Randy Shannon Press Conference Recap

“We were not a football team that was consistent,” said Florida Gators football interim head coach Randy Shannon. Shannon started off Monday’s press conference with this and said it was the biggest contributing factor to the teams loss on Saturday.

He said special teams did not improve and fixing these things will be a challenge. Shannon went on to say that this challenge is for the football team to better themselves and get ready for this week. He said he’s not too worried about the young team that has been on the field because to him, age and year is not a determining factor. He said any and all players are Gators and need to bring what they can to the field.

DAVID REESE MESSAGE

These comments weren’t a call out to anyone specific, but these comments show leadership and are a wake up call to other players. Challenging the players with this comment will hopefully push other players to play harder.  Shannon said he’s not worried about what he had to say because that’s just his opinion-but one that he believes will help the team get closer.

STARTING QB

Shannon said Malik Zaire is still set to be starting QB for this weekend’s game. He moved the ball down the field, making some throws and didn’t do anything to hurt the team. Losing key DBs like Marcell Harris and Nick Washington have given young players like Zaire the opportunity to step up and be a leader. Shannon said he has been productive on the field and this is something players have to look up to. But they are looking for him to get more done and he thinks he should have  scored more this past week.

RECRUITS

To Shannon, looking at the program from an outside perspective, it is still one of the top programs of the nation. Having the opportunity to recruit nationally and especially players from places like south Georgia gives you the opportunity to build a strong team simply because of the brand.

The team is already built from young players who are gaining more experience this season.

Recruits are still ready and excited to come here and be part of this team according to the upcoming guys they spoke to last night.

WHAT’S NEXT

For this weeks game, one of the teams main focus is scoring more touchdowns and having players coming back from their injuries. Tyrie Cleveland can help make this happen. But it is important to remember they are still not 100 percent healed.

It is confirmed offensive lineman Brett Heggie suffered a “lower leg extremity” injury that has brought his season to an end. Kadarius Davis and Jachai Polite (shoulder) will also miss this weeks game. But defensive end Jabari Zuniga (ankle), defensive back Shawn Davis and center T.J. McCoy will return to the field this week.

Consistency is important in blocking and running the ball further, said coach Shannon. Looking to run 10 to 15 yards this week would be ideal.

Suspensions

Shannon said in the next two weeks the nine players suspended for their involvement in credit card fraud will have their court appearances.