Bell earns offer from dream school 
February, 13, 2012
2/13/12
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Junior cornerback Tre’ Bell (Jersey City, N.J./St. Peter’s Prep) has picked up a new offer seemingly every day since signing day.
On Monday, his biggest one yet came, as Florida -- his dream school and the program he has rooted for since elementary school -- offered the New Jersey corner.
Bell, 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, heard from his coach that Florida wanted to talk to him, so he called Gators defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who promptly put him on the line with coach Will Muschamp.
On Monday, his biggest one yet came, as Florida -- his dream school and the program he has rooted for since elementary school -- offered the New Jersey corner.
Bell, 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, heard from his coach that Florida wanted to talk to him, so he called Gators defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who promptly put him on the line with coach Will Muschamp.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida coach Will Muschamp doesn’t have to worry whether new offensive line coach Tim Davis will be a good fit with the rest of the coaching staff.
Davis, who spent the 2011 season at Utah, has already worked with nearly all of them.
Davis was hired on Monday to replacing Frank Verducci, whom Muschamp said left the program over the weekend to pursue other interests. Davis has spent nine years working alongside four UF coaches, including Muschamp.
"Tim is a perfect fit for our program," Muschamp said. "He has a history of coaching in a pro-style offense and shares the same program philosophies.
"He understands the values that we put on the line of scrimmage and he will help us get where we want to be at that position."
Davis, who spent the 2011 season at Utah, has already worked with nearly all of them.
Davis was hired on Monday to replacing Frank Verducci, whom Muschamp said left the program over the weekend to pursue other interests. Davis has spent nine years working alongside four UF coaches, including Muschamp.
"Tim is a perfect fit for our program," Muschamp said. "He has a history of coaching in a pro-style offense and shares the same program philosophies.
"He understands the values that we put on the line of scrimmage and he will help us get where we want to be at that position."
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Gators are hoping to add junior college offensive guard Fehoko Fanaika (San Mateo, Calif./College of San Mateo) to round out their 2012 recruiting class.
Fanaika visited Florida this past weekend and said he came away impressed with what Florida had to offer.
"It was cool. I liked it," Fanaika said. "I got to spend some time with Jon Halapio and got a chance to see the team work out and things like that. I was impressed with how tight the offensive line group was."
Fanaika visited Florida this past weekend and said he came away impressed with what Florida had to offer.
"It was cool. I liked it," Fanaika said. "I got to spend some time with Jon Halapio and got a chance to see the team work out and things like that. I was impressed with how tight the offensive line group was."
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Florida offers defensive end from Miami
February, 13, 2012
2/13/12
3:57
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By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida offered Miami (Fla.) defensive end Stacy Thomas on Monday afternoon. Thomas confirmed that Florida head coach Will Muschamp and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson extended the offer.
In addition to his Florida offer, Thomas also holds offers from FSU, LSU, Lousville and Duke.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound end will visit Florida for their junior day this upcoming weekend and will visit FSU the following weekend for its junior day.
Though Thomas claims he has no leader, he said FSU and Florida are standing out right now.
In addition to his Florida offer, Thomas also holds offers from FSU, LSU, Lousville and Duke.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound end will visit Florida for their junior day this upcoming weekend and will visit FSU the following weekend for its junior day.
Though Thomas claims he has no leader, he said FSU and Florida are standing out right now.
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Kim Klement/US PresswireThe absence of sophomore Will Yeguete has become a major issue for Florida.
Kim Klement/US PresswireThe absence of sophomore Will Yeguete has become a major issue for Florida.Looks like the Gators are packing a season's worth in the next week.
Florida will be without forward Will Yeguete (concussion) and guard Mike Rosario (hip) and forward Cody Larson (illness) will be limited for Tuesday's game at Alabama, and Donovan said Yeguete also will be out for Saturday's game at Arkansas and he is unsure when Yeguete will be able to return.
That leaves the Gators severely shorthanded in the frontcourt, and it will force Donovan to use smaller lineups and play guard/forward Casey Prather and guards Bradley Beal and Scottie Wilbekin at power forward. Donovan will only have two days to get those three to understand the different defensive responsibilities in the press and zone, figure out where they're supposed to provide help defense, and get them to understand their roles on offense.
"Dire is probably a pretty good word," Donovan. "I’m not saying our team is not impacted by Will not being able to play, but that’s the hand we’re dealt. How do we play? How do we compete? What kind of presence and disposition do we carry? How unified and connected? All those things are much, much more important because you can play really, really hard and really, really well and be undermanned and still fall short."
