Ron Zook Chat Transcript

	The following is a transcript from Coach Zook's live chat on April 18, 2002. Thank you to everyone who participated.
[PAUL A] WHAT CHANGES TO THE DEFENSE CAN WE EXPECT THIS YEAR?
Ron Zook I don't think there will be a lot of changes, We may pressure a little more
[JC824] How is your first spring after taking over the job?
Ron Zook It went extremely well. The players tried to do everything we asked them to do.We felt like it was a very productive spring.
[gatorbogey11] any surprises or delights so far at being the Gators head coach?
Ron Zook It's just great being back at the University of Florida.
[O-town Gator] Who has stepped up as vocal and onfield leaders with the loss of guys like M&M and Andra Davis?
Ron Zook On defense probably Bam Hardmon and Mike Nattiel. On offense, Taylor Jacobs and Rex Grossman.
[Troy] <Enter Text Here>How are we looking for our meeting with Miami?
Ron Zook I'm only concerned about the first ball game.
[SHSLONGJUMPER] What are your plans for Rex Grossman? Does he look like a Heisman trophy winner this fall?
Ron Zook We expect Rex to have the same kind of production hehad here previously.
[Mosetta & Leonard Cohen] <Enter Text Here>How do you decide how you will spend your time visiting Gator Club sites and events?
Ron Zook We were in conjunction with the alumni association and Gator Boosters on this schedule.
[FlawdaGator] Coach Zook, what is your realistic expectation for your football team this upcoming year?
Ron Zook Our football program is going to take it one game at a time.
[JC824] Who was the biggest surprise is the Orange & Blue game in your eyes?
Ron Zook I don't know if it's the biggest surprise, but it's the most pleasant surprise. Probably Ingle Martin.
[Swampie] <Enter Text Here>Coach are there any specific areas where you feel need to address in recruiting?
Ron Zook We are attacking the recruiting circuit, recruiting all players.
[gatorbogey11] are you planning any changes to the uniforms or field to usher in the 'Zook Era'....several of us are suggesting setting up a "Gator Gauntlet" to welcome players into the stadium.
Ron Zook We have the best looking uniforms in college football. We haven't talkedabout it.
[PAUL A] Congrats on becoming new headman Coach Zook....Who do you think will solidify themselves along with jacobs as the next great receiver?
Ron Zook Hopefully Carlos Perezx will continue his progress along with O.J. Small and Reggie Vickers, and Kelvin Kight. And we feel like the incoming freshmen will have an opportunity to compete.
[JC824] What was your biggest influence in returning to Gainesville in January?
Ron Zook Jeremy Foley.
[gatorbogey11] what goals do you have for the Season for the team and for yourself? what objectives do you have for the UAB game?
Ron Zook Obvioiusly we have talked about goals as a team and we are going to keep them within the team. The objective for UAB game is to play the best possible football we can play and gain momentum for the season.
[Swampie] May is an evaluation month isn't it, where you can go out to the high schools. How many days in that month do you plan on being out on the road?
Ron Zook I plan on hitting between 60 and 70 schools in the month of May.
[jeanjakob] What are we doing to improve our running game?
Ron Zook We have proven running backs and we plan to stress the running game.
[mark barber] COACH ZOOK WHO IS GOING TO BACK UP REX AT QUARTERBACK
Ron Zook Ingle Martin.
[JC824] What was it like to see a record number of fans (39,000) attend a fall scrimmage? Do you hope this carries over into the regular season?
Ron Zook It was exciting. Yes.
[MyGatorWorld] Coach Zook what score would you prefer? Gators winning 3-0 or 38-35?
Ron Zook How about 38-0?
[Shore Gator] Coach Zook...What is your honest outlook for the Gators this upcoming season?....Are they major bowl bound?
Ron Zook As i said before, we are concerning ourselves with one game at a time.
[PAUL A] Coach Zook, what do you like to do in your spare time, and are you ever coming to visit Ocala?
Ron Zook Waterski. Yes.
[Swampie] Coach will we ever see white pants, orange jerseys and orange helmets again? We used to always wear that
Ron Zook Not this year.
[JC824] What do you hope happens between now and the next time fans get to chat with you in August?
Ron Zook We continue to improve as a football team. Also, I will be in Ocala on June 6 at the Gator Club meeting. All of the Gator Club meetings are on this site.
[Gatorchief] Choach Zook where do u think we will end up at the end of the season with all of our new talent?
Ron Zook Hard questiion. We will try to play our games one at a time to the best of our ability.
[O-town Gator] What is the biggest change at Florida from your previous time here to now?
Ron Zook There is a lot more information out there because of the Internet.
