BATON ROUGE -- Juniors were the main beneficiaries of this past weekend's NUC Five-Star Showcase in Zachary, La. The event was an invite-only affair for some of the region's top talent, including plenty of members of the class of 2013 hoping to make an impression ahead of their senior years.
However, some of the day's most impressive performers weren't even upperclassmen yet, as several sophomores made quite an impact Saturday.
Among them was a New Orleans product in Archbishop Shaw quarterback Quentin Gibson. Gibson was one of the few quarterbacks at the camp from the class of 2014, but he shined right alongside his elder peers. The sophomore was named the event's quarterback MVP for his efforts in the position workouts, as well as one-on-one scrimmaging with wide receivers and defensive backs.
However, some of the day's most impressive performers weren't even upperclassmen yet, as several sophomores made quite an impact Saturday.
Among them was a New Orleans product in Archbishop Shaw quarterback Quentin Gibson. Gibson was one of the few quarterbacks at the camp from the class of 2014, but he shined right alongside his elder peers. The sophomore was named the event's quarterback MVP for his efforts in the position workouts, as well as one-on-one scrimmaging with wide receivers and defensive backs.
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CB Roberson recovers from scary injury 
March, 19, 2012
3/19/12
3:05
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida cornerback Marcus Roberson was on the field for all three of the Gators' spring practices last week -- which is something coach Will Muschamp wasn't sure would be possible last November.
In fact, Muschamp wondered if Roberson's career was over.
The 6-foot, 180-pound sophomore missed the final three games of the 2011 season after suffering a neck injury in UF's loss at South Carolina on Nov. 12. Muschamp said Monday he didn't remember the exact medical terminology, just that Roberson suffered a "displacement in the neck area." There was some concern that Roberson's career might be finished after just 10 games.
In fact, Muschamp wondered if Roberson's career was over.
The 6-foot, 180-pound sophomore missed the final three games of the 2011 season after suffering a neck injury in UF's loss at South Carolina on Nov. 12. Muschamp said Monday he didn't remember the exact medical terminology, just that Roberson suffered a "displacement in the neck area." There was some concern that Roberson's career might be finished after just 10 games.
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Podcast: Donovan on Mike And Mike
March, 19, 2012
3/19/12
11:44
AM ET
By GatorNation staff | ESPN.com
Florida coach Billy Donovan discusses how his team has evolved following Will Yeguete's injury, the Gators' win over Norfolk State, preparing to face Marquette in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament and more. Donovan talks with Mike Golic and Doug Gottlieb, who was filling in for Mike Greenberg.
QB McMath, Florida have mutual interest
March, 19, 2012
3/19/12
11:40
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With no proven quarterbacks on Florida's roster, the position is an area of need in the 2013 class.
The Gators hosted Woodberry Forest (Va.) signal-caller Heys McMath and his father on Saturday. McMath said he enjoyed his time in Gainesville.
"It was great," he said. "All the coaches were good. They were all really active and talking to me. Practice was great. I was impressed with everything."
The Gators hosted Woodberry Forest (Va.) signal-caller Heys McMath and his father on Saturday. McMath said he enjoyed his time in Gainesville.
"It was great," he said. "All the coaches were good. They were all really active and talking to me. Practice was great. I was impressed with everything."
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OMAHA, Neb. - Pleased as he was with the victory, Florida center Patric Young responded to Sunday’s 84-50 shellacking of No. 15 Norfolk State with a sigh and a shoulder shrug.
“We haven’t accomplished anything yet,” Young said.
That’s not entirely true. Sunday’s victory propelled the seventh-seeded Gators into the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year, which is more than 52 other NCAA tournament teams can say after the opening weekend of postseason play.
But it was easy to see how it may not have felt like all that big of a deal to Young and his teammates after annihilating a Norfolk State squad that was so bad it was embarrassing.
