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Recruiting tests Meyer's high school friendship

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A Florida high school football coach says his friendship is a little strained with Urban Meyer these days. It has everything to do with recruiting. Robert Weiner directs Tampa's Plant High, the Florida powerhouse which has won two out of the last three state championships. Plant High also boasts two prospects ranked among the nation's top 100, quarterback Aaron Murray and tight end Orson Charles. Both are headed across the state line for college ball, which isn't sitting too well with fans of the reigning BCS champions. Weiner counts Urban Meyer as a friend. "I'm sure, at least for a short period of time, there will be strained relations with Urban and the Florida coaches," Weiner told the AJC on Wednesday. "But eventually we'll be back to business. I'll have other players that the University of Florida will want in future years, and I'd love to get players to the University of Florida. Anytime you have two players so highly recruited, things can get pretty intense. But in the end, there are no hard feelings. Everything will be OK." These days, however, Weiner is feeling the heat from all directions. In forming an unlikely alliance with the Gators, some Florida State and Miami fans are also disappointed to see two elite recruits depart the Sunshine State. However, the Gators carry the most powerful voice because they are the reigning champs.

Atlanta Journal Constitution

Urban Meyer, Marc Serota/Getty Images Urban Meyer, Marc Serota/Getty Images
February 26, 2009  08:09 AM ET

Excuse me while I get my violin out...

February 26, 2009  08:22 AM ET

Blah Blah Blah. T&R kinda having a down day huh?

February 26, 2009  08:31 AM ET

"I'm mad at you because you didn't force your kids to come play for me!" WHAT?!?!? Are these coaches or 13 year old girls?

February 26, 2009  08:37 AM ET

Since when is it the HS coaches choice as to where the player goes? I would not want a kid that cannot make the decision on his own, but then again, what do I know.

February 26, 2009  08:40 AM ET

I mean who doesnt wanna go to UF? clearly the Gators are the best in the NCAA

February 26, 2009  08:40 AM ET

If the name isnt TEBOW i dont think meyer cares.

February 26, 2009  08:43 AM ET

I'm a Gator fan and I even think this is stupid. It doesn't explain why these kids are going elsewhere but, part of Florida's problem is that they have TOO much talent. None of the incoming Freshman will play for a while.
I can hear it now...Whiner and Crier. Great! more junk to throw at the Gators. Well at least we're doing better than "The U".
Go Gators!

February 26, 2009  08:51 AM ET

I think Meyer would love to have the best in-state talent available, but I also think he is not shocked that he doesn't get all of them. Plant has a great program, but I am sure he doesn't feel an entitlement to their elite players.

This is a HS coach who is inflating his importance by name dropping. He should call Lane, that crap works for him.

February 26, 2009  08:53 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

"I'm mad at you because you didn't force your kids to come play for me!" WHAT?!?!? Are these coaches or 13 year old girls?

My vote is for 13 year old girls.

Seriously, how many states lose their top players? It happens, and then a new crop of kids comes a long a few months later. I don't see the issue here.

February 26, 2009  08:57 AM ET
QUOTE(#2):

Blah Blah Blah. T and R kinda having a down day huh?

kinda rough week...

February 26, 2009  08:57 AM ET
QUOTE(#7):

I'm a Gator fan and I even think this is stupid. It doesn't explain why these kids are going elsewhere but, part of Florida's problem is that they have TOO much talent. None of the incoming Freshman will play for a while. I can hear it now...Whiner and Crier. Great! more junk to throw at the Gators. Well at least we're doing better than "The U".Go Gators!

I think you hit the nail on the head; these guys are young & talented, but at UF they would be riding the bench or possibly get red shirted and they want to play immediately.

February 26, 2009  09:22 AM ET
QUOTE(#9):

My vote is for 13 year old girls.Seriously, how many states lose their top players? It happens, and then a new crop of kids comes a long a few months later. I don't see the issue here.

Definitely correct - there's no story here, move along.

February 26, 2009  09:32 AM ET

Ultimately, it's up to the kids. If they want to be Gator bait, it's their choice.

February 26, 2009  09:40 AM ET
QUOTE(#2):

Blah Blah Blah. T&R kinda having a down day huh?

The problem is Lane Kiffin hasn't opened his mouth all week so T&R isn't sure what to do.

February 26, 2009  10:01 AM ET

Who cares? UF isnt the only school in the nation.

You want a Hamburger with those French Cries?

February 26, 2009  11:03 AM ET
QUOTE(#11):

but at UF they would be riding the bench or possibly get red shirted and they want to play immediately.

not orson charles, but hopefully he pulls a nu'keese richardson/marsalis teague and commits to tenn, the look on his face will be priceless when the scoreboard reads 63-14.

February 26, 2009  11:09 AM ET
QUOTE(#5):

I mean who doesnt wanna go to UF? clearly the Gators are the best in the NCAA

Seeking help for your problem I hope?

February 26, 2009  11:10 AM ET
QUOTE(#8):

I think Meyer would love to have the best in-state talent available, but I also think he is not shocked that he doesn't get all of them. Plant has a great program, but I am sure he doesn't feel an entitlement to their elite players.This is a HS coach who is inflating his importance by name dropping. He should call Lane, that crap works for him.

Don't suggest any coach call Kiffin. Orgeron will be having a beer with the coach by the weekend while they play with the fog machine.

February 26, 2009  11:19 AM ET
QUOTE(#19):

Don't suggest any coach call Kiffin. Orgeron will be having a beer with the coach by the weekend while they play with the fog machine.

lol

 
February 26, 2009  11:41 AM ET
QUOTE(#14):

Ultimately, it's up to the kids. If they want to be Gator bait, it's their choice.

Exactly, it looks like the High School coach still likes Meyer but the kids just made a choice on their own.

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