The SEC guide to Florida's home turf
March, 29, 2012
3/29/12
3:19
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
We're in Gainesville, Fla., for our next installment of our SEC "Home Turf" series.
Here are the other SEC stops we've made so far:
Gainesville was my home for years, and I can tell you that you're always in for a good time when you step into town. I tackled many spots around town, but I'm sure I missed a couple. Let's see what the Florida faithful said about venturing out in Hogtown:
Paul in Brasília, Brazil writes: While you're in the greatest city in the world, check out these places to eat. You can thank me later: Satchel's Pizza -- Hands down the best pizza in the city. Plus, you can eat in an old VW bus! Make sure you read the backs of the menus for Satchel's often hilarious ramblings. They had a kitchen fire recently, but should be open again by June. Mi Apá Latin Cafe -- Amazing Cuban food that tastes just like an abuelita made it. Great price too. I recommend the ropa vieja with moro rice and plantains with a tres leches for dessert. The Swamp -- A Gainesville landmark that you can't miss. The service isn't always great, but it's awesome to have a brew on the patio and people watch, especially on a typically beautiful Gainesville afternoon. The Copper Monkey -- Great burgers and cheap beer. I recommend the Monkey Tail. Pomodoro -- A little bit of a drive from campus (it's up by Santa Fe College), but it's one of the better Italian places in town. Las Margaritas -- Best Mexican place in Gainesville. Great margaritas too! 43rd Street Deli -- Some people will try to sell you on the Flying Biscuit, but don't believe the hype. Best place to go for your Sunday breakfast before you head out of town. Enjoy!
My thoughts: If you go to Satchels, remember to bring cash! Also it's deep dish or bust. Mi Apa is truly a little treasure.
Here are the other SEC stops we've made so far:
Gainesville was my home for years, and I can tell you that you're always in for a good time when you step into town. I tackled many spots around town, but I'm sure I missed a couple. Let's see what the Florida faithful said about venturing out in Hogtown:
Paul in Brasília, Brazil writes: While you're in the greatest city in the world, check out these places to eat. You can thank me later: Satchel's Pizza -- Hands down the best pizza in the city. Plus, you can eat in an old VW bus! Make sure you read the backs of the menus for Satchel's often hilarious ramblings. They had a kitchen fire recently, but should be open again by June. Mi Apá Latin Cafe -- Amazing Cuban food that tastes just like an abuelita made it. Great price too. I recommend the ropa vieja with moro rice and plantains with a tres leches for dessert. The Swamp -- A Gainesville landmark that you can't miss. The service isn't always great, but it's awesome to have a brew on the patio and people watch, especially on a typically beautiful Gainesville afternoon. The Copper Monkey -- Great burgers and cheap beer. I recommend the Monkey Tail. Pomodoro -- A little bit of a drive from campus (it's up by Santa Fe College), but it's one of the better Italian places in town. Las Margaritas -- Best Mexican place in Gainesville. Great margaritas too! 43rd Street Deli -- Some people will try to sell you on the Flying Biscuit, but don't believe the hype. Best place to go for your Sunday breakfast before you head out of town. Enjoy!
My thoughts: If you go to Satchels, remember to bring cash! Also it's deep dish or bust. Mi Apa is truly a little treasure.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida tight end A.C. Leonard has rejoined the team, but whether he will be able to play in the fall has not yet been determined.
Leonard, who practiced with the team on Wednesday, has been suspended since his Feb. 15 arrest on misdemeanor battery charges stemming from an altercation with his girlfriend at their Gainesville apartment.
Read the full story here.
Leonard, who practiced with the team on Wednesday, has been suspended since his Feb. 15 arrest on misdemeanor battery charges stemming from an altercation with his girlfriend at their Gainesville apartment.
Read the full story here.
UF offers Watch List WR with tie to program 
March, 29, 2012
3/29/12
7:22
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Florida Gators offered a scholarship on Tuesday to ESPNU 150 Watch List wide receiver Demorea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde).
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver, who was a former high school teammate of Florida defensive end/outside linebacker Ronald Powell, said he was excited.
"This offer is big for me because I know only great players get a chance to play for Florida," Stringfellow said. "Plus I know it's so far away, so for them to come and get me from Cali, I must have something they like."
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver, who was a former high school teammate of Florida defensive end/outside linebacker Ronald Powell, said he was excited.
