Ron Zook Chat Transcript March 25th 2004

[oceans351] What updates do you have on new signings?
Coach Zook: They are all doing well and we are looking forward to them arriving on campus.
[Sean] Hey Coach, I was wondering how Bubba Caldwell and Chris Leak are doing this spring?
Coach Zook: They are doing well. You can tell that they have been in the system a season now.
[giant g8r] coach Zook, with the leave of the talent and leadership of last years seniors, who do you see stepping up as leaders and big play makers this upcoming year?
Coach Zook: The leaders on defense are Travis Harris, Channing Crowder, and Jarvis Herring. The leaders on offense are O.J. Small, Mo Mitchell, and Chris Leak. Also, Casey Griffith.
[MyGatorWorld.com] Since FSU and Miami play the 1st game of the season now. Would you like to play FSU at the start of the season or you prefer the way it is?
Coach Zook: It's my understanding that the schedules are already set for some time.
[Gator8] Do you think Chris Leak is a lot more experienced then he was before?
Coach Zook: Yes
[james] Coach how serious is the back injury to Kenny?
Coach Zook: I think he'll be fine. It is kind of a nagging thing that is left over from the operation last year.
[SuperSwamper] Coach, How is the teams conditioning this Spring.
Coach Zook: Excellent!!
[ufrock] coach zook, in one word how would you describe chris leak?
Coach Zook: Talented
[MIKE] Coach: I noticed last year the games that were played early in the day the Gators did not fare as well as playing later in the day example the 11:00 am Outback Bowl. Can we change the players clock and tell them it is 3:30 when actually it is 12:30PM?
Coach Zook: We've thought about that!
[skip] Good Morning Coach how are things in Gainsville? I look forward to seeing you on April 23, 20045 when you visit the Dallas Gator Club.
Coach Zook: I'm excited about being in Dallas
[Sandman] Has a decision been made about surgery for Marcus Thomas' hernia?
Coach Zook: No
[giant g8r] with LSU having one of the highest rated signing classes in mind, who do you thik will be a tougher opponent on this years upcomming schedule?
Coach Zook: All the SEC games are tough as history has proven.
[germangator] Hello Coach, thank you for your time to chat with us gators fans! Last year i asked you at a chat about our defensive backs. I guess this year the situation is more dificault. Who will play there ( maybe Gavin... ) Greetings from germanyand GO GATORS! Christoph aka. germangator
Coach Zook: Gavin is a QB. In the secondary, Jarvis Herring and Cory Bailey are having exceptional Springs so far. Dee Webb, Vernell Brown, and Reynaldo Hill have done well at the corner position.
[SuperSwamper] Coach, Is Dallas Baker ready for a break out year?
Coach Zook: Hopefully
[ufrock] coach, who will be doing the punt returns now that keiwan is gone?
Coach Zook: That's a good question. Vernell Brown, Dee Webb,
[skip] How are things coming with spring drills? I noticed that when you went on that run that everyone was working together and had jelled as a unit. What if anything are you and the coaches doing to either reinforce that excitement and togetherness and to make sure it carries over to this year.
Coach Zook: We talk that for us to be the best that we can be, we must be a team.
[g8orman56] coach, please tell me we are not going to run the option with chris this year. Dickey sure could run it I bet!
Coach Zook: I can't tell you that.
[SanJoseGator] Hi Coach, I felt last year that the O was very ineffective inside the 2 yard line. We would bunch up and run up the middle for no gain and frequently settle for field goals. I felt more confident of a TD when we had the ball around the 4-5 yard line. Did the coaching staff notice this? If so have you made any changes in our goal line O?
Coach Zook: It went in yesterdays practice and is something that is of a high emphasis for us.
[MyGatorWorld.com] Coach, do you think Leak has matured enough that he will be able to call his own audibles at center this year rather than waiting for the play from the sideline?
Coach Zook: Possibly
[gatrntex] Coach, is Joe Cohen practicing with the first team or second?
Coach Zook: We don't really have a 1st and 2nd team right now. They are all playing.
