'Yoda of DB coaching': Gators corners getting groomed by Corey Raymond

Corey Raymond never thought he would be looking for a landing spot, let alone at a rival school. 

But after 10 years at his alma mater, LSU, where he produced seven first team All-Americans, Raymond was in the market for a new job last December. 

New Tigers coach Brian Kelly did not retain him on his staff. 

“They say once a Tiger always a Tiger, but that’s not true. It is what it is,” Raymond said. “Both parties needed to split. I had been there for 10 years and they wanted to go another direction. I hope they do good, just not against Florida.”

Before the news of Kelly’s decision broke, Raymond had already been hired by the Gators. Florida’s Billy Napier was in need of a cornerbacks coach and pounced on the opportunity to add Raymond to his staff. 

The two had not only crossed paths on the recruiting trail during Napier’s time at Alabama and Louisiana, but Raymond was a Ragin’ Cajuns fan. 

“What he did at Louisiana-Lafayette and taking that program and turning it around, I grew up 20 minutes south of that. Even though I went to LSU I still was a UL fan just being from that area,” Raymond said. “And also we went against each other when he was at that other school (Alabama) and I was at that other school (LSU). So we had a competitive thing. 

“Coach is also a really good man. The opportunity came for me to come here and everything was right. … Talking to him on the road and different things, I’m like, ‘Man, he’s going to be a really good coach.’ Why wouldn’t I be part of that?”

Raymond admits that wearing the Florida Gators logo was hard at first, but said it grew on him. And what better school for Raymond to land than another one that calls itself DBU? 

“I ain’t never thought I would be here,” Raymond said. “Growing up, (Florida) is a rival. I would never have thought I would be here, but things happen and maybe it was a blessing. … I did what was best for me. You move on. Hey, I’m here. 

“First time (in orange and blue) was different for me. I went to college there, I’m from there. But that blue and orange is looking good on me. I’m in Florida. I recruited the state of Florida. It has a lot of talent. We have a chance to do special things here.”

Raymond inherits seven UF cornerbacks this spring, including newcomers Jalen Kimber (Georgia transfer) and Devin Moore (early enrollee). The Gators lost junior Kaiir Elam to the NFL Draft, but Avery Helm (nine starts) and Jason Marshall Jr. (seven starts) started 16 combined games last season.

“It’s just getting those guys to understand how to play the position more than anything,” Raymond said of his CB group. “It’s not just about going out there and playing. It’s about the position, learning the position, learning the ins and outs of the position in different types of coverage, different types of footwork, where my eyes go. 

“So it’s just about developing that part of the guys. It’s going to take a little time getting used to me, who I am. Because I’m hard to get along with out there on the field. It’s demanding. You play a position that’s an easy place to line up, but there’s a lot of little things you have to do to be good at the position.”

Corey Raymond: ‘Yoda of DB coaching’

In addition to coaching the cornerbacks, Raymond also serves as the assistant head coach on defense. He’s been a huge asset for Florida co-defensive coordinator Sean Spencer and Patrick Toney, who calls the plays and coaches in the secondary with Raymond. 

“He’s like the Yoda of DB coaching,” Spencer said of Raymond. “This guy has coached everybody. He talks in that room, just so confident. He has so much experience. He’s been around the league. He’s been multiple places. 

“He’s played in the NFL. Just a guy that brings so much maturity to our staff. Not that we’re immature, but a guy like that has great respect from our staff. He works great with Coach PT. Those guys feed off each other.” 

Under Raymond’s tutelage, the Tigers had 14 players picked in the NFL Draft, including three first-rounders and five second-round picks. He believes Jason Marshall has the potential to be his next great defensive back. 

“He has a chance to do,” Raymond said. “I like that he can be physical but also he can play the finesse game too despite his size. He’s about 192, 193, 195. He can play his game with a physical receiver but also he could play with a smaller receiver, too.”

Raymond also gave his early impressions of Kimber (shoulder) and Jaydon Hill (knee), both of whom have been non-contact this spring. One of them is projected to start opposite Marshall. 

“They’re getting better,” Raymond said. “Kimber’s coming off an injury. He’s doing well. He’s been in this type of system. You just see that he’s going to be really good. 

“Jaydon Hill, he’s doing well. I like his progression. I like him as a player. He’s getting better every day. I think he has a chance to be good, too.” 

The Gators also have redshirt sophomore Ethan Pouncey and redshirt freshman Jordan Young at cornerback. When it comes to coaching the position and teaching the basic fundamentals, Napier said Raymond is as good as it gets. 

“I think he’s a professional. He’s been through some battles. He’s played in the big games. He’s coached in the big games,” Napier said. “He’s kind of a smooth veteran. He knows what he’s doing and he’s confident in his process and I certainly appreciate that. He’s an assistant head coach for defense and I think he brings some presence over there. 

“I know the players respect him because he’s very good at what he does. He has a pedigree. He has a track record. The more you get to know Corey the more you get to know he cares about people. He does a good job communicating with his guys, and he’s a fantastic teacher.”