1 » Over the weekend, Jeremy Fowler of the Orlando Sentinel and OGGOA went back-and-forth about the potential transfers of Florida Gators basketball bench players guard Ray Shipman and center Kenny Kadji. Fowler caught up with their former AAU coach, Matt Ramker, who informed him that the duo is expected to remain with Florida. “They are happy at UF and are looking forward to next season,” Ramker said.

2 » Speaking with The Salt Lake Tribune, Shelley Meyer said her husband and Gators head coach Urban Meyer is “150 percent better.” Now that he is back at work, Meyer’s wife is keeping tabs on him in the same respect he stays on top of recruits. Sending him multiple texts ensuring that he is eating, exercising and resting, Shelley claims it is “part of my plan. I’m keeping an eye on him and I’m looking for signs. What happened to Urban was a huge wake-up call that he couldn’t go on like he was.”

3 » In a question-and-answer session with The Gainesville Sun, former Florida cornerback Joe Haden said he felt the pressure of running an improved 40-yard dash at Pro Day last week. Asked how important 40 times actually were, Haden agreed that they were overrated. “They don’t really measure how you run on the field during a game,” he said. “You may be running with someone who runs a 4.2, and you might not be able to run a 4.2, but if you can run with him and cover him, you’re OK. But it’s part of the process and I respect that.” Haden also admitted that he did not do much to help Meyer’s heart issues, playing an April Fool’s joke on him last season when he and former Gators safety Major Wright told their coach they planned to transfer.

4 » One of the biggest disappointments of the 2009 Florida football season was the lack of development of now-redshirt junior wide receiver Deonte Thompson. Though he failed to make much of an impact throughout the season, Thompson is confident he can turn it on in 2010 with new quarterback John Brantley. “I feel I had a good Sugar Bowl,” Thompson told the Sun. “I know now I’ve got to come out hard every day because I pretty much should be the No. 1 guy.”

Photo Credit: Willie J. Allen, Jr./St. Petersburg Times

Tags: Deonte Thompson, Joe Haden, John Brantley, Kenny Kadji, Major Wright, Pro Day, Ray Shipman, Shelley Meyer, Urban Meyer

1 » Numerous NFL analysts are questioning former Florida Gators defensive end Carlos Dunlap – not his athleticism or talent, simply his desire and leadership. “Bottom line is if you can get him to play hard every snap,” Mike Mayock of NFL Network told The Gainesville Sun. “You compound that by giving him a lot of money if you take him in the first round, which makes it even harder to get a kid to play every snap. I still think a team will take him in the first round, but trust me, there are a bunch of teams right now saying that they just don’t feel confident enough that his motor runs strong enough.”

ESPN’s Todd McShay, on the other hand, questions Dunlap’s leadership. “There’s a perception in the league right now that he’s more of a follower than a leader,” McShay said. “Ultimately, I still think he goes in the first round because he’s too athletic and too gifted physically. I hope he realizes what he has and that the light comes on and he surrounds himself with the right people, because he has a chance to be special. He can be a super player in the NFL if he dedicates himself to it.”

2 » Explaining why the league invited quarterback Tim Tebow to the 2010 NFL Draft is ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who calls the league “smart and shrewd.” “It’s inviting Tebow on the merits of what he has done and the merits of what he can do – for TV ratings,” Schefter explained. “The NFL has a ratings magnet built in for the second night of the draft, during Friday night prime time. Fans will be tuning in all Thursday night, all Friday night and even Saturday if he is still on the board, just to see where Tebow is going to go. Where Tebow will go, and when he will go, will be one of the biggest stories.”

More from Chad Henne on Tim Tebow and press conference videos of Joe Haden and Carlos Dunlap from Pro Day after the break!
Continue Reading » FOUR BITS: …on Gators set to enter the NFL Draft

Tags: Carlos Dunlap, Chad Henne, Draft, Heisman Trophy, Joe Haden, Miami Dolphins, NFL, Pro Day, Tim Tebow

Having now competed in the 2010 Senior Bowl, 2010 NFL Scouting Combine and his school’s Pro Day, the only things left on former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow’s plate before the 2010 NFL Draft are workouts and interviews with individual teams.

As of March 8, only the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks had arranged individual workouts with Tebow. However, the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins can now be added to that list, according to SportingNews.

