Miami must deal with the speed of the Gators

Photo by Robert Leifheit/Contributing Photographer Zac Dysert (4) of the Miami RedHawks, throws a pass during the first team practice of the summer, Saturday, August 7, 2010, at Miami University, in Oxford.

It’s not just skill position players; Florida’s defensive line is quick, too.

By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 8:10 AM Friday, September 3, 2010

OXFORD — So just how much speed does the University of Florida football team possess?

“Unbelievable” is how Miami University head coach Michael Haywood described it.

Florida’s running back, Jeff Demps, tied the world junior record for the 100-meter dash when he was in high school with a time of 10.01 seconds, and he has gotten faster. Earlier this year, he won the NCAA Indoor 60-meter dash (6.46) and the NCAA Outdoor 100 dash (9.96).

The Gators always have a fast defense, and this year is no exception. True freshman defensive end Ronald Powell is considered one of the nation’s top recruits, he runs the 40 in 4.6 seconds, and he’s third string.

Nevertheless, the RedHawks must find a way to deal with that speed when Miami and Florida open their seasons in a nationally televised game at “The Swamp” on Saturday, Sept. 4.

“Most people look at it as skill positions,” Haywood said of Florida’s speed, “but when you watch their defensive front and you watch their defensive ends come off the ball, I mean they are exploding off the ball, dipping and ripping and turning that corner, and that poses a problem for you.

“You get less people out in the passing game because you have to (block) with backs, you have to leave the tight end in to help out,” he said.

Miami sophomore quarterback Zac Dysert said it has been important to watch film of the Gators on defense.

“We don’t really get a chance to practice (against that kind of speed) out here,” Dysert said. “You’ve just got to be ready for everything they’re doing. If you know everything they’re doing, you know where they’re going to be. Speed’s going to be a factor and you’ll have to make quick decisions. You can’t be late on anything.”

Dysert said Haywood “talks every day about the clock in your head. The most you’ve got (to release a pass) is about 2.8 seconds. If it’s not there, you’ve got to throw it away or tuck it away and run.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.