Florida Gators

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Dontae Angus is a 3 star only because he hasn't been to any of the camps. Sharrif Floyd is his mentor. At 6'6"/320-330, he can play OT or DT. Tennessee had some tall DTs move on to successful NFL careers. UF wants him for OT, but the flexibility is there to play defense as well.

My heart went out to Antonio Morrison when I heard him pleading with the officer that he didn't mean to cause any trouble. I've been on the short end of an officer low on patience. It's no fun.

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Commitment #12 - Justus Reed (Buck/DE):

Gators pick up another 2014 commit

By Zach Abolverdi
Correspondent



Published: Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 11:54 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 11:54 p.m.


On Thursday night, Florida football coach Will Muschamp landed his second recruit in as many days with the commitment of Clearwater Central Catholic defensive end Justus Reed.


The decision was a dream come true for Reed, who grew up rooting for the Gators and received an offer in June following his workout at camp.

“I've been a Florida fan all my life,” he said. “It felt like the right school for me when I visited last month, and I didn't want to wait anymore. I couldn't go wrong.”

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder chose UF over Florida State, Miami and Ohio State. He is the 12th commit for in 2014 and seventh ESPN300 member to join the class.

He is anxious to play Florida's Buck position for Muschamp and his staff.

“The coaches really made me feel comfortable,” Reed said, “and I know they're going to be there a long time because of how good they do their jobs. I'm just ready to get there.”

Reed is now done with his recruiting process and will visit Gainesville several times this fall. He wanted to attend Friday Night Lights but has other plans.

“I'm going to Cancún for seven days,” Reed said. “This was the perfect way to start my vacation.”

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FNL Tonight:

July 22nd, 2013 02:20pm

Running list of attendees for Friday Night Lights

by Zach Abolverdi



The event Florida football recruits and fans have been waiting for has finally arrived.

Friday Night Lights, UF’s annual showcase, takes place this Friday in The Swamp. This summer’s edition has the potential to be one of the biggest in recent years.

It is scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. and run through 9:30. The stadium will be open to the public.

Here’s a running list of attendees that plan on coming. This blog will be updated every night with any new additions or cancellations that occur. I’ll also have a preview story up Thursday night on GatorSports.com.

In the comment section below, please let me know which recruits you want interviewed the most so our staff can prioritize those players.

COMMITS
QB Will Grier, 6-2, 180, Davidson, N.C./Davidson Day
RB Dalvin Cook, 5-11, 192, Miami, Fla./Central
OL Travaris Dorsey, 6-3, 314, Jacksonville, Fla./Raines
TE C’yontai Lewis, 6-6, 211, Alabaster, Ala./Kingwood Christian
DT Khairi Clark, 6-2, 325, Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna
CB Duke Dawson, 5-11, 188, Cross City, Fla./Dixie County
CB J.C. Jackson, 5-10, 180, Immokalee, Fla./Immokalee

TARGETS
RB/FB Cortavious Givens, 5-10, 220, St. Petersburg, Fla./Admiral Farragut Academy
RB Tony James, 5-9, 175, Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville
RB Bo Scarbrough, 6-2, 225, Tuscaloosa, Ala./Tuscaloosa County (Alabama commit)
WR Johnnie Dixon, 5-11, 197, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./Dwyer
WR Travis Rudolph, 6-1, 188, West Palm Beach, Fla./Cardinal Newman
WR/TE Moral Stephens, 6-3, 205, Perry, Fla./Taylor County
DE Trent Harris, 6-2, 227, Winter Park, Fla./Winter Park
DE Dewayne Hendrix, 6-4, 264, O’Fallon, Ill./O’Fallon
LB Richard Yeargin III, 6-3, 225, Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University School
CB Adoree’ Jackson, 5-10, 182, Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra
CB Chris Lammons, 5-10, 171, Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Plantation
CB Quincy Wilson, 6-1, 197, Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University School