The Browns, which had their president, general manager and head coach in Gainesville for Florida’s Pro Day, are expected to draft Gators cornerback Joe Haden with their No. 7 overall selection on April 22. The team is also in need of a quarterback of the future with 35-year-old Jake Delhomme as their only legitimate starting option and possesses an early second-round pick.

One of the first teams to work out Florida players after their Pro Day every year, the Patriots – especially head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft – hold Gators head coach Urban Meyer and his players in high regard. In fact, the team also took a close look at tight end Aaron Hernandez and linebacker Brandon Spikes on Thursday. (Spikes has reportedly also met with the Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin.) Tebow would fit well in New England as a back-up who could sit comfortably behind Tom Brady for a few years.

The Redskins, which recently signed former Florida quarterback Rex Grossman to a free agent contract, are still looking for a starter with incumbent Jason Cambell seemingly always on the hot seat. Head coach Mike Shanahan is a former Gators offensive coordinator, and his son Kyle holds that same position under his father.

Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo/Sports Illustrated

Tags: Aaron Hernandez, Brandon Spikes, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, combine, Draft, Joe Haden, New England Patriots, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pro Day, Rex Grossman, Seattle Seahawks, Senior Bowl, Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer, Washington Redskins

OGGOA will continue updating this thread – last updated 4:45 p.m.

ESPN’s Todd McShay came away impressed with Tim Tebow:

Tim Tebow Version 2.0:

Florida Gators who participated:
» Quarterback Tim Tebow
- Crowd cheered all of his throws, gave him a lot of support. His dropping back improved considerably, as did his throwing motion (though it still has a little hitch according to some). Holding the ball higher. Got it out quick. Hit most passes, a few overthrows. Very accurate and hit receivers in stride. Tossed to Cooper, Hernandez and Nelson.
» Cornerback Joe Haden
– 4.39, 4.44 40-yard dashes (unconfirmed) [also hearing times from 4.42-4.46]
» Wide receiver Riley Cooper
» Defensive end Carlos Dunlap
- 22 reps of 225 lbs.
- 4.58 40-yard dash
- Improved his bench press, broad jump and position drills.
» Linebacker Brandon Spikes
- 5.0, 5.05 40-yard dashes (unconfirmed) [also heard 4.85]
» Center Maurkice Pouncey
- 25 reps of 225 lbs.
» Tight end Aaron Hernandez
– 4.61 40-yard dash (unconfirmed) [also heard 4.56]
- 30 reps of 225 lbs.
» Safety Major Wright
» Linebacker Ryan Stamper
» Linebacker Dustin Doe
» Cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis
– 4.47 40-yard dash (unconfirmed)
» Wide receiver David Nelson
- [Heard both 4.4 and 4.54 40-yard dashes (unconfirmed)]
» Cornerback Markihe Anderson
» Wide receiver Brandon James (did not work out)

* Scouts may, individually, take 0.05 seconds off each 40-time due to the rain.

Others who participated:
» Former Gators linebacker Earl Everett looking for a job.
» Former Gators punter Eric Wilbur was kicking, hoping to impress.
» Former Gators H-back Eric Rutledge also worked out for scouts.

Current Florida Gators in attendance:
» Head coach Urban Meyer
» Quarterback John Brantley
» Safety Ahmad Black

Former Florida Gators in attendance:
» Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin
» Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mike Peterson
» San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Ian Scott
» Former quarterback Doug Johnson
» Louisville Cardinals head coach Charlie Strong
» Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison

NFL personnel in attendance:
* All 32 NFL teams were represented by 75-100 NFL personnel members.
» Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren
» Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert
» Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini
» Pittsburgh Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert
» Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin
» Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney
» Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox
» New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese
» New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin
» Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik
» Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheim Morris
» Green Bay Packers general Ted Thompson
» Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Mike Nolan
» Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Gene Smith
» Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line coach Andy Heck

Videos of Tim Tebow and thoughts from an NFL president after the break!
Continue Reading » Updates from Florida Gators’ 2010 Pro Day

Tags: Aaron Hernandez, Brandon James, Brandon Spikes, Carlos Dunlap, David Nelson, Dustin Doe, Joe Haden, Markihe Anderson, Maurkice Pouncey, NFL, Pro Day, Ryan Stamper, Tim Tebow, Wondy Pierre-Louis

UPDATE: Early reports indicate Joe Haden ran a 4.44 40-yard dash at Florida’s Pro Day.