Rapid Reaction: Florida 84, Norfolk State 50
March, 18, 2012
3/18/12
8:36
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By
Jason King | ESPN.com
OMAHA, Neb. -- Quick thoughts from Florida's 84-50 victory over Norfolk State at the CenturyLink Center.
Overview: Surprising as it was when it happened Friday, Norfolk State's upset of No. 2 seed Missouri seemed like even more of a shocker Sunday when the Spartans turned in a miserable performance in a 34-point loss to No. 7 seed Florida.
Norfolk State -- which became just the fifth No. 15 seed ever to defeat a No. 2 -- trailed by 28 points at intermission before things got even worse in the second half. Two days after shooting 54 percent against Missouri, the Spartans made just 27 percent of their field goal attempts against a Florida squad that advanced to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year.
Senior forward Kyle O'Quinn responded to his 26-point, 14-rebound effort on Friday with a 4-point, 3-rebound clunker in Sunday's loss. He was just 1-of-9 from the field. Norfolk State was outrebounded 48-31.
Anyone who wondered how Norfolk State could've lost to teams such as Division II Elizabeth City State had those questions answered Sunday. The only team that may have taken Norfolk State's defeat harder than the Spartans themselves was Missouri, which will now have an even tougher time living down Friday's epic choke job.
Overshadowed by Norfolk State's ineptitude was another impressive performance by Florida, which is one win away from its second consecutive Elite Eight appearance. The Gators, who will play Marquette in the next round, got 20 points from Kenny Boynton and 14 points and 9 rebounds from Brad Beal. Even though the win appeared to come easily for Florida, Billy Donovan's squad deserves loads of credit for entering the game with intensity and focus.
Turning point: Trailing 6-4 early in the first half, Florida went on a 25-0 scoring run to squelch any early momentum the Spartans may have had. Beal had seven points during the march while Boynton and Erik Murphy added six apiece. When it was all over, Florida led 29-6 with 9:46 remaining before intermission. The Spartans never threatened again.
Key player: Much like they have all season, the Gators exhibited tremendous balance on Sunday. Along with outstanding efforts from Beal and Boynton, Florida got 15 points from Erving Walker, 12 from Mike Rosario and 10 from Murphy.
Key stat: Norfolk State entered the NCAA tournament shooting just 31 percent from 3-point range. The Spartans made 10 of their 19 attempts in their win over Missouri. But they shot just 17.4 percent (4-of-23) from beyond the arc against Florida.
Miscellaneous: Thousands of Kansas fans rose to their feet and cheered Norfolk State's players loudly as the Spartans exited the court after the final. Jayhawks supporters took great delight in Norfolk State's victory over former Big 12 rival Missouri. ... Just like the previous four No. 15 seeds who upset No. 2 seeds, Norfolk State lost in the next round. No 15-seed has ever advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.
Up next: Florida improved to 25-10 and advanced to play Marquette in the Sweet 16 this week in the West Region in Phoenix. The Golden Eagles (27-7) defeated BYU and Murray State in their first two NCAA tournament games. Norfolk State -- which was making its first appearance in the Division I NCAA tournament -- ends its season 26-10.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- ESPNU 150 Watch List defensive tackle Rod Crayton (Dadeville, Ala./Dadeville) was one of several big-time prospects to visit Gainesville on Saturday. The 6-foot-1, 300-pound defensive tackle has offers from LSU, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Michigan and many others, but the Gators have not offered.
Crayton though, believes after his visit to Florida an offer could come soon.
"It was great. I really enjoyed practice," Crayton said. "I really enjoyed talking with coach [Dan] Quinn and coach [Bryant] Young. They haven't offered me yet because they have concerns about my height, but they said they will talk it over as a staff and get back to me. I think they are really interested in me."
Crayton though, believes after his visit to Florida an offer could come soon.
"It was great. I really enjoyed practice," Crayton said. "I really enjoyed talking with coach [Dan] Quinn and coach [Bryant] Young. They haven't offered me yet because they have concerns about my height, but they said they will talk it over as a staff and get back to me. I think they are really interested in me."
