From: Cole
Coach Meyer sure looked run down at the end of the season, but the announcement of his retirement today caught us off guard. How will this effect the Gamecocks and Tigers in the years to come?
First off is recruiting. Both in-state teams recruit the Sunshine State heavily. Meyer is a master recruiter and the new Florida head man will most likely be a step backward. Remember the infamous Shariff Floyd dream? The Pennsylvania DL was set to become a Gamecock until Coach Meyer dreamed of coaching Floyd to national titles in a gator uniform. How's that working out for you Shariff?
On the field. While the Gators struggled this season, their unlimited financial resources should enable the program to nab a coach who will maintain the high level of play Coach Meyer's teams put forth. No big change here.
The interesting factor will be if Mississippi State head coach, Dan Mullen, gets the job. Mullen, the former offensive coordinator at Florida under Meyer, has revived the Bulldog program in his two seasons as head man. They rotate on the Gamecock schedule the next two years. Thus, while a Mullen hire may be a long-term headache as Florida is an east opponent, it will help in the short-term by weakening the Bulldogs. With the talent the Gamecocks return and they almost 100% chance that Florida will get a good coach anyway, it should be good for the Gamecocks to see Mullen in Gainesville.
Here are Florida's 2011 commitments with their rivals.com grades.
Mike Blakely 4 stars RB Bradenton, FL
Clay Burton 3 stars LB Venice, FL
Kyle Christy 2 stars K Brownsburg, IN
Jeff Driskel 4 stars QB Oviedo, FL
Chase Hounshell 3 stars OL Kirtland, OH
Chris Johnson 3 stars DB Ocala, FL
Tommy Jordan 3 stars OL Ridgefield, CT
Hunter Joyer 3 stars RB Tampa, FL
A.C. Leonard 4 stars TE Jacksonville, FL
Javares McRoy 4 stars WR Lakeland, FL
Louchiez Purifoy 4 stars ATH Pensacola, FL
De'Ante Saunders 3 stars DB Deland, FL
Ryan Shazier 4 stars LB Plantation, FL
Valdez Showers 3 stars DB Madison Heights, MI
Ja'Juan Story 4 stars WR Brooksville, FL
Trip Thurman 4 stars OL Dover, DE
Nick Waisome 4 stars DB Groveland, FL
