Quarterback Cooper Bateman of Salt Lake City committed to the Crimson Tide on Wednesday.
Bateman, an ESPN 150 player who is the No. 6 ranked quarterback in 2013, chose UA over a number of offers including Auburn, Florida, LSU and Washington. The Utah native visited Tuscaloosa in April.
"The campus was awesome," Bateman said after his visit. "It was probably my favorite campus. It’s gorgeous out there. I learned everything about it. The education is top notch, but that’s anywhere in the conference."
Bateman becomes Alabama’s 12th commitment for 2013 and the first signal-caller.
Bateman, an ESPN 150 player who is the No. 6 ranked quarterback in 2013, chose UA over a number of offers including Auburn, Florida, LSU and Washington. The Utah native visited Tuscaloosa in April.
"The campus was awesome," Bateman said after his visit. "It was probably my favorite campus. It’s gorgeous out there. I learned everything about it. The education is top notch, but that’s anywhere in the conference."
Bateman becomes Alabama’s 12th commitment for 2013 and the first signal-caller.
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2011 overall record: 7-6
2011 conference record: 4-4 (3rd Eastern Division)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
RG Jon Halapio, LT Matt Patchan, C Jonotthan Harrison, TE Jordan Reed, FB/TE Trey Burton, DE Sharrif Floyd, LB Jonathan Bostic, LB Jelani Jenkins, CB Marcus Roberson, S Matt Elam, S Josh Evans, K Caleb Sturgis
Key losses
QB John Brantley, RB Jeff Demps, RB Chris Rainey, WR Deonte Thompson
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Chris Rainey (861 yards)
Passing: John Brantley (2,044 yards)
Receiving: Andre Debose (432 yards)
Tackles: Jonathan Bostic* (94)
Sacks: Ronald Powell* (6.0)
Interceptions: Matt Elam* and De'Ante Saunders* (2)
Spring answers
1. OL got tougher: After spending two months with new strength and conditioning coordinator Jeff Dillman and working under new offensive line coach Tim Davis in spring practice, the offensive line is without question the most improved unit on the team. The Gators needed to get tougher physically and mentally -- coach Will Muschamp called the OL and DL out for those issues last November -- in order for UF to be effective in the power running game. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and several defensive linemen said the difference in the unit is noticeable.
2. Gillislee steps up: The Gators needed to find a running back capable of running between the tackles and starring in the power run game. Senior Mike Gillislee, who played sparingly or in mop-up situations his first three seasons, emerged early in the spring and overwhelmingly won the job. He has had pass-protection issues in the past but he had little trouble with that in the spring. The only concern is whether a chronic ankle injury will become an issue again. He was healthy throughout spring, though.
3. Pittman emerged at WR: Florida has been without a consistent receiver for the past two seasons, but the Gators may have found one in freshman Latroy Pittman. The early enrollee had an impressive spring. He doesn’t have blazing speed but was still able to get behind coverages for big plays, and the coaches loved his toughness and willingness to block. Andre Debose, Frankie Hammond and Quinton Dunbar have shown flashes throughout their careers, but Pittman may end up overtaking all of them if he continues to get open and make plays as consistently as he did in the spring.
Fall questions
1. QB, or two QB: Neither Jeff Driskel or Jacoby Brissett was able to create any separation in their battle to become the starting quarterback, so the competition will continue into the fall. Both have a good grasp of the offense, can throw the ball well, and have the respect of their teammates. Driskel is a better runner while Brissett is more of a pocket passer. Muschamp said he could play both quarterbacks if neither can make a move in the fall.
2. More turnovers needed: Florida ranked eighth nationally in total defense in 2011 but the Gators forced only 14 turnovers, which was the worst single-season total in school history since UF began keeping fumble stats in 1950. Creating turnovers was a huge emphasis in the spring and it will be again in the fall. The biggest issue is finishing plays. UF dropped 15 interceptions, including six by Jelani Jenkins, last season. Great defenses make plays when they have the opportunity and the Gators need to learn how to do that.
3. Pass-rush needed, too: With the loss of buck Ronald Powell to a torn ACL -- though UF maintains that he could return as early as September -- the Gators don’t have a proven pass rusher on the roster. In fact, the returning player with the most career sacks is Bostic, who has 4.5 through his first three seasons. Whether this role is filled by several freshman, notably Jonathan Bullard or Dante Fowler, or by someone who has underachieved so far in their career (Earl Okine), the Gators have to find a way to get pressure on the quarterback.
