The Long Snapper (5/19/10)
known. Beal’s transfer comes of no surprise to anyone as the rumors have been going on for more than a year now it seems. The LB never got a chance to get on the field during his time at Florida mostly due to injuries. In 2010, it looked like his opportunity had arrived, but the emergence of a few younger players pushed him down the depth chart. Rumors link Beal to Big Ten country or somewhere else near his home in Pennsylvania. Although the depth Beal could have provided during 2010 will be missed, I can’t say I’m shocked. The writing may have been on the wall with the amount of playing time
Jon Bostic
got as a true freshman in 2009 and with all-world prospect
Jelani Jenkins
on the roster.
Future Gator tight end A.C. Leonard has made a move to improve his future and not in the way you think. You hear stories all the time of top recruits moving to larger schools before their senior year to give themselves more exposure in a bigger program. Leonard may have done the exact opposite in an effort to gain structure and improve his academic standing. Still a solid commit to Florida, Leonard has left Ribault (Jacksonville, FL) to attend University Christian (also in Jacksonville) for his senior year. The 2B school has a smaller program, but one on the rise. Their focus on academics and use of the spread offense can only help Leonard’s transition from high school to Florida. The Gators are keeping an eye on their recruit and are excited to see him progress.
The more talk about expansion, the more the Big 12 jumps at the opportunity to defend itself. First there was T. Boone Pickens, and now it’s Oklahoma president David Boren. Boren believes the demise of the Big 12 has been grossly exaggerated and doesn’t see the Sooners leaving the conference. He also states that any school that does, may be second guessing that decision down the road. The Big 12 has big things planned according to Boren and it would be advantageous for all of its members to stay put and reap the rewards that are ahead. And he may be right. None of us can reasonably expect the Big 12 to sit back and let expansion happen the way it is rumored. They are a big money conference with a chance to leap forward and they’ll take that chance if it means their structure remains intact.
Unless you’re a fan of either school, there’s a good chance both appear near the top of your hated list. For whatever reason, Miami and Notre Dame always seem to be among the most despised college football programs. You either love them or you hate them. There’s no in-between with either. If you’re among those that can’t stand the Hurricanes and Fighting Irish, you’re in for a treat of the worst kind. The two will face off against each other – if the deal goes through – in 2012, 2014, and 2016. The first game will be played at Soldier Field with each team getting a home game in the later two. If the Canes continue to improve and Brian Kelly can get something out of the Irish, these could be marquee matchups in more than just name. Although I’m not a fan of either, I’m always up for deals like these (cough…Florida take the hint).
The List: In honor of future Gator tight end (Leonard), here are some names from the past.
1. Kirk Wells
2. Kirk Kirkpatrick
3. Aaron Walker
4. Erron Kinney
5. Wilber Marshall (well, kinda)
6. Mike Mularkey
7. And, of course, Ben Troupe.
The Sixth Man: I can’t say I would have wanted to graduate from high school a year early. Not that I didn’t enjoy college life, but I had a pretty good time during my senior year of high school. Of course, I didn’t have the chance to play a major sport at a major university either. Scottie Wilbekin will join the Florida basketball team in time for the upcoming season after graduating from The Rock School (Gainesville, FL) an entire year early. The 6’2” point guard provides the Gators depth at the position, but it’s hard to know how ready he’ll be to contribute being so young. His high school coach believes Wilbekin’s basketball smarts will allow him to excel immediately. Let’s hope so. Depth at guard is definitely an issue for Florida.