[MyGatorWorld.com] On offense who do you think has shown the most improvement from a few months ago?
Coach Zook: I really feel like we are improving in all areas.
[Jim Hollinger] Coach, Do you expect to modify the offensive style this year to play into Chris's experience and maturity? (greetings from NY)
Coach Zook: Jim - I hope to see you soon! I heard you may be in Florida. As far as Chris is concerned, absolutely.
[SuperSwamper] Coach, will Mcintosh Nicholas have a chance to play this year? The guy is a burner.
Coach Zook: Yes
[jskb] Is there any positions you wanted to fill that you did not?
Coach Zook: No
[james] Ron are the special teams responsibilities being assigned to more than one coach? And if so which coaches. Thanks
Coach Zook: We are still evaluating that through the Spring. As of now, we are all coaching them.
[Ron] Hi...I'm Ron Olson. I think your doing a great job and the team is very exciting. I was wondering, this year, when you have the other team with 3rd and long or4th and long, will you use the same defense as against Tenn just before half time and the Seminoles, Or will you use the same pressure D and send the regular guys at QB and not give them a chance or the time to throw a long pass?
Coach Zook: Thanks! We are thinking more pressure.
[Swampthang7] coach, i've heard that this year, the gators will be a younger team then last year, but more talented at the same time. What do you think of that?
Coach Zook: Our goal is to be a much improved football team.
[Yar] Coach, How would you compare last year's group of receivers with this years?
Coach Zook: Very comparable
[MyGatorWorld.com] How much of a change do you see in the offense this year with a new OC now?
Coach Zook: More tempo
[SuperSwamper] Coach, how has Chad Jackson progressed?
Coach Zook: He is getting better with every practice.
[ufrock] coach, has todd mccullough fully recovered from his shoulder injury and where will he fit in with crowder, everett, and travis harris already in the mix?
Coach Zook: He is not fully recovered. He is going through all the drill with no contact. Todd can play all 3 positions.
[Gator8] Do you think the special teams will improve for this season?
Coach Zook: We improved this past season and we expect to improve this season.
[skip] Coach are you going to throw on third and short again this year? Are you going to give to the horses in the backfield and let them pick up the needed yardage plus some? I know you have to take what is given to you, but it seems that all three backs can get that short yardage plus some.
Coach Zook: You are right. We have to take what they give us.
[g8orman56] Hey coach, I went to camp this year and it was great. I will go to a D3 or JUCO and I am going to be the next gator walk on in 06! All the way from St. Charles, MO!
Coach Zook: Come on!
[ocalag8tr] do you expect any true freshman to start on defense
Coach Zook: We will have to wait and see!
[MIKE] Coach: Did we ever receive an apology from the ACC for the officiating in the FSU game where the calls were so blatantly terrible?
Coach Zook: You would have to talk with our Athletic Director, Jeremy Foley, about that.
[skip] Coach? What do you see as possibly the biggest weakness at this point? and on the flip side of that what do you see as our strenghts
Coach Zook: Our goal is to be the best football team that we can be.
[MyGatorWorld.com] When do you decide the rosters for the Orange and Blue game? Have an idea which team will Leak be on?
Coach Zook: We have not talked about it.
[g8orman56] Is this right as far as our LB's go or even close? OLB Earl MLB TMac OLB Crowder
Coach Zook: Our LB's are all interchangeable.
[jskb] I think we had a great season last year, thank you. How tough was our schedule compared to other teams?
Coach Zook: It was one of the toughest in the country.
[boblloyd] Coach, I recognize no incoming freshman is fully qualified until graduating from high school, but based on their SAT/ACT and core grades to date how many are a close call.
Coach Zook: We can't talk about their academic status.
[ocalag8tr] Hi coach.After the loss to Iowa how are the players doing as far as confidence and do you see dallas baker having a breakout year this season.. go gators
Coach Zook: Our attitude is super. We are all working to be the best football team we can be. Dallas is getting better every practice.
[g8orman56] how heavy is earl and did mo gain a little to much this year (again) LOL
Coach Zook: Earl is at 223 and Mo has lost weight.