2015 PROSPECTS
QB Christian Alexander, 6-3, 205, Lakeland, Fla./Lakeland Christian
RB Jacques Patrick, 6-2, 225, Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek
RB Jordan Scarlett, 5-10, 190, Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University School
RB T.J. Simmons, 6-0, 195, Lakeland, Fla./Lakeland Christian
WR Da’Vante Phillips, 6-1, 189, Miami, Fla./Central
OL Martez Ivey, 6-6, 271, Apopka, Fla./Apopka
DT Trenton Thompson, 6-3, 263, Albany, Ga./Westover
DE Michael Barnett, 6-4, 245, Dorchester, S.C./Woodland
DE Byron Cowart, 6-3, 248, Seffner, Fla./Armwood
DE CeCe Jefferson, 6-3, 260, Glen Saint Mary, Fla./Baker County
LB Jeffery Holland, 6-2, 226, Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian
LB Sherrod Pittman, 6-1, 215 Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast
CB Tyrek Cole, 5-10, 165, Miramar, Fla./Miramar
CB Kevin Toliver II, 6-1, 183, Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian (LSU commit)
DB Hunter Dale, 6-0, 175, New Orleans, La./John Curtis

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DJ Durkin comments from the Ocala Gator Club meeting last night (7/25):

www.gatorsports.com/article/20130725/ARTICLES/130729726?tc=cr

I was right about Michael Taylor and Darrin Kitchens manning MLB in Antonio Morrison's absence.

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Tre Jackson CB, son of ex Gator WR Jack Jackson, has committed to UF as part of the 16 class.

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I hope the SEC listens:

Kevin Brockway ‏@gatorhoops 2h
Florida associate AD Mike Hill says school has "expressed concerns" to SEC about noon football starts in early September games.

It's dangerous for players and fans. As you know, UF plays Toledo at 12:00 on the SEC Network and at Miami on ESPN with a 12:21 kickoff. Neither game should be played at those times. I don't think games in September should start before 3:30 EST.

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Muschamp gets raise and extension (7th highest paid coach in SEC):


By Kevin Brockway
Staff writer



Published: Friday, July 26, 2013 at 1:55 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 26, 2013 at 1:55 p.m.


Florida football coach Will Muschamp is getting a raise.


The Florida athletic department confirmed Friday that Muschamp has received an annual increase of $250,000 per season on a contract that runs through 2017. That puts his annual salary at close to $3 million per season ($2.928 million to be exact).

“(Florida president) Dr. (Bernie) Machen and I believe very strongly in Coach Muschamp and his leadership and we felt it was appropriate to adjust his salary to be more in line with his market value,” Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said in a statement.

Muschamp is 18-8 in two seasons at UF. Last season, Muschamp led the Gators to an 11-2 mark and its first BCS bowl appearance since 2009. The Gators lost to Louisville 33-23 in the Sugar Bowl, capping an otherwise successful season.

Muschamp’s annual salary is now seventh highest in the Southeastern Conference behind Alabama’s Nick Saban ($5.47 million), LSU’s Les Miles ($3.8 million), South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier ($3.3 million), Georgia’s Mark Richt ($3.2 million), Arkansas’ Bret Bielema ($3.2 million) and Texas A&M’s Kevin Sumlin ($3.1 million).

Recently-promoted Florida defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin thinks Muschamp is worth every penny.

“Coach Muschamp is unbelievable,” Durkin said at the Marion County Gator Club Gathering on Thursday night. “He’s a great guy to work for -- great friend, great teacher, great coach, great person.”

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Finally, we're going to get some relevant preseason information on the team. UF is conducting 4 open practices for the first time since 2008:


UF announces 4 open preseason football practices

By Kevin Brockway
Staff writer



Published: Friday, July 26, 2013 at 4:04 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 26, 2013 at 4:04 p.m.


Florida fans have something to look forward to in the coming weeks -- more open football practice access.


The athletic department announced Friday that four practices will be open to the public next month, up from one last season. It’s the most open preseason practices for Florida dating back to 2008.

Dates for the open practices will be Aug. 15 (Florida lacrosse stadium), Aug. 17 (Florida Field, 9-11 a.m.), Aug. 19 (Sanders practice field) and Aug. 20 (Sanders practice field).

The Aug. 17 open practice will be held in conjunction with UF Fan Day. Times for the Aug.15, Aug. 19 and Aug. 20 practices are to be determined.

