The Speed

Mike Kaminski saw the value of Florida’s speedsters and wrote his article, “What’s in a Nickname? At Florida, it’s Speed”. He evaluates the importance these quick players have had on the Gator’s success. Nicknames throughout the Florida team range from gazelles, jackrabbits, and cheetahs. Players such as Rainey and Demps have running styles that reflect that of the gazelle. Jenkins goes by jackrabbit not only for his speed, but also for his time spent as a kid chasing rabbits around. The biggest honor of all, the title of the cheetah, goes to Percy Harvin. Kaminski quoted Coach Meyer saying, “I want to have the fastest team in America” (Kaminski). Meyer strongly focuses on potential player’s speed while recruiting. Florida already has twelve players who have clocked at or under 4.4 seconds when running the forty yard dash. Meyer is so confident in the ability of his players he held an open race for the students of the University of Florida. If any student could beat his speed demons, he ensured a scholarship. Needless to say, none were given.

Speed puts the Gators one step ahead of all the other teams out there. It’s a secret weapon that not all teams have the pleasure of having. However, it is only a small part to a big picture. Having speedy players has saved Florida in the past, but I believe they are more for bragging rights than success. Florida players think they have the best of the best. One player in the article was quoted saying that “we [Florida Gators] can line up with anybody” (Kaminski). All cockiness aside, Meyer should continue to look for quick players but not make it a necessity.





Kaminski, Mike. "What's in a Nickname? At Florida, it's Speed." First Coast News 06 Jan 2009: Web. 8 May 2010.