"This offer is big for me because I know only great players get a chance to play for Florida," Stringfellow said. "Plus I know it's so far away, so for them to come and get me from Cali, I must have something they like."
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- There has been a ton of attention paid to Florida's emphasis on creating more turnovers this spring, and rightly so after a season in which the Gators managed just 14 -- the fewest single-season total since the school began keeping fumble stats in 1950.
But another area in need of significant improvement on defense has gone largely unnoticed: the pass rush.
The Gators had 28 sacks last season, and while that was seven better than the 2010 total, it was still the second-lowest single-season total in the past seven seasons. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn assured everyone on Wednesday that while other people may be overlooking the pass rush this spring, he certainly isn't.
But another area in need of significant improvement on defense has gone largely unnoticed: the pass rush.
The Gators had 28 sacks last season, and while that was seven better than the 2010 total, it was still the second-lowest single-season total in the past seven seasons. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn assured everyone on Wednesday that while other people may be overlooking the pass rush this spring, he certainly isn't.
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There is no hiding the fact that athlete Reggie Wilkerson (Citron, Fla/North Marion) has long hoped for an offer from the University of Florida. But as the 5-foot-11, 176-pound Wilkerson waits on the Gators to pull the trigger, some intriguing offers came rolling in, including one from the University of Georgia while visiting Athens earlier this month.
As Wilkerson prepares to lead his team to a coveted state championship, he is not sure of what where or even what position he will play at in college -- a question his high school coaches have yet to answer. As Florida recruiting writer Corey Long writes, it is all part of the quest of an emerging athlete trying to improve on the field.
As Wilkerson prepares to lead his team to a coveted state championship, he is not sure of what where or even what position he will play at in college -- a question his high school coaches have yet to answer. As Florida recruiting writer Corey Long writes, it is all part of the quest of an emerging athlete trying to improve on the field.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Hallandale (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep defensive back Adrian Baker has picked up offers from in-state schools Florida and Florida State. Baker said Florida extended the offer on Tuesday.
"The Florida offer means a lot," Baker said. "UF is a great school, has great tradition and also a winning culture."
The 6-foot-1, 165-pound athlete said Florida State just recently offered, and he likes the history and tradition the Seminoles offer as well.
"The Florida offer means a lot," Baker said. "UF is a great school, has great tradition and also a winning culture."
The 6-foot-1, 165-pound athlete said Florida State just recently offered, and he likes the history and tradition the Seminoles offer as well.
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Safety prospect Marcell Harris interview
March, 28, 2012
3/28/12
1:44
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
ESPNU Watch List safety Marcell Harris talks recruiting with GatorNation recruiting writer Derek Tyson at the IMG Madden Southeast regional qualifying event last weekend in Bradenton, Fla.Q&A: Florida buck signee Dante Fowler Jr.
March, 28, 2012
3/28/12
12:40
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Over the next few weeks GatorNation will have a series of Q&As with Florida's incoming freshmen. Next up is St. Petersburg (Fla.) Lakewood defensive end/outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., who will enroll at Florida for Summer B in June.
GN: What number will you wear next season?
Fowler: Me and head coach [Will] Muschamp, we had already talked about it. For some reason Coach likes to say, 'We need to get that number 6 pass-rusher off the edge.' So that is the number I'm going to wear. That was also my high school number.
GN: What number will you wear next season?
Fowler: Me and head coach [Will] Muschamp, we had already talked about it. For some reason Coach likes to say, 'We need to get that number 6 pass-rusher off the edge.' So that is the number I'm going to wear. That was also my high school number.
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Former Gator players uniting for charity
March, 28, 2012
3/28/12
11:11
AM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida football players did a lot of good things on the field. Now they have a chance to do some good things for each other and the Gainesville community.
The Florida Players Network has been formed to bring together former UF football players for camaraderie, networking, and charity. It’s a non-profit group, headed by former Gators receiver Chris Doering, designed to help former players and their families as well as various charities.
"Our mission is to bring together former Gator football players into a networking environment that will help strengthen us individually and provide support to players and families in need,”"Doering said. "But we also want to work together as a collective force to serve the community of Gainesville that has been so critical to our individual success."
The group will have its inaugural Spring Spectacular on April 5-7, which coincides with the spring game at Florida Field on April 7. Each year, the group will select and hold fund-raising events for a charity in Gainesville. Shands Hospital for Children at the University of Florida is this year’s benefactor.
