Five freshman who will play in 2010
Now that signing day has come and gone and we’ve had a chance to better analyze this Florida recruiting class, I thought it would be a good time to predict which five true freshmen will have an immediate impact this season. I’ve done these in order, meaning the No. 1 guy is the most likely to play.
1. Gerald Christian, tight end: He’s an early enrollee and he’ll have a chance to battle redshirt freshman Desmond Parks not just for playing time but for the starting role. Christian is an excellent athlete with good strength and great hands. He has a chance to develop into a pass-catching tight end in the mold of Aaron Hernandez. Being here this spring is a huge plus for Christian — and the Gators, who have only two scholarship tight ends on the roster at the moment. Unless something unforeseen happens, this kid is going to see serious playing time in the fall.
2. Joshua Shaw, cornerback: He’s also already in school and he has his eyes on that starting cornerback position vacated by All-American Joe Haden. He’s a big, athletic corner who has excellent cover skills and instincts. Physically, he appears ready to play. With the competition at his position so wide open, Shaw has a chance to become a freshman starter, like Haden and Janoris Jenkins before him. Another true freshman, Jaylen Watkins, also has a chance to make a run at the starting role.
3. Sharrif Floyd, defensive tackle: He’s not in school early, but he was considered the No. 1 defensive tackle prospect in the nation by most of the recruiting services. He’s got the imposing size the Gators have not signed at the position in recent years. With depth at tackle an issue due to injuries to Brandon Antwine and Terron Sanders, Floyd will get right into the mix for playing time when he arrives this summer.
4. Trey Burton, quarterback: I know, I know, his throwing mechanics are questionable and he’s going to need a lot of work to develop as a passer at this level. But that doesn’t matter right now. What does is he’s going to be the No. 2 quarterback, and he brings some of the same elements to the position that Tim Tebow did in the running game. Especially early in the season, Burton has a chance to get a package of plays to run in the offense, something to keep defenses a little off balance — and continue to make them prepare to defend the entire spread offense.
5. Ronald Powell, defensive end: He’s the consensus No. 1 recruit in the nation and he’s physically (and apparently mentally) ready to step on the field and play. His versatility will help him do that. He can play defensive end (where UF must replace both starters), outside linebacker (maybe even middle linebacker) and tight end. As a defensive end/outside linebacker, this kid reminds me of Hugh Green, who dominated as a true freshman at Pittsburgh in 1977 and went on to become the Heisman runner-up his senior season.
Robbie Andreu has been The Sun’s college football beat writer since 1993. He covered every game of the Steve Spurrier coaching era. The only game he’s missed since he has been in Gainesville is the 2006 Florida State game in Tallahassee. He happily stayed home for that one because of the imminent birth of his second child. Before coming to The Sun in March of 1993, Andreu worked for the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel for 10 years, covering a variety of sports, including the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Hurricanes, professional golf and baseball (playoffs and World Series). He also worked in Clearwater and Bradenton. He graduated from UF in 1977.
Huuuuuuuugh! Love Hugh Green. A Bucs legend. I see Powell as more like the freak or Dunlap with a motor.
by justin
Aren’t there 3 TE’s on scholarship now (Parks, Christian, and the QB who was moved to TE)?
by Alphagator91
With his TE/LB/DE versatility to go with the amazing speed for a kid that size, I was thinking maybe he’d be the next Wilbur Marshall. Not that I have outrageous expectations or anything…
by cggater
Powell should be able to play anywhere from the DE position to the OLB position. He’ll become a complete menace as he gets older and more experience. Floyd has the most upside…he’ll definately plug some holes.
by mike
I think you are right on point with Sharriff (the Sheriff) Floyd! I think this kid is legit with his size and intelligence. Our run game will be sick!
by Gator Nation in MD
I would agree that all of those guys have a great chance to see the field. Also hope that one or two of our WRs emerge and earn some significant playing time, probably Dunkley and Patton. You left out Matt Elam, but with the way UF likes to put athletes on the field, would expect him to see alot of action in a 5 DB package on passing downs.
by TampaDave
I think you are right on point with Sharriff (the Sheriff) Floyd! I think this kid is legit with his size and intelligence. Our stoppin the runnin game will be sick!
by Gator Nation in MD
Don’t forget my boy Leon Orr….as I have posted elsewhere he is 6’5″ and weighs in at over 300 lbs yet played tight end in high school with an average vpc of over 20. I don’t think he needs to put on any extra size or weight to be ready for the next level
by Atlanta
I think Tyler will played and Burton will be redshirt.
by gatorslover
For tight end, you forgot about Jordan Reed who moved to that position.
by Theo Gator
UF has so many studs coming in, I’ve lost count. Look for another SEC run in 2010 and national title play in 2011. Floridian by birth, Gator by the grace of God!!!
by GatorDominance
I agree Robbie. I can’t wait to see these guys play this coming year. I’d also like to see Mack Brown become part of this group. He’s the monster back Urban has always wanted for these gators. With our two speedsters now, the addition of Mac Brown to be the monster back would do wonders to our offense. And……….wouldn’t it be a great surprise in the next month or so Seantrel Henderson decides that USC and Lame Kitten is not where he wants to be or play for and decides to sign on with the number one 2010 recruiting class????
by flimflamman
Why make these predictions? I remember seeing similar postings about Torrey Davis, John Brown, Cam Newton and Andre Debose, et al. Injuries (Debose), character issues (Newton), lack of “motor” (Brown), and academic struggles (Davis) are all question marks until these kids prove themselves. Why not give them a chance to do just that?
by Robert M
WHY 5? POWELL/ELAM/FLOYD/EASLEY/CHRISTIAN/SHAW ALL HAVE REAL CHANCE TO START. ANOTHER 5 WILL PLAY AS BACK UPS AND SPECIAL TEAMS. FRESHMEN AT UF DO NOT SIT IF THEY CAN PLAY. I DO ENJOY YOUR ARTICLES
by GATOR BUCK
I beleive thinking Henderson could still possibly end up a Gagtoir is a pipe dream at best. I think he stays with USC and if not, he will most likely be a Buckeye. I think the Florida ship sailed when we did not even send him a LOT on signing day. His Father called the coaches on NSD asking why we did not send a letter and was told that we were only looking to sign two OL in this class and when we got Green & Silberman….that was that.
by 60'sdcgator
Agree with Robert. With both Tyler Murphy and Trey Burton coming in as potential backup quarterbacks, both athletic runners, both with simialr time in the 40, any prediction as to who gets the backup slot is a 50/50 proposition.
And yes, Jordan Reed will also be @ T.E.
by snaps
hello,does anyone have any idea what kink of defenseive scheme the new DC will employ?
t.y. gerry
by gerry areni