Former Florida Gators cornerback Joe Haden spoke with Dennis Dillon of SportingNews recently about a number of topics relating to his workout at the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine and what he plans to do Wednesday at Florida’s Pro Day. Below are some excerpts from the interview. To read the entire thing – click here.

On re-running the 40-yard dash: “I can’t wait. My back is finally 100 percent, so I can’t wait to go out there and perform. I’m just anxious and ready to do it. […] All I’ve been working on is my 40 starts. That’s basically it. I’ve probably run about a thousand 40s. […] I haven’t run that slow [4.57 seconds] since my freshman year off high school, so I was really disappointed. Down in Florida, all I ran were 4.34s or 4.33s. So I’m looking forward to running in the 4.33 range like I always have.”

On why he failed to run as fast at the combine: “I had a back strain.”

On being tops at his position: “I feel like I’m definitely the best corner [in the draft]. What you get from me is what nobody else can give you at corner – a strong, hard-nosed player who can lock down one side of the field and isn’t afraid to play man, isn’t afraid to blitz and isn’t afraid to tackle.”

On being recruited as a quarterback: “It would have been a whole lot different. I don’t think I would be in the situation I am now. I know God put me in the best situation for me, and that was to go to Florida and switch over to corner. If I had been a quarterback, I don’t think I’d have left school early and I don’t think I’d be projected to go in the first round of the draft.”

Tags: combine, Draft, Joe Haden, NFL, Pro Day

March 17 is a big day in Florida Gators athletics for three reasons: the basketball team is preparing for first-round action in the 2010 NCAA Tournament against the Brigham Young Cougars, the football team begins spring practice for the 2010 season and more than 15 former Gators football players who have declared for the 2010 NFL Draft will work out and perform in front of representatives of each NFL team during Pro Scout Day at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Linebacker Brandon Spikes, cornerback Joe Haden, defensive end Carlos Dunlap, center Maurkice Pouncey and tight end Aaron Hernandez are scheduled to be on hand for evaluation purposes, but quarterback Tim Tebow will be under more scrutiny than any of his former teammates. (Of course, Haden’s 40-yard dash times will be under close watch.)

As two of his National Championship titles and his Heisman Trophy sign hang on the stadium’s walls, Tebow will be on Florida Field proving to NFL coaches, scouts and personnel that his tweaked mechanics, throwing motion and release are improved enough where he can be considered for selection with a first- or second-round pick. Millions of dollars are on the line for Tebow, who was initially given a third-round grade.

Tebow’s stock has steadily improved over the last few weeks after an impressive showing at the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine coupled with a dedication to “fixing” his release. He is now projected to go in the second round, though there are inklings that a few teams may be interested in trading up into the bottom of the first to pick perhaps the most accomplished quarterback in college football history.

Will it be the Buffalo Bills? New head coach Chan Gailey, a former Florida quarterback, loves developing young signal-callers. Could the Jacksonville Jaguars realize Tebow’s value, trading up to select the hometown star who can be the new face of a franchise that is in dire need of a face-lift? Perhaps an established powerhouse like the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts or Minnesota Vikings pulls the trigger for Tebow as a future starter?

Humans are emotional by nature, and emotions can be swayed by, literally, a flick of the wrist. Forget a score of 22 on the Wonderlic or his other “flaws,” Tebow has an opportunity to quiet his doubters and enliven his believers with his workout Wednesday – perhaps the most important of his career.

He has said on multiple occasions that he will do anything he is asked to do in order to prove to NFL teams that he can play quarterback, so expect coaches to throw some routes at him other than what is scripted by Tebow and his receivers.

Whether he impresses or fails to do so, Tebow’s next step will be private workouts with any interested teams. A few are already scheduled, but one can be sure that his appointment book will get quite full if teams become enamored with what Tebow has been able to do mechanics-wise in such a short period of time.

The Swamp will be open for Pro Day beginning at 8:30 a.m., though the on-field portion of the event will not start until 10 a.m. Fans will be allowed to enter via Gate 2.

As first reported by OGGOA, restrooms and concession stands will be open. Video cameras, food/drink containers, bottles, cans and a variety of other items are prohibited.

