Oliver Barry, CRS, GRI, SFR
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From: JunoGator <broadreachfsc@earthlink.net>
Date: November 12, 2015 at 6:24:30 AM CST
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Subject: [gatornews] GatorNews from the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, courtesy of JunoGator
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Daily Three: DT Jon Bullard 'highly questionable' for South Carolina game, more Gators headlines
The Gators might have to play without one of their top defensive players this week.Jonathan Bullard #90 of the Florida Gators celebrats a defensive stop during the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 12, 2015 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Star defensive tackle Jon Bullard is questionable for Saturday's road game against South Carolina. We touch on that topic and more in today's "Daily Three."
1. Bullard 'highly questionable': Defensive tackle Jon Bullard is "highly questionable" due to an arm injury, according to coach Jim McElwain. Bullard was able to participate in practice on Wednesday, but McElwain and the training staff will take a wait-and-see approach with Bullard to determine if he'll be ready to go at noon on Saturday. If Bullard can't play against South Carolina, freshman defensive end CeCe Jefferson will get some playing time inside. (Here's the notebook full of Gators news from Wednesday)
2. McElwain's memories: They aren't good when it comes to South Carolina. The last time McElwain was in Columbia, South Carolina, he was serving as Alabama's offensive coordinator. Alabama rolled into South Carolina fresh off a national title and riding a 19-game winning streak. But the Gamecocks shocked the Crimson Tide, winning 35-21, with Steve Spurrier calling the shots for South Carolina. "Coach Spurrier actually reminded me about it on the way up to Bristol," McElwain said. "He showed me a picture of the football he had in his office [from] the win. … They beat our tails and he was pretty quick to remind me about that."
3. Party animals: Before every game, Florida's defensive line is busy planning the party. "We say it's going to be a party in the backfield," defensive end Alex McCalister said. "What you bringing? I'm bringing chips. You're bringing drinks." The Gators have had plenty of parties so far. The Gators' defensive line has accounted for 42.5 of the team's 69 tackles for loss and 21.5 of the team's 27 sacks this season. Florida is tied for 19th nationally in tackles for loss and tied for 13th nationally in sacks. (Here's the full story)
Gators defensive line plans bash in South Carolina's backfield
Before Florida's defensive linemen leave the locker room each Saturday, they make sure everybody is bringing something different to the party.
"We say it's going to be a party in the backfield," defensive end Alex McCalister said. "What you bringing? I'm bringing chips. You're bringing drinks."
They've been party animals this season.
The Gators' defensive line has accounted for 42.5 of the team's 69 tackles for loss and 21.5 of the team's 27 sacks this season. Florida is tied for 19th nationally in tackles for loss and tied for 13th nationally in sacks.
Florida's dominant defensive line is one of the biggest reasons behind the unit's rise. After finishing last season ranked 15th nationally in total defense, the Gators are sixth in that category this year.
"That's why linebackers are making plays," linebacker Antonio Morrison said of opposing offenses doubling Florida's defensive linemen. "That's why you've got a good defense. That's how it works."
Defensive tackle Jon Bullard is the group's leader, as the senior is putting together a special season. Bullard ranks third in the Southeastern Conference with 13 tackles for loss and has recorded five sacks despite being an interior lineman.
After Bullard moved from defensive end to defensive tackle in the offseason, his play is helping his draft stock. CBS Sports projects the North Carolina native to be selected within the first two rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft.
"Once he got into it and bought in and he realized, you know what, 'this is my home,' I think he's really feeling comfortable," Gators defensive line coach Chris Rumph said of Bullard's move to tackle. "He's a veteran so he's been around a lot of football and he's starting to learn, the game is slowing down for him."
It's slowing down for some others, too.
Defensive ends Bryan Cox Jr. and McCalister are also playing at a high level. Cox has already recorded a career-high 7.5 tackles for loss this season, and McCalister is leading the team with 6.5 sacks this season.
McCalister's jump from just being a part-time player last season has been impressive. The lanky 6-foot-6 junior had not made a collegiate start before this season, but he has already logged five starts this year.
With his 7-foot-2 wingspan, McCalister has been Florida's top pass rusher this season. His best performance came against Vanderbilt on Saturday when he finished with 2.5 sacks to earn the SEC Defensive Player of the Week award.
