsh is coming back now, having [Terron] Sanders around. When those guys are out, it’s just a lot of young puppies out there. That’s number one. Number two is just starting to see the team come together, which is what you imagine it would after training camp. Training camp survival kind of breaks down all barriers. Once you get to the season, your legs start coming back, you start getting … it’s not just survival, it’s let’s develop a team. I was hoping that would happen, and we’ll know more Saturday, but it is starting to happen.”

On if he likes his team yet: “Yeah, of course I like this team. Anybody that’s gone through what they’ve gone through here the last month. I admire them, and I like them. I admire what they’ve done.”

On Demps returning kickoffs possibly running him down: “Yes, I am, we’re very cautious. Hopefully we don’t return many kicks. The second thing, in practice, I’m very cautious because he only knows one speed. Part of his rundown isn’t in the game, it’s the darn practices because he just goes 40 yards every time he touches it at warp speed. We’ve really backed down on him in certain practice things – non-essential running – we’ve really backed off on him and he feels the best he’s ever felt going into a game. Today and tomorrow are critical for that because that’s usually when a lot of skill guys get rundown just running and running. … That’s probably number one or number two on our list – to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

On players who will become household names: “I think Trey Burton is one people [will know] – he’s a newcomer. Matt Elam’s going to get significant playing time. Jelani Jenkins and Bostic – those are two names that aren’t exactly household names and they’ve really performed well here in the last week. And they’re great kids. I don’t mean to leave anybody out, [but] those are four names off the top of my head.”

On making sure he has a clear-cut quarterback: “Every coach wants that. Our first year at Utah we did not have that luxury. Bowling Green and Utah we did not have that. At Florida we came in and had a clear cut guy Chris Leak and then Tim [Tebow] and Johnny, so we’re very fortunate. Our concern is who’s the guy right behind him. You’re trying to dual-teach Trey Burton at some positions, you’ve got a true freshman Tyler Murphy who’s not very experienced at quarterback – he’s a great kid with a lot of talent. And then you’ve got the ace in the whole [who’s] probably not going to play because of injury, we’re still going to find out more this week, is Jordan Reed. So that’s our dilemma – not so much who the guy is – that’s a bad day when you don’t know who your guy is. We had a couple bad days early at Bowling Green and Utah.”

On recruiting back-up and future quarterbacks: “I think one of the great success stories in college football is the kid at LSU, [Matt] Flynn I think his name was, who won the National Championship. You talk about admiration. Johnny Brantley has been like that. Johnny Brantley went through the whole gamut of being a local guy that everybody said, ‘Well, go here. You can start here. You can start here.’ That says a lot about personal – the kid’s family, how he’s raised. It also says a lot about that young man. Think about that guy at LSU – sits around, sits around and then goes and wins a National Championship. That is harder to find guys like that nowadays just because of the magnitude of what’s happening.”

On Rainey’s impact on offense this year: “It’s his year. He’s gonna perform. He’s ready for it. He’s up to almost 180 – 178 he told me yesterday. He’s stronger than he’s ever been. He’s now focused on a position that really his body is more trained to be. And he has to give us the home run shot, and he’s got the ability. There’s really not an offense who can function without a home run hitter. And he’s either one or two on our list of guys that can take it to the distance.”

Photo Credit: Butch Dill/Associated Press

2 » With their 2010 season set to begin on Friday at home against the Miami Hurricanes, No. 11 Florida soccer participated in an exhibition match Saturday, defeating Alabama-Birmingham 3-0. Senior defender Nicky Kit (19’), sophomore midfielder/forward Erika Tymrak (23’) and sophomore MF Holly King connected for the Gators’ three goals. Florida’s game against Miami will air live on Sun Sports at 7 p.m. It is the first game of the University of Florida’s 2010-11 athletic season.

DEHYDRATION CONCERNS

The University of Florida announced Friday afternoon that senior linebacker Brandon Hicks left morning practice and was rushed to a hospital to be treated for dehydration. A team spokesperson said Hicks is “doing fine” and is expected to fully recover.

SPEEDSTER RETURNS

Redshirt junior running back Chris Rainey is fast, but an accelerated heart rate had kept him out of practice for a few days. After undergoing a non-invasive procedure and resting, Rainey returned to practice Friday but was held out of contract drills. He will get contact either Saturday during the Gators’ first scrimmage of the fall or when practice resumes on Monday.