[Gator8] Ive heard that they are prdeicting us to be one of the fastest teams in the country,do u think that is possible?
Coach Zook: We feel like we have a lot of speed on this team.
[G8rSid] Will Coach Dixon be more involved with the receivers?
Coach Zook: Coach Dixon is still coaching the inside receivers.
[matt] Coach Zook, who do you think will step up at wr? I know we have a bunch of freshman and sophmores who one day will be great, but what do you think of OJ Small and Dallas Baker. As a senior I have been hearing for 2-3 years how Baker would step up as a go to reciever! Do you think this is his year? Likewise, OJ Small is no small kid, he is a beast, do you think he could be a great possession reciever for us?
Coach Zook: OJ had an excellent Fall and is one of our leaders. I think we have a chance to have a very talented receiving corp.
[Kid Swamp] Thanks for the hard work, coach.... If you started the season now, who would be the starting 5 on the OL?
Coach Zook: Mike Degory, Lance Butler, Tavares Washington, Randy Hand, and Mo Mitchell.
[SuperSwamper] Coach has Everett and Jarvis Moss put on any weight? You are doing an outstanding job! GO GATORS!
Coach Zook: Both have improved their strength and size.
[Swambugs] Coach Zook, have you been pleasantly surprised with our young secondary so far this spring?
Coach Zook: Yes
[Sean] How does Florida vs Oklahoma in the National Championship sound? :)
Coach Zook: I love it!
[g8orman56] What is Matt leach is max in terms of his far he can mak a feild goal?
Coach Zook: Matt Leach is a very good kicker. Depending upon the conditions, he could go 50+.
[MyGatorWorld.com] Coach, do the incoming recruits get updates of how practice is going from our coaching staff?
Coach Zook: Yes
[ken garst] Are you pleased with the 5-2-4 defensive scheme Charlie Strong put in? How does it compare to others you have worked with, say 4-3-4?
Coach Zook: We are a 4-3-4 team.
[ufrock] coach, taking a break off football (although I know you don't do this often), who is your prediction to win the NCAA basketball tournament?
Coach Zook: Since the Gators are out of it, I've been focused on football.
[MyGatorWorld.com] Do you like the current BCS system we have right now or would you prefer some sort of a playoff system?
Coach Zook: No system will please everyone. We have a good system in place.
[skip] Do you know where the gator club meeting will be in dallas? I am new here and will hate not seeing my gators on a regular basis.
Coach Zook: I do not know the location yet. Please check my website for updates on Gator Club locations.
[g8orman56] Coach I'm Nick Howard, and you timed my 40 (at camp) and I was in the middle of living a dream and you made me nervous so, I am a little faster then the slow time you recorded! LOL
Coach Zook: Keep working!
[MyGatorWorld.com] Would you prefer to have one main RB or have a couple in rotation. Cause I have heard some RBs say that the more carries they get the better they preform. Do you agree?
Coach Zook: You never have enough RB's.
[Sandman] How are David Kenner and Markell Thompson doing at tight end?
Coach Zook: Both are improving. Thompson has only had 6 practices.
[giant g8r] some may say that the style of football played at UF is more of a finesse football as opposed the powerhouse style used by teams like OSU, Nebraska, what are your comments on the style of football that UF represents?
Coach Zook: We are a balanced offense.
[ocalag8tr] coach , as far as running backs are concerned it seems we're loaded. How will the offensive line be impoved this year to open more holes
Coach Zook: We have more depth and more experience in the system.
[gatrntex] Is Coach Fedora more of a risk taker than Coach Zaun re: play calling?
Coach Zook: We are looking for different tempos.
[g8orman56] How did Caldwell get the nick name Bubba?
Coach Zook: He came here with it.
[MyGatorWorld.com] Who would you like to see put on more weight before August?
Coach Zook: Jarvis Moss
[Swambugs] Coach Zook, we are all very excited about this season. I know we Gator Fans get a bad rap, but that is only because of a select few. Go Gators and keep up the hard work. We love ya!
Coach Zook: Thanks for your support!!
[todd] as of right now, what will our depth chart at tight end look like?
