wlayton, for sure losing some of the young men to coach dismissal, some quit not able to accept "positive team leadership from the new group on the defensive side". yd1 likes to refer to them as "ME" players not "TEAM" players.
Looking back just a "few months" and Pruitt/Rocker and Company coming in with nothing more than a lot of film study prior to Spring, accomplishing what they have, and have yet to see one coach on that side of the ball look for pats on the back. Think we are also listed at this point in time as being in the top five in recruiting. Those guys are working their butts off. Players recognize that, sets a very good example. As Wartdawg said, it starts at the top.
When I look at the talent we have and the talent that will probably sign on for 2015, in my mind it has been a remarkable change that we see now, and can expect next season even more when the "newbies" land in Athens.
Really want to say this. When Hutson Mason got nailed in Little Rock, got up carrying the pain with him and just a short time later shaking his fist and moving back into the huddle, that got as much respect from me as some of the tosses he made. For sure that brought his teammates even closer, both offense and defense.
Still not sure exactly where we are at this point, other than watching a good group of college athletes join together and wear our colors with pride. Yep, I see a lot of pride in this group and they are vocal about the closeness. I also think we have the best looking uniforms in college football, and the colors are being respected by these young pups. Lots of great athletes over many years have worn the uniform proudly.
One example of closeness and respect . . . . Nick Chubb was "baited" quickly after showing what he can do and those in the media were looking for something different than what he said . . . . Nick Chubb quickly told those asking the question this . . . . Todd Gurley is the "man". On top of the statement, Nick was being totally sincere. Sony Michel is cut from the same cloth.
No reason to believe that JAX should look any different than the last three face offs, fourth win would settle a lot of issues that some of us carry. Muschamp could learn a lot from a young man like Nick Chubb, think the word is humility.
Sure like the way our veterans are playing in the big games . . . . Conley and Bennett have always rose to the occasion, expect the same from them in JAX.
Goose I guess I am in the same camp with Wartdawg, last time out seemed that Marshall got dinged early, just did not look 100%. Injuries have a way of sitting in our brains, sometimes it is too hard to move past. Have witnessed that before. Have to believe that Keith is heart broken, young man came to Athens with so much talent, now watching others do what he so badly wants to do. I would still like to see Keith Marshall lining up in the slot, great hands.
Still have that catch he made in Orlando against Nebraska dancing around in my head.
