[gatortalk] Re: [gatornews] Gainesville SUN GatorNews For 2/8 (Friday), AM Edition

I wonder if these last two additions have changed the national recruiting rankings?  Also, it seems to me that this class really addressed some positions of need.  If we can keep the players for a while and allow them to really develop, this class may really end of being the number 1 class.  

Related, it would be interesting to have a serious attempt to rank recruiting classes at then end of a five or six year period.  I think back on some of our supposed "great" classes and how few actually made significant contributions.  For example, I can think of a half dozen quarterbacks that we signed that had great careers at some other schools and did not contribute that much or any to Florida.  I can think of others positions that the players only contributed before a year before they were gone.

The same is true in basketball.  We have had a lot of great players that left Florida and went on to great careers elsewhere leaving that recruiting class substantially less valuable.

Jerry

Sent from my iPad

On Feb 8, 2013, at 9:50 AM, "Shane Ford" <goufgators@bellsouth.net> wrote:

UF adds offensive lineman to class

By Zach Abolverdi
Gainesville SUN Correspodent

Published: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 3:35 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 3:49 p.m.

 

In his signing day news conference, Florida coach Muschamp said he would have liked to add another offensive lineman to his 2013 class.

 

 

Enlarge

Trevon Young

He did so Thursday.

Bradenton Braden River offensive tackle Trevon Young verbally committed to UF and will sign with the Gators on Friday morning, giving them 30 signees for the class.

"He's going to Florida," said Curt Bradley, his high school coach. "They always had their eye on him. But because he didn't have an extensive football background, he wasn't a top priority.

"Then as the season kind of went on, they kept the communication going. They brought him up for an official visit last weekend and offered him this week."

Young has been a basketball player his whole life and started on Braden River's varsity team since his freshman year. But he began playing football in 2011 and earned offers from FIU, FAU, Iowa State, Purdue and Western Kentucky before Florida's came through.

After considering a basketball scholarship from Division II Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Young chose to continue his athletic career on the football field.

"His recruitment was a burden on him because he didn't know if he wanted to stick with basketball or not. That's his first love," Bradley said. "But once he decided on football, there was no doubt where he wanted to go. He loved the UF campus and coaches."

The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder is rated a three-star prospect and considered an athlete by Florida. Bradley said Young hasn't worked out much in the weight room and believes he will grow into a full-time tackle. But Young will also get a look at tight end and along the defensive line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ohio State punter commit flips to UF

By Zach Abolverdi
Gainesville SUN Correspondent

Published: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 4:14 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 4:14 p.m.

 

Florida wasn't done recruiting for its 2013 class, as it received a national letter of intent Thursday from punter Johnny Townsend.

 

 

Enlarge

Johnny Townsend

Townsend was an Ohio State commit up until he signed with the Gators. He is the eighth recruit who was flipped by UF coach Will Muschamp and his staff this year.

Townsend's parents, Clay and Susan, both graduated from Florida and his brother, Clay Jr., is currently a student at UF.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder from Orlando Boone High School is a U.S. Army All-American. Townsend was named to the 2012 Florida Class 8A All-State team. He averaged 44.6 yards per punt as a senior.

"You'd be hard-pressed to find a punter this year who is more talented than Johnny," Boone athletic director Doug Patterson said. "I can honestly say I haven't seen someone better than him at the high school level in my eight years here."

Although Florida punter Kyle Christy is entering his junior season and was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award in 2012, Patterson thinks Townsend will challenge him for the starting job.

"He's a very competitive kid, and he's not going step away from any competition regardless of who he's going against," Patterson said. "I know he will be in contention and both of them will be better for having Johnny there."

The Gators now have 29 signed players for this class and will add one more Friday when Bradenton Braden River offensive tackle Trevon Young is expected to sign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UF's Purifoy arrested for pot possession

By Robbie Andreu
Gainesville SUN Staff writer

Published: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 2:16 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 6:32 p.m.

 

Starting cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy is facing a first-degree misdemeanor charge for possession of marijuana (less than 20 grams) following his arrest early Sunday morning.

Purifoy, a junior, was riding in the backseat of car that was stopped for a right-of-way violation. Police discovered a small amount of marijuana (2.5 grams) in the car. Purifoy was given a notice to appear in court Wednesday. According to court records, his arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 21 at 9 a.m.

