GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – I don’t like hot-headed talk. According to some members of the national media, the Gator football team is destined to win five games. The players have not hired a ghostwriter for their next novel and hope that after Saturday, the title begins with…
“The Resurrection of the Gator Chomp”
Even though they’re playing at home, Miami is ranked No. 19. They have a flashy quarterback and Vegas doesn’t believe in them. It sounds like all the headlines are about playing the underdog card, and why not? The players don’t care what’s being said outside the Heavener facility. They’ve heard enough of it in March. What matters is how they stay focused and play for everyone wearing the orange and blue Gator jersey.
Sounds cliché.
But quarterback Graham Mertz believes it’s time for a new reputation.
Mertz said, “I said it a few months ago at Finebaum, we live by it. We’re here to prove each other right. We know what we put on tape last year, our reputation was that we were 5-7. That means nothing for this year. It’s up to us to decide how we want to write our story.
I think some people are motivated by outside influences and things like that, but I’ve never been that kind of person. I’m motivated by my people, everyone in this building.”
The Gators are ready to introduce their “burner” Aidan Mizell to the field.
A freshman who had just two catches last year made a name for himself. The talk of fall camp is wide receiver Aidan Mizell. The second-year receiver played in just two games and caught two balls for 25 yards, but the Orlando, Florida native showed off his quickness on the deep ball and his ability to catch the quick slant. When he came to Florida, he was known as “the burner.” The fast guy.
A year later, he’s added another 16 pounds and could continue his climb up the rankings this season. Mertz likes where Mizell is headed in Year 2.
Mertz said, “The most important thing about Aidan is that he combines his speed with the ability to finish the play. When it comes to a contested catch, he catches the ball. You can see it in him. He’s stronger and he finishes those plays. He’s done a fantastic job.”
Head coach Billy Napier said, “I think he’s one of the players that has improved the most from year one to year two. Particularly his skill level, route running, throws, the top of the route, the details there. Then his hands, his ball skills. He’s made some very impressive, challenging catches the last few days.”
The Gators’ “new and improved” O-Line against Miami’s front seven
39.
The number of sacks the Gators’ offensive line allowed last year. The Gators were 115th and Miami’s defense had 35. They made the top 20 despite a mediocre record of 7 and 6. This team is going after the quarterback and the test for the new and improved O-line is keeping Mertz in check.
Easier said than done, right? It takes time! But the good news is Austin Barber is healthy again after a shoulder injury at left tackle. They brought in San Diego State’s top tackle, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, and secured the starting right tackle spot. They like former Trinity Catholic player Jake Slaughter at center, Damieon George moves to right guard, Knijeah Harris at left. Lots of depth for Rob Sale and Jonathan Decoster.
Mertz said, “I love the guys we have up there. They did a great job in the offseason. They really changed their bodies with Coach Miles in the weight room. You see how that translates on the field. Let’s say a team plays a lot of man coverage. Why do they play a lot of man coverage? Why do they play zone? You learn why the defense is challenged, not just the players. They have guys up front. Their linebackers are really solid. Everything kind of runs through the linebacker. He’s a great player. Last year he was 51, this year he’s going to be 1.”
It’s simple. Win in the trenches. Rule on Saturday.
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