CAST OFF

Seemingly always injured, redshirt sophomore offensive tackle Matt Patchan suffered a hairline fracture in his wrist a few practices ago and was scheduled to miss action for 10-14 days. Head coach Urban Meyer told reporters Friday that Patchan’s cast is coming off and he will begin working out again on Saturday.

Check out the rest of Friday’s morning practice notes…after the break!

FRESHMEN FACTORS

Meyer usually falls in love with a freshman or two right when fall practice begins; this season he has singled out wide receiver Robert Clark and linebacker Michael Taylor as his early favorites. Both had their respective black helmet stripes removed earlier in the week – Clark first – and are impressing Meyer with their tenacity.

Meyer on Clark: “He is the Energizer Bunny. He goes as hard as he can. I wish he was a little taller and a little faster, but he’s tough as nails and making plays. He’ll hit you. He was the first guy to get his stripe off. It’s kind of cool to see that.

Meyer on Taylor: “He strikes you. He loves the game. I’m hoping he’s our [Ryan] Stamper, a guy that doesn’t look physically imposing, but boy, he strikes you.”

MEDIA AVAILABILITY QUOTES

Meyer on his phone call with Alabama head coach Nick Saban, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and others regarding agents: “I loved it. I love the fact you have everybody involved and everybody wanting to do right. There actually were some agents on the phone, the NFLPA, the commissioner and some college football coaches. It was about as positive as you can get. Because everybody wants to do right. You get stereotyped, the agents, the coaches, the players. Obviously, there are a lot of people who don’t want to do it right. The majority, I would say, want to do it right. […] You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to figure this thing out, now. You want to stop some kind of unethical, illegal activity. How do you do it? You punish them. Players get punished, and you want to stop the other side [agents], too. It’s almost like in recruiting. If there is no threat of punishment, you’ll have at it. Certain people of integrity are going to do it the right way anyway. A good bunch won’t because no punishment, have at it. In recruiting, some things are going on, too, and this agent thing. There are a lot of positives going around for the good of college football. We can’t lose college football. We just can’t.”

Meyer on the team’s progression: “I love this team so far. I like what’s going on right now. As I get to sit back and watch practice, I’m seeing a lot of effort. We’re not very good right now, but I like what’s going on. And good coaching. I’m very impressed with what’s going on with our staff. This is the year of accountability and development, and development is going on. There are only a couple of weeks left to do it, that’s the only problem.”

Meyer on Saturday’s scrimmage: “[Finding] playmakers is still my big issue, and solidifying the [offensive] front five, who they’re going to be. I think we know who three or four will be. We’ve got to establish a [defensive line] rotation up front, and I couldn’t tell you who our starting linebackers are right now.”

Special thanks to The Gainesville Sun for some of the quotations above.

Fortunately, the Gators’ leading tackler in 2009 was one of the very first players contacted by the Detroit Lions after the draft; he was immediately signed to an undrafted free agent contract.

“It was frustrating to sit back while everybody else was working out,” Stamper told the Orlando Sentinel back in April. “All teams had on me was game film and they kept saying they wanted to see me live. It was impossible to work out because every time I tried, it felt like I couldn’t walk the next day.”

Unfortunately for Stamper, his injury had not fully healed when he met with trainers, causing him to fail a team physical and forcing the Lions to cut him right away.

Even so, the team has decided to give him another chance by inviting him back to Detroit to workout Tuesday, according to The Detroit News. Stamper has been staying in shape and completing full workouts in Gainesville, FL, recently; he is expected to be ready to earn a roster spot with the Lions before training camp beings on July 31.

A non-updated version of the above article was first published by OGGOA on July 4.

Photo Credit: Richard C. Lewis/Icon SMI

Fortunately, the Gators’ leading tackler in 2009 was one of the very first players contacted by the Detroit Lions after the draft; he was immediately signed to an undrafted free agent contract.

“It was frustrating to sit back while everybody else was working out,” Stamper told the Orlando Sentinel back in April. “All teams had on me was game film and they kept saying they wanted to see me live. It was impossible to work out because every time I tried, it felt like I couldn’t walk the next day.”

Unfortunately for Stamper, his injury had not fully healed when he met with trainers, causing him to fail a team physical and forcing the Lions to cut him right away.

Even so, the team has decided to give him another chance by inviting him back to Detroit in two weeks – as early as July 18 – for a workout. Stamper has been staying in shape and completing full workouts in Gainesville, FL, recently; he is expected to be ready to earn a roster spot with the Lions before training camp beings on July 30.

