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
PM ET
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
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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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Gators hoping to add Diggs to 2012 class 
February, 10, 2012
2/10/12
9:00
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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
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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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UF struggles with 3-point defense
February, 9, 2012
2/09/12
4:46
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida's 78-58 loss Tuesday night at top-ranked Kentucky provided the most glaring example of one of the Gators’ biggest weaknesses this season.
UF has struggled to defend the 3-point line in Southeastern Conference play, and the Wildcats exposed that by going 9-for-15 from long range. Kentucky is the fourth team to shoot 43 percent or better from 3-point range in UF's nine SEC games. That happened just twice in the Gators' 15 nonconference games.
"We've got to do a better job defending the 3," UF coach Billy Donovan said Thursday. "What I'd like to see is us get our 3-point field goal percentage defense down a lot lower than it is. We’ve given up too high of a percentage in our league right now."
Florida is allowing SEC opponents to shoot 40.6 percent from 3-point range. That’s 10th in the league, ahead of only South Carolina (41.1 percent) and Mississippi State (42.0 percent). UF (19-4, 7-2 SEC) has played eight teams in SEC play (South Carolina twice) and all but Vanderbilt shot better from 3-point range against UF than their averages in SEC play.
In nonconference play, the Gators held opponents to 31.7 percent from 3-point range.
While UF's 3-point defense has worsened in SEC play, so has the Gators' success from 3-point range. They shot 41.4 percent from long range during nonconference play, but that number has dipped to 35.8 percent in SEC play. The problem has been inconsistency. UF has shot 45.8 percent or better in three games and has been at 37 percent or below in the other six games.
"We should be a lot better, but we can’t control that," said Bradley Beal, who is shooting 35.7 percent from 3-point range, second only to Kenny Boynton's 38.7 percent in SEC play. "We can only control things that we can control, like defense and rebounding. We can't just force the ball in. If we had control over it we wouldn't miss a shot. We have to keep fighting through and keep pushing."
UF has struggled to defend the 3-point line in Southeastern Conference play, and the Wildcats exposed that by going 9-for-15 from long range. Kentucky is the fourth team to shoot 43 percent or better from 3-point range in UF's nine SEC games. That happened just twice in the Gators' 15 nonconference games.
"We've got to do a better job defending the 3," UF coach Billy Donovan said Thursday. "What I'd like to see is us get our 3-point field goal percentage defense down a lot lower than it is. We’ve given up too high of a percentage in our league right now."
Florida is allowing SEC opponents to shoot 40.6 percent from 3-point range. That’s 10th in the league, ahead of only South Carolina (41.1 percent) and Mississippi State (42.0 percent). UF (19-4, 7-2 SEC) has played eight teams in SEC play (South Carolina twice) and all but Vanderbilt shot better from 3-point range against UF than their averages in SEC play.
In nonconference play, the Gators held opponents to 31.7 percent from 3-point range.
While UF's 3-point defense has worsened in SEC play, so has the Gators' success from 3-point range. They shot 41.4 percent from long range during nonconference play, but that number has dipped to 35.8 percent in SEC play. The problem has been inconsistency. UF has shot 45.8 percent or better in three games and has been at 37 percent or below in the other six games.
"We should be a lot better, but we can’t control that," said Bradley Beal, who is shooting 35.7 percent from 3-point range, second only to Kenny Boynton's 38.7 percent in SEC play. "We can only control things that we can control, like defense and rebounding. We can't just force the ball in. If we had control over it we wouldn't miss a shot. We have to keep fighting through and keep pushing."
Miami (Fla.) Gulliver Prep defensive end/linebacker Stacy Thomas picked up scholarship offers from Florida State and LSU on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker, who also holds offers from Duke and Louisville, said that he plans to unofficially visit FSU for the Seminoles' junior day Feb. 25.
"Coach [James] Coley messaged me on Facebook to tell me they offered, but he also called my high school coach," Thomas said. "LSU just told my coach they offered me."
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker, who also holds offers from Duke and Louisville, said that he plans to unofficially visit FSU for the Seminoles' junior day Feb. 25.
"Coach [James] Coley messaged me on Facebook to tell me they offered, but he also called my high school coach," Thomas said. "LSU just told my coach they offered me."