"He always had that athleticism," Morrison said of McCalister. "He's finally realizing how long he is. He never knew how long he was before. He's starting to realize if he puts his arm up, nobody is going to be able to touch him. He's starting to realize that. That's why he's changed his production."
But Florida's depth on the defensive line could be tested against South Carolina on Saturday. Bullard is "highly questionable" for the game with an arm injury, defensive lineman Joey Ivie will miss the game with a leg injury, and defensive end Jordan Sherit will miss the first half of this week's game after being called for a targeting penalty against Vanderbilt.
The injuries could translate into more reps for freshman Cece Jefferson and redshirt freshman Khairi Clark.
But even if it has some no-shows, Florida's defensive line is planning to throw another party in South Carolina on Saturday.
"We always try to prove we got a lot of depth," Cox said. "We can do it with anybody. We're just going to try and push forward."
Gators being post-Donovan era with plenty of new faces
By Graham Hall - Special to The PostGAINESVILLE —
There's a vibe surrounding the Florida men's basketball team that hasn't been felt in nearly 20 years.
It's the feeling of renewal. A rebirth for a program that had once peaked, yet needed a fresh start after last season.
Gone is former coach Billy Donovan, a mainstay on the sidelines who recorded 500 career wins as a Division I college coach before departing in April to coach the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder.
In Donovan's final season, UF struggled to a disappointing 16-17 record that subsequently caused the Gators to miss both the NCAA Tournament and the National Invitation Tournament.
Now, Florida is eager to feel fresh again – and it has plenty of reasons to feel like a rebranded basketball team.
With a new face and personality on the sidelines in coach Mike White, who, after leading the Louisiana Tech to a record of 101-40 over four seasons, decided to leave the program he'd helped built to revive a struggling Florida program.
And White isn't the only one in the program ready to begin his career with the Gators. Of the team's 16 players, eight didn't play last season.
Freshmen KeVaughn Allen, Kevarrius Hayes and Keith Stone give the Gators a trio of promising prospects who could see significant playing time throughout the season thanks to White's emphasis on playing up-tempo basketball.
Allen may arguably be the best freshman the Gators have had since Brad Beal arrived in Gainesville as a surefire one-and-done with NBA potential written all over him. He's a strong shooting guard from Little Rock, Arkansas, with long-range ability.
Hayes is from nearby Live Oak while Stone hails from Deerfield Beach, and both will look to bolster Florida's forward rotation similar to sophomore Devin Robinson.
Robinson, along with fellow sophomore Chris Chiozza, come into the season with added experience and the Gators will count on each for significant minutes.
While Chiozza will likely primarily back-up junior Kasey Hill in the backcourt, Robinson could start at the three spot depending on Florida's decision to play big or not.
That's right — Florida may play big this season.
With center John Egbunu, who transferred from USF in the summer of last year, finally cleared to play, the Gators will have a legitimate center again.
Egbunu is a bruiser, a guy with muscle to clear out the paint and finish strong at the rim. After losing more than 30 pounds in the offseason, Egbunu has improved his speed, a necessity if the Gators hope to run the up-tempo offense they envision.
And then there are the team's leaders.
Redshirt senior Dorian Finney-Smith and Hill will be counted on to lead the Gators this season. While Finney-Smith has received his deserved accolades, White is counting on him to be even better this season. A long forward who isn't afraid to put the ball on the floor, the man affectionately referred to as "Doe-Doe" is looking to make another leap. He's slimmed down and improved a three-point shot that blossomed last season. And White said Tuesday he's the only player on the team who would consider playing more than 30 minutes a game.
Finney-Smith may be the leader, but Hill will be the focal point of it all. The Gators won't be able to run the offense they deserve without efficient play from the streaky guard from Umatilla. Hill will need to finish at the rim with more authority, hit his jump shots more consistently and become a serviceable free throw shooter to be the player the Gators need to succeed.
With Florida coming into the season unranked for the first time since the 2009-10 season, expectations are low. But after being picked to finish sixth in the Southeastern Conference, redshirt senior Alex Murphy said the Gators don't mind flying under the radar.
They want to enjoy the thrill of surprising people.
