I don't think so based on his comments in this article: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college_uf/2009/04/florida-gators-coach-urban-meyer-defends-harvin-tebow-lashes-out-at-critics.html
Interesting article. That whole Meyer to ND stuff was just trumped up by a writer who had an axe to grind with Urban. As far as can Tim Tebow play QB in the NFL, nobody will know till they give him a chance. David Carr and Joey Harrington were supposedly prototypical NFL QB's, they were both flops. So were a lot of other guys. I'm not sure I'd take Tebow in the 1st round, but he'll go on the first day and I'll be suprised if he doesn't suceed in the NFL. He's a hard worker and whatever skills he doesn't have right now, if given the chance he'll develope them. He's got strength and toughness, a very strong arm. He'll just have to get used to being under center and like all the other college QB's reading NFL defenses. Does Meyer have a lot of critics amongst former players? If he does I'm suprised, I mean what is there to say except great job coach? I mean he's recruiting as good as anybody in the NCAA, he's won 2 NC's, I don't get it.
Terry, Meyer has gone out of his way to invite players back to Florida. I am not sure but think that Shane Matthews has become a radio personality, a talk show, and has been critical of the Gators offense. I will check more but think that might be what Meyer is referencing. However I've never known of any Gator coach who has done more to bring past Gator players back to Florida to be part of the program.
I think there's a very good chance it is Shane Matthews that Meyer was referencing. Seems that from day one Matthews has knocked the spread offense and said it was a poor use of offensive talent. He much preferred the QB under center and as a drop back passer. Matthews has irritated a lot of Gators with his harping on the spread and although I haven't personally heard him have some feelings that way myself. The Gators have been blessed since 1990 with two of the best coaches in college football, seems that most fans, ex players and Spurrier himself respects Meyer. To bad Matthews can't see that the spread offense right now is good for the Gators.
Meyer has always said that Notre Dame would be his dream job. And repeats it a couple times per year. Weis has a high bar this year; Tebow leaves. Could happen. Tebow as a pro QB? Anything is possible but those are long odds. He is not typical at all and he is coming from a system that hardly prepares him for the NFL as Meyer has tailored his offense around Tebow's particular talents.
It wouldn't suprise me if Meyer left... it would shock the heck out of me. He has a good think going at Florida. Now, with that said, I would love for Lane to heat up his seat a little... nah, I would like for him to heat it up a lot! :twisted:
A couple of things George, while not impossible I do doubt that Meyer ever goes to Notre Dame. I even remember El Paso Tim hating him so much that he wished the Gators and Meyer nothing but bad luck and NCAA violations. I guess all Irish fans don't share that rant of his. As far as Meyer's offense, he has always said his offense can be built around the players he has. His QB's at Utah and Florida have been Alex Smith, Chris Leak and Tim Tebow. He had an unbeaten season with Smith and won National Championships with Leak and Tebow. I do think Tebow was the best fit but I also believe that in 2010 you will see that it works just fine with John Brantley who will probably be more like Smith. Maybe to the delight of most Notre Dame fans and to Tim's nightmare Meyer will go to Notre Dame. However like Terry I think he would be very reluctant to leave what he is building at Florida.
You're probably right. He's just dropping the Irish name periodically to squeeze a few more bucks out of UF. :wink:
I think George's last post is spot on. But no offense, with USC having 11 players drafted this weekend and their cupboard just keeps on reloading year after year, I am worried about a lot more than whatever the latest Urban rumors may be. Last year they had 7 taken in the first two rounds and 10 overall. That's 21 drafted players in the past 2 seasons and they are still armed for bear. They had 5 drafted the year before that and 10 the year before that. They've had 36 players drafted in the past 4 seasons... and they may be even deeper and more talented in the upcoming years. The USC alums I know are ecstatic because they believe that they have not one, but TWO of the best QBs to ever play at USC on campus right now and neither of them are the guy who started for an SEC power in the SECCG as a freshman (no slouch to be sure). Urban can say what he wants and that's fine but we simply have much bigger fish to fry. If we spend our time worrying about guys like this, while our main rival continues to run away with the talent in college football then we just aren't doing it right.
I don't think it's Urban that keeps mentioning Notre Dame, that came out in his book and some people keep bringing it up. Corey pretty much has it right, Notre Dame needs to worry more about what to do right now than thinking Meyer might come later. As to money ..... the Gators can afford to pay as much for the right coach as anyone in the country, and Meyer is the right coach.
USC has had an amazing array of talent over the last few years. The Trojans had 4 first round draft picks in 2008 and still were right at the top and very competitive last season. I've seen enough of the Big 12 for awhile. Careful what you wish for but this year I think a USC-Fla title game would be cool.......and it's in the Rose Bowl no less. Advantage Trojans!
I do think it is Urban's own words... but like I said, he's just bilking Florida for more money. Dave, IF USC beats you guys this year... I can't tell you how poorly that would reflect on you guys and the BCS system. They are starting fresh on both sides of the ball and you guys are returning an entire defense, superman at Quarterback and your entire line... If they beat you with the kids who have been backing up the past 2 years, people will ask why they didn't get to thump you last year
It looks like it is likely that Shane Matthews is who Meyer was referring to. Most Gator fans are on Meyer's side.