Former Gator shares thoughts on 2016 Friday Night Lights experience
A handful of former Gators were in attendance this past weekend for Florida's annual Friday Night Lights camp in Gainesville. One who got to catch the action was former Florida safety Dorian Munroe, who played for both of UF's national title squads in 2006 and 2008 during his time with the program from 2005-08.
Munroe recently spoke with Inside the Gators to discuss his thoughts of how Friday Night Lights went plus a couple other UF-related topics.
What stood out to you the most about Florida's Friday Night Light camps this past weekend?
Munroe: I think they did a great job. The energy level was very high. It helps having former players like myself and current players who are on the team there in attendance, because it makes as close to a game-type atmosphere as it gets for camp. It’s under the lights, it’s in the Swamp in front of coaches and other players. You get to see how these guys perform in pressure situations versus just random 7-on-7 things and things like that.
I have visited Friday Night Lights a couple times - and don’t get me wrong, those events were really good and very well ran, but I think that this current Florida staff did a tremendous job of providing these guys with the type of environment and atmosphere that they’re going to see Saturday nights in The Swamp. So I think the atmosphere was a little different.
What was, in your opinion, the biggest difference between how the new coaching staff ran FNL as compared to the previous one?
Munroe: I think both staffs did it well. It’s been a while since I’ve been to a Muschamp Friday Night Lights, but what I can say is what I saw this time versus the past is there were a lot of current players there this time involved in the drills. Like I remember seeing Jalen Tabor standing right there when Jerry Jeudy was going against that University of Miami commit. He comes back. That's Jalen Tabor, a potential first-round pick in next year’s draft. That kind of presence from current players on the team, it means a lot for these kids. My nephew, he was working out and throwing with Chris Leak, a guy that he looked up to as a kid. Now, he’s here in 1-on-1s and Chris Leak is standing a few feet away giving him pointers. It’s an awesome experience for those guys.
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What are your thoughts on Florida's recent facilities upgrades, including the new indoor practice facility?
Munroe: I think the UAA did a great job of taking their time and giving Florida the best indoor facility arguably in the country. Myself, as well as some of the other high school kids that were in attendance that I brought up to the camp, were blown away. I mean, state-of-the-art. A lot of them have taken unofficial visits at the camps at other universities and they said the University of Florida’s indoor facility is by far the best facility they’ve seen. Even though they were one of the last ones to get the indoor facility, they definitely did a great job. It’s going to be a great asset for the Florida football team.
What have your interactions been like with the new staff?
Munroe: They’re doing a great job. They’re very personable. Coach Rumph, Coach Dixon, the relationship I’ve seen them have with some recruits, it’s almost like they’re friends first and mentors first before coaches. They’re not overly trying to recruit these guys. They’re more so focused on trying to build relationships with these guys. To me, that’s important.
What have you seen from new Gators defensive backs coach Torrian Gray?
Munroe: I haven’t seen him interact with his players, but I’ve met him personally and I’m excited to see what he’s going to be able to do with this Florida talent because he’s definitely a very experienced coach and he did a great job at Virginia Tech. If he brings half of the expertise that he displayed at Virginia Tech to Florida with these talented guys, you’re looking at a 2008 Joe Haden-Janoris Jenkins type of combination.
What are your thoughts on the current Florida secondary heading into the 2016 season? What are your expectations for them?
Munroe: The secondary is traditionally strong at the University of Florida. There was Reggie Nelson back when I played, transitioning to Major Wright and Ahmad Black, transitioning to Janoris Jenkins, Wondy Pierre-Louis and Joe Haden and Vernon Hargreaves. Quincy Wilson and Jalen Tabor pretty much pick up the torch and have performed even higher than what those guys have done. You’re looking at probably the best cornerback tandem in the country. In the SEC, you need to have quality defensive backs who can not only play the pass but stop the run. I feel like we have that.
Marcus Maye, I love him. He wears 20, which is the number I wore at Florida so that automatically makes me a huge fan. His leadership and knowledge of the game is going to help those other guys the most. He’s very experienced and seasoned. He’s an exceptional leader. With him back there, Florida has nothing to worry about.
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