Udonis Haslem's incredibly touching messages to Mario Chalmers, James Ennis
Udonis Haslem gives Mario Chalmers a five in the first quarter while taking on the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals in 2012. (Getty Images)
One certainty in life: You want Udonis Haslem on your side.Nothing that was said Tuesday in the wake of the Heat trading Mario Chalmers and James Ennis compared to the messages Haslem posted to them via his Instagramaccount.
Here is what he said to Chalmers:
"My G. My brotha. My lil homie. U always kept it A1 from day 1. In a world filled with lights and cameras I found a brotha. Under my wing since u got here u and Bease will always have a place in my heart. I'd take a fine in a minute when someone was messing with u on the court. Idc where u from where u at or where u end up. I got U lil homie. Alaska to Miami to Memphis just call and it's whatever. The bond goes beyond this game. The success we've shared is just a small part of the relationship we've built. It's just beginning. The beauty of real friendship is we don't have to see each other everyday to know we still connected. How u left is how we gon stay. Memphis getting a hell of a player and a fearless competitor. Wishing u all the best in the west division. #thepartofthebusinessthatstough #alwaysachampion"And here is the note to Ennis:
"I chose this picture cause not everyone has traveled the road we have. Not everyone has had to perform in summer league to get a job. Playing like your life depended on it while draft picks out there coasting. I been there. I'm living proof of the grind. I know what it's like when the chips are stacked against u and all u want is a chance. Thankful that I could be a true representative of how far u can go coming from the bottom @biggame_32. Keep ya head strong stay prayed up and don't ever lose focus. This is a new opportunity and I know you'll take advantage."Bryan Cox Jr., son of former Dolphins star, is engine that powers Florida Gators' defense
Florida defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. posting career highs in tackles
Cox is also playing lead fullback on goal-line situations
Cox's father is a former standout linebacker for the Miami DolphinsGAINESVILLEAsk Antonio Morrison whether Florida defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. is underrated and the Gators' star senior linebacker will scoff immediately.
"Who underrated him? Where is he underrated at? By who?" Morrison asked.
"He ain't underrated by us. We know that."
Cox, a former standout at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, has emerged as a key contributor on a dominant defense this season, but fellow linemen Jon Bullard (team-leading 13 tackles for loss) and Alex McCalister (team-high 6.5 sacks) receive most of the headlines.
"Oh he's [underrated] in the media?" Morrison interjects.
"Oh, y'all underrate him? We don't. … You see the film. They trying to double this guy."
True enough.
Florida's redshirt junior end has already posted career-highs in tackles (31) and tackles for loss (7.5) in just nine games this season. He added 18 pounds in the offseason and his hip — surgically repaired a year ago — is nearly 100 percent.
"It's easier for me to play strong down there in the trenches," Cox said of his breakout season. "Just got stronger. Got my hip back right."
He didn't lose his practice habits, either.
Cox is renowned for his motor, unselfishness and leadership.
In recent weeks, he's embraced the side-gig of lead fullback, serving as tailback Kelvin Taylor's personal chauffeur around the goal line. Cox has delivered backbreaking blocks for touchdowns against LSU, Georgia and Vanderbilt.
"We recognize those who don't show up in the box score," UF coach Jim McElwain said.
"In Bryan's case, this guy loves to play the game. He plays the game the way you should, with an effort and an intensity on that given down, as hard as he can go. That's a credit to him.
"We always talk about being proud of what you put on film. Your film is your résumé. It's what's out there forever. He truly can be proud of what he puts on film because of how hard he plays."
Florida doesn't have a traditional fullback on the roster, so Cox, who played some fullback in high school with the Raiders, said the coaching staff approached him after fellow defensive lineman Joey Ivie went down with an injury.
"It's been cool," Cox said. "I've always tried to be one of those guys who helps the team whatever way I can."
Like Saturday.
Cox recorded nine tackles and a sack in Florida's 9-7 win over Vanderbilt to win the SEC East. He also added the key block to spring Taylor on UF's lone touchdown on the afternoon.
A career day?
"My father thinks so," Cox said, smiling, referring to his dad, Bryan Cox, a former standout with the Miami Dolphins and current defensive line coach with the Atlanta Falcons.
"I'm going to go with what he says. … We usually talk after every game and he usually gets on me about my performance.
"He said it was a good game."