Photo Credit: Richard C. Lewis/Icon SMI

1 » Apparently the already close relationship between former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow and his new head coach, Josh McDaniels of the Denver Broncos, was like an old-fashioned story – love at first sight. The Denver Post reports that occurrence took place at the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine when the two met in a private room along with other Broncos’ staffers. “I was jacked leaving that room. I didn’t even want to visit another room. It was not enough time,” Tebow said. “We were excited, we were enthusiastic. There was passion. It was just intense, and it was ball, and it was juice. The juice level in that room was high, and it was awesome.”

2 » Two bulging discs in his back prevented former Gators linebacker Ryan Stamper from showing teams what he was made of prior to the 2010 NFL Draft – even though there was plenty of interest. What his injury did not faze was the Detroit Lions’ interest in signing him to an undrafted free agent contract. “It was frustrating to sit back while everybody else was working out,” Stamper told the Orlando Sentinel. “All teams had on me was game film and they kept saying they wanted to see me live. It was impossible to work out because every time I tried, it felt like I couldn’t walk the next day.”

3 » The New England Patriots drafted three former Florida players over the weekend – defensive end Jermaine Cunningham, linebacker Brandon Spikes and tight end Aaron Hernandez. However, only one of the three already has ties (albeit limited ones) to the area. According to a variety of reports, Spikes has been dating Callie Rivers, a volleyball player at UF who happens to be the daughter of Boston Celtics‘ coach Doc Rivers and brother of former Gators five-star basketball commitment Austin Rivers. Needless to say, her father is happy to have Spikes close and even gave Patriots head coach Bill Belichick a recommendation. “Big guy, big for an inside linebacker,” Belichick told the Boston Herald. “Very highly respected […] and, of course, came with a good recommendation from Doc. Of course, I appreciate that. He can keep an eye on him up here, keep his daughter a little closer to home.”

4 » Already a close personal friend with Gators head coach Urban Meyer, Belichick spoke fondly of the Florida football program when asked why he drafted three players from it over the weekend. “[When] we were in Florida, I felt like we were working out half of the first and second round,” he said. “We saw all those guys [...] it was the day after their Pro Day down there. It was a good meeting like it always is with Florida. Those kids are very focused on football. Football’s important to them. They’re in a good program. It’s important for them to win. They know what they are doing. They’ve worked hard both on and off the field. They’re extremely well-coached by Coach Meyer and his staff, so it’s a lot of fun to sit down and talk football with them.”

Extra Bit » Former Gators cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis has been given a tryout with the New York Giants and will attend the team’s mini camp hoping to earn a contract, according to the Naples News.

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Kick returner Brandon James was picked up by the Indianapolis Colts, wide receiver David Nelson found a home with the Buffalo Bills and linebacker Ryan Stamper agreed to a deal with the Detroit Lions.

So rather than try to predict the unknown variables and tell you what could happen, we will stick with what likely will happen. And you can check it out…after the break!

» Cornerback Joe Haden will be the first Florida player selected

Unless a team (Denver Broncos) desperately needs a center and are willing to trade up into the top half of the first round to get one, Haden will be the first Gator off the board. And rightly so. Dominating receivers in the college game is certainly different from doing so in the professional ranks, but Haden’s ability to shut down his man one-on-one is a value that cannot be overstated in the pass-first NFL.

» Center Maurkice Pouncey will be the second Gator taken

Talk about making a smart decision. Pouncey went from hoping to earn a first-round grade to being projected by most to go at No. 18 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would join former Florida tackle Max Starks. He has the potential to have the longest and most successful career of any Gators player coming out this year.

» The questions will be plenty for quarterback Tim Tebow‘s new team

Once Tebow is selected, the questions about his throwing motion and mechanics will slightly subside, falling into the back end of what everyone wants to know. The new questions that will certainly arise are the main reasons that Tebow is the biggest story of the night at Radio City Music Hall. And they will all be asked to his new team’s head coach and general manager. Why did you find Tebow special enough to trade up for? Do you really think you can make him a starter in this league? Will he play Wildcat or H-back for you in the meantime? Are you concerned about his interests beyond football? Do you think his approach will work in a locker room full of grown men/millionaires?

