Mike Blakely To Transfer From Florida
by Andy Hutchins on May 10, 2011 1:25 PM EDT
in Florida Football
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PrintRunning back Mike Blakely will transfer from Florida, according to UF via GatorZone's Scott Carter. And another one bites the dust.
Blakely's a smallish running back, listed at 5'9", 198 pounds, and seems more like a Chris Rainey/Jeff Demps clone than the sort of physical back one would expect to be more successful in a pro-style system. Additionally, Blakely would likely have been fifth or sixth on the depth chart — Demps, Rainey, Mike Gillislee, and Mack Brown would all theoretically be ahead of a freshman, even an early-enrolling freshman — and had shoulder surgery after coming to Gainesville in January that limited him in spring practice.
There's "no word" on restrictions on where Blakely could transfer, according to Carter, but Blakely told The Alligator's Bryan Holt that he cannot transfer to an SEC school. That means he'll likely transfer first to a junior college, and from there to an SEC school. In any case, this sounds mostly like a bad fit, and shouldn't be a huge loss.
Besides the players currently ahead of Blakely, remember, Florida has commitments from Mike Jones and Mike Davis, who would both have competed with Blakely for playing time in 2012 and beyond.
Thoughts? (Beyond "We hardly knew ye," anyway?)
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Not shocked
At first I was bummed but then I realized this is not a major blow. He doesn’t fit a pro style offense and he buried on the depth chart. He should go to a school where he will have the best chance to succeed. I wish him luck in the future as long as it’s not in the SEC or at FSU.
Maybe he was nervous about being just another "Mike" in the crowd?!
I always hate losing highly rated running backs. It’s like good starting pitchers – you can never have too many of them.
This + a whole lot.
I’ll miss him because I really liked him and his potential. And if last season was any indication, you want as many RBs as you can get. Sad to see him go.
BUT…
Big picture, he wasn’t a great fit for the new offense.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 2:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Big picture, he wasn’t a great fit for the new offense.
Yeah. If he wasn’t an early enrollee I wonder if Muschamp even recruits him.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
’Tis but a scratch in the Gators upcoming machine.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Agree he is not a huge loss
Though very talented.
But I’m curious as to what type of “machine” this might be? I don’t mean to be smart, I’m curious as to how the fans see the UF teams of the next few years unfolding? Offensive Juggernauts a la Spurrier and Meyer 2 years ago, or more defensive powerhouse a la Bama, or perhaps a balanced approach?
I realize I’m the enemy, but we tolerate a few well-behaved Gators and ’Canes on our board.
by Dark Stranger on May 10, 2011 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
First, I like to say welcome and that an opposing viewpoint (from a rival) is never a bad thing. It is just the “few” (that every team has) that we could do without.
Personally, I see a well balanced machine. The offense will improve (with Addazio leaving, thus addition by subtraction) and I see the defense continuing to be and/or getting back to the 2006 or 2008 levels.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Muschamp not allowed to oversign, so he continues to clear room by transferring kids out who don’t fit his system before the year.
UF now at 73 scholarship players.
Wonder how UF’s APR will look now? Probably not too bad, actually.
'11: Minimum Goal: Win 10 games again
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 3rd in offense, 107th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
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Looks like we were both right. Muschamp IS a Saban disciple and will continue to run kids off, and Machen can get his PR hit minimized.
Still, high 20s right now is still tough to see.
'11: Minimum Goal: Win 10 games again
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 3rd in offense, 107th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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oh come on...
little jab aside, let’s not act like Muschamp wanted to boot a kid off, that hadn’t even suited up, when he’s light on running backs as it is. Also, if I recall correctly, last year when you seminole boys were grasping at optimistic straws, it was that fact that jimbo coached under saban, and was a “saban disciple” that was one of the reasons you had to be optimistic. Let’s not turn that around now into a bad thing, just because it suits you.
contributing author - Alligator Army
I think Saban disciple is a good thing. I’m just chucking at the idea that Machen says UF will not engage in ".grayshirting, oversigning and the “nefarious practice” of revoking scholarships."
'11: Minimum Goal: Win 10 games again
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 3rd in offense, 107th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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So we should expect your charming ridiculously biased anaylsis everytime a kid is unhappy, and wants to go elsewhere?
Wonderful. There is nothing I love more that jumping to ridiculous conclusions, based on a pre-conceived bias.
contributing author - Alligator Army
Not every time.
'11: Minimum Goal: Win 10 games again
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 3rd in offense, 107th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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God forbid there be transfers when a new coach and entirely different system come in...
I mean, dear lord Rich Rod must’ve been the dark lord of oversigning then!
/MDWM
by The Commenter Formerly Known as Not You on May 10, 2011 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Any proof to back up even a letter of that ridiculous accusation?