[MyGatorWorld] When you look at the schedule which game are you most excited about coaching?
Ron Zook The first one. UAB.
[gators25] welcome to gainesville, coach. how do you feel about the offensive line? i went to every practice and scrimmage and noticed that the linemen seem to be more physical than in years past.
Ron Zook We still have a ways to go, but Joe Wickline will do a great job with them, and will have them ready.
[Henry] Hi Coach. Does your staff give the current players and incoming recruits a set of workout instructions and goals for how much they should try to weigh; how much they should be able to bench, stc.? Thanks and Go Gators!
Ron Zook Coach Glass, along with myself and the assistant coaches, talk about everyone's reporting weight. As far as strength, we want them to be as strong as they can possibly be.
[PAUL A] Who do you see as a must get next year in recruiting or a must get position in recruiting?
Ron Zook
Ron Zook I can't talk about individuals per NCAA rules.
[jonfuuf] Zookers, great job recruiting, do you think any of the incoming freshman will see playing time?
Ron Zook I believe there will be some that we will be counting on.
[MyGatorWorld] I've noticed you've been wearing a visor at some of the practices. You gonna keep wearing one during the season? haha
Ron Zook Only if the sun is in my eyes.
[Shore Gator] Coach Zook, with coach Zaunbrechers' offensive scheme, can the Gator fans look forward to our Gators scoring 45-55 points in a game on a fairly regular basis, the way many fans are sort of used to?
Ron Zook Ed's offense last year was third in the nation, with his quarterback throwing for more yards than Rex. We sure hope so.
[JC824] Who right now is your starting tailback...Earnest Graham or Ran Carthon?
Ron Zook Earnest Graham
[FlawdaGator] Coach Zook, who (if you have decided yet) will be your team Captains this season?
Ron Zook We will choose captains at the end of summer football.
[stonegator] <Coach Zook, I love your enthusiasm and work ethic. With a grueling sec schedule, FSU and miami this year how do you plan to keep emotions high each week and for typical sleeper games??xt Here>
Ron Zook That is a million dollar question. We will do everything in our power to play at a high level of energy every game.
[jeanjakob] Is our offensive line going to be able to protect our quarterback?
Ron Zook Yes.
[deland to G'ville] How do you feel about UT recent NCAA violations?
Ron Zook I'm concerned about the University of Florida.
[JC824] Coach Zook, many are saying this Florida team isn't worth a top 15 ranking. How good is this team as opposed to last year's squad?
Ron Zook Only time will tell.
[jonfuuf] You have a lot of NFL experience, which one of our current players has the best chance at a great NFL career
Ron Zook You would be surprised at what NFL coaches look at. The obvious ones are Rex, Taylor and Earnest.
[eric2618] Will you still preach winning the SEC first above and then what falls next will fall ?
Ron Zook We are in the SEC and it is very important for us to win our conference.
[gatorcheif] Will you try to win by more than 21 points per game to help us in the BCS?
Ron Zook They are evaluating the BCS system as we speak.
[JC824] Have you talked with former coach Spurrier since taking over the helm? If so, has he commented on anything you've done?
Ron Zook I've talked with Coach Spurrier a lot, and also asked for his advice.
[Jeremy] Who do you think is your most talented WR
Ron Zook At this time it's Taylor Jacobs
[Jeremy] How good do you think Max Starks will play this year
Ron Zook Max improved every day this spring and we are expecting big things from Max this fall.
[Jeremy] Besides Ratliff, who is you best CB
Ron Zook Right now it would have to be Robert Cromartie.
[gators25] "How about 38-0?" THAT WAS GREAT! as far as coach zaun's philosoghy goes, will Rex have the opportunity to call most of the plays, or will zaun direct most of the play calling, and will rex have the opportunity to stretch the defenses he
faces with deep patterns by the WR's?
Ron Zook Offensively we will take what the defense gives us, and what's wrong with the head coach being involved wi th the play calling?
[MyGatorWorld] Coach, are you actually typing the responses or is someone else? just curious ;)
Ron Zook What do you think?
[Jeremy] Who will play ILB this season, and how much is the new JUCO player going to get to play this year.
Ron Zook Both Matt Farrior and Reid Fleming will play a lot of football.
[Jeremy] Do you hope M. Johnson, Nattiel, and Scott have big years this year.
Ron Zook Yes we hope all of them have big years this year.
[Mosetta & Leonard Cohen] I have a friend who wants to know who will attend the upcoming golf event and banquet in Lake City.
Ron Zook I am not sure of the schedule right now. Check the football website.
[t-mac] Coach Zook, Welcome back! Who do you see as being leaders on defense this year?