2011 conference record: 4-4 (3rd Eastern Division)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
RG Jon Halapio, LT Matt Patchan, C Jonotthan Harrison, TE Jordan Reed, FB/TE Trey Burton, DE Sharrif Floyd, LB Jonathan Bostic, LB Jelani Jenkins, CB Marcus Roberson, S Matt Elam, S Josh Evans, K Caleb Sturgis
Key losses
QB John Brantley, RB Jeff Demps, RB Chris Rainey, WR Deonte Thompson
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Chris Rainey (861 yards)
Passing: John Brantley (2,044 yards)
Receiving: Andre Debose (432 yards)
Tackles: Jonathan Bostic* (94)
Sacks: Ronald Powell* (6.0)
Interceptions: Matt Elam* and De'Ante Saunders* (2)
Spring answers
1. OL got tougher: After spending two months with new strength and conditioning coordinator Jeff Dillman and working under new offensive line coach Tim Davis in spring practice, the offensive line is without question the most improved unit on the team. The Gators needed to get tougher physically and mentally -- coach Will Muschamp called the OL and DL out for those issues last November -- in order for UF to be effective in the power running game. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and several defensive linemen said the difference in the unit is noticeable.
2. Gillislee steps up: The Gators needed to find a running back capable of running between the tackles and starring in the power run game. Senior Mike Gillislee, who played sparingly or in mop-up situations his first three seasons, emerged early in the spring and overwhelmingly won the job. He has had pass-protection issues in the past but he had little trouble with that in the spring. The only concern is whether a chronic ankle injury will become an issue again. He was healthy throughout spring, though.
3. Pittman emerged at WR: Florida has been without a consistent receiver for the past two seasons, but the Gators may have found one in freshman Latroy Pittman. The early enrollee had an impressive spring. He doesn’t have blazing speed but was still able to get behind coverages for big plays, and the coaches loved his toughness and willingness to block. Andre Debose, Frankie Hammond and Quinton Dunbar have shown flashes throughout their careers, but Pittman may end up overtaking all of them if he continues to get open and make plays as consistently as he did in the spring.
Fall questions
1. QB, or two QB: Neither Jeff Driskel or Jacoby Brissett was able to create any separation in their battle to become the starting quarterback, so the competition will continue into the fall. Both have a good grasp of the offense, can throw the ball well, and have the respect of their teammates. Driskel is a better runner while Brissett is more of a pocket passer. Muschamp said he could play both quarterbacks if neither can make a move in the fall.
2. More turnovers needed: Florida ranked eighth nationally in total defense in 2011 but the Gators forced only 14 turnovers, which was the worst single-season total in school history since UF began keeping fumble stats in 1950. Creating turnovers was a huge emphasis in the spring and it will be again in the fall. The biggest issue is finishing plays. UF dropped 15 interceptions, including six by Jelani Jenkins, last season. Great defenses make plays when they have the opportunity and the Gators need to learn how to do that.
3. Pass-rush needed, too: With the loss of buck Ronald Powell to a torn ACL -- though UF maintains that he could return as early as September -- the Gators don’t have a proven pass rusher on the roster. In fact, the returning player with the most career sacks is Bostic, who has 4.5 through his first three seasons. Whether this role is filled by several freshman, notably Jonathan Bullard or Dante Fowler, or by someone who has underachieved so far in their career (Earl Okine), the Gators have to find a way to get pressure on the quarterback.
Zunino No. 5 in Law's first mock draft
May, 15, 2012
May 15
4:59
PM ET
By GatorNation staff | ESPN.com
Keith Law unveils his first mock draft of 2012, 
with Stanford right-handed pitcher Mark Appel going first overall to the Astros. Florida catcher Mike Zunino is projected to Kansas City fifth overall, while Law has flame-throwing Florida recruit Lance McCullers, Jr. going to Oakland at No. 11.
with Stanford right-handed pitcher Mark Appel going first overall to the Astros. Florida catcher Mike Zunino is projected to Kansas City fifth overall, while Law has flame-throwing Florida recruit Lance McCullers, Jr. going to Oakland at No. 11.
Florida's newest commitment, Marqui Hawkins, is a four-star athlete who could play wide receiver or safety at the next level. His preference may have been the deciding factor.
“I committed [Monday] after football practice,” Hawkins said. “I love playing receiver and have played the position my entire life. That’s the position Florida liked me at. It came down to them and Clemson, and Clemson liked me as a safety.