"Coach (Will) Muschamp is aware of the incident and is handling it," UF spokesman Steve McClain said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florida CB Purifoy facing drug possession charge

The Associated Press

Published: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 5:15 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 5:15 p.m.

 

Florida cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy is facing a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession.

Purifoy, a rising junior from Pensacola, was arrested early Sunday after being stopped for a traffic violation.

He was riding in the back seat of car that was stopped for a right-of-way violation. Police discovered a small amount of marijuana (2.5 grams) in the car. Purifoy was given a notice to appear in court Wednesday. According to court records, his arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 21.

Purifoy played in all 13 games last season and was fourth on the team with 51 tackles. He had five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two blocked kicks.

He is expected to play receiver during spring practice because Florida has just five scholarship receivers returning and depth in the secondary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donovan to coach U.S. 19-under team

By Kevin Brockway
Gainesville SUN Staff writer

Published: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 6:28 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 6:28 p.m.

 

Florida coach Billy Donovan was named to coach the USA Basketball Men's 19-under team on Thursday for the FIBA 2013 World Championships.

The World Championships will take place June 17-July 7 in the Czech Republic. Last year, Donovan coached Team USA to a gold medal in the FIBA Americas 18-under world championships.

For the second straight year, VCU head coach Shaka Smart and Gonzaga head coach Mark Few will serve as Donovan's assistants.

"Anytime your country asks you to be a part of representing them, that's a pretty big undertaking," Donovan said. "I'm excited about it and looking forward to it when it comes."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UF's Yeguete out 4 to 6 weeks

 

 

Florida Gators forward Will Yeguete celebrates a three-point shot by guard Michael Frazier II against the Marquette Golden Eagles on Thursday Nov. 29, 2012 at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla.

Matt Stamey/Staff photographer

By Kevin Brockway
Gainesville SUN Staff writer

Published: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 2:26 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 2:26 p.m.

 

Florida climbed to No. 2 in both major polls this week despite dealing with a myriad of injuries during the course of the season.

But the Gators suffered their toughest blow on the injury front this season on Thursday when they announced that junior forward Will Yeguete will undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips in his knee.

Florida coach Billy Donovan said in a "best-case scenario" the 6-foot-7, 240-pound Yeguete will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks with hopes that he could return for the postseason. Until then, Florida will have to make do without its best post defender.

"Anytime you lose a player on your team, it always hurts," Donovan said. "This is not something we are unaccustomed to dealing with this year."

The injury list for Florida this season has included Yeguete (knee), junior forward Casey Prather (sprained ankle, concussion), Erik Murphy (broken rib) and Scottie Wilbekin (broken finger).

Yeguete played one minute before "tweaking" his knee during UF's 80-69 loss Tuesday night at Arkansas. But Donovan said the bone chips are something that Yeguete has been dealing with for awhile. Yeguete also has been suffering from knee tendinitis and has been limited in practice since December.

"When you've got those chips in there, your knee actually forms more swelling to protect the joint with those chips being in there," Donovan said. "We don't want to get into a situation where once a week we're draining his knee and draining his knee and doing those kinds of things. I don't think that's healthy for him and just, right now, for him the best course is to get it resolved, get it taken care of and we'll get it back."

Yeguete is UF's second-leading rebounder, averaging 6.3 rebounds and 6 points in 21.9 minutes off the bench. He's also versatile enough to guard multiple positions and creates havoc at the front of UF's press.

"He's very important," Florida senior guard Mike Rosario said. "Obviously, he's one of our, like, dirty guys. That's what we would call it, like Dennis Rodman-type, grab every rebound, our hustle guy."

Yeguete played that role for the Gators last season before suffering a broken foot on Feb. 21 against Auburn that sidelined him for the rest of the season. After the injury, the Gators lost three straight before regrouping in March.

"I feel bad for Will," Donovan said. "As a coach, you're always going to deal with the players that are available to play. I feel more disappointed for him because I think he has worked hard. He's a good kid. He's obviously made a huge impact on our team."

Last season, Prather filled Yeguete's role through the NCAA Tournament. But Donovan has concerns about the 6-foot-6 forward due to his own injury issues this season. Prather is just three games back from a high ankle sprain and missed UF's first four games this season due to a pair of concussions he suffered during preseason practices.

