Spring
Preview - 2003
Defensive
Backs
The secondary is going to
have some new blood and a sprinkle of the old as it prepares for spring
practice. We know Keiwan Ratliff
will work at receiver to see if he can make a difference, but he is a
second team All-SEC cornerback. Guss
Scott should be a first team All-SEC strong safety.
Where does that leave the unit? In good hands with a nice mix of veterans
(Dixon, Bailey,and Reynaldo Hill) and athletic youth (McCollum's and Brooks).
It is also a critical spring for guys who have been around for awhile and
need to step up (Orrr, Carter, Kendrick).
Cornerbacks:
Keiwan Ratliff (Senior)
Played 901 snaps and only had
one interception which is amazing. He did however have 9 passes defensed. He has the ability and needs to produce the results.
Strengths: good speed, very flexible and pretty good instincts.
Weakness: needs to be more
physical. Got worked by Andre
Johnson and Anquan Boldin.
DeShawn Carter
(Sophomore)
Played mostly special teams
and may have fallen out of favor with the rotation.
He has good size but has not done a whole lot with it.
Strengths: he does have height on
others and has been around a little. Needs
to have a breakout spring.
Weakness: seems lost at times and
does not have great speed.
Tre Orr (Junior)
Best looking athlete who only
saw action in 17 plays last season. He
has never realized his potential and may have missed his window of opportunity.
Strengths: experience as far as
being around the team. Has great
strength and speed.
Weakness: does not make plays.
For whatever reason he has not found the extra gear.
Jermaine McCollum (Red-freshman)
I think he could of played
last season. He was not highly
recruited out of Miami Southridge but is a very confident corner.
Strengths: although diminutive very
good cover guy. Will only get
better and has a feel for anticipation. Great
football savvy. Good speed.
Weakness: height could be a
problem. As is the trend in college
football everyone has a big receiver who can run.
Tremaine McCollum (Red-freshman)
Should be a major factor on
special teams and compete for playing time at corner.
Strengths: like his brother he has
good football instincts.
Weakness: height and experience.
Nick Brooks
(Red-freshman)
He is my sleeper of the
spring. He looks like a safety but
has the speed and athletic ability to play on an island.
He can really play the run.
Strengths: great size and fearless
against the run.
Weakness: experience and must adapt
to matching up with starters every day.
Matt Jackson (Senior)
Jackson moves to corner after
three seasons as a wide receiver. He
played defensive back in high school. He
had 9 receptions last season and has seen action in 33 games in his career.
Strengths: he has good size which
will help him versus the run. He
also understands where the receivers are going.
Weakness: can one spring be enough
reps to see if he can contribute? I
think it will be tough which is why Ratliff will spend the spring at receiver to
free up reps for new guys.
Safeties:
Guss Scott (Senior)
If anyone does not think guys
like the McCollum's can end up being players ask Scott.
He was not highly recruited and almost not even signed by UF.
He is there most talented NFL prospect and will be remembered for the
interception versus Georgia. He
must develop into the defensive team leader.
With youth at linebacker and defensive line, he must step to the
forefront.
Strengths: great speed,