The Bull Gator (4/9/10)
. Hermann’s neck injury was such that he was probably never going to be back to full strength, and at this point, he decided it wasn’t worth it to risk further injury. Hermann has more career starts than any other current
USF
offensive lineman and was working to attempt to come back from the injury that forced him to miss the final five games of the 2009 season. I’m sure it was a tough decision for Hermann to come to, but if he did, he was obviously concerned about his future. You never like to lose players this way, but in the end this is probably the best thing for Hermann. We hear too many horror stories about what becomes of some players long after their careers end.
In case you haven’t gotten enough Tim Tebow yet, more is on the way. That is if you’re like me and still play the NCAA Football video game year after year. Tebow has been named the cover athlete for the 2011 version (which comes out in 2010 in anticipation of the 2010 season, but sure why not call it the 2011 version?). If you believe Wikipedia, Tebow will be the cover athlete for all versions of the game. He is the second Florida player to grace the cover. Danny Wuerffel was the first, making the cover of NCAA Football 98. The Gators almost had a former player on one of the covers of last year’s game, but for some reason (and yes, I know the rumors, I just like the guy too much to get into the whole situation again) Percy Harvin ended up being replaced, leaving me to have to look at Michael Crabtree all year.
A fan mock-up of what a Tebow cover could look like.
Years after missing out on one, Tennessee finally got their Phil Simms clone and he is set on claiming the starting position. Matt Simms came to the Vols via junior college and Louisville before that. He left the Cardinals after the 2008 season when it became clear he would not be the team’s starting quarterback. There was also the little issue of a four-game suspension which could have had something to do with a picture of Simms that circulated. He spent a season in the junior college ranks that some would say was mediocre at best and now has a handle on becoming the number one guy at Tennessee. That became even more of a sure thing when on Thursday senior QB Nick Stephens announced his intention to transfer. As someone who has watched the ups and downs of a previous Simms, I can’t decide if this is a good thing or a bad thing for those of us who are Gator fans. On one hand, he did virtually nothing at Louisville and older brother Chris had his collapsible moments. On the other, there is a level of talent there that makes me think he’ll have a few big games.
Steve Spurrier has decided it’s time for him to be a jerk. Make your own jokes for that one. I’ll get you headed in the right direction. He’s decided that NOW is the right time? Anyway. Spurrier has taken back all offensive play-calling duties as he enters his sixth season as the head coach of South Carolina. And along with that, he’s decided that he has been too soft with his players over the first five years. It’s time for Spurrier to be a jerk and to turn himself into what made him so successful at Florida. Understand the odds of him having that same kind of success are roughly…well…it’s impossible really. Know your role Gamecock fans, you can have a great season here and there, but becoming a power in the SEC is probably too much to ask for. But Spurrier will try before he rides off into the sunset. He’s bringing the intensity back and plans on pushing his players harder than he has before. If anything, Spurrier has upped the level of talent at South Carolina, but not everyone has lived up to their potential. If he can get his players to perform, they definitely could improve. Win the SEC East? That’s a different story, but improve they can.
The List: There are two stances on Spurrier when it comes to Florida fans’ feelings. Some still love the guy and always will (I fall into that category). And others have moved on bitterly. Too each their own, but even if you hate the Spurrier left, remember it’s not his fault this man was his successor. And be happy there is only one name on this list. We’re all lucky there weren’t more failures between Spurrier and Urban Meyer.
1. Ron Zook.
The Sixth Man: Kentucky will be back. It’s what John Calipari does. He recruits top-level talent and gets the most out of his younger players. Calipari had three straight years where his leader was a true freshman guard. But it’s hard to not think the Wildcats will stumble next season. If all stay true to their declarations, five Kentucky players will leave early. Add three more seniors to that, and there is hardly a team left. Calipari has already put together the beginnings of another very good recruiting class, but can they be that good? Remember, this recent team didn’t make the Final Four. I’m sure Kentucky will still be good and with that present a problem for Florida at least twice a season, but the Wildcats will take a step back in the upcoming season. Maybe not a big one, but a step back all the same.