Meyer: Gators' offense talented but defense young, inexperienced (w/audio)

Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess

UT cornerback Demetrice Morley walks off the field as Florida wide receiver Dallas Baker celebrates his game-winning touchdown catch with teammate Steve Rissler Saturday at Neyland Stadium. The fourth quarter TD put the Gators up for good 21-20.

HOOVER, Ala. — Urban Meyer is headed into uncharted territory this fall at Florida.

And were not talking about defending a national championship, which, incidentally, the Gators are.

Meyers early career as a head coach has been so successful, hes never started a third season at the same school.

After two years at Bowling Green, it was onward and upward to Utah. Two more years, the latter a 12-0 tour de force, it was onward and upward to The Swamp.

There isnt really anywhere to go onward and upward to from Florida, especially after winning SEC and national championships. So Meyer was back making the rounds at SEC Media Days on Thursday.

I dont have like a year-three book that I read or something like that, Meyer said.

Were just trying to do the same thing we did. Im excited to be at a place my third year, though.

Excited — and curious.

Meyer has ample reason to be excited about his offense. After two years adapting his spread formation to good-pass-no-run Chris Leak, Meyer hands the reins full-time to Tim Tebow, a seeming perfect fit.

Furthermore, Tebow, who starred as a change-of-pace alternative to Leak as a true freshman, is surrounded by gifted playmakers.

I can go through six names right now that are very productive players you want to see touch the ball, which we have not had, said Meyer.

Tebow, for starters. He rushed 89 times last year, averaging 5.3 yards a clip.

Percy Harvin, another true freshman star in 06, had 34 receptions and 41 rushes. Senior Andre Caldwell caught 57 passes last year. Kestahn Moore, Jarred Fayson and Cornelius Ingram are three more who will touch the ball in a variety of ways.

Theres only one football every snap, said Meyer. We have some talented guys. You better show up every day of practice or youre not going to get the ball this week.

If excitement is the watchword on offense, curiosity reigns on a defensive unit that must replace nine starters. The only returnees are end Derrick Harvey and safety Tony Joiner.

Dont think the Gators arent talented. All they lack is seasoning.

I like em, said Meyer. I like the personnel. I like the athleticism.

Its just the intangibles. I cant let you know where were at with that right now.

Hell get his answer on the practice field. Meyer believes thats where champions are made.

His 12-0 Utah team and his 2006 national champions were great — not good, great — practice teams, he said.

Unfortunately, he added, Ive seen some chinks in the armor (in spring practice). Ive seen some things show up thats not correlated to a tough football team.

However, Im giving them the benefit of doubt. Theyre awful young.

Youth is prevalent because Meyers first two recruiting classes at Florida were hit-and-miss. However, his incoming class is rated No. 1 in the country and eight of them reported for spring practice.

One of the eight, 6-foot-5, 243-pound quarterback Cameron Newton, may play a similar role to what Tebow did last year — coming in to run for some tough yards. That would save some wear and tear on Tebow.

Everybody knows Tebow can run. The only question is how well he will throw. He attempted only 33 passes last year.

We didnt need him to throw last year, said Caldwell. He throws a great ball.

Were going to be a lot more explosive this year because he can throw the ball down the field.

If the young defense develops the required toughness, Florida will again be a championship-caliber team. Even if the Gators give up more points, they might have the firepower to overcome it.

Its a great time to be in Gainesville, Florida, said Meyer.

As opposed to moving on.

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.