Before Marcus Roberson could start as a true freshman, he had to learn how to properly prepare for a game, not just physically, but mentally.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said he has noticed improvement in that area from Roberson, but, like with all first-year players, there was a learning curve.
“Early on we had to sit down and say, ‘This is how you do it, and this is what you look for,’” Quinn said. “Once you learn that skill, it’s always going to stay with you as a player.”
“One of the hardest things about coming in as a rookie is how do you even learn how to prepare for a game. … How do you take notes on guys? How do you even watch tape?”
Instead of watching the ball, Roberson is now focused on formations and learning how a receiver likes to break press coverage, preparing him to come to the meetings armed with questions.
Quinn said he’s been impressed with the level of competitiveness from Roberson and fellow corner Cody Riggs, particularly against Tennessee, despite some criticism for multiple pass interference penalties.
“We’re going to play physical,” he said. “We’re going to coach aggressive and play aggressive. Some of those penalties, if they’re bang-bang plays, are going to happen. … For us, we’re going to stay to our style of play.”
Rainey for Heisman: Gators running back Chris Rainey has more than 500 yards of total offense through three games. He has also blocked a punt and returned another blocked punt for a touchdown.
Coach Will Muschamp thinks his performance is worthy of an entrance into the Heisman debate.
“His production and what he’s done for our football team, running, catching and on special teams and in return and blocking kicks, you’re talking about value to a football team,” Muschamp said. “But again, it’s a long season and we need to continue to play consistently well at his position.”
Rainey leads the team in rushing yards (306) and receiving yards (214) and already has five touchdowns.
Floyd moving around: After playing snaps at defensive end in his first game of the season, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd said rushing from the edge was harder than it looks.
He won’t be on the outside full time, as Quinn said Floyd will move around on the line depending on the opponent. But Quinn said he isn’t concerned with Floyd’s ability at end because the coaching staff just started to experiment with him playing outside during training camp.
“He hasn’t done it as much,” Quinn said. “He’s getting more comfortable with it; it’s just taken him some reps to do it.”
Reed still in doubt: Tight end Jordan Reed did not play against Tennessee with what was initially reported as a hamstring injury.
Reed has improved and is reportedly no longer in need of the crutches he used to get to the bench before last Saturday’s game, but his status for the game at Kentucky is uncertain.
“Well, we still have a shot,” Muschamp said. “He’s been moving around a little bit, and again, he’s a little gimpy here and there, but who knows. We’ve got a lot of time from here until Saturday.”
Contact Matt Watts at mwatts@alligator.org.
As a true freshman, UF cornerback Marcus Roberson was arrested Sept. 14 for alcohol possession.
