One on one with 2013 DB Nick Washington
February, 13, 2012
2/13/12
3:28
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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
11:20
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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
10:46
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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
AM ET
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
7:04
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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
2:05
PM ET
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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Gators hoping to add Diggs to 2012 class
February, 10, 2012
2/10/12
9:00
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- It's no secret that Florida has fallen short of what it wanted to accomplish for the 2012 class on offense. But landing four-star wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Friday would instantly provide a home run threat that has been lacking.
Just a few short months ago it looked like the Gators were in a prime position to land a few very skilled offensive playmakers. Then out of nowhere running back Mike Davis decommitted from the Gators and Charlie Weis up and left for Kansas.
The Gators, who appeared to be in the lead for Diggs and Nelson Agholor for months, had to play catch up at the offensive skill positions.
Just a few short months ago it looked like the Gators were in a prime position to land a few very skilled offensive playmakers. Then out of nowhere running back Mike Davis decommitted from the Gators and Charlie Weis up and left for Kansas.
The Gators, who appeared to be in the lead for Diggs and Nelson Agholor for months, had to play catch up at the offensive skill positions.
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UF has plenty of options with state RBs
February, 10, 2012
2/10/12
8:00
AM ET
By
Jeff Barlis | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- At the top of Florida's list of recruiting needs is instant impact at the offensive skill positions. The Gators couldn't have had much better timing with their home state bursting with talented playmakers in the class of 2013.
The running back position at UF is particularly thin. Florida will have just two scholarship tailbacks at the end of this year, when rising senior Mike Gillislee moves on. That's why it's critically important the Gators find a way to sign three running backs in their next class.
On Thursday, GatorNation's Derek Tyson previewed the state's top wide receivers. Here are Florida's best running backs:
The running back position at UF is particularly thin. Florida will have just two scholarship tailbacks at the end of this year, when rising senior Mike Gillislee moves on. That's why it's critically important the Gators find a way to sign three running backs in their next class.
On Thursday, GatorNation's Derek Tyson previewed the state's top wide receivers. Here are Florida's best running backs:
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Five-star 2013 running back prospect Kelvin Taylor (Belle Glade, Fla./Glades Day) appears to be closing in on a college decision.
Taylor announced on Twitter that he would be making a decision next weekend.
Taylor, whose Twitter handle is @ImKelvinTaylor, tweeted, "I will tell the world next weekend where I will be taken my talents Too #Staytuned."
Taylor announced on Twitter that he would be making a decision next weekend.
Taylor, whose Twitter handle is @ImKelvinTaylor, tweeted, "I will tell the world next weekend where I will be taken my talents Too #Staytuned."
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Running back Tyshon Dye (Elberton, Ga./Elbert County) will be one of the most sought after recruits from the south. Now word is starting to spread across the country, as Dye picked up a USC offer earlier this week.
“They did and I was kind of surprised at that one,” Dye said. “They are from the West Coast and there is so much talent over there. I am way over here. I am shocked but I think that’s pretty cool. I would sure like to look into USC.”
Clemson was Dye’s first offer last summer. Then came Georgia.
“They did and I was kind of surprised at that one,” Dye said. “They are from the West Coast and there is so much talent over there. I am way over here. I am shocked but I think that’s pretty cool. I would sure like to look into USC.”
Clemson was Dye’s first offer last summer. Then came Georgia.
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The only thing tougher than covering Stefon Diggs on the football field my be predicting his moves in recruiting.
For months, Diggs' list of potential schools has grown and shrank like an accordion, leaving fans, media and recruiters wondering.
The wonderment will reportedly cease on Friday when Diggs, No. 13 in the ESPNU 150, announces his college decision -- nine days after national signing day.
For months, Diggs' list of potential schools has grown and shrank like an accordion, leaving fans, media and recruiters wondering.
The wonderment will reportedly cease on Friday when Diggs, No. 13 in the ESPNU 150, announces his college decision -- nine days after national signing day.
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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.