Ron Zook Todd Johnson, Guss Scott, Bam Hardmon and Mike Nattiel.
[Swampie] Tough question here, if you had to give an award for the coach of the spring on your staff who would it be? Besides you...
Ron Zook We have a great staff and they are all working extremely hard.
[gatorbogey11] which head coach that you've previously worked for will you try to emulate during gamedays??
Ron Zook I have to be myself.
[MyGatorWorld] Coach, if you werent doing anything with football what sport you think you'd be involved with?
Ron Zook water skiing and track
[jonfuuf] Middle linebacker in a critical position, do you think you will have a clear cut starter by the start of the season
Ron Zook We feel like we have two players that can both play, Matt Farrior and Reid Fleming.
[FatCatG8r] Coach- What weaknesses, if any, do you think Miami has that the Gators might be able to attack, either offensively or defensively?
Ron Zook I'm only concerned about UAB at this point.
[Guest 1997] i went to the orange and blue game and i was pretty impressed by what i saw how do u think the option play will improve our offense???
Ron Zook The defenses will have to be prepared for it.
[MyGatorWorld] Coach, when is the last time you've talked with Spurrier?
Ron Zook Two weeks ago.
[Rick in Cincinnati] Coach Zook, How is the defensive line shaping up? Also, we hope that you could make a Mid-West Gator Club Meeting here in Cincinnati!
Ron Zook The defensive line had a very good spring and seems to be the position we have the most depth at. Being from Ohio, I will if time permits.
[G8RS1] Coach, what is your opinion on the BCS vs. a playoff system to determine a national champ?
Ron Zook I don't have the answer, but I do like the playoff system.
[deland to G'ville] Hi coach, how do you feel about restoring the UM versus UF rivalry
Ron Zook I think it is great for the State of Florida.
[jonfuuf] Earnest Graham for Heisman?
Ron Zook I love it.
[BCGator] Hi Coach. How do you see Ben Troupe progressing
Ron Zook He had an excellent spring and we are expecting big things from Ben.
[MyGatorWorld] Coach, what part of coaching is alot harder than you expected it to be?
Ron Zook This is a great profession.
[gatorbogey11] i think most gators are very pleased by what we saw in spring, are you now going to close fall practices to create an air of mystery for the opposition??
Ron Zook We are still in the process of evaluating that.
[jeanjakob] With the many changes in coaches would it be possible to have a picture of each in the first program?
Ron Zook We have pictures of each coach in every program. They are also currently on our website.
[Jeremy] Who will be the 2nd WR for the Gators next year.
Ron Zook Right now it would be Carlos Perez
[brad] Welcome back to UF!! What are going to be the keys to getting through September (MIA; TENN) undefeated?
Ron Zook Win the first game is the objective.
[Guesta] With the Gator defense rated #8 nationally last year and Arkansas rated #60, why do you think Coach Thompson can help us? thank you
Ron Zook We are very excited about the way our defense progresssed this spring.
[gator4evr] i went tot he orange and blue game how do u think the option play will improve our offense?
Ron Zook It forces defenses to be option-sound.
[KLL] <Enter Text Here>HOW IS OUR DEFENSIVE DEPTH AND WILL WE BE AN ATTACKING DEFENSE?
Ron Zook As well as can be and we will definitely be an attacking defense.
[jonfuuf] Do you have any personal rivalries with SEC coaches carrying over from your days as defensive coordinators here at UF
Ron Zook I have a lot of respect for the SEC and the coaches.
[Jeremy] Will you attack the endzone just like Steve used to do in games?
Ron Zook Yes.
[g8rruler] I saw you at the baseball game the other night.....and you even game me an autograph...do you attend many other gator sporting events?
Ron Zook All that time will allow.
[Jeremy] How are the Freshman RB's coming along?
Ron Zook They are not here yet.
[Guest] What area of this team do you think needs the most improvement?
Ron Zook We must continue to improve as a football team every day.
[gatorbogey11] the scrimmages i attended the punt return team was suffocating -- blocking several kicks, is this something we can expect during the season?
Ron Zook We will be attacking special teams, just like on offense and defense.
[Go Gators] <Enter Text Here>Hey coach Zook welcome and congradulations on the Head coaching position for the footballteam at U.F.my question for you is are you getting comfortable being back at U.F.?and one comment,love your energy that you shoe on
Ron Zook Yes I'm comfortable
[Stewart] Coach-will we recurit n ationwide or mainly in the southeast or the state of Florida?nter Text Here>
Ron Zook We will start in Gainesville and go as far as we have to.
[soldout812] Coach Zook, what type of hours will it daily require you to put in during the season, do you anticipate a strain on your family life? Thanks!