» The criticisms for Tebow’s new team are to be expected

When his name is called, Tebow will be the subject of conversation on the ESPN and NFL Network draft day sets for as much as the next 10 minutes. Here is what will be said:

- “He’s a reach at [pick number], but [team] must believe they can make him into a starter. I don’t see it.”
- “I like his intangibles, but [pick number] is too high to take Tebow. I have him as a third-round talent and would have been OK if he was taken in the second.”
- “He’s a work in progress, not sure why [team] reached for him here. I would only take guys who can start for me in the first two rounds.”
- “Tebow needs at least two years behind an established veteran to even have a chance at making it in the NFL. He has a ways to go.”
- “NFL games are a different speed, and he has trouble reading the field. If you can’t do that, you won’t succeed in this league.”
- “I like the pick. The guy is the most decorated college quarterback of all time and is a proven leader. He will work his butt off and do whatever it takes to be successful.”

» Up to five more Florida players will be selected before Saturday morning

After Haden, Pouncey and Tebow, the Gators have a plethora of talent who grade out by many in the second and third rounds. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap (once considered a top-five pick), safety Major Wright (once considered a fourth-round pick), wide receiver Riley Cooper, defensive end Jermaine Cunningham and tight end Aaron Hernandez could all go somewhere between picks No. 33-98. Here are some notes:

- Dunlap is still capable of being selected in the first-round but his stock has taken a hit first due to his DUI arrest but more recently because of his inconsistent motor.
- There is a prevailing thought that Wright may not get out of the second round.
- Many are projecting a significant drop for Hernandez, who was once thought to be worthy of a second-round selection (character concerns).
- Opinions vary on Cooper; most think he is talented enough to go in the third round.

» Linebacker Brandon Spikes’ future remains a mystery

Coming off a National Championship after the 2008 season, Spikes could very well have been a first-round pick. Now in 2010, he may not be selected until the third day of the draft. That is how far Spikes has fallen due to concerns about his speed, health and technique. He was once thought to be the perfect middle linebacker; now teams are looking at him more as a compliment on the inside in a 3-4 scheme. Earlier this week I compared his NFL future to that of former Gator LB Brandon Siler – undervalued coming out but likely to have a solid impact in the league.

» …and then there’s the rest…

There are a handful of other Florida players who are draft-eligible, but those with the greatest chance of being selected at one point or another are linebacker Ryan Stamper, wide receiver David Nelson, kick returner Brandon James and cornerbacks Wondy Pierre-Louis and Markihe Anderson. In all likelihood, most of these guys will be undrafted free agents (which is actually better money- and contract-wise than being selected with a sixth- or seventh-round pick). OGGOA will also cover where they end up on Saturday night, Sunday and Monday after the draft has concluded.

For LIVE COVERAGE of the 2010 NFL Draft, be sure to join us back here at OGGOA tonight at 7:30 p.m. (EST).

1 » Former Florida Gators cornerback Joe Haden has been announced as one of 12 players selected to be featured on ESPN‘s three-time Emmy Award-winning program Sport Science. All 12 special segments will air throughout the network’s coverage of the 2010 NFL Draft from April 22-24. Other big names who will be featured include Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and South Florida defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.

2 » Palm Beach Autographs will host another University of Florida-themed signing session this weekend in Jacksonville, FL. Featured at the event will be Haden; center Maurkice Pouncey; wide receivers Riley Cooper, David Nelson and Brandon James; linebackers Brandon Spikes, Dustin Doe and Ryan Stamper; and cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis. Autograph prices range from $10-$50, or you can buy a combo package for $145. For more information, check out their Web site.

Two more BITS on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ interest in Tim Tebow, a new NCAA eye black rule and an honor for A.J. Jones…after the break!

3 » Jacksonville Jaguars fans are still pushing their organization to draft former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow next weekend. Even so, team general manger Gene Smith admires Tebow but will not draft him higher than his perceived value. “He’s the right type of person, a leader,” Smith told The Florida Times-Union. “I don’t know that there’s a more competitive football player in the country. I have great respect for our fans on how they feel about Tim. […] If you believe in [picking] best available player and stack your draft board with a value line in place, and if you stay with your board and he’s the guy on top of the board [when it’s time to pick], it’s no different than for any other player. He’s a guy we think a lot of. […] You grade every player for who they are. […] I’d treat Tim Tebow like any other player in the draft.”

4 » Something that endeared Tebow to some of his fans, his religious-themed eye black messages, will not be something redshirt junior John Brantley or any other player will be allowed to replicate in 2010. The NCAA has banned both eye black messages and wedge blocking in 2010 while instituting a penalty for taunting that could remove points from the violating player’s team in 2011.

Extra Bit » Florida redshirt senior linebacker A.J. Jones has been named to the 2010 Lott Trophy watch list. He is one of 42 student-athletes to earn the preseason honor and hopes to follow Texas Christian’s Jerry Hughes, who won the award in 2009.

Photo Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images