The Florida Players Network has been formed to bring together former UF football players for camaraderie, networking, and charity. It’s a non-profit group, headed by former Gators receiver Chris Doering, designed to help former players and their families as well as various charities.
"Our mission is to bring together former Gator football players into a networking environment that will help strengthen us individually and provide support to players and families in need,”"Doering said. "But we also want to work together as a collective force to serve the community of Gainesville that has been so critical to our individual success."
The group will have its inaugural Spring Spectacular on April 5-7, which coincides with the spring game at Florida Field on April 7. Each year, the group will select and hold fund-raising events for a charity in Gainesville. Shands Hospital for Children at the University of Florida is this year’s benefactor.
Muschamp gives scrimmage highlights
March, 26, 2012
3/26/12
2:12
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida held its first scrimmage of the spring on Saturday. It was closed to the media and public, but coach Will Muschamp said the following:
Running back Mike Gillislee was the offensive player of the day. The senior continues to hold onto the No. 1 spot atop the depth chart, especially with his improved pass-blocking.
Defensive end Ronald Powell was the defensive player of the day. He had several third-down stops, a sack and several quarterback pressures. Muschamp singled out Powell and Gillislee for having great offseasons.
Running back Mike Gillislee was the offensive player of the day. The senior continues to hold onto the No. 1 spot atop the depth chart, especially with his improved pass-blocking.
Defensive end Ronald Powell was the defensive player of the day. He had several third-down stops, a sack and several quarterback pressures. Muschamp singled out Powell and Gillislee for having great offseasons.
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Media circus: Tebow takes Manhattan
March, 26, 2012
3/26/12
1:42
PM ET
By GatorNation staff | ESPN.com
Jeff Zelevansky/Getty ImagesTim Tebow addresses the media as he is introduced as a New York Jet in Florham Park, N.J.Today's news conference to introduce former Gators star quarterback Tim Tebow was a media circus for the New York area and the Jets. Follow the Tebow Tracker.
Cimini » Too much hoopla? » ESPN NY »
Jets owner: Tebow trade a 'football' move »
Josh Cardiello visits UGA, plans UF visit
March, 26, 2012
3/26/12
12:32
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
One of the Bulldogs' top O-line targets was in town Saturday for his second visit this month, and some players and coaches in Athens hoped he would decide to make March 24 even more special for him than it already is.
“They all told me happy birthday and put a little pressure on me, but not too much,” Josh Cardiello (Buford, Ga./Buford) said. “Shaq Wiggins was telling me to commit on my birthday so that would be my birthday present to myself.”
While Cardiello did not commit, the 6-foot-3, 285-pound interior lineman did see a lot that he liked while on campus, including watching the Bulldogs practice.
“They all told me happy birthday and put a little pressure on me, but not too much,” Josh Cardiello (Buford, Ga./Buford) said. “Shaq Wiggins was telling me to commit on my birthday so that would be my birthday present to myself.”
While Cardiello did not commit, the 6-foot-3, 285-pound interior lineman did see a lot that he liked while on campus, including watching the Bulldogs practice.
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Last year, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (Fort Valley, Ga./Peach County) was tops among all juniors in Georgia, with 1,024 receiving yards, good for fifth overall in the state. Robinson had 10 receiving touchdowns, as well as five on the ground. Schools including Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame and Oklahoma have offered the 6-foot-2, 200-pound ESPNU 150 prospect, and on Saturday, Robinson was in Athens for the first time since the fall, when he visited for the South Carolina game in September.
“It went good," Robinson said of his latest trip. “I was able to watch some of the practice, talk to some of the players and see some of the campus. There were about 40 other prospects in town, and we got to watch some of the highlights on the big screen on the stadium.”
Robinson said the visit helped Georgia in his eyes, and his family also enjoyed themselves.
“It went good," Robinson said of his latest trip. “I was able to watch some of the practice, talk to some of the players and see some of the campus. There were about 40 other prospects in town, and we got to watch some of the highlights on the big screen on the stadium.”
Robinson said the visit helped Georgia in his eyes, and his family also enjoyed themselves.
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Florida fans: Introduce us to Gainesville
March, 26, 2012
3/26/12
11:10
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Our "Home Turf" series is headed to the Swamp, as we take a look at the Gators' home in Gainesville, Fla.
I called Gainesville my home for seven years, so I know my way around it pretty well. There are lots of good times to be had there.
But I probably missed some spots while I was there, so we're calling on Florida's faithful fans to let us know where and what to do when we're in town.
