1 » Florida Gators head coach Billy Donovan confirmed to UF’s Chris Harry on Thursday that sophomore center Patric Young will indeed be playing Saturday against LSU though he does not know if he will be in the starting lineup for the game. Harry also caught up with Young, who said his ankle tendinitis hurt so much that “when it was hurting the worst, I really couldn’t jump off two feet.” He knows that he can impact his team even if not on the court. “You can be a vocal and encouraging presence for your teammates,” he said. Florida’s trainer Dave Werner, asked by Harry about Young’s injury, said that it is going to be “a discomfort that he’s going to need to play through [so he] might as well get used to it.”
2 » UF’s Scott Carter dropped a tidbit about a football player Friday, noting that Gators freshman fullback Hunter Joyer will compete in his first collegiate track and field meet on Sunday. Joyer will participate in the shot put at the Gator Invite in Gainesville, FL. He is one of three Florida football players who will do double duty with the track and field squad this year as senior running back/junior sprinter Jeff Demps and redshirt junior wide receiver/senior jumper Frankie Hammond, Jr. will also participate.
3 » Greg Cosell of NFL Films recently spoke with the Boston Globe and gave his opinions about a number of players on the New England Patriots. He called linebacker Brandon Spikes “arguably the most physical and violent inside linebacker” in the NFL and believes his return to the field recently is a big boost for New England’s defense. Spikes was criticized out of Florida for his speed and many assumed he would not be drafted until the fourth or fifth round, but head coach Bill Belichick recognized his talent and selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft with the No. 62 overall pick.
4 » The Gators were supposed to have seven enrollees join the team in January but instead just six of Florida’s 2012 commitments were able to join the squad on time. Three-star defensive end Quinteze Williams (Tyrone, GA) had his admission delayed as he waited to see if the NCAA Clearinghouse would accept his early graduation. The organization recently denied him the ability to enroll early and ruled that he must retake three classes in order to get better grades. UF still expects him to be part of the 2012 class and join the program in the summer.
With the 2011 regular season complete, six former Florida Gators participated in Divisional action during the second round of the 2011-12 NFL Playoffs on Saturday and Sunday.
A total of nine former Florida players were on the main rosters of four of the eight teams that participated in this round, but two were inactive and one was forced to sit out due to injury. OGGOA has checked and re-checked the box scores to bring you a summary of what these Gators accomplished over the weekend.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK TE AARON HERNANDEZ, New England Patriots^: Four receptions for 55 yards, touchdown (targets: 6, long: 20); five carries for 61 yards (long: 43); solo tackle
1 » The Late Show with David Letterman, one of if not the most popular late-night talk show in the United States, has aired a famous Top 10 list every evening since its inception. On Tuesday night, that list was based on little-known facts about Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Thanks to Twitter follower Erica S. for the heads-up.
2 » Six Florida Gators 2012 commitments have already enrolled early and begun their college careers this spring. As of press time, three-star defensive back Willie Bailey (Hallandale, FL), four-star guard Jessamen Dunker (Boynton Beach, FL), five-star tackle D.J. Humphries (Charlotte, NC), four-star JUCO defensive tackle Damien Jacobs (Scooba, MS), four-star linebacker Antonio Morrison (Bolingbrook, IL) and four-star wide receiver Latroy Pittman have joined the team and will participate in spring practice. However, three-star defensive end Quinteze Williams (Tyrone, GA) – who was expected to enroll early with his teammates – has not yet had his transcript approved by the NCAA Clearninghouse, according to ESPN.com. Williams and the school hope to have the situation “resolved by the end of the week” but worst-case scenario he can just enroll with the rest of the signees in the summer.
3 » Speaking of Tebow, a new article in Advertising Age takes a look at his marketing potential following a eventful and successful season. Rich Thomaselli believes Tebow “could become a $10 million a year endorser if he keeps delivering like he did over the weekend,” sourcing sports-marketing experts like Bob Dorfman of Baker Street Advertising. “He’s become an icon; he’s bigger than football,” Dorfman said. “He has the kind of marketing potential that could put him in the Tom Brady or Peyton Manning category.” Another executive, Darin David of The Marketing Arm, believes Tebow has already hit that category. “I’m not so sure he didn’t get to the $10 million level already after Sunday,” he said. “To do that in the playoffs, to do that against a team like the [Pittsburgh] Steelers, the game that was the highest-rated [wild card] playoff game in 20-something years? As a marketer, you want somebody like that. He doesn’t have the same kind of negative backlash as other players. He is just so newsworthy right now that you would want to capitalize on that.”
