Tennessee DC has special insight into Gators QB Austin Appleby
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Austin Appleby, Florida’s new starting quarterback, spent four years at Purdue before joining the Gators as a graduate transfer.
As a Boilermaker, Appleby’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach was John Shoop, the brother of Tennessee DC Bob Shoop.
“I talk to my brother all the time any way,” Bob joked at a Wednesday media opportunity. “The quarterback situation at Florida may have come up.”
The defensive coach said his brother had nothing but praise for Appleby.
“My brother gave him a tremendous compliment,” Bob said. “He compared him to Ben Roethlisberger in the pocket. He said he’s a big, strong kid. We’re very well aware of that. He’s got people hanging on his body and can throw the ball. He played very well against Michigan State a couple years ago. He’s played in big games.
“He’s not going to be intimidated by this environment. He’s a fifth-year senior who is mature and highly football intelligent. My brother said he prepares very, very hard, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. He’s the type of guy that’s a great story in college football, and I certainly wish him the best of luck in every game but this weekend.”
Vols head coach Butch Jones is also familiar with Appleby from his days as Cincinnati’s coach.
“I know a lot about him (because) we recruited him when we were at Cincinnati,” Jones said. “He’s played in a lot of meaningful games. He has experience, he’s mature, and I know they’re very, very confident, and rightfully so.”
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