“Florida has a great school and they do well at receiver. I have not talked with [offensive coordinator Brent] Pease yet. I have been talking with [Will] Muschamp, [Travaris] Robinson and [Brian] White. I have a good relationship with those guys.”
“I committed [Monday] after football practice,” Hawkins said. “I love playing receiver and have played the position my entire life. That’s the position Florida liked me at. It came down to them and Clemson, and Clemson liked me as a safety.
“Florida has a great school and they do well at receiver. I have not talked with [offensive coordinator Brent] Pease yet. I have been talking with [Will] Muschamp, [Travaris] Robinson and [Brian] White. I have a good relationship with those guys.”
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Marqui Hawkins (Columbus, Ga./Carver) is one of those athletes that really excites due to his raw ability and combined measurables. He has a high ceiling for development as he is just starting to come into his own.
Big, fast and athletic is exactly what Florida needs out wide, as the Gators have been lacking consistent, productive playmakers at wide receiver.
Big, fast and athletic is exactly what Florida needs out wide, as the Gators have been lacking consistent, productive playmakers at wide receiver.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Four-star wide receiver Marqui Hawkins (Columbus, Ga./Carver) committed to Florida on Monday night. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound athlete chose Florida over offers from Alabama, Clemson, Mississippi State and Auburn. He said Florida was his favorite team as a child.
"I've been liking Florida since I was little," Hawkins said. "My coach was telling me it's a great school to be at, and I just like Florida a lot."
Hawkins, ranked the No. 18 prospect in Georgia, said Florida head coach Will Muschamp was excited at the news of his commitment.
"He was proud, he was happy, he was screaming," Hawkins said. "He was just excited that I'm joining the Florida family right now."
Hawkins joins four-star prospects Ahmad Fulwood (Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny) and Rodney Adams (St. Petersburg, Fla./Lakewood) as Florida wide receiver commitments. The Gators now have 16 verbal commits, including 15 who are ranked four stars or higher.
Though committed to the Gators, Hawkins said he still plans to visit other colleges.
"I'm still going to be taking visits," Hawkins said. "I'll visit Mississippi State, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and North Carolina."
"I've been liking Florida since I was little," Hawkins said. "My coach was telling me it's a great school to be at, and I just like Florida a lot."
Hawkins, ranked the No. 18 prospect in Georgia, said Florida head coach Will Muschamp was excited at the news of his commitment.
"He was proud, he was happy, he was screaming," Hawkins said. "He was just excited that I'm joining the Florida family right now."
Hawkins joins four-star prospects Ahmad Fulwood (Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny) and Rodney Adams (St. Petersburg, Fla./Lakewood) as Florida wide receiver commitments. The Gators now have 16 verbal commits, including 15 who are ranked four stars or higher.
Though committed to the Gators, Hawkins said he still plans to visit other colleges.
"I'm still going to be taking visits," Hawkins said. "I'll visit Mississippi State, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and North Carolina."
RecruitingNation's Dave Hooker talks with Florida defensive back commitment Tre' Bell (Jersey City, N.J./St. Peter's Prep) about why he picked the Gators, getting an invitation to The Opening at last weekend's Baltimore Nike Football Training Camp and what he says to the teams that are still recruiting him.
RecruitingNation's Dave Hooker talks with ESPN 150 linebacker Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa.) about getting an Opening invite and his recent decommitment from Ohio State.
Paring down the list to six was just too tough. So Josh McNeil went with a top 12.
McNeil told ESPN via text message that he was still considering only Ohio State, Alabama, Florida, Miami, North Carolina State, Oregon, California, South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame and East Carolina.
McNeil told ESPN via text message that he was still considering only Ohio State, Alabama, Florida, Miami, North Carolina State, Oregon, California, South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame and East Carolina.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The state of Florida is always loaded with baseball talent, and this year is no different. After you give thanks to our long history of playing host to Grapefruit League spring training, there's the small matter of Major League Baseball raiding the Florida Gators' current roster AND their outstanding class of 2012.
