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The Struggle Upward

Swayin

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I think we have reached bottom with the end of the CWM era. Next year, with the personnel losses we have had, will be a struggle -- but a struggle UPWARD. We are climbing out, step by step. I can accept that. I think each day we take a step up, and just need to keep climbing. And I think Shane is the right person for the job.

 
I think we have reached bottom with the end of the CWM era. Next year, with the personnel losses we have had, will be a struggle -- but a struggle UPWARD. We are climbing out, step by step. I can accept that. I think each day we take a step up, and just need to keep climbing. And I think Shane is the right person for the job.
Have to say spot on. Let's climb the mountain and get to the peak this time.

 
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When you are in a hole, stop digging. We got rid of the shovel (CWM) and now can start climbing out. 

 
Had to be done.  We were not making any progress - we were just digging as jrgamecock said.  Let's see what this staff can do in year 1.  Maybe not a lot more wins, but I want to see progress on the field with how we play.  We have a tough schedule, but I will consider it progress if this teams just plays better disciplined ball, our schemes fit the players and we execute.  For whatever reason, this last staff could not muster much out of our talent on consistent basis.

 
I really agree with the sentiments of this thread.  I haven't seen this sort of evergy around the program since Spurrier was announced as coach what seems like a lifetime ago.  You can tell how much CSB loves this job.  I already respect and admire how he's opened the door to our FB alumni who have also responded enthusiastically.  Things pointed up and in the right direction for sure.....

 
Good post except for the personnel losses thingy.

We return almost our entire O and D lines, and the trenches is where the battle is won or lost, with Sadarious Hutcherson and Keir Thomas being the notable exceptions. But if you look at the people that opted out or were hurt, we will be stronger on both lines.

On Offense, we return a talented young starter at QB, two strong RBs, and all of our TEs and WRs - except Shi Smith. But even at WR, we have many more weapons available - with the return of OrTre Smith, Xavier Leggette, Randrecous Davis, and many others that were hurt or opted out.

On D, we get an entire two deep back on the D Line that missed all or part of last year, We lose a good one in Ernest Jones at LB, but get Sherrod Greene back. We will be young at DB, but players like RJ Roderick and Cam Smith head a solid returning nucleus.

Our recruiting class was rated low, but Freshmen usually do not help right away anyhow. Instead, we are getting transfers - from the portal and JUCO - that will provide immediate help because of experience and maturity.  The talent includes a premier pass rusher, two proven WRs, a potential starting QB, multiple DBs and help at LB and the D line. We addressed our weak areas with experienced players.

We will have more talent than we put on the field at the start of last year, and a hell of a lot more than we had at the end. Remember, our composite recruiting rating under Muschamp was #21 - and we did not take a lot of hits with transfers.

I know it takes time to get going with a new coach - but remember that Florida won SEC East titles in the two years after Muschamp left. Talent was never the issue, it was schemes and coaching decisions.
Interesting points. I forgot about Florida doing so well after Muschamp left.  Makes me feel more hopeful. Thanks.

 
Good post except for the personnel losses thingy.
We lost two CBs to the NFL, with one a likely first rounder and one likely a second (ish) - and much of the depth behind them transferred or is largely unproven. We had one WR who could consistently catch a football last year and he looks to go in the third or fourth round this year too. That's what I was referring to. I do think the transfers will help, and I do think our coaches have been picked because of their ability not only to recruit, but to teach.

 
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Unless Shane can find some solid DBs, we'll have to scheme for a ball control offense and try to control the clock. 

What shakes out at QB will be a big part going forward. If Luke Doty can be a reliable passer with some upstart WRs, this might make for some competitive games. 

I would hope as a minimum, we can be good in the short passing game combined with QB runs and Kevin Harris. 

But we desperately need playmakers at WR. 

We will have 8 WRs that did not see the field in '20. There are likely to be new faces playing in '21. 

 
I always try to be positive.

But I am concerned about the recruiting class . No 4 or 5 stars. 

The new coaching staff really concerns me... No name coaches.

It is like we are an FBS school. 

Can we really compete in the SEC with this combination? As a fan, I am truly worried about our future,

 
I always try to be positive.

But I am concerned about the recruiting class . No 4 or 5 stars. 

The new coaching staff really concerns me... No name coaches.

It is like we are an FBS school. 

Can we really compete in the SEC with this combination? As a fan, I am truly worried about our future,
We were 2-8 last year with "big time recruiters".  

 
I always try to be positive.

But I am concerned about the recruiting class . No 4 or 5 stars. 

The new coaching staff really concerns me... No name coaches.

It is like we are an FBS school. 

Can we really compete in the SEC with this combination? As a fan, I am truly worried about our future,
Name coaches? I’m not trying to flame you but ... you seem kind of determined to be gloomy. 

 
I hope Leggette can step up because so far he has been unimpressive IMO.
I was thinking the exact same thing about Cam Smith.  Highly recruited, but lackluster showing.  Perhaps a new coaching staff can light a fire under him and ignite that talent.

 
There will be a drop-off at DB from what we had at the beginning of last year, but an improvement from what we had at the end. 
I agree with this, mostly because we couldn't be worse - and that's not based on talent, just based on a gutted unit playing players with almost no experience. But now they have some reps, and folks like Cam will be better. RJ coming back helps for sure, and frankly I just think we have a much better DC now.

As for WR's, how they play often doesn't jibe with their recruiting ranking; I don't expect OrTre to suddenly become a major target because he was ranked higher than Shi, or Chad to be Shi-esque now for the same reason. I also wouldn't call Josh Vann "reliable" just yet, as he has reliably dropped more balls thrown to him than any other USC WR over the last three years, and in 10 games last year, had 10 catches. Hopefully an offseason under Justin's watchful eye will help - I think his issues are mostly mental/confidence based. I am counting on the major input to come from Jalen, Randrecous, Ahmerean and Xavier, with any catches from the rest of the crew being gravy.

 
I always try to be positive.

But I am concerned about the recruiting class . No 4 or 5 stars. 

The new coaching staff really concerns me... No name coaches.

It is like we are an FBS school. 

Can we really compete in the SEC with this combination? As a fan, I am truly worried about our future,
What exactly were you expecting from a program changing coaches and winning a grand total of 6 games the last 2 years?

 
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Fans need to be patient for a while.  I do not think there's as much talent on this team as many think.  We could be better in some areas and worse in others but the schedule doesn't lend itself to many guaranteed wins with where we are talent wise.  Just want to see continue improvement on the field and recruiting.  The wins will come just not quickly.

 
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