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Dawgs enter mix for All-American juco OL
February, 9, 2012
2/09/12
4:22
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Signing day was more than a week ago, but the Georgia Bulldogs are still hoping for a couple of additions to the 2012 class. The graduation of three starters at offensive line, the decision by offensive lineman Avery Young (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./Palm Beach Gardens) to sign with Auburn, and the loss of commit Chester Brown (Hinesville, Ga./Bradwell Institute) due to apparent citizenship status issues have put the Bulldogs in need of some serious help along the line. After watching film, the Georgia staff this week targeted one of the top juco offensive linemen in the country.
“UGA contacted us two days ago and said they had just received film on Fehoko Fanaika (San Mateo, Calif./College of San Mateo) and that they really liked him,” College of San Mateo assistant head coach Tim Tulloch said. “He said they lost three starters to the draft and lost a few guys to injury, and they needed someone to come in physically ready and experienced like 'Hoko. They wanted to know more about his work ethic and character, and after I walked them through that they said they wanted him.”
Coach Will Friend made sure to let Fanaika know he is needed in Athens and is hoping for the chance to tell him in person soon.
“UGA contacted us two days ago and said they had just received film on Fehoko Fanaika (San Mateo, Calif./College of San Mateo) and that they really liked him,” College of San Mateo assistant head coach Tim Tulloch said. “He said they lost three starters to the draft and lost a few guys to injury, and they needed someone to come in physically ready and experienced like 'Hoko. They wanted to know more about his work ethic and character, and after I walked them through that they said they wanted him.”
Coach Will Friend made sure to let Fanaika know he is needed in Athens and is hoping for the chance to tell him in person soon.
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Billy Donovan on the hunt in New England
February, 9, 2012
2/09/12
2:13
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By Adam Finkelstein | ESPN.com
Billy Donovan and his staff at Florida have already assembled a top-25 recruiting class and arguably one of the top incoming backcourts in the Class of 2012 with Braxton Ogbueze (Charlotte, N.C./United Faith Christian Cademy), Michael Frazier (Tampa, Fla./Montverde Academy) and Dillon Graham (Orlando, Fla./First Academy).
With all three players having signed their letters of intent in November, Donovan and his staff have been fixated on adding frontcourt talent for several months and appear to be in good shape with a number of the nation’s best remaining interior talents including Anthony Bennett (Brampton, Ontario/Findlay College Prep), who reportedly has the Gators near the top of his list.
Donovan spent Wednesday looking at two of his other top targets in the frontcourt, both of whom star for New Hampshire prep schools.
With all three players having signed their letters of intent in November, Donovan and his staff have been fixated on adding frontcourt talent for several months and appear to be in good shape with a number of the nation’s best remaining interior talents including Anthony Bennett (Brampton, Ontario/Findlay College Prep), who reportedly has the Gators near the top of his list.
Donovan spent Wednesday looking at two of his other top targets in the frontcourt, both of whom star for New Hampshire prep schools.
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State of Florida loaded with 2013 receivers
February, 9, 2012
2/09/12
8:00
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With a talented group of receivers hailing from the state of Florida, the Gators should be able to sign their fair share of top playmakers in 2013.
Florida was only able to sign two wide receivers -- Latroy Pittman and Raphael Andrades -- from the state of Florida for the 2012 recruiting class. Pittman is a four-star prospect, and the three-star Andrades was a late addition to the class when Nelson Agholor chose USC over Florida.
Moving forward to the 2013 class, the Gators would like to land four top receivers. The list is led by five-star prospects Stacy Coley, Jordan Cunningham and Ahmad Fulwood from ESPNU's early top 100. Here's a look at some of the top wideouts in the state:
Florida was only able to sign two wide receivers -- Latroy Pittman and Raphael Andrades -- from the state of Florida for the 2012 recruiting class. Pittman is a four-star prospect, and the three-star Andrades was a late addition to the class when Nelson Agholor chose USC over Florida.
Moving forward to the 2013 class, the Gators would like to land four top receivers. The list is led by five-star prospects Stacy Coley, Jordan Cunningham and Ahmad Fulwood from ESPNU's early top 100. Here's a look at some of the top wideouts in the state:
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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.