Photo Credits: Jimmy DeFlippo/Sports Illustrated, David Bergman/Sports Illustrated

Tags: Aaron Hernandez, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Brandon Spikes, Buffalo Bills, Carlos Dunlap, Chan Gailey, combine, Draft, Florida Field, Heisman Trophy, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Joe Haden, Maurkice Pouncey, Minnesota Vikings, National Championship, New England Patriots, NFL, Pro Day, The Swamp, Tim Tebow, Wonderlic

A stellar three-year college football career in the toughest conference in the country should be enough to convince NFL scouts, coaches and front office personnel that former Florida Gators cornerback Joe Haden will succeed as a professional. And it looked like it was enough, until Haden ran a 4.57 40-yard dash at the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine about two weeks ago.

Ever since, Haden has been doing little but working on his 40 time, mostly because he is confident that he can do better – much better. His father, Joe Haden, Sr., told the Palm Beach Post Tuesday that Haden’s performance at the combine was not representative of his true speed. In fact, Haden, Sr. revealed that his son’s back tightened up as he has recently been dealing with lower back pain from working out and weight lifting.

“We had stopped doing some of the heavier lifting, but it just stiffened up on him, one of those things,” Haden, Sr. told the Post. “It’s just really affected him. I wish I had known, because I would have had him not even work out.”

Evaluators do not want to hear excuses. All they care about is improvement, and Haden plans to do just that at Florida’s Pro Day on March 17.

“The 40 is what time it is right now. That’s the big bang for the buck, that’s what the scouts want to see,” Haden, Sr. said. “He’s preparing very hard, very hard, to put it mildly. […] For Joe, all his life, (speed) has been his biggest strength. So for something to happen like that for him, I mean, Joe ran a 4.5 40 in the ninth grade. It was just something that was a blip.”

That blip happened twice in one day, injury or not. And Haden has fallen out of the top 10 on most team’s draft boards, according to various scouts and evaluators throughout the league. When a player falters at the combine or faces other adversity before the NFL Draft, it is usually his agent – not his father – stepping up to quiet those doubters and shout about the qualifications of his client.

That is where this gets even more interesting.

While quarterback Tim Tebow chose Jimmy Sexton, wide receiver Riley Cooper and center Maurkice Pouncey picked Joel Segal and defensive end Carlos Dunlap signed up with Todd France, Haden’s representation remains somewhat of a mystery.

An OGGOA source has confirmed that Haden is being represented by DSI Sports, specifically agent Malik Hafeez Shareef. Certified in Sept. 2007 by the NFL Players Association, Shareef does not have a client in the NFL and failed at placing his previous one (WR Brandon Whittington of Purdue) with a professional team last season. For the record, Whittington had 26 catches for 206 yards and one touchdown in two seasons with the Boilermakers and is not anywhere near the same caliber player as Haden, who will be drafted ahead of any other Florida player in 2010.

So who exactly is Shareef, and why did Haden choose him over more established agents who would have done their best to squash any concern over his “slow” 40 time? Is he simply a NFLPA-certified front man so Haden, Sr. can manage his son’s career?

Either way, an explanation is needed for the little-to-no damage control that was done on behalf of Haden after his sub-standard 40-yard dash became one of the biggest stories coming out of the combine.

Tags: Carlos Dunlap, combine, Draft, Joe Haden, Maurkice Pouncey, NFL, Pro Day, Riley Cooper, Tim Tebow

One name not garnering much publicity as the 2010 NFL Draft approaches is former Florida Gators linebacker and defensive leader Brandon Spikes.

Hampered by a number of injuries (as well as a bruised reputation for an eye gouge) throughout the 2009 season, Spikes only participated in a few events at the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine, planning to do most of his testing at Florida’s Pro Day on March 17 and at individual workouts scheduled by various NFL teams.

Pro Football Talk is reporting that the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will all conduct private visits with Spikes in the coming weeks.

Former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah told OGGOA before the combine that Spikes could be picked anywhere from the middle of the first round to the middle of the second. The Browns (especially) have a dire need at linebacker, and Spikes would fit well in a 3-4 defense reconstituted by new team czar Mike Holmgren.

Photo Credit: Tim Larson/Icon SMI

Tags: Brandon Spikes, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, combine, Draft, Mike Holmgren, NFL, Pro Day, Tampa Bay Buccaneers