Can you go into more details on why we didn’t want/dropped (Da’Rick) Rogers and (Markeith) Ambles?
GG: I think a big sticking point for preventing both of those players from being a part of Florida’s incredible 2010 class were personality conflicts with prior coaching staffs. Markeith Ambles was reportedly very close to becoming a Gator between the Spring and Friday Night Lights. However, there was some chatter that Ambles was talking up Florida because Lane Kiffin was asking him to do so. It’s hard to say whether that is true or not, but Ambles did ending up signing with his “dream school” at the beginning of the process --- USC. He did have some issues that actually led the organizers of the Under Armour All-American Game to revoke his invite to play in St. Petersburg. So, take that for what it’s worth. In talking with Ambles in San Antonio, I thought he was pleasant enough to interview, and one of the better interviews among players participating in the game.
Likewise, the review on Da’Rick Rogers in Orlando/St. Petersburg from the Under Armour practices and game was very similar. Incredible athlete and talent, but definitely possessing a bit of a defiant attitude toward coaches and authority figures. The line that was said to me --- “the coaches are going to have to keep their thumbs on him” --- indicated that he might not be a good fit in Gainesville. A rumored visit to Florida never materialized, and it’s easy to see why when all the facts are added together.