Mike Janes/Four Seam Images via AP ImagesWill Gator fans ever see top recruit Lance McCullers Jr. wear orange and blue?One glance at a projected first round of this summer's MLB draft, and you'll see two to four Gators as well as a couple of UF's best recruits. Here are some of the top hits:
Mike Janes/Four Seam Images via AP ImagesWill Gator fans ever see top recruit Lance McCullers Jr. wear orange and blue?- UF catcher Mike Zunino, of course, is the lead dog. He's followed up his breakthrough 2011 season with another campaign full of eye-popping stats. Couple that with his reputation for terrific defense, and Zunino is pushing the top of the first round this summer. ESPN senior baseball analyst Keith Law had Zunino as high as No. 2 on his list of prospects, but the backstop now dwells at No. 4 on the top 100 list.
- ESPN's Jason A. Churchill says Zunino remains the No. 1 college position player available and is the best catcher (not even by a close margin). The lack of solid college catching prospects, Churchill writes, could push Zunino even higher on teams' draft boards.
- In this recent blog, ESPN MLB draft blogger Kiley McDaniel scouts Florida left-handed reliever Steven "Paco" Rodriguez, who could make the first round.
The Atlantic Coast Conference’s television contract extension with ESPN, announced Wednesday, is the first of three major conference deals expected to be finalized in the next few months.
The ACC contract was extended after the addition of new members Syracuse University and the University of Pittsburgh last September. The shifting of schools as part of conference realignment also led to changes in the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference that has those existing deals in play, too.
The ACC deal is worth $3.6 billion over the next 15 years, according to The Associated Press. That puts the ACC behind only the Big Ten and Pac-12 in terms of the average revenue per school, per year by one measure (viewing all current contracts divided between conferences’ 2012-13 membership.)
SportsBusiness Daily has reported the Big 12 has verbally agreed to a new contract with ESPN and FOX for its first-tier rights for $2.6 billion over 13 years. That would bring the per-year average for the Big 12 to $200 million and the per-school, per-year average to $20 million. The SEC is expected to reopen its contract talks with ESPN following the addition of the University of Missouri and Texas A&M.
ESPN had no comment on any of the deals, which vary in what slate of rights are included, but a spokesman did say that the network is in regular contact with its business partners.
With all of the shuffling and extensions, it can be hard to keep up. Here’s a listing, according to information from The Associated Press, SportsBusiness Daily, SportsBusiness Journal and Adweek, of where things stand now. The Big 12 extension is not included because it has not been finalized. Also, per-year averages and per-school, per-year averages are straight averages and do not take into account actual variances by year as stipulated in individual contracts.
The ACC contract was extended after the addition of new members Syracuse University and the University of Pittsburgh last September. The shifting of schools as part of conference realignment also led to changes in the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference that has those existing deals in play, too.
The ACC deal is worth $3.6 billion over the next 15 years, according to The Associated Press. That puts the ACC behind only the Big Ten and Pac-12 in terms of the average revenue per school, per year by one measure (viewing all current contracts divided between conferences’ 2012-13 membership.)
SportsBusiness Daily has reported the Big 12 has verbally agreed to a new contract with ESPN and FOX for its first-tier rights for $2.6 billion over 13 years. That would bring the per-year average for the Big 12 to $200 million and the per-school, per-year average to $20 million. The SEC is expected to reopen its contract talks with ESPN following the addition of the University of Missouri and Texas A&M.
ESPN had no comment on any of the deals, which vary in what slate of rights are included, but a spokesman did say that the network is in regular contact with its business partners.
With all of the shuffling and extensions, it can be hard to keep up. Here’s a listing, according to information from The Associated Press, SportsBusiness Daily, SportsBusiness Journal and Adweek, of where things stand now. The Big 12 extension is not included because it has not been finalized. Also, per-year averages and per-school, per-year averages are straight averages and do not take into account actual variances by year as stipulated in individual contracts.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- It looks like Florida is finally going to have its complete pitching staff -- one which was projected to be the best in the nation -- just in time for the Gators to make their postseason run.
Fatigued arms cost the Gators two of their top three starters for varying periods of time this season, and their closer is coming off a mild bout of tendinitis, but Hudson Randall, Karsten Whitson and Austin Maddox are healthy heading into the final two weekends of Southeastern Conference play. That puts the fifth-ranked Gators at full strength for the first time since before the season began.
And that solidifies Florida (36-13, 14-10 SEC) as the favorite to win the national championship.
“We’ve put ourselves in position to where we hoped we would be,” UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “Now we’ve got two big series left, obviously, and this week it’s a big weekend. We don’t have to watch the scoreboard. The bottom line is if we do what we’re capable of doing we’ll be right there in the hunt at the end.”