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2015 #1 ranked WR commits to UF at FNL:

Florida landed their second prospect of the day and the first commitment for the Class of 2015 on Friday.

2015 Miami (Fla.) Central receiver Da’Vante Phillips committed to Florida while visiting Gainesville for Friday Night Lights.

The 6-foot-1, 189-pound Phillips is teammates with 2014 Florida running back commitment Dalvin Cook at Miami Central.

[beuycek]

Saw that the QB from Wharton decommitted from USF last night at UF's Friday Night Lights. He didn't hint at where he would look now just that he was opening his recruitment back up. I guess seeing what UF offers in comparison to USF will have that affect on a kid.

LOL

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Unfortunately for the kid, UF isn't going to take 2 QBs. UF already has one of the top 3 QBs in the nation in Will Grier.

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Robbie Andreau of the Gainesville Sun breakdown of UF secondary:

www.gatorsports.com/article/20130728/ARTICLES/130729643?p=1&tc=pg

Ahmad Black was smallish at safety. He was outstanding for UF and has been able to make Tampa Bay's roster. Cody Riggs could be a good cover safety like Black.

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UF at Miami is on the verge of being Miami's first sellout since FSU in 2010. Single game tickets have sold out. Tickets are now only available for candy cane season ticket holders or the secondary market ($100-$600 depending on seating location):

www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/eye-on-college-football/22912979/singlegame-tickets-for-miamiflorida-game-sold-out


When Miami and Florida renew their in-state rivalry on Sept. 7, it could be the final time the longtime foes meet in a scheduled game for the foreseeable future.

That fact, combined with high expectations for both teams in 2013, has resulted in the University of Miami selling out their allotment of single-game tickets for the contest.

On Friday, the school announced that all of the walk-up tickets for the Noon, ET kickoff had been sold out. The only way for fans to buy tickets to the game now are through the Hurricanes' season tickets or on the secondary market. Currently, prices on StubHub range from $100 for nosebleeds to nearly $600 for club level tickets.

At the ACC spring meetings in May, Hurricanes athletic director Blake James told ESPN.com there have been no talks with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley regarding future matchups.

"This is a game that's been on the schedule and we're thrilled to be hosting them in South Florida," James said. "With that said, I haven't spoken with Jeremy or the University of Florida about future games, and I don't know how it would fit into their schedule or fit into ours right now. There hasn't been any conversation, and there isn't anything on the schedule for the future."

Miami and Florida competed for the Seminole War Canoe Trophy every year from 1938 until 1987, when expansion of the SEC schedule led the Gators to end the series. Since then, the in-state foes have met just five times -- with only three scheduled meetings and two bowl games. There was a home-and-home in 2002-03, a 2008 game in Gainesville, and now it appears the September date in Miami Gardens will be the last for a while.

If the SEC decides to increase the conference schedule to nine games, the Gators will be less inclined to take on such a series in their non-conference schedule. The annual season finale against Florida State gives Florida one quality non-conference opponent to pair with the usual rigors of the SEC conference schedule. In fact, 2013 will be the first season that Florida plays multiple non-conference games against BCS conference opponents since facing South Florida and Florida State in 2010.

According to Michael Casagrande, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Hurricanes haven't recorded a full sellout since Florida State's visit in 2010. With Friday's news it is possible the Florida game could end that sellout drought -- even with the promise of midday south Florida heat in early September.

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Zach's Fallout Views From FNL:

July 30th, 2013 09:00am

Fallout from FNL

by Zach Abolverdi


Friday Night Lights proved to be another annual success for Florida football recruiting, as the Gators landed the top receiver for 2015 and put themselves in great position with a several of other prospects.

The story of the night on the field was the play of UF commit Will Grier, who once again showed the future of Florida’s quarterback position is in good hands.

He also took the opportunity to recruit receivers such as ESPN150 member Travis Rudolph. He hasn’t spoke to the media since the showcase but appeared to be having a good time interacting with Grier and Joker Phillips.

Obviously the biggest news outside of the camp was five-star Adoree’ Jackson. The two-sport athlete gave positive marks about his trip and enjoyed his time in Gainesville.