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Marietta (Ga.) Walton Senior offensive line prospect Brandon Kublanow visited Gainesville on Saturday to watch the Gators practice, and the 6-foot-2, 285-pound guard/center prospect said he enjoyed his trip.
"It was a lot of fun. I liked it a lot," Kublanow said. "I saw a couple things that I haven't seen before. I talked to coach [Will] Muschamp, coach [Tim] Davis and coach [DJ] Durkin. They told me I was their top guy. They are saying they really want me there, they need me there, and at Florida it would be a great opportunity for me."
Kublanow said he came away impressed with the Florida coaching staff and in particular Davis, the new offensive line coach.
"It was a lot of fun. I liked it a lot," Kublanow said. "I saw a couple things that I haven't seen before. I talked to coach [Will] Muschamp, coach [Tim] Davis and coach [DJ] Durkin. They told me I was their top guy. They are saying they really want me there, they need me there, and at Florida it would be a great opportunity for me."
Kublanow said he came away impressed with the Florida coaching staff and in particular Davis, the new offensive line coach.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- ESPNU 150 Watch List linebacker Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyoming Area) visited Florida with his dad this weekend. Anzalone arrived on Thursday and left Saturday after Florida completed its third practice of the spring.
Anzalone said his visit was better than expected.
"It went really well. It was awesome," Anzalone said. "We got to see all the facilities and the coaches. We went through schemes to see where I would play. Yeah, it was awesome. The practices were intense. Definitely a lot different than my high school. I know coach [Will] Muschamp was disappointed with the first practice I guess because of the tempo, but I thought it was pretty high-tempo for me."
Anzalone said his visit was better than expected.
"It went really well. It was awesome," Anzalone said. "We got to see all the facilities and the coaches. We went through schemes to see where I would play. Yeah, it was awesome. The practices were intense. Definitely a lot different than my high school. I know coach [Will] Muschamp was disappointed with the first practice I guess because of the tempo, but I thought it was pretty high-tempo for me."
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DE Antonio Riles impressed with Florida
March, 17, 2012
3/17/12
8:22
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer defensive end Antonio Riles visited Gainesville on Saturday to watch Florida conduct its first full-pads practice. For Riles, who visited Florida for its junior day in February, the second visit was much better than the first.
"It was much more fun the second time," Riles said. "Of course the first time I visited Florida I didn't really know anyone. But this time I got to really meet the coaches and see what the practice was all about. I got to talk to coach [Will] Muschamp on multiple occasions, coach [Bryant] Young and coach [Derek] Lewis and pretty much every coach.
"[Muschamp] just told me they were really interested in getting me down here and what his plans are for the next couple years"
"It was much more fun the second time," Riles said. "Of course the first time I visited Florida I didn't really know anyone. But this time I got to really meet the coaches and see what the practice was all about. I got to talk to coach [Will] Muschamp on multiple occasions, coach [Bryant] Young and coach [Derek] Lewis and pretty much every coach.
"[Muschamp] just told me they were really interested in getting me down here and what his plans are for the next couple years"
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- ESPNU 150 Watch List defensive back Mackensie Alexander (Immokalee, Fla./Immokalee) was scheduled to watch Florida practice on Saturday with his family. Alexander was running late, however, and missed the practice. That didn't stop the talented corner from spending time with the Florida coaches.
Alexander, who was accompanied by his parents and his younger brother, said his visit to Florida was "awesome."
"It was a great visit," Alexander said. "My parents came with me and they really liked it. It was awesome, just looking at the place and having fun with my brother and then being with the coaching staff and seeing how they do things."
Alexander, who was accompanied by his parents and his younger brother, said his visit to Florida was "awesome."
"It was a great visit," Alexander said. "My parents came with me and they really liked it. It was awesome, just looking at the place and having fun with my brother and then being with the coaching staff and seeing how they do things."
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Watch List WR Benjamin talks Florida visit
March, 17, 2012
3/17/12
7:18
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Four-star wide receiver Richard Benjamin (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Tech) visited Florida on Saturday to watch the Gators go through their third practice of the spring.