One on one with 2013 DB Nick Washington
February, 13, 2012
2/13/12
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By GatorNation staff | ESPN.com
Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian five-star safety Nick Washington talks recruiting with GatorNation's Derek Tyson. Washington lists Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Alabama, Clemson and South Carolina as his top schools of interest.
Coaches pick UF to win SEC title
February, 13, 2012
2/13/12
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Southeastern Conference's baseball coaches have picked Florida to win the 2012 league title.
The Gators were picked to win the Eastern Division, beating out South Carolina. The rest of the predictions for the division: Georgia, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Tennessee.
Arkansas was picked to win the Western Division, followed by LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Auburn.
UF returns seven position starters and nine pitchers from last season's national runner-up. The Gators open the season Friday at McKethan Stadium against Cal-State Fullerton.
The Gators were picked to win the Eastern Division, beating out South Carolina. The rest of the predictions for the division: Georgia, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Tennessee.
Arkansas was picked to win the Western Division, followed by LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Auburn.
UF returns seven position starters and nine pitchers from last season's national runner-up. The Gators open the season Friday at McKethan Stadium against Cal-State Fullerton.
John Montelus lands offers from UF, WVU
February, 13, 2012
2/13/12
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By Roger Brown | ESPN.com
Last week was a week offensive lineman John Montelus (Everett, Mass./Everett) probably won't forget anytime soon.
The week began with a scholarship offer from Florida, and ended with a trip to West Virginia for Saturday's junior day.
Montelus was in class earlier last week when he received a message to call Florida head coach Will Muschamp. When he made the call, an offer was extended.
The week began with a scholarship offer from Florida, and ended with a trip to West Virginia for Saturday's junior day.
Montelus was in class earlier last week when he received a message to call Florida head coach Will Muschamp. When he made the call, an offer was extended.
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Five-star WR likely headed out of state
February, 13, 2012
2/13/12
10:38
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By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Five-star wide receiver prospect Ahmad Fulwood (Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny) will be one of the most highly recruited prospects in the state of Florida for the 2013 class, but he is likely headed out of state to play college football.
Fulwood lists Clemson, Alabama, USC, Arkansas, Georgia, Ohio State and Notre Dame as schools that he is most interested. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound receiver said that out of those schools, he likely will visit Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State and possibly USC this spring.
Noticeably missing are in-state schools Florida, Florida State and Miami. Fulwood said he is likely to leave the state to attend college. Fulwood, who is from New Jersey, said there is no particular reason he wants to leave the state.
Fulwood lists Clemson, Alabama, USC, Arkansas, Georgia, Ohio State and Notre Dame as schools that he is most interested. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound receiver said that out of those schools, he likely will visit Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State and possibly USC this spring.
Noticeably missing are in-state schools Florida, Florida State and Miami. Fulwood said he is likely to leave the state to attend college. Fulwood, who is from New Jersey, said there is no particular reason he wants to leave the state.
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If South Florida is going to make up ground in the ever-changing Big East it will be through signing some of the top talent in the Tampa Bay area.
In Sunday's junior day event, one of the players the Bulls coaching staff focused on was Armwood (Seffner, Fla.) athlete Alvin Bailey. The 6-foot, 180-pound junior was instrumental in helping the Hawks capture the Class 6A state championship in December.
Splitting time at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, Bailey threw for more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns last season while adding over 1,200 rushing and receiving yards and another eight touchdowns.
In Sunday's junior day event, one of the players the Bulls coaching staff focused on was Armwood (Seffner, Fla.) athlete Alvin Bailey. The 6-foot, 180-pound junior was instrumental in helping the Hawks capture the Class 6A state championship in December.
Splitting time at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, Bailey threw for more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns last season while adding over 1,200 rushing and receiving yards and another eight touchdowns.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Will Yeguete suffered a concussion against Tennessee on Saturday and Florida coach Billy Donovan said the sophomore forward will be out indefinitely.
Yeguete hit his head on the padding at the base of the basket after getting knocked down while attempting to get a rebound six minutes into UF's 75-70 loss to Tennessee at the O'Connell Center. Donovan said Yeguete lost consciousness for a brief moment, and he also suffered a cut above his right eye that required 8-10 stitches to close.
"[Yeguete] wasn't even awake when I was over there," Donovan said. "I was a little concerned there, and finally he woke up. He didn't know where he was at, and then he rolled over and he had a lot of blood coming out of his eye."
Donovan said Yeguete failed a concussion test in the locker room. He would have to pass the test before he could be cleared to practice.