Cox has had plenty of "good games" lately. And despite being overshadowed on star-studded defense, the Gators know just how important he is to the team's success.
"He is the hardest working defensive lineman I have," position coach Chris Rumph said. "I mean this kid is full throttle. Just watch the film, just watch this guy fly around. He just works so hard. … He's really, really bought in, and he's doing a really good job for us."
UF SLIPS IN CFP RANKING
Florida slipped to No. 11 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, but the Gators remain positioned to sneak into the Final Four if they win their last three regular-season games and the SEC Championship.
"This stuff is pretty cool," McElwain said. "I embrace the heck out of it."
After Saturday's scare against Vanderbilt, Florida was leapfrogged by Stanford, Utah and Oklahoma State in the rankings, released Tuesday evening.
The Gators (8-1, 7-1 SEC) understand the position they're in, but they know they can't afford to look ahead, either.
"Hopefully this past week was a wake-up call," senior tight end Jake McGee said.
"We really need to bring it. We've got to be honed in on our assignments, our effort and really do what we can control and not give that opportunity for our opponent to steal one."
UF plays at South Carolina (3-6, 1-6) on Saturday (noon, SEC Network).
INJURY UPDATE
Star defensive lineman Jon Bullard is "highly questionable" for Saturday, as the senior continues to battle an arm injury. Fellow defensive tackle Joey Ivie (leg) is out, but starting safety Keanu Neal has been upgraded to probable.
Offensively, starting left tackle David Sharpe (foot) "should be able to go," McElwain said.
Gators notes: Jon Bullard might be out against South Carolina
Luis Torres - Palm Beach Post Staff WriterFlorida might be without one of its defensive stalwarts against South Carolina on Saturday.
Defensive tackle Jon Bullard is "highly questionable" due to an arm injury, according to coach Jim McElwain. Bullard was able to participate in practice on Wednesday, but McElwain and the training staff will take a wait-and-see approach with Bullard to determine if he'll be ready to go at noon on Saturday.
"He was able to take some reps, worked in some new looks and stuff," McElwain said. "We'll see where he's at tomorrow. We've got obviously some time between then and now."
Bullard leads the team with 13 tackles for loss — tied for 20th in the nation — and is second on the team with five sacks and five quarterback hurries. He's also one of 20 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award, given to the College Defensive Player of the Year.
If Bullard isn't able to go, McElwain said freshman defensive end CeCe Jefferson will get some playing time inside and redshirt freshman Khairi Clark will get some time as well.
Joey Ivie, who would otherwise likely step in for Bullard, is out for several weeks after undergoing a procedure on his leg.
McElwain added that safety Keanu Neal will be ready to play after dealing with a foot injury and that offensive lineman David Sharpe would be ready to go as well.
Kicking situation: Following Austin Hardin's game-winning field goal in the Gators' 9-7 victory over Vanderbilt, some expected Hardin to be the full-time kicker going forward.
However, it looks like McElwain wants Hardin and walk-on Neil MacInnes to split the kicking duties.
"I think we will. We still have a couple of days before we kind of do that," McElwain said of a potential kicking rotation. "They both worked at it today, and both hit it pretty good. We'll see when it comes up, they'll go in and do their jobs."
In the rotation, Hardin will serve as the long-distance kicker, with MacInnes taking the shorter-distance kicks and extra points.
While he was at Alabama, McElwain saw coach Nick Saban use a two-kicker rotation in 2010 and 2011 with Cade Foster and Jeremy Shelley.
McElwain recalls last trip to South Carolina: The last time McElwain was in Columbia, South Carolina, he was serving as the offensive coordinator of the Crimson Tide.
Alabama rolled into South Carolina fresh off a national title and riding a 19-game winning streak. But the Gamecocks shocked the Crimson Tide, winning 35-21, with Steve Spurrier calling the shots for South Carolina.
McElwain said Spurrier brought up the game when the two of them were flying to Connecticut this summer for ESPN's "Car Wash" segment.
"Coach Spurrier actually reminded me about it on the way up to Bristol," McElwain said. "He showed me a picture of the football he had in his office [from] the win. … They beat our tails and he was pretty quick to remind me about that. So it's a good thing I'm not playing in this game."
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GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY!
1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions 2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions 2008 National Football Champions |
Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996), Tim Tebow (2007)
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