Coach Zook: Markell Thompson, David Kenner, and Darrell Carpenter with 2 very talented Freshmen coming in.
[leakman2k4] Coach, how does Deshawn Wynn look sofar in practices, I think he has alot of talent
Coach Zook: He is very talented and has picked up where he left off.
[Ron] Coach, you've got to be extremely excitied about this year. I've talked with a friend of our's, who owns golf cars, and I told him that I feel Chris Leak WILL be the best QB the SEC has ever seen. Hope I don't jink him, but I've seen focus and dedication in that man. You all showed a lot of heart last year with that schedule. Keep up the good work!
Coach Zook: Thanks
[jskb] Do you think that fatuige was a factor last year for our players?
Coach Zook: Possibly early in the year
[Gatorsac] What is going to be our weekest position next year, corner or safety?
Coach Zook: The corner spot will be the least experienced.
[todd] who are our top 2 DE'S?
Coach Zook: Steve Harris, Tree Morant, Jeremy Mincey, Joe Cohen, and Jarvis Moss.
[Sandman] Do you talk to former Gators very often, and if so, which ones do you talk with the most?
Coach Zook: We love to have all former Gators come back!
[Numbers] Coach, Is this team the most athletic team you have ever coached at Florida?
Coach Zook: We are continuing to improve our athleticism.
[SC Gator] This past season, team seemed to be more focused in theirAWAY games, pulling off some impressive wins against LSU, UGa, etc. But they seemed to be distracted or disinterested at home. How will you approach keeping the team focused in the Home games? What might you try differently this year?
Coach Zook: We have to focused for each game and ready to play.
[Gator8] Do you think we will have a much better start to this year then we did last year since Chris Leak will be playing all games?
Coach Zook: We all have more game experience.
[rideout] Hey Coach...are the players aware that the Gators look to extend the SEC's longest streak of six win seasons in the conference to 13 this Fall? That's got to be a great sense of pride for these kids.
Coach Zook: Our goal is to compete for the SEC Championship.
[rpniner36] Coach, who do you see as the biggest impact player on both offense and defense for this season?
Coach Zook: If you are including the new players, we will have to wait and see when they get here.
[MyGatorWorld.com] Coach, now that we expanded the stadium to hold 90,000. How long till it holds 100k??
Coach Zook: You would have to ask the Athletic Director.
[leakman2k4] Coach, does Larry Fedora's offense tend to take more shots downfield than Ed Zaunbrecher
Coach Zook: We want the tempo of our offense to change.
[Sandman] Who is the strongest guy on the team? And, who pound for pound, is the strongest?
Coach Zook: Mo Mitchell is the strongest. Chris Leak won the position award.
[Robg8r] Our schedule favors a good year...What are your expectations this year?
Coach Zook: Our goal, as always, is to compete for the SEC Championship.
[agallucci] Is it going to be LSU-West and Georgia-East as the two favored teams in the SEC?
Coach Zook: I'm only concerned with the Gators.
[ufrock] coach, whats your thoughts on channing crowder's hobby of wild hog wrestling?
Coach Zook: It's different
[Swampthang7] coach what do you think of ciatric fason this year? Has he improved?
Coach Zook: Yes
[SuperSwamper] Coach, Would you say Chris Leak is "Tiger Woods' Focused"
Coach Zook: He is very focused.
[rpniner36] Coach, do you think the experience many of our freshman got will pay off this year? Which freshman from last year do you think will have the greatest breakout year?
Coach Zook: You can't buy experience. They will all improve from last year.
[Solari] Coach, what do you typically do after spring practice is over and you've got several months until fall practice kicks in? Keep up the good work. -Ray from Gator Country
Coach Zook: I'm on the road recruiting and speaking at the Gator Clubs.
[bk] Hi ron do you think that channing crowder will be better than last year and will earl everett be able to hold down his side and cover Wide outs.
Coach Zook: All of the young players should be improved and they should be better next year than they are this year.
[GatorSeaninDC] Who has been the most impressive this spring so far?
Coach Zook: I've been very pleased with everyone's attitude and effot.