In 18 minutes off the bench against Arkansas, Prather had no points, two rebounds, two turnovers and four fouls.

"I don't think he probably has full strength in his foot right now.," Donovan said. "He has got to go and push himself. He has been back in practice, but he has not been himself at all, in terms of athletically moving, cutting, jumping."

With Prather still ailing, Donovan said that 6-foot-6 freshman DeVon Walker could see more time in the post rotation with starters Erik Murphy and Patric Young.

"I don't know if he is ready," Donovan said. "We don't have a whole lot of choices now, but I will say this about DeVon Walker, which I like. He is highly competitive. He is a tough kid. I think he'll step in there and give us everything he has."

Donovan also said the Gators could play more four-guard lineups until Yeguete's possible return, with 6-foot-4 freshman Michael Frazier II at power forward. Coming off the Arkansas loss, Florida next plays Saturday at home against Mississippi State.

"There's going to be some times in the game where we'll be in a normal, conventional lineup," Donovan said. "But the bottom line is if Patric and Erik are not on the floor together we're unconventional. And they're not going to be on the floor together. So how do we play with a Devon Walker, a Frazier being in there."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gators open season today with two-game set from Tempe, Ariz.

By Jim Harvin
Gainesville SUN Correspondent

Published: Friday, February 8, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 8, 2013 at 12:28 a.m.

 

Batter up!

Today

UF vs. Creighton, 4 p.m.; UF vs. Oregon, 7:30 p.m. at Tempe, Ariz.
RADIO: 104.9 FM

The Florida Gators open the season as a young but talented team with some obvious question marks.

For head coach Tim Walton, now in his eighth year at UF, some of those questions will start being answered when the No. 14 Gators take the field against Creighton and No. 5 Oregon today on the opening day of the 2013 Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz.

UF, which is coming off a 48-13 season (21-7 SEC) but had its streak of four straight Women's College World Series appearances come to an end in 2012, will also take on No. 3 California, No. 13 Arizona and Cal-State Northridge during the three-day tournament.

"The competition we're going to face is really tough," Walton said.

This year's roster includes just four upperclassmen — three of them returnees in seniors Kelsey Horton and Ensley Gammel and junior ace and two-time All-American Hannah Rogers.

The fourth is Northern Illinois transfer Stephanie Tofft, a junior who is projected to start at third base.

The remaining 12 players on UF's 16-member roster are all underclassmen and include six sophomores led by pitcher/first baseman Lauren Haeger and shortstop Katie Medina, a pair of returning starters.

The remaining half dozen comprise a freshman class that was ranked among the nation's best and includes several potential first-year starters led by Kelsey Stewart, the No. 2-ranked (ESPN) overall recruit in the nation.

She is joined by catchers Aubree Munro and Taylore Fuller, the latter a local prep standout at Chiefland who is a terrific hitter and can play multiple positions. The two were ranked as ESPN's No. 6 and No. 7 catchers, respectively, and are potential starters (Munro behind the plate, Fuller in the outfield) as are outfielder Kirsti Merritt and first baseman Taylor Schwarz.

"I'm excited about the young players and the process that they've been going through to this point," Walton said. "They've really worked hard and have done well both in the weight room and on the field. More than anything, that communication is starting to come together."

Pitching and defense will be the cornerstones for UF, with all three hurlers returning led by Rogers (28-8, 1.23 ERA), one of 25 finalists for the 2012 USA Softball Player of the Year.

"I feel really good," Rogers said. "This is probably the best offseason that I've had since being here. I feel fresh in my legs and my arm feels strong."

"She's a rock," Walton said. "She's very consistent. She just goes about her business."

Haeger, a dual threat who was a first-team All-Southeast Region pick, returns after starting all 61 games as a freshman, posting a 15-5 record with a 1.85 ERA on the mound while batting .321 — the fourth-best mark on the team — and leading UF in doubles (10), home runs (14), RBIs (52), walks (37) and sacrifice flies (3).

Fellow sophomore Alyssa Bache (5-0, 1.39 ERA) rounds out a strong returning staff.

Florida's defense should be strong as well, especially up the middle where three freshmen — Stewart (second base), Munro (catcher) and Merritt (center field) — join the slick-fielding Medina, who played in 60 games (54 starts) last season and batted .241 while leading the team in sac bunts (10).

"I really like our defense," Walton said. "I think we have a chance to be a really good defensive team."

