Colleges

Expectations follow young Gator defenders everywhere

As motivation, the rebuilding defense's standing in the SEC is posted on the back of players' helmets.

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published August 17, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Getty Images] Linebacker Brandon Spikes of the University of Florida Gators lines up for a play during the game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in 2006 in Gainesville, Florida.

GAINESVILLE - The numbers are positioned strategically on the back of their helmets, a subtle reminder, nothing to dwell on.

For Florida's linebackers, it's an eight. The defensive line wears seven. It's their standing, according to their coaches, among the same units on the SEC's other 11 teams. It can't be seen while the players are practicing, but it is there when they put their helmets on, and when they take them off.

"It's motivation," sophomore linebacker Brandon Spikes said. "While you're practicing you really don't think about it because it's behind you. But that's just it, it's supposed to be in the back of your brain as you're playing, so when you're thinking about giving up or whatnot, you have to push and do what you're supposed to do. Then as you finish you take it off, look at it and keep saying we've got to get that No. 1 spot."

Becoming the best defense in the SEC won't be easy. The Gators will open Sept. 1 with one of the most inexperienced defenses in the league. Senior safety Tony Joiner is the only returning starter. He and junior defensive end Derrick Harvey who played in all 14 games last season are the only players with significant experience. The defensive line and secondary must replace three starters, and five of the seven cornerbacks have never played a college game at the position.

"In defense we have a package, and last year we were able to pressure with four defenders," co-defensive coordinator Charlie Strong said. "We didn't want to run a lot of zone blitzes because we didn't want the pass rushers taken out of having to rush the passes. If this year we can't pressure with four, then we will have to get creative and create ways to get sacks and ways to stop people."

At strongside linebacker, A.J. Jones spent last season watching from the sideline after breaking his foot in preseason drills. Spikes saw significant playing time at middle linebacker in only two games and sophomore Dustin Doe played mostly special teams. Ryan Stamper has played in two games; the rest of the probable backups are freshmen.

"This might be one of the youngest groups I've ever worked with," co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said. "I can't ever remember going into a meeting room where there were so many young kids we were counting on. The good thing is that I don't know if I've ever been in a room where there is that much talent either. I'm very excited about the talent. Now we've got to get them to play up to the ability that is expected of them."

Spikes is among those with the greatest expectations. At 6 feet 3, 243 pounds, he's imposing in the middle slot and spent last season learning from Brandon Siler, whom he still gets advice from about taking over on and off the field.

"I think Brandon Siler kind of set the standard as far as leadership, and (Spikes) has done everything we've asked him to do," coach Urban Meyer said. "My challenge to him is how's he going to handle it. In February, he didn't handle it too well, but he's doing very well."

Jones, a former Middleton High standout, has gained 40 pounds since arriving at Florida (now at 220). And while he admits he started fall camp with less knowledge than those who played sparingly last season, he believes he and the other young players are talented enough to overcome the youth quickly.

"I feel that we're going to shock a lot of people," Jones said. "All you keep hearing about is our defense is going to be young, but we're going to be really fast and we're going to be hitting you in the mouth. Like everybody is saying, we lost a lot of people, but I feel we're a little bit more talented and faster. All of us are hungry to get out and prove we can play, hungry to prove people wrong."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

[Last modified August 16, 2007, 23:28:24]