[DaytonGator] What made you feel that you needed to have 'TEAM' on the back of all player's jerseys. It seemed like the team played like a team through the tough stretch in the middle of the year last year. Did the team get away from that towards the end?
Coach Zook: For us to be as good as we can be, we must be a team.
[Swampthang7] Coach have you talked to Danny Wuerffel lately?
Coach Zook: Last month
[G8rSid] All things being equal, do you prefer to kick off or receive to start a game? Go Gators!
Coach Zook: It depends on the conditions.
[uf2003] UF hasn't been to the SEC Championship game in 4 years. How much are you pushing that as the goal for this season to the team?
Coach Zook: It's always one of our goals.
[Mike J] Ever think of doing a Gator Gathering in the Denver area. Coach Spurrier came out a few years back and saw us after a golf tournament. The Gator Club here would love to have you come out.
Coach Zook: My schedule is coordinated with the Alumni office and the Booster office.
[busgator] Coach, do you think the O-line can be better this year than last?
Coach Zook: Yes
[jskb] Has there been alot of "noise in the system " for you? How has your family adjusted? Keep up the great work!!!! Go Gators
Coach Zook: It is great to be a Florida Gator!
[Yar] Coach, it seems like we have a load of talent at LB, but not much depth (for running a 4-3). Do you see any of the walk-ons stepping up and seeing some playing time?
Coach Zook: Possibly
[todd] if we run a 4-3 with our LBS being t harris,c crowder,everett i think that will be the best LB trio in america. do you?
Coach Zook: We have some talented guys there.
[leakman2k4] Coach, do you see any true freshman starting this season?
Coach Zook: It's too early to tell.
[Sandman] Will big Mo play any d-line this year?
Coach Zook: Possibly short yardage and goalline.
[captinrob] Are you keeping in touch with Reggie Nelson and is he progressing and still planning on being here next year?
Coach Zook: NCAA rules prohibit me from talking about potential student athletes.
[gatrntex] Coach, we here in the Lone Star state think you are doing a great job. We appreciate your hard work and passion for UF. Will you practice your entire playbook, defensive schemes, etc in the spring or do you hold some things back for fall.
Coach Zook: Thanks. We practice everything.
[rpniner36] Coach, you obviously are aware of the new student ticketing system. Do you have any worries that ticket scalping could possibly take some of the aura away from The Swamp?
Coach Zook: You would need to talk to our Ticket Office about that.
[bk] Coach who seems to be stepping up in the secondary?
Coach Zook: Cory Bailey, Jarvis Herring, and Terrence Holmes have had excellent springs. Along with Dee Webb, Reynaldo Hill, and Vernell Brown.
[TB07] Coach, how is the O-line sizing up compared to last year? Will we be able to push guys around up front?
Coach Zook: We feel like we are improved on the OL. Hopefully we will be able to.
[Swampie] Noticed that you posted forty times for this year's recruits will we see the speeds of many of our players forty times in this year's media guide?
Coach Zook: We didn't post our times.
[ocalag8tr] Coach ive read alot about the commitment and determination Chris Leak has to becoming the best quarterback for the gators he can be. Coming into his sophmore year has he been able to maintain the same level of energy and excitement. Also is it rubbing off on other players... thanks coach
Coach Zook: Yes
[gtw] Given some of the new players looking to contribute this year, which offensive style, pass or run, do you think best suits this year's team?
Coach Zook: We are a balanced offense.
[Hoos] Coach, who is Chris Leak's go to receiver in spring training?
Coach Zook: We don't focus on one receiver.
[rpniner36] Coach, obviously youve seen some of the preliminary pre season polls. Where do you think is an appropriate position for our team?
Coach Zook: I haven't seen any of the polls.
[rideout] I'm really happy that Billy Latsko received a scholarship. Are there any other walk-ons who have caught your attention that might be next in line to receive a scholarship?
Coach Zook: There are a couple of guys that we have talked about.
Coach Zook: Thanks for your support. It's great to be a Florida Gator!!

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Ron Zook Chat Transcript March 25th 2004

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