Ron Zook I have a great wife and she's excited to be back here also. We will do whatever it takes.
[deland to G'ville] Which SEC East opponent do you see as the team to beat?
Ron Zook The East is a well-balanced division.
[Jeremy] Will the teams best pass rusher be David Lee next year?
Ron Zook darrell Lee will be good, as will Bobby McCray, Marcus Oquendo Johnson and Clint Mitchell.
[Tampagator] Hi Coach Zook! Welcome back to UF! How are your kicking prospects with Jeff Chandler now gone? Has anyone claimed the starting position or are the kicking duties going to be split this year?
Ron Zook There will be a lot of great competition in the summer and I think this is important for the kickers.
[Swampie] Coach we have had juniors leave early for the NFL, each case is individual. Will you try and talk those players into staying at UF for four their years?
Ron Zook I will explain the pros and cons of both situations.
[Jeremy] What is your new style of defense going to be for the Gators
Ron Zook We will be an attacking defense.
[TampaGirl] What do you think the hardest challenge will be for the Gators this season?
Ron Zook Every game is a challenge.
[LAC] Is there a chance Colon will move to Tackle in the fall?
Ron Zook It's possible, but he improved at guard.
[MyGatorWorld] Coach, who do you think is our strongest defensive player?
Ron Zook Tron LaFavor or Ian Scott
[jonfuuf] Coming in from the NFL, is Rex as good as he looked on film last year, or was it just the system
Ron Zook Rex is good.
[lovethemgators] With Carthon coming on strong in the spring will we see him and Graham in the backfiel together
Ron Zook Very good possibility
[guest55] Talk about your former gator GAs and what they bring to the staff having played/graduated from UF
Ron Zook Both Cheston and James are Gators and did a great job of coaching in the spring.
[MyGatorWorld] Coach, who do you see having a breakout year on offense? (not including Rex, Jacobs, Graham)
Ron Zook Aaron Walker
[Jeremy] Will Colon, Dixon, and Cromartie start new season?
Ron Zook Colon ended the spring starting. Cromartie and Dixon have experience and will have a great opportunity to start.
[eric2618] What the status of making his grades for Deshawn Wynn RB from Cincy ?
Ron Zook I can't comment on that due to NCAA rules.
[deland to G'ville] Is the tight end going to play a bigger role in coach Z's offense than he did in Spurriers?
Ron Zook The tight end will play a big role.
[jonfuuf] Kelvin Kight or Reggie Vickers, who do you see stepping in to the second wide out role
Ron Zook They are both competing.
[t-mac] I've heard that Gavin Dickey may be moved to DB when he arrives on campus. Will he be given a shot at QB?
Ron Zook Gavin Dickey will play quarterback at the University of Florida.
[MyGatorWorld] Coach, whats your opinion on using a 2-QB alternating system?
Ron Zook Whatever it takes to win.
[Jeremy] Will Clit Mitchell play this year?
Ron Zook Yes
[Jeremy] How is Tre Orr coming along?
Ron Zook He moved to cornerand improved.
[newman] Coach how lond do you see yourself being the Head coach at Florida and do you have any NFL aspirations? Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Ron Zook I want to stay at the University of Florida as long as possible.
[gatorbogey11] who will act as quarterback coach on the sidelines this season?
Ron Zook Ron Zook
[Guest1996] Will you still have the players stay on the field at the end of the game to sing the Alma Mater?
Ron Zook Yes
[G8RLegist] What is your position on players leaving early for the NFL?
Ron Zook I think if the NFL had their druthers they would rather have them stay in college.
[freddyt] Coach I am standing right now, How fired up are you for the upcoming season?
Ron Zook I'm standing also, very much.
Ron Zook Thanks for getting on this chat. It was exciting. See you in August. Go Gators.
After Chat Comments (unmoderated)
<JC824> Go Gators!
<MyGatorWorld> Coach, just wanted to say thanx for the chat. And like all other Gator fans I look forward to the season!
<gatorbogey11> you too coach, thanks for the chat...looking forward to the season, should be exciting
<FlawdaGator> see ya saturday coach
<Swampie> go get 'em Ron, give 'em heck
<Rick in Cincinnati> Thanks Coach!!
<drewtutton> THANKS COACH
<Alex> GO GATORS ZOOK RULES
<bcgator> GO GATORS!!! Thanks Coach Zook'em
<Go Gators> Go Get Em' Coach Zook!!!
<95-Gator> www.supportzook.com
<FatCatG8r> See you in August coach. We'll be standing with you. You have just been Zookered.
<95-Gator> Zookafied
<Rick in Cincinnati> www.gatorlinks.com

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