Keep jumping to conclusions and you’ll likely break your neck…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
He is predicting that is how it is going to go down. He’s said that from day 1. And so far, I can’t say that he is wrong.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Really?...
I haven’t seen or heard a word that Muschamp forced Blakely out or that his scholly was revoked…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
It’s all classified under the “clearing space” thought. Also, 90% of stuff that goes behind the scenes never comes out, so I doubt they will release the conversation transcripts.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
So in other words...
There is NOT any reason or evidence that this is anything other than Blakely not being comfortable and wanting to try his luck elsewhere after coming through spring and realixzing he’s proably better off transferring elsewhere to see if he fits…
And honestly, supporting the clown that runs a blog that wants nothing more than to paint the flagship university of the state of Florida in a poor light along with it’s athletic program will certainly not help you, Andy or anyone else that wants to write for this blog gain enough trust to allow access and information off the record other than the normal fodder fed to most media outlets…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
So what you are saying is that nobody here can agree with anyone who isn’t a Gator fan?
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
I was just taking a shot in the dark. The time will come for off the record stuff. Don’t worry.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Well...Perhaps you should actually read the links provided...
According to Bryan Holt’s tweet, Blakely was not happy with the transition in the offensive style and he wants to be somewhere he can start immediately…and even Blakely’s comments through the school indicate he wanted to leave himself…
Not everthing is the great Nole conspiracy theory Bud wants you to believe, bub…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
So since you read them...
You apparently don’t believe the folks that actually spoke with those involved but rather the hack that blogs about a rival school?
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
But that has nothing to do with what Bud is saying.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Really?
His position clearly states that Blakely is a victim of having his schollie yanked because he doesn’t fit the system…rather than what the indication from both the university AND Blakely’s own mouth…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
This is what Bud said….
Muschamp not allowed to oversign, so he continues to clear room by transferring kids out who don’t fit his system before the year.
Transition in offensive style that Blakely doesn’t like……means that he doesn’t fit the system. Blakely doesn’t like the system, thus he doesn’t fit the system. So he is transferring.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Ah...but Bud's opinion is that Muschamp is forcing Blakely out...
Which isn’t what is being said by UF or Blakely…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
And what would Blakely gain by saying it was his own decision to leave when it wasn't?
Not one thing…
Unless you would want to believe some ridiculous Nole conspiracy theory about him being paid to say otherwise…which I wouldn’t be surprised to see next…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
Haha. I don’t think anybody would go that far.
There is always two sides. And 99.9% of the time is it the middle between the two.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Ok...
Side one, aka Muschamp, stated that Blakely decided UF isn’t where he wanted to play football…
Side two, aka Blakely, stated that he didn’t want to play in a “pro-style” offense and wanted to start immediately as the reason for his transfer…
So under your theory of “the middle”, we can simply draw the conclusion that Blakely wasn’t comfortable with the offense…
And no where near that bunch of BS that TommyFlop’s head homo wants to sling around…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
by gatorhippy on May 10, 2011 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Also…why keep a kid around as dead weight if he doesn’t fit your system? Do we really want to go through the “square peg round hole” deal again?
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
This is a warning.
For “homo.” We don’t use that word around here.
by Andy Hutchins on May 11, 2011 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Oops...
Left off the “Sapien” part…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
by gatorhippy on May 11, 2011 11:27 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
My opinion is that blakely was told he didn’t fit and would never play.
'11: Minimum Goal: Win 10 games again
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 3rd in offense, 107th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
Follow Tomahawk Nation's Twitter feed!
by Bud Elliott on May 11, 2011 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Not what you stated previously here...
As we just saw from FlaGator’s block quote from your initial post…and from your second post on the topic…
But keep backtrackin’…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
haha, can I say yes.
Stop being so civil with these Noles!
"When you argue correctly, you're never wrong."-Nick Naylor
Also, there will be a time for some trash talking.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
The two coaches do (did?) share a beach house together.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
maybe Muschamp
lost Blakely in a game of poker with Jimbo over the weekend?
contributing author - Alligator Army
I knew having Peter Warrick as the dealer was a bad idea. Hopefully though, Muschamp didn’t attend the shopping trip that Warrick sponsored after the game.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
you know he did...
Who could refuse a shopping spree, at minimal* cost
*free
contributing author - Alligator Army
How you missed a Jack Childress joke I’ll never know.
'11: Minimum Goal: Win 10 games again
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'09: 3rd in offense, 107th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
Follow Tomahawk Nation's Twitter feed!
The ACC official? Yeah, can’t stand the guy. He is a moron.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
I thought it was a bet between Teddy Dupay & Adrian McPherson?
I’m confused.
