Tuesday, October 07, 2003

The Florida "Crisis" - the tale of Freshman quarterbacks

See this article on the unrest in Florida (about half-way down the page). Of course Florida is trying to develop a true freshman quarterback just like Tech. At this point, it is fair to see Ball has developed more successfully. Some nice comments about Chan Gailey.
Here is an excerpt:
Other freshmen quarterbacks will make the same freshman mistakes Leak has made. But those other quarterbacks, while making many bad decisions, also display a better feel for the game as the season progresses, bringing more big-play production to the table.

Defense exhibit A? Reggie Ball at Georgia Tech. Chan Gailey clearly knows how to teach and develop a young quarterback. And getting back to Florida, a guy named Spurrier knew how to take a talented freshman, Rex Grossman, pluck him from the bench in the midst of what was a muddled and uncertain quarterback situation heading into the 2000 season, and turn him into a stud—a stud who made a number of really dumb freshman mistakes that year, but who was more than able to compensate for those goofs with stacks of big plays. Someone knew how to bring out his talent and cultivate a smarter, more polished quarterback with better instincts and superior pocket presence.


From a personal perspective, I hope the fickle Tech fans do not drive Gailey away with their ranting everytime something does not go "right". Remember that Gailey is actually a Florida alum. If Fl. fires their coach do you think they will come knocking at Gailey's door? I hope not, but it could happen. I still think that Gailey is our guy and he can take us "to the next level". After the way he was treated after the UGA & Fresno St. losses I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted out at the 1st opportunity. Of course he can see now that every school has their "die-hard" fans who are never satisfied. Based on the crisis in Florida they sound like they are ready for a hangin'. Let's give this guy a chance.