This weekend’s series against Mississippi State (30-18, 12-12), which begins today, is the just the second time Florida has had its weekend rotation of Randall, Whitson and Brian Johnson intact since the first series of the season against Cal State Fullerton. Whitson threw only 13 pitches before being pulled in his second start of the season and missed 5½ weeks with what O’Sullivan said was a tired arm.
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Cliff Welch/Icon SMIKarsten Whitson, a freshman All-American last season, returned from a tired arm on April 3.
Cliff Welch/Icon SMIKarsten Whitson, a freshman All-American last season, returned from a tired arm on April 3.And that solidifies Florida (36-13, 14-10 SEC) as the favorite to win the national championship.
“We’ve put ourselves in position to where we hoped we would be,” UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “Now we’ve got two big series left, obviously, and this week it’s a big weekend. We don’t have to watch the scoreboard. The bottom line is if we do what we’re capable of doing we’ll be right there in the hunt at the end.”
This weekend’s series against Mississippi State (30-18, 12-12), which begins today, is the just the second time Florida has had its weekend rotation of Randall, Whitson and Brian Johnson intact since the first series of the season against Cal State Fullerton. Whitson threw only 13 pitches before being pulled in his second start of the season and missed 5½ weeks with what O’Sullivan said was a tired arm.
The No. 3-seeded Gators will face No. 2 seed Tennessee in Friday's first SEC softball tournament semifinal at 3 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU. You can also watch it live here on WatchESPN.
Graham Hays: Day 1 recap from SEC softball tourney
The top four seeds advanced Thursday at the SEC tournament, and they moved on thanks to some surprising sources. Read the story here.
Graham Hays: Day 1 recap from SEC softball tourney
The top four seeds advanced Thursday at the SEC tournament, and they moved on thanks to some surprising sources. Read the story here.
Every week, I'll pull four questions I didn't have time to address on our weekly chat and answer them here:
What are Tyrone Crowder's top schools?
The nation's 96th best prospect wants to narrow down his list soon. I think he's fond of Alabama and the Carolina schools. He's also said he likes Miami, which recently offered him a scholarship, but doesn't know much about the school. The Hurricanes need to secure a visit. That could be tough since Crowder has mainly kept his visits close to home, other than Bama (that could be a hint). Florida is worth watching for a couple of reasons. The Gators have recruited well in North Carolina. Also, Florida's strength and conditioning coach is an alum of Crowder's high school: Rockingham (N.C.) Richmond County.
What are Tyrone Crowder's top schools?
The nation's 96th best prospect wants to narrow down his list soon. I think he's fond of Alabama and the Carolina schools. He's also said he likes Miami, which recently offered him a scholarship, but doesn't know much about the school. The Hurricanes need to secure a visit. That could be tough since Crowder has mainly kept his visits close to home, other than Bama (that could be a hint). Florida is worth watching for a couple of reasons. The Gators have recruited well in North Carolina. Also, Florida's strength and conditioning coach is an alum of Crowder's high school: Rockingham (N.C.) Richmond County.
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Four-star defensive end Devin Washington (Orlando, Fla./Jones) committed on Thursday to play at South Carolina.
The 6-foot-3, 222-pound athlete announced his decision on his Twitter account, @D_W5: "JUST COMMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA! #GAMECOCKNATION"
Washington, who chose the Gamecocks over offers from Clemson, N.C. State, Missouri, Ole Miss, USF and UCF among others, said South Carolina was just the best situation for him.
The 6-foot-3, 222-pound athlete announced his decision on his Twitter account, @D_W5: "JUST COMMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA! #GAMECOCKNATION"
Washington, who chose the Gamecocks over offers from Clemson, N.C. State, Missouri, Ole Miss, USF and UCF among others, said South Carolina was just the best situation for him.
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ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco covers University of Florida athletics for ESPN.com's GatorNation. He came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 ½ years covering UF for the Florida Times-Union. He lives in Middleburg, Fla., with his wife and two sons. Email him at espndirocco@gmail.com.
Jeff Barlis
Jeff Barlis joined ESPN in 2011 after seven years at The Gainesville Sun, covering the University of Florida and recruiting. Barlis graduated from UF's College of Journalism in 1993 and lives in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at jeffbarlis.espn@gmail.com.
Derek Tyson
Derek Tyson joined ESPN.com in 2011. He worked as a football and recruiting analyst for GatorCountry.com before joining ESPN. He currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at derektysonespn@gmail.com.