What Dan Mullen said Wednesday on the SEC Coaches Teleconference
By Andrew Olson
Published:
First-year coach Dan Mullen is back above .500 at Florida after the Gators took care of Colorado State 48-10 Saturday in The Swamp. But things are about to get a lot more challenging as Mullen’s squad prepares for its first road game of the season, a trip to Rocky Top to face division rival Tennessee.
Mullen joined the weekly SEC Coaches Teleconference Wednesday to share his thoughts on Tennessee, Saturday’s game and what he’s seen from his own team so far.
On how Florida’s tight ends have played so far:
- They’ve played pretty solid, I always want more production from every position, but overall, pretty solid.
On the growth of WR Freddie Swain, who caught a TD and returned a punt for a TD in Week 3:
- I think he’s really worked hard. I don’t know tons about his career before he got here but he’s really bought in to what we’ve asked him to do. He’s involved in special teams and embraced it and that’s what we are looking for. We’ve used him all over the field, on special teams, I don’t see him going over to defense so that’s about all he can do.
On Tennessee QB Jarrett Guarantano:
- He’s probably similar to [Florida QB] Feleipe (Franks). Talented young player, good arm, deceiving good with his legs. He’s growing in the system and he’s learning and he has a bright future.
On last year’s game:
- I didn’t watch it. I haven’t seen it. We have a new staff, they have a new staff. I’ve seen the Hail Mary throw, but that’s it.
On Tennessee’s strengths:
- One of their strengths is the RBs. They run hard, I see the depth of that position is strong. They have been patient getting their backs the ball and they get yards after contact.
On Tennessee DB Nigel Warrior:
- Yeah, solid DB. Their defense as a whole hasn’t given up a touchdown in two games…
On Tennessee honoring the 1998 National Title team during the Florida game:
- I was coaching at Syracuse then, that’s where I was. I’ve met Coach Fulmer in passing… That was a good team they had in 1998.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