"You make the helmet, the helmet doesn't make you." << Jimbo FN' Fisher
Twitter @RobbedbyJT
The bet between Dupay and McPherson was over who controls the rights to Christian Drejer when he returns to basketball….if ever.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Had to google Drejer. More confused than Ray Shipman.
"You make the helmet, the helmet doesn't make you." << Jimbo FN' Fisher
Twitter @RobbedbyJT
Damn Drejer...
that kid was supposed to be amazing, and instead…sigh.
contributing author - Alligator Army
Drejer came in touted as All World
and all we got was a smaller, weaker version of Svein Dyrkolbotn.
Just looked him up
he retired from basketball in 2008…apparently the disappointment just continued.
contributing author - Alligator Army
He was no Dwayne Kenneth Schintzius. The Lobster!
"You make the helmet, the helmet doesn't make you." << Jimbo FN' Fisher
Twitter @RobbedbyJT
Haha. Dwayne had leukemia a few years ago. Last I heard (like a year ago) they had it under control though.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
too bad so sad
soooo i just gotta do this once so bear with me….
WHO?!? MIKE JONES!!!
WHO!?! MIKE JONES!!!!
thank you for your time
i had to Mike Jones is one of my favorite rappers haha
by gatorempire127 on May 10, 2011 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Every time I hear Mike Jones, I think of that Ice-Cube, Snoop song “Go to Church”
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Yeah, I haven’t heard it in roughly 4+ years. But I still always make that Mike Jones connection.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Mike Jones...
…the Gators new 2-headed monster.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 2:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And...
…I do NOT think he should be restricted in where he goes. Sure the Gators don’t want him beating him down the road, but a lot has changed since he first committed. It sucks, but Florida didn’t end up being the right place for him. Let him move on wherever that may be. Just my opinion.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 2:13 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I disagree.
It’s unfortunately part of the deal. When you sign on the dotted line, that school now has the ability to control your future. If Muschamp tells him he can’t play in the SEC, or FSU or MIami, I’d be completely fine with that.
contributing author - Alligator Army
Yeah, I tend to agree to this side of the “argument” when it comes to this type of discussion.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
I know and completely understand why they do it...
…I just don’t agree with it. People change their minds, especially young kids. If I were Muschamp, I’d probably do the same thing because it’s part of the “business,” but as an observer, I’m not a fan.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 2:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think this was probably just an unhappy kid.
Let’s not jump to some conclusion about Blakely’s ability in the pro style offense, and instead look at the more likely scenario. You have a young kid, who’s probably been unhappy for a few months, which feels like a lifetime at that age. Blakely was really close to Meyer, and his staff, and more than likely wasn’t getting the same love from Muschamp. He was an unavailable running back all spring, with a coaching staff that barely knew him. Let’s also not forget the whispers that Blakely was always more interested in Auburn, but possibly came to UF out of obligation to family that wanted him there etc…personally I think that all of the “won’t fit in”, or “Muchamp ran him off” talk is completely ridiculous.
contributing author - Alligator Army
I agree with all of what you said...
…but I don’t think we’re jumping to conclusions about his fit. He never looked like a back that would do as well in a pro-style offense. That’s not a knock on him, just an observation based on watching a lot of tape. I like the kid a lot and wish he would stay and we could see why he could do, but this also isn’t like removing a square peg from a square hole (if that makes sense).
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 2:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Blakely was a pretty big boy
Tall? no, but pushing 200 lbs, and shifty. There isn’t an offense on the planet, that can’t find a way to use a strong fast running back.
contributing author - Alligator Army
True...
…but he also watched the Gators go after 2 high-profile backs this spring too. Regardless of how he might have actually fit in, he obviously saw something.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 2:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I suppose it's possible
but it’s not as if Blakely was a kid who lacked confidence. We will probably never know for sure, what happened. Maybe he did get the impression from Charlie, that he wasn’t his “ideal” back, or maybe he wasn’t gelling with the team, because he wasn’t able to play?
contributing author - Alligator Army
Blakely was really close to Meyer, and his staff, and more than likely wasn’t getting the same love from Muschamp.
Meyer was gone before the kid even enrolled though. If he wasn’t smart enough to figure out that different coaches have different personalities…he more than likely is going to struggle (in that aspect) in the future.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
I don't think that's fair.
Again, he’s an 18 year old kid, and he always wanted to enroll early. If he really did want to go elsewhere, then he should of weighed those options, but I think this was the injury and all of the other stuff that accompanied it. If Blakely is healthy, he would’ve been getting reps in spring, and would’ve gotten to know the new coaching staff better. Instead he was sidelined all spring, for a team that had to end up using a DB in the spring game at RB. I really do think that he was just unhappy, and that his injury was probably in most ways, the cause of that unhappiness, or at least contributed to the reasons that he was unhappy.
contributing author - Alligator Army
that's easy to say,
but I speak from experience, when I say that a few miserable months in Gainesville, at 18/19 years old, can feel like a lifetime. He’s a kid….
contributing author - Alligator Army
There are thousands of places in the United States that are just like Gainesville when it comes to 18/19 years old and it feels like a lifetime.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Yet another reason why I don't think he should be restricted.