One thing that should not be underestimated in Jackson’s recruitment to Florida is his relationship with track coach Mike Holloway.

Holloway doesn’t miss on many prospects he personally recruits, and Jackson calls him on a weekly basis — sometimes every other day. A source even told The Sun that Holloway has already started giving Jackson personal workouts to do back home in California.

There is still a lot of time left with Jackson, who wants to take his officials and announce on signing day, but the Gators have to be happy about where they currently stand.

The same can be said about linebacker Richard Yeargin III and cornerbacks Chris Lammons and Quincy Wilson. The Fort Lauderdale trio came up for FNL and left giving off strong vibes about UF. Although they each have a Top 5, Florida is clearly the favorite for all of them right now.

As is the case every year, some recruits did not make it in. Alabama running back commit Bo Scarbrough and his cousin, UF tight end commit C’yontai Lewis, were two of them.

Although Scarbrough was always going to be tough to pull out of Tuscaloosa, the Gators’ chances look even slimmer with his latest no-show (he also didn’t camp in June).

Defensive end Trent Harris, a longtime UF-lean who was initially scheduled to decide at his spring game, chose not to attend Friday Night Lights after Florida picked up Justus Reed last Thursday. The Gators had room for only one of them, and Harris simply got beat to the punch. He committed to Miami on Monday.

For those questioning why the coaches couldn’t wait on Harris, a higher-rated prospect, Reed came to camp, impressed the staff, earned his offer and didn’t wait long to jump on it.

Although a few 2015 prospects weren’t on hand as planned, including running back Jacques Patrick, offensive lineman Martez Ivey and LSU cornerback commit Kevin Toliver II, it didn’t stop the Gators from laying a solid foundation for the next recruiting cycle.

They added their first member of the class in Da’Vante Phillips. He is the No.1-ranked receiver in the ESPN300 and give UF another Miami product, as he joins running back commit and Central teammate Dalvin Cook.

Florida strengthened its lead for defensive ends Byron Cowart and CeCe Jefferson. The close friends, who want to be roommates in college, worked out alongside each other throughout the event and even discussed pulling the trigger that night.

The Gators also made a big impression on linebacker Jeffery Holland. Unlike Sherrod Pittman, the UF coaches would take Holland right now, and he appears to be leaning their way.

Florida also improved its standing with defensive tackle Trenton Thompson. The Gators went from out of his Top 3 to No. 2 following FNL. Georgia remains in front for Thompson with a sizable edge, but UF should be encouraged by the move it made for him.

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Jeff Driskel has appendectomy - unless the doctors have found a way to not cut muscle during the surgery, I don't see 2 weeks as a realistic return date to practice. I'm thinking we may have him back in time to practice the week before the Toledo game. In the meantime, UF gets to find a true 2 in case Driskel misses Toledo. This from the Gainesville Sun:


By Robbie Andreu
Staff writer


Published: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 4:45 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 4:45 p.m.


The Florida Gators will be without starting quarterback Jeff Driskel when they open preseason camp Friday.


Driskel, a junior, underwent appendectomy surgery Tuesday at UF Health Shands Hospital and could miss the first two weeks of camp, UF coach Will Muschamp announced.

“Jeff had acute appendicitis and fortunately the medical staff caught it very quickly," Muschamp said. "His surgery went well and how long he is out will be determined by how his body responds, which could be two weeks."

The loss of Driskel could be a serious setback for a Florida offense that is hoping to show significant improvement under Driskel in his second season as the starter.

“Thanks for all the prayers and get well wishes. I should be fine #GatorNation,” Driskel wrote on his Twitter account Tuesday.

Behind Driskel, the Gators have zero experience at quarterback. They have four scholarship players, but none have played at the collegiate level at the position.

Tyler Murphy emerged as the No. 2 QB in the spring after competing with redshirt freshman Skyler Mornhinweg. Both, however, struggled with consistency and do not appear ready to take over if something happens to Driskel.

The wild card here is Chris Wilkes, a former pitcher in the San Diego Padres' farm system who left pro baseball and will be a 23-year-old freshman. He's got good size and a strong arm, but he hasn't played football in more than five years.