UF takes on Creighton today at 4 p.m. before squaring off with Oregon at 7:30.

All of Florida's games this weekend will be broadcast live on WYGC-FM 105 (104.9).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gymnastics faces No. 5 Bama

 

 

Florida gymnast Marissa King celebrates with teammates after competing on the vault during the 7th Annual Link to Pink meet against Auburn on Jan. 25.

Matt Stamey/Staff photographer

By Jim Harvin
Gainesville SUN Correspondent

Published: Friday, February 8, 2013 at 8:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 8, 2013 at 12:14 a.m.

 

Florida head coach Rhonda Faehn has one simple request of Gator fans regarding tonight's dual meet with two-time defending NCAA champion Alabama at 7 in the O'Connell Center.

"We definitely want to have that arena packed just like it was, really even more than it was, at our Link to Pink meet," she said. "Our athletes really feed off of that. They feel the energy, and they really do perform better because that's what they live to do is perform."

Two weeks ago before an O'Dome crowd of 8,159 — the sixth-largest in program history — UF (4-1, 3-1) posted a winning score of 197.650 in downing Southeastern Conference foe Auburn that still ranks as the top score in the nation this year and vaulted Florida to the nation's No. 1 ranking.

The top-ranked Gators cemented that spot by posting the nation's second-highest score of 197.575 in toppling No. 22 Arkansas on the road last week for their third straight SEC dual-meet win.

In that victory, senior Ashanee Dickerson and freshman Bridget Sloan shared the all-around title, with Dickerson recording her 16th collegiate all-around win while Sloan grabbed her first.

"I'm really excited for Bridget," Faehn said. "She put together an excellent competition last week. What was great about it was that it was our second road competition and she definitely stepped up and did an amazing set everywhere."

Now comes one of the biggest dual meets in the nation this year.

No. 5 Alabama (3-1, 3-1) suffered its first loss of the year on the road at No. 6 Georgia last Saturday before a sellout crowd of 9,924 at Stegeman Coliseum.

There will no doubt be an underlying sense of redemption on the minds of the Gators, who appeared to have done enough to win that elusive first NCAA title last year, only to painfully watch as Alabama pulled out its second straight and sixth overall crown by the slimmest margin (0.075) in history.

"As a team, I think we all went home on our own and were upset about coming in second at NCAAs," said UF sophomore All-American Kytra Hunter, who won the individual NCAA all-around and vault titles and was the 2012 Honda Award winner as the nation's top gymnast.

"We all had the same mindset at the end of the year banquet."

Since 2003 — Faehn's first year with the Gators — UF and Bama have squared off 10 times in dual meets, and the home team has prevailed every time (5-5).

That 2003 UF win, however, was Florida's first against the Tide since 1989, with Bama winning every dual meet with the Gators from 1990-2002.

In addition, Alabama and Florida have combined to win the last four SEC titles, and the Tide and Gators are both ranked in the top 10 nationally in every event.

Need more? Last year, the Tide handed the Gators their only dual-meet loss, but UF responded by winning the SEC Championship.

Then came the NCAAs, where Florida was a mere Bama wobble away from its first title.

It all makes for great theater tonight, but with four more dual meets to follow before the all-important postseason begins with the 2013 SEC Championships March 23, Faehn's main goal is simply to keep her deep and talented squad grounded and focused.

"It's still really early in the season, so our goal is just to go out and compete," she said. "It's irrelevant whom we're competing against. We're trying to do better than last weekend's meet and look towards what our lineups are going to be."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several Gators invited to NFL combine

 

 

UF safety Matt Elam had 76 tackles to go along with four interceptions this season.

Doug Finger/Staff photographer

Gainesville SUN Staff report

Published: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 7:14 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 7:14 p.m.

 

UF linebackers Jonathan Bostic, Jelani Jenkins and Lerentee McCray, defensive backs Matt Elam and Josh Evans, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, running back Mike Gillislee, offensive tackle Xavier Nixon, tight end Jordan Reed and kicker Caleb Sturgis were invited to the NFL Combine scheduled for Feb. 23-26 in Indianapolis.

Meanwhile, college Pro Day workouts for NFL scouts and coaches at Florida Field is scheduled for March 12.

Spring practice

UF will start spring practice March 13, with the spring game scheduled for April 6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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