On what he did to celebrate Sunday’s victory: “Honestly just when we left the stadium, I just went home and hung out with my close family, a few friends, my brothers and sisters and brothers-in-law, just hung out at the house and played with my nieces and nephews and had a good time.”
On if Sunday’s win matched his big wins at Florida: “I definitely was very blessed to have some great memories at Florida and very blessed to have some great teammates and special relationships and special wins.”
On how he and his teammates deal with the attention he gets: “For the most part it’s not like it’s something that you ask for. It’s something that, when they know that you care about them and that’s what matters, and you care about going out there and trying to get better every day and trying to be a great teammate, I don’t think they see the rest. Hopefully they see you as a friend and a teammate, and the rest is something that we laugh at and sometimes they make fun of you for.”
On going head-to-head with linebacker Brandon Spikes: “Yeah, that’ll be a lot of fun. I’ve gone against him enough times in practice. All of those spring practices we had, we had some fun going against each other. You’d like him on your team, but it’ll still be fun going against him. He’s a great player, and I wish him nothing but the best, and I look forward to giving him a hug. [...] I remember a few times in some spring practices when he might have hit me a little light when I had one of those red jerseys on. He wasn’t supposed to hit me but he kind of gave me a little nudge.”
5 » Former Gators defensive back Joshua Shaw, who decided to transfer from the program after the regular season and was expected to attend UCLA next year, will instead transfer to USC, according to ESPNLosAngeles.com. Shaw, who wanted to return to the west coast and play closer to home, will be able to do so at a “prestigious school right around the corner,” his high school coach Jeff Williams told the website. ESPNLosAngeles also reports that Shaw will apply for a hardship waiver due to health problems in his family which could allow him to play in 2012 rather than wait until 2013.
6 » Tebow has been receiving plenty of support from around the sports landscape, but Phoenix Suns head coach Alvin Gentry went out of his way to praise the Denver quarterback after his team’s game Sunday evening. Gentry spent his entire post-game press conference talking about Tebow, which you can watch below:
The Suns team also had some fun with Tebow on Sunday. According to ValleyoftheSuns.com, Hakim Warrick Tebowed during the pregame huddle and a number of players were watching the Broncos game in the locker room before their contest began. In fact, Phoenix players “may wear Tebow jerseys to shootaround on Tuesday in Los Angeles in part to have some fun with trainer Aaron Nelson” (a big Pittsburgh fan). Thanks to reader Steven for the heads-up.
1 » OGGOA learned Thursday from a source close to the head coach that the Jacksonville Dolphins’ Kerwin Bell has not received any offer from the Florida Gators to either be the team’s quarterbacks coach or offensive coordinator, despite reports to the contrary. Bell, who has maintained privately that he would not leave his post at Jacksonville solely for a position coach job, has however been contacted by at least one other institution on a preliminary basis. A former Florida quarterback, Bell has made quite the impression in the coaching profession after building the Trinity Catholic High School football program from the ground up and winning two Pioneer Football League titles in five years with the Dolphins. The Florida Times-Unionreported Thursday evening, citing “multiple sources familiar with Florida’s interest” in Bell, that he is “no longer under consideration” for a job with the Gators.
2 » Out for seven games (and eight weeks) with a sprained MCL, New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes (notoriously media shy) met with reporters Thursday and spoke about how he is playing since returning to the field. “I never really got hurt like that [before], so it was kind of a burden,” he said. “But with my teammates pushing me every day, I just had to come out and do what I do and when my number’s called, I just want to come out and perform.”
3 » Having trained at D1 Sports Training prior to participating in his NFL workouts and being selected in the 2010 NFL Draft, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is set to invest in the organization’s first location inside the state of Florida. According to the Tampa Bay Times, talks between D1 and Tebow are ongoing and things “are nearly wrapped up to sign him at or near the end of the Broncos’ season.” Tebow, who purchased a stake in a D1 location in Savannah, GA last year, will be joined by Chipper Jones, Chris Jericho and Derrick Brooks in this new venture, the Times reports. The Florida location of D1 will be in Citrus Park in what was once a Circuit City; the company has spent approximately $1.7 million renovating the facility with membership costing $150-250 per month.