Yeguete hit his head on the padding at the base of the basket after getting knocked down while attempting to get a rebound six minutes into UF's 75-70 loss to Tennessee at the O'Connell Center. Donovan said Yeguete lost consciousness for a brief moment, and he also suffered a cut above his right eye that required 8-10 stitches to close.
"[Yeguete] wasn't even awake when I was over there," Donovan said. "I was a little concerned there, and finally he woke up. He didn't know where he was at, and then he rolled over and he had a lot of blood coming out of his eye."
Donovan said Yeguete failed a concussion test in the locker room. He would have to pass the test before he could be cleared to practice.
Rapid Reaction: Tennessee 75, Florida 70
February, 11, 2012
2/11/12
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida coach Billy Donovan said earlier this week he wasn't concerned that his team would have trouble bouncing back from Tuesday's 20-point loss at Kentucky.
He probably is now.
The eighth-ranked Gators (19-6, 7-3 Southeastern Conference) struggled on Saturday against Tennessee (13-12, 5-5). Florida had trouble defensively at the 3-point line and inside, turned the ball over way too much and looked listless throughout much of the first half.
The Gators also struggled from long range for the second consecutive game. UF went 11-for-30 against the Vols after going 6-for-27 against Kentucky.
The result was the Gators' first back-to-back losses in nearly two years.
He probably is now.
The eighth-ranked Gators (19-6, 7-3 Southeastern Conference) struggled on Saturday against Tennessee (13-12, 5-5). Florida had trouble defensively at the 3-point line and inside, turned the ball over way too much and looked listless throughout much of the first half.
The Gators also struggled from long range for the second consecutive game. UF went 11-for-30 against the Vols after going 6-for-27 against Kentucky.
The result was the Gators' first back-to-back losses in nearly two years.
Every school prides itself on keeping the best at home and not allowing other programs to come in and take players out of their state. For this reason, Stefon Diggs (Olney, Md./Good Counsel) is a monumental signing for Maryland and we believe this is something they hope this will urge other top in-state prospects to stick with Maryland in the future.
Diggs obviously brings a wealth of versatility to the program. He’s a high profile player that brings exposure in a positive manner and one the Terrapins are hoping will produce early and often.
Diggs obviously brings a wealth of versatility to the program. He’s a high profile player that brings exposure in a positive manner and one the Terrapins are hoping will produce early and often.
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Donovan challenges UF's mental toughness
February, 10, 2012
2/10/12
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
AP Photo/Phil SandlinBilly Donovan is concerned about the way his Gators get down about missed shots.Or the Gators making a season-low six 3-pointers and shooting a season-low 22.2 percent from 3-point range.
Or the Gators having just nine assists.
Donovan was upset most at why the Gators did, or did not do, all those things. It wasn’t a cohesive group on the floor, and that’s why they didn’t play well in Rupp Arena.
“I think we went into the game with fractured minds,” Donovan said as the eighth-ranked Gators (19-5, 7-2 SEC) began preparations for Saturday’s home game against Tennessee (12-12, 4-5). “I think we went in there where each guy wanted to do his part and to play well, and what happens is you’re playing the game as a group of individuals. Not with any bad intention, but you have to have, in that kind of environment against a really good team like that, five guys unified mentally in the game about what is going on, and I didn’t feel like that.
“I just thought we were disconnected.”
Stefon Diggs is expected to sign with Maryland today, according to a unnamed source cited by the Washington Post.
However, the report also stated it wouldn't be a surprise if Diggs chose any of the finalists he's considering. The four-star athlete prospect from Olney (Md.) Good Counsel is also considering Auburn, Florida and Ohio State.
Diggs was originally set to announce his decision at 10 p.m. ET on Comcast SportsNet but has backed out of that. It is unclear when he'll announce his decision, but one is expected today.
Landing Diggs would be a huge coup for the Terrapins, who signed 22 prospects on national signing day. Diggs, who is ranked as the 13th best prospect in the nation, would be the highest rated signee for Maryland since 2006, the Post reported.
However, the report also stated it wouldn't be a surprise if Diggs chose any of the finalists he's considering. The four-star athlete prospect from Olney (Md.) Good Counsel is also considering Auburn, Florida and Ohio State.
Diggs was originally set to announce his decision at 10 p.m. ET on Comcast SportsNet but has backed out of that. It is unclear when he'll announce his decision, but one is expected today.
Landing Diggs would be a huge coup for the Terrapins, who signed 22 prospects on national signing day. Diggs, who is ranked as the 13th best prospect in the nation, would be the highest rated signee for Maryland since 2006, the Post reported.
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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.