Benjamin said he enjoyed his time in Gainesville so much he considered committing to the Gators.
"I had a great visit, a nice time," Benjamin said. "I really enjoyed watching the practice. I thought about committing, but I'm going to wait until further notice."
Benjamin said he enjoyed his time in Gainesville so much he considered committing to the Gators.
"I had a great visit, a nice time," Benjamin said. "I really enjoyed watching the practice. I thought about committing, but I'm going to wait until further notice."
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Thoughts from UF's final open practice
March, 17, 2012
3/17/12
6:47
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Here are some observations/thoughts from Florida's open spring practice on Saturday afternoon:
Cornerback Jaylen Watkins had two interceptions, giving him three in the two open practices. He picked off Jeff Driskel's pass intended for Andre Debose in 11-on-11 work and then out-fought Frankie Hammond for an under-thrown ball by Tyler Murphy on a play in which Murphy scrambled to his left. Debose, however, got a bit of revenge in one-on-one passing drills. He knocked Watkins toward the sideline and cut inside and got away clean -- although he dropped the pass.
The Gators were in full pads for the first time and spent about 10 minutes in the Oklahoma drill. Offensive linemen Sam Robey and D.J. Humphries had two impressive blocks in the drill.
Cornerback Jaylen Watkins had two interceptions, giving him three in the two open practices. He picked off Jeff Driskel's pass intended for Andre Debose in 11-on-11 work and then out-fought Frankie Hammond for an under-thrown ball by Tyler Murphy on a play in which Murphy scrambled to his left. Debose, however, got a bit of revenge in one-on-one passing drills. He knocked Watkins toward the sideline and cut inside and got away clean -- although he dropped the pass.
The Gators were in full pads for the first time and spent about 10 minutes in the Oklahoma drill. Offensive linemen Sam Robey and D.J. Humphries had two impressive blocks in the drill.
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Video: Donovan speaks; Dykes analyzes
March, 16, 2012
3/16/12
10:44
PM ET
By GatorNation staff | ESPN.com
Billy Donovan breaks down Florida holding Mike Scott to just 15 points in 71-45 win over Virginia. The Gators' 26-point win is tied for the fourth-largest win in tournament history. ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes says UF is in a very good position in its bracket10 thoughts from UF's open practice
March, 16, 2012
3/16/12
10:01
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Here are some observations/thoughts from Florida's open spring practice on Friday afternoon:
• Neither quarterback looked particularly impressive on Friday. Both had several good throws -- Jeff Driskel hooked up with Ja'Juan Story on a deep pass, Jacoby Brissett and running back/tight end Omarius Hines combined for a long TD pass -- and both had several poor throws. Brissett did throw two interceptions, including and overthrown ball that cornerback Jaylen Watkins grabbed. The other was a nice play by safety Valdez Showers.
• Chris Johnson has been moved from safety to running back. He spent some time there at Ocala (Fla.) Trinity Catholic but was supposed to be a full-time safety at UF. He played mainly on special teams last season as a freshman. The move was made to create depth at the running back spot behind Mike Gillislee and Mack Brown. Hines also is working there, and he had a few nice runs Friday.
• Neither quarterback looked particularly impressive on Friday. Both had several good throws -- Jeff Driskel hooked up with Ja'Juan Story on a deep pass, Jacoby Brissett and running back/tight end Omarius Hines combined for a long TD pass -- and both had several poor throws. Brissett did throw two interceptions, including and overthrown ball that cornerback Jaylen Watkins grabbed. The other was a nice play by safety Valdez Showers.
• Chris Johnson has been moved from safety to running back. He spent some time there at Ocala (Fla.) Trinity Catholic but was supposed to be a full-time safety at UF. He played mainly on special teams last season as a freshman. The move was made to create depth at the running back spot behind Mike Gillislee and Mack Brown. Hines also is working there, and he had a few nice runs Friday.
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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.