He could have been miserable. Let him go be happy.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 2:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't disagree with you on a personal level,
but Florida plays at the highest level, in the best conference in the country. This program is big business, and there are just something you do as a business to protect yourself. That being said, I bet Blakely goes JUCO, and then tries to transfer back to an SEC school….*horrible Cam Newton flashbacks engaged
contributing author - Alligator Army
EXACTLY. It is a business. On every side of the equation.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
I think we're taking about 2 different things.
Both of which we actually agree about.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 2:52 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I just had to steal this from emc503 over on EDSBS.
I seriously chuckled at this for a minute straight…
Blakely, upon hearing about the crackdown on weed in Gainesville
contributing author - Alligator Army
by Cardsfan25 on May 10, 2011 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Classic.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 2:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
ha, rec'd for stealing funny things and bringing them here.
"When you argue correctly, you're never wrong."-Nick Naylor
Chris Rainey/Jeff Demps clone?
Except for the fact that Blakely has 20+ pounds on them as an incoming freshman.
Blakely has 20 pounds on Rainey but not on Demps. 10 on Demps if Blakely put on some fat. Demps usually plays at around 190.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
I'm not sure Demps has ever seen 190.
He’s listed at 181, meaning he’s probably 175 soaking wet with rocks in his pockets.
He was listed at 190 last year. And as a freshman he was 192.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
He was only 162 coming out of high school.
Percy is the only “smaller” guy I remember adding that much bulk.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 10:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not sure who was right, but Rivals had him at 162.
I’m not a football player (obviously), but I have 4 inches on Demps and find it hard to believe after watching him all these years that he has 15 pounds on me. Not saying he’s not solid, but 190 would make him a lot bigger than he appears.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh I can see him at 190. That’s what I’ve always thought of him anyway. He ain’t the skinniest player out on the field.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
LMAO...I was going to say the same thing...
Verbatim…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
Thanks smart guy.
Haha.
I get that, I’m just saying if Demps is listed at 190, odds are he isn’t. Every school pumps those things up big time. If he was really 190, they would list him at 200. Pretty common practice.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 12, 2011 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Percy did get jacked after his freshman year.
Really helped his game out too. I have always thought Harvin was one of our best players OF ALL TIME!
"When you argue correctly, you're never wrong."-Nick Naylor
The weird thing about Harvin....
Usually as guys out in that shell of muscle they become LESS injury prone…
Aside from the migraines, he seemed to have more problems…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
Well he said he had heel problems since he was in high school.
And then of course the famous migraine issue.
"When you argue correctly, you're never wrong."-Nick Naylor
He even had his heel filed down. Now, I’m not sure the exact process that goes on in that kind of an operation, but I’m guessing that it isn’t fun.
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Yuh...
Pretty sure that falls under the ’Never Good" category…
You may not like what I have to say...but somebody has to say it...
It sounds awful.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 12, 2011 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes he did.
But put the two next to each other. Harvin looks massive compared to Demps.
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 12, 2011 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Demps? 190?
Are we talking about the same Demps?
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 9:54 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Like I said above….
He was listed last year at 190. Link
The Once and Future King
Editor at Alligator Army
Those listings are typically very off though.
A ton of times we see a kid listed at 6’0" only to find out at the combine that he’s barely 5’10".
Twice the Gators (and twice the...er...me) at a fraction of the price...The Bull Gator and Alligator Army.
by The Bull Gator on May 10, 2011 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
your link above
if you click on the roster link from Demps’ profile page – voila, he is back down to 181. I guess he gains 9 lbs. each time you blow up his profile. Must be water weight!
"Seems more like"
I mostly meant that he was more like those two than Gillislee/Brown/Jones.
by Andy Hutchins on May 11, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Pretty bummed...
I liked Blakely in his highlight videos and the fact he stuck around after Urbs left. I don’t think we can have enough running backs. Gillislee and Demps are unreal but accident prone. Brown hasn’t even seen the field yet. Rainey is our true hope. Guess it’s true: when it rains it pours…(Dunkley, McRoy, Janoris, and now Blakely)
Why can’t Brantley be the one asking for a transfer???
by GoGators82 on May 10, 2011 11:59 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Will Never Forget
his Tebow-esqe jump pass on that Nationally Televised game.
by ParadigmShift35 on May 11, 2011 8:57 AM EDT reply actions
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