4 » Former Florida women’s basketball coach Carol Ross has been selected as the next head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. Ross, who led the Gators from 1990-2002, will be reunited with former Florida great and 14-year veteran forward DeLisha Milton-Jones, who will play her 11th season with the Sparks divided over two stints with the team. Ross was an assistant with the Atlanta Dream for the last three seasons and helped the team reach consecutive WNBA Finals (2010-11). “Carol is a proven winner with an incredible track record at both the collegiate and pro levels. She has groomed many women for great WNBA careers,” Los Angeles general manager Penny Toler said in the press release announcing the hire. “We’re confident Carol is the ideal coach to lead the Sparks to our next championship.”
With the 2011 NFL regular season complete, a number of Florida Gators participated in Week 17 action, many of whom had an impact on their team’s performance. OGGOA has checked and re-checked the box scores to bring you a summary of what these Gators accomplished during the 17th week of the 2011 campaign.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK DE JEREMY MINCEY, Jacksonville Jaguars: Five tackles (four solo), 2.5 sacks, QB hit TE AARON HERNANDEZ, New England Patriots^: Seven receptions for 138 yards [team-high] (targets: 11, long: 44), touchdown; two carries for 26 yards (long: 19)
With the 2011 NFL season underway, a number of Florida Gators participated in Week 9 action, many of whom had an impact on their team’s performance. OGGOA has checked and re-checked the box scores to bring you a summary of what these Gators accomplished during the ninth week of the 2011 campaign.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK QB TIM TEBOW, Denver Broncos: 10/21 for 124 yards, two touchdowns (QB rating: 98.1), 12 rushes for 118 yards, target
With the 2011 NFL season underway, a number of Florida Gators participated in Week 8 action, many of whom had an impact on their team’s performance. OGGOA has checked and re-checked the box scores to bring you a summary of what these Gators accomplished during the eighth week of the 2011 campaign.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK S REGGIE NELSON, Cincinnati Bengals: Five solo tackles, two pass defenses, 75-yard interception return for touchdown
LB MIKE PETERSON, Atlanta Falcons:Bye week LB ANDRA DAVIS, Buffalo Bills: Active WR DAVID NELSON, Buffalo Bills: Four receptions for 47 yards (targets: 5, long: 26) S MAJOR WRIGHT, Chicago Bears:Bye week WR ANDRE CALDWELL, Cincinnati Bengals: Four receptions for 31 yards (targets: 6, long: 10) DE CARLOS DUNLAP, Cincinnati Bengals: Three tackles (two solo), sack, five QB hits CB JOE HADEN, Cleveland Browns: Six tackles (five solo), pass defense QB TIM TEBOW, Denver Broncos: 18/39 for 172 yards, touchdown, interception (returned for TD) – (QB Rating: 56.8), 10 rushes for 63 yards, fumble DT MARCUS THOMAS, Denver Broncos: Solo tackle, QB hit DE JEREMY MINCEY, Jacksonville Jaguars: Three tackles (two solo) C MIKE POUNCEY*, Miami Dolphins: Played as a starter WR PERCY HARVIN, Minnesota Vikings Four receptions for 58 yards (targets: 5, long: 22); three rushes for 16 yards, touchdown (long: 10); fumble TE AARON HERNANDEZ, New England Patriots: Two receptions for nine yards, touchdown (targets: 4, long: 8); rush for two yards LB BRANDON SPIKES, New England Patriots: 12 tackles (10 solo, one for loss), pass defense DT GERARD WARREN, New England Patriots: Solo tackle G COOPER CARLISLE, Oakland Raiders:Bye week DE JARVIS MOSS, Oakland Raiders:Bye week WR LOUIS MURPHY, Oakland Raiders:Bye week WR RILEY COOPER, Philadelphia Eagles: Active P CHAS HENRY*, Philadelphia Eagles: Two punts for 92 yards (long: 52) C MAURKICE POUNCEY, Pittsburgh Steelers: Played as a starter OT MARCUS GILBERT*, Pittsburgh Steelers: Played as a starter OT MAX STARKS, Pittsburgh Steelers: Played as a starter DE RAY MCDONALD, San Francisco 49ers: Solo tackle WR JABAR GAFFNEY, Washington Redskins: Four receptions for 40 yards (targets: 5, long: 15) QB REX GROSSMAN, Washington Redskins: Active OG MAURICE HURT*, Washington Redskins: Active
INJURED / INACTIVE DE DERRICK HARVEY, Denver Broncos: Inactive LB BRANDON SILER, Kansas City Chiefs: Torn Achilles (season) LB JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM, New England Patriots: Inactive RB EARNEST GRAHAM, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Torn Achilles (season)
NOTES
- Mike Pouncey injured his neck and missed most of the second half.
