Thoughts on the Florida Gators’ 6 All-Americans
This is the time of year when you are thrown an All-American team from every possible place. Each and every sports publication seems to have its thoughts. And every individual with a blog wants to weigh in as well. I won’t go as far as to pick my own TBG team of All-Americans – you don’t need me to tell you who I think had a good season – but I will weigh in on my thoughts of the six
Florida
players who made the Associated Press’ lists. Sadly, there seems to be a good chance the Sugar Bowl will be the last time any of these six suits up for the Gators. Hopefully that’s not the case.
Aaron Hernandez, TE – 1st Team – Hernandez definitely deserves this honor. He was the one consistent bright spot in group of Gator pass catchers for all of the season. Everyone has their drops here and there, but Hernandez more than made up for his by contributing big play after big play. He ranked 53rd in the nation with 59 receptions. That may not seem all that impressive, but consider that he is a tight end in an offense that typically throws to the position about half that much and it’s actually quite a feat. You could chalk his high reception total to the fact that Florida had to throw to him, but they chose to do so because of his talent and reliability.
Joe Haden, CB – 1st Team – From record-setting high school quarterback to All-American college cornerback to possible first-round NFL draft pick. Watching Haden’s progression has been nothing short of delightful. He is perhaps the best tackling and hardest hitting corner in the nation and loves to knock a receiver on his ass. Although Haden has always seemed to be a step slow in one-on-one coverage, he did improve upon that during the 2009 season. Despite the fact that the Gators appear to be loaded at the position, Haden will be greatly missed if he does decide to test the NFL waters.
Tim Tebow, QB – 2nd Team – It’s hard to argue with Tebow’s inclusion in any All-American team. Although his numbers are down from the past couple of seasons, Tebow is still a force and one of the most dangerous players in the country on any given day. People can clamor for Boise State’s Kellen Moore, but I have to go to the competition argument there. Nothing against Moore – or someone like Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour – but there’s a big difference in who they play and the typical SEC or – in first-team selection Colt McCoy’s case – Big 12 schedule.
Maurkice Pouncey, C/Mike Pouncey, G – 2nd Team – I hate to bash any Gator, especially the Pounceys who seem like they would jump into a brawl to protect anyone wearing orange and blue, but was this selection based more on potential than actual performance? I’m not trying to be snide, I’m seriously asking. During the first half of the season, the entire offensive line seemed to struggle. Tebow was pressured more than he ever had been and ended up on the ground way too often. As Florida moved into the second half of the year, the line tightened up some and got their protection down, but it still seemed to be much more of an issue than in previous years. Don’t get me wrong (I say that too much, don’t I?), I believe the Pounceys are great linemen and definitely deserve consideration, I’m just not sure if they were really two of the best in the nation over the course of the entire season. However, they were key parts of a 12-1 team, so maybe I shouldn’t complain.
Brandon Spikes, LB – 2nd Team – Spikes had his issues this year. From injuries to that incident we remember all too well, the leader of the defense was in the news for reasons I’m sure he didn’t want to be in for. But when #51 was on his game, look out. Spikes has that instinctive feel about the way he plays the game. When he’s healthy, he could be the best all-around defensive player in the nation. I’m glad he made the decision to return for his senior season and hope the Gators can help him go out with a win.