Receiver Tyrie Cleveland averaged 21 yards per catch as a freshman. (Photo: Courtney Culbreath/For UAA Communications)
Gators Spotlight Q&A: Receiver Tyrie Cleveland
Thursday, April 6, 2017 | Football, Scott Carter
The sophomore wants to build on a promising second half of his freshman season.
If not, check this out:
That moment when you find out @Tyrie_1 is joining the squad... #16ATORS pic.twitter.com/Z9sw0h3F8s
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) February 3, 2016
Florida's version of "Coaches Gone Wild" centered on the moment Cleveland, considered one of the elite prep receivers in the 2016 class, chose the Gators over Arkansas and others chasing his services. Cleveland's speed, range and athleticism – bundled in a 6-foot-2, 196-pound frame – made him a prime target of recruiters from coast to coast.
Once Cleveland arrived on campus, not everything went as planned. First, he suffered a hamstring injury that forced him to miss most of fall camp. Next, there was a BB-gun incident at his dorm that provided internet sites more headlines than it probably deserved.
Once Cleveland finally got acclimated and on the field, he caught 14 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns. His 98-yard touchdown catch at LSU stands as one of the biggest moments for a receiver in school history as the Gators clinched their second consecutive SEC-East title that afternoon in Baton Rouge.
Cleveland, preparing for his first Orange & Blue Debut spring game, spoke to reporters for the first time at UF following Wednesday's practice.
Here is a Q&A with Cleveland:
*****
Q: What is your motivation heading into this season?
A: Just work hard, be dedicated, just ball out on every play.
Q: Were you frustrated by last season?
A: I wouldn't say frustrated. It was just a little slow.
Q: With such high expectations, did you expect more?
A: I can't go back and make it happen. Coming in I was expected to do a lot more. Like I said, my hamstring slowed me down. I ain't making any excuses. I just had to stick with the process when I got in.
Q: What progress have you made running routes besides a go-route?
A: I got held back by the hamstring. I was kind of behind. As the season went on, I started learning.
Q: When did you start to feel comfortable?
A: I would say after the Tennessee game. The game started slowing down.
Q: How exciting was the LSU catch?
A: It was very exciting, just being able to make that play and put my team ahead, it was great.
Q: Any goals set for this season?
A: I'm trying to make a lot of plays. Trying to put my team in position to win. That's about it.
Q: Do you feel you have something to prove?
A: Play a lot faster. That's about it.
Q: What do you see as strength of this offense?
A: Our speed. Once we get our speed and bring everything together and move the ball, the sky is the limit.
Q: What are you seeing from quarterback Feleipe Franks?
A: Feleipe is doing great. This year he knows the system better, he's slowing down, making his reads better and not forcing anything. [He's] making the plays, making the reads, making the throws. Kyle [Trask], he's doing a great job also. It's a tight competition.
Q: What about his arm strength for a receiver like you with speed?
A: That's a receiver's dream to have a quarterback that can throw the ball like that and let you go get it.
Q: Does the offense have a chip on its shoulder?
A: Yeah, we've got a chip on our shoulder. Back in the year they had [Tim] Tebow and the offense was explosive. We trying to get back to that offense and making a lot of plays and don't rely on our defense as much.
Q: What is the focus entering the spring game?
A: We're ready to come put on a show, give our fans a little idea of the offense, what it's going to be this year. Go out there mainly and have fun, play for the fans and play for each other.
Q: Biggest thing you learned last year?
A: Staying patient and not get frustrated as much.
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