- Harvin missed most of the second half but returned.
- McDonald injured his hamstring and missed most of the second half.
PRACTICE SQUAD PLAYERS
DE Justin Trattou* (New York Giants), SS Ahmad Black* (Tampa Bay)
NOTABLE FREE AGENTS
DE Alex Brown, DE Bobby McCray, CB Lito Sheppard
With the 2011 NFL season underway, a number of Florida Gators participated in Week 6 action, many of whom had an impact on their team’s performance. OGGOA has checked and re-checked the box scores to bring you a summary of what these Gators accomplished during the sixth week of the 2011 campaign.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK TE AARON HERNANDEZ, New England Patriots: Eight receptions [team-high] for 68 yards (targets: 14, long: 16), touchdown [game-winner], fumble
LB MIKE PETERSON, Atlanta Falcons: Tackle LB ANDRA DAVIS, Buffalo Bills: Played as a starter WR DAVID NELSON, Buffalo Bills: Four receptions for 62 yards [team-high] (targets: 6, long: 32) FS MAJOR WRIGHT, Chicago Bears: Four tackles (three solo) WR ANDRE CALDWELL, Cincinnati Bengals: Four receptions for 32 yards (long: 14) DE CARLOS DUNLAP, Cincinnati Bengals: Tackle, QB hit, fumble recovery, touchdown S REGGIE NELSON, Cincinnati Bengals: Seven tackles (four solo, one for loss) [team-high] DE DERRICK HARVEY, Denver Broncos:Bye week QB TIM TEBOW, Denver Broncos:Bye week DT MARCUS THOMAS, Denver Broncos:Bye week DE JEREMY MINCEY, Jacksonville Jaguars: Eight tackles (three solo, one for loss) C MIKE POUNCEY*, Miami Dolphins: Will play as a starter [Monday night] WR PERCY HARVIN, Minnesota Vikings Seven receptions for 78 yards [team-highs] (targets: 9, long: 20), rush for five yards, three kick returns for 71 yards (long: 25) LB JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM, New England Patriots: Played as a reserve LB BRANDON SPIKES, New England Patriots: Eight tackles (six solo, one for loss), QB hit DT GERARD WARREN, New England Patriots: Two solo tackles (one for loss) G COOPER CARLISLE, Oakland Raiders: Played as a starter DE JARVIS MOSS, Oakland Raiders: Tackle WR LOUIS MURPHY, Oakland Raiders: Target WR RILEY COOPER, Philadelphia Eagles: Solo tackle P CHAS HENRY*, Philadelphia Eagles: Three punts for 131 yards (long: 50) C MAURKICE POUNCEY, Pittsburgh Steelers: Played as a starter OT MARCUS GILBERT*, Pittsburgh Steelers: Played as a starter OT MAX STARKS, Pittsburgh Steelers: Played as a starter DE RAY MCDONALD, San Francisco 49ers: Two tackles (one solo), 0.5 sack, two pass defenses, QB hit FB EARNEST GRAHAM, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 17 carries for 109 yards [team-highs] (long: 34), two receptions for 22 yards (long: 19) WR JABAR GAFFNEY, Washington Redskins: Two receptions for 55 yards (targets: 10, long: 55) QB REX GROSSMAN, Washington Redskins: 9/22 for 143 yards, four interceptions (QB Rating: 23.7)
INJURED / INACTIVE CB JOE HADEN, Cleveland Browns: Knee LB BRANDON SILER, Kansas City Chiefs: Torn achilles (season)
NOTES
- Wright started for Chicago.
- Murphy played for the first time this season (sports hernia, groin).
PRACTICE SQUAD PLAYERS
DE Justin Trattou* (New York Giants), SS Ahmad Black* (Tampa Bay), OG Maurice Hurt* (Washington)
NOTABLE FREE AGENTS
DE Alex Brown, DE Bobby McCray, CB Lito Sheppard
Taurean Green (@TaureanJGreen):
"Yes yes....my #GatorBoys in the Elite 8. All u jive time turkeys that thought Marquette was gonna win can sit down and go to sleep!"
The Silver Lining is an exclusive column written by Adam Silverstein of OnlyGators.com for Yahoo! Sports and Rivals.com affiliate InsideTheGators.com. OGGOA readers can receive a special discount on a subscription to InsideTheGators, which can be accessed by clicking the image above!
With the 2011 regular season complete, six former Florida Gators participated in Divisional action during the second round of the 2011-12 NFL Playoffs on Saturday and Sunday.