You know the drill, send us your thoughts and recommendations for places to eat, things to see and things to do by hitting up the mailbag.
This thing has really been a popular item, so keep it going Gators fans.
I called Gainesville my home for seven years, so I know my way around it pretty well. There are lots of good times to be had there.
But I probably missed some spots while I was there, so we're calling on Florida's faithful fans to let us know where and what to do when we're in town.
You know the drill, send us your thoughts and recommendations for places to eat, things to see and things to do by hitting up the mailbag.
This thing has really been a popular item, so keep it going Gators fans.
Florida is looking to revamp its offense in 2012, but the quarterback spot has the biggest hole to fill:
OUT: Quarterback John Brantley: Brantley had a rough last two years in Gainesville. He couldn't effectively run the spread offense in 2010, and while he improved under Charlie Weis, the middle part of his senior season was taken away by an ankle injury. Brantley finished the 2011 season with 2,044 passing yards, 11 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. He certainly had his off moments in the pocket, but he was Florida's best option. Even through his struggles, players continuously rallied around Brantley. He was more comfortable running Weis' pro-style offense, but never really had the confidence or consistency needed to be truly effective in the SEC. The Gators now have three underclassmen with little experience vying for the starting spot.
IN: Jacoby Brissett, Jeff Driskel or Tyler Murphy: These rising sophomores are in for an intense battle this spring. Brissett enters the competition with the most experience of the three, after backing up Brantley for most of the 2011 season. Driskel began the year as the No. 2 quarterback, but fell behind Brissett after a rough showing in the second half of the Alabama game (the game Brantley was injured). Drikel also suffered an ankle injury in that game. Brissett eventually started and played the entire LSU game. He and Driskel both played in the loss to Auburn. Brissett finished the season with 206 passing yards, two touchdown passes and four interceptions, and filled in for Brantley a number of times last season when the Gators went under center because of Brantley's lack of mobility after the ankle injury. Driskel arrived at Florida last season as the nation's top high school quarterback, but was better suited to run Urban Meyer's spread offense. He was recruited by Meyer, but stayed on and enrolled early even after Will Muschamp took over. As for Murphy, he has been on campus a year longer than the others, but has yet to take a collegiate snap. He fits a spread offense much better, but has earned praise from his teammates for his passing ability. Still, it seems as though he's looking up at both Brissett and Driskel. Heading into spring, Brissett held the edge in experience, and seemed to have the most confidence in his play and his understanding of the offense. However, he and Driskel have been getting almost equal reps in practice.
OUT: Quarterback John Brantley: Brantley had a rough last two years in Gainesville. He couldn't effectively run the spread offense in 2010, and while he improved under Charlie Weis, the middle part of his senior season was taken away by an ankle injury. Brantley finished the 2011 season with 2,044 passing yards, 11 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. He certainly had his off moments in the pocket, but he was Florida's best option. Even through his struggles, players continuously rallied around Brantley. He was more comfortable running Weis' pro-style offense, but never really had the confidence or consistency needed to be truly effective in the SEC. The Gators now have three underclassmen with little experience vying for the starting spot.
IN: Jacoby Brissett, Jeff Driskel or Tyler Murphy: These rising sophomores are in for an intense battle this spring. Brissett enters the competition with the most experience of the three, after backing up Brantley for most of the 2011 season. Driskel began the year as the No. 2 quarterback, but fell behind Brissett after a rough showing in the second half of the Alabama game (the game Brantley was injured). Drikel also suffered an ankle injury in that game. Brissett eventually started and played the entire LSU game. He and Driskel both played in the loss to Auburn. Brissett finished the season with 206 passing yards, two touchdown passes and four interceptions, and filled in for Brantley a number of times last season when the Gators went under center because of Brantley's lack of mobility after the ankle injury. Driskel arrived at Florida last season as the nation's top high school quarterback, but was better suited to run Urban Meyer's spread offense. He was recruited by Meyer, but stayed on and enrolled early even after Will Muschamp took over. As for Murphy, he has been on campus a year longer than the others, but has yet to take a collegiate snap. He fits a spread offense much better, but has earned praise from his teammates for his passing ability. Still, it seems as though he's looking up at both Brissett and Driskel. Heading into spring, Brissett held the edge in experience, and seemed to have the most confidence in his play and his understanding of the offense. However, he and Driskel have been getting almost equal reps in practice.
ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 and a half 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.
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.