UF struggles with 3-point defense
February, 9, 2012
2/09/12
4:46
PM ET
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
PM ET
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
PM ET
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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Breneman gets UF offer; alters visit plans
February, 9, 2012
2/09/12
12:12
AM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
The Gators grabbed the No. 2 tight end in the country in the 2012 class. They are hoping to do a little better in this year's class, as they offered the No. 1 tight end in 2013 on Wednesday.
And it just so happens both are from Pennsylvania.
Five-star junior tight end Adam Breneman (Camp Hill, Pa./Cedar Cliff) picked up an offer from Florida, who signed Philadelphia-area tight end Colin Thompson a week ago. Florida coach Will Muschamp and tight ends coach Derek Lewis spoke with Breneman on Wednesday.
And it just so happens both are from Pennsylvania.
Five-star junior tight end Adam Breneman (Camp Hill, Pa./Cedar Cliff) picked up an offer from Florida, who signed Philadelphia-area tight end Colin Thompson a week ago. Florida coach Will Muschamp and tight ends coach Derek Lewis spoke with Breneman on Wednesday.
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Gator softball poised for big things in 2012
February, 8, 2012
2/08/12
3:19
PM ET
By
Jeff Barlis | ESPN.com
AP Photo/Sue OgrockiFlorida outfielder Michelle Moultrie is the engine that drives Florida's potent offense.Last season, UF lost in the Women's College World Series championship series for the second time in the last three seasons. The Gators, ranked No. 4 in the ESPN/USA Softball’s Top 25, graduated longtime stalwarts Kelsey Bruder, Megan Bush, Tiffany DeFelice, Aja Paculba and Stephanie Brombacher but bring in a touted freshman class. Florida will rely heavily on returning players like Michelle Moultrie (.443 BA, 31 stolen bases), Brittany Schutte (22 home runs, 69 RBIs), Cheyenne Coyle (.318 BA, 17 HRs, 60 RBIs), Kasey Fagan (.247 BA, 16 stolen bases) and Hannah Rogers (36-8, 1.92 ERA, 265.2 IP).
The Gators begin their season Friday in the USF-Fairfield Inn Tournament in Tampa, Fla., with games against Long Island and Florida Gulf Coast. UF's first home game is Feb. 15 against Jacksonville.
Here's some reading to preview the season:
2013 RB Greg Bryant 'stuck on Oklahoma'
February, 8, 2012
2/08/12
1:34
PM ET
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma’s foray into Florida continues.
The Sooners are in hot pursuit of running back Greg Bryant Jr. (Delray Beach, Fla./Armerican Heritage-Boca-Delray), widely regarded as one of the top junior running back prospects. The Sooners signed three recruits from Florida in the class of 2012 and already have offered four other Florida prospects in the class of 2013.
“My son is really loving Oklahoma,” said Greg Bryant Sr., Bryant’s father. “I talk to him a lot about different schools, and he doesn’t know where he wants to go, but he definitely likes Oklahoma.
The Sooners are in hot pursuit of running back Greg Bryant Jr. (Delray Beach, Fla./Armerican Heritage-Boca-Delray), widely regarded as one of the top junior running back prospects. The Sooners signed three recruits from Florida in the class of 2012 and already have offered four other Florida prospects in the class of 2013.
“My son is really loving Oklahoma,” said Greg Bryant Sr., Bryant’s father. “I talk to him a lot about different schools, and he doesn’t know where he wants to go, but he definitely likes Oklahoma.
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On the weekend before signing day, Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) Watch List wide receiver Ahmad Fulwood took a trip to Clemson for its junior day event.
It was the second trip to Clemson for the 6-foot-3, 190-pound junior, and he wanted to check out some of the other parts of the campus.
"I really focused on a lot of non-football things for this trip," Fulwood said. "I wanted to look around the campus and the neighborhood.
It was the second trip to Clemson for the 6-foot-3, 190-pound junior, and he wanted to check out some of the other parts of the campus.
"I really focused on a lot of non-football things for this trip," Fulwood said. "I wanted to look around the campus and the neighborhood.
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Southern Cal has successfully recruited three top prospects out of Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln over the past five years. Lane Kiffin and staff are hoping to make it four in six after offering 6-foot-3, 180-pound athlete Taj Williams, according to Lincoln head coach Yusuf Shakir.
The rising senior has played wide receiver and cornerback for Lincoln since his freshman year while making major contributions on special teams.
The rising senior has played wide receiver and cornerback for Lincoln since his freshman year while making major contributions on special teams.
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Pease gets his quarterback for Florida
February, 8, 2012
2/08/12
8:00
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Florida Gators signed four-star quarterback and former Penn State verbal commit Skyler Mornhiweg last Wednesday to the surprise of many.
Leading up to signing day, Mornhinweg was relatively unknown to Florida fans. After signing top signal-callers Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Brissett in the 2011 class, it appeared the Gators would not take a quarterback in this class unless he was a top prospect.
Former Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis set his sights on Cyler Miles, the No. 10-ranked quarterback in the country. Once Miles committed to Washington, it looked like the Gators would just use that scholarship on another position.
Leading up to signing day, Mornhinweg was relatively unknown to Florida fans. After signing top signal-callers Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Brissett in the 2011 class, it appeared the Gators would not take a quarterback in this class unless he was a top prospect.
Former Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis set his sights on Cyler Miles, the No. 10-ranked quarterback in the country. Once Miles committed to Washington, it looked like the Gators would just use that scholarship on another position.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida's recent struggles on the football field can be seen in its dearth of NFL prospects this spring. Just three Gators were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Feb. 22-28 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Defensive tackle Jaye Howard will be joined by running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps.
Howard, who is 6-foot-3, 292 pounds and has experience at defensive end and tackle, may be Florida's top prospect.
Rainey, who stands to gain the most with a fast time in the 40-yard dash, recently promised as much. At the Senior Bowl last month, he told ESPN's GatorNation he had been training in Orlando and honing his 40 time.
“My goal is a 4.1, so y’all be looking out for it,” Rainey said.
Howard, who is 6-foot-3, 292 pounds and has experience at defensive end and tackle, may be Florida's top prospect.
Rainey, who stands to gain the most with a fast time in the 40-yard dash, recently promised as much. At the Senior Bowl last month, he told ESPN's GatorNation he had been training in Orlando and honing his 40 time.
“My goal is a 4.1, so y’all be looking out for it,” Rainey said.
Rapid Reaction: Kentucky 78, Florida 58
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
9:27
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Some quick initial thoughts after No. 1 Kentucky dismantled No. 7 Florida 78-58 on Tuesday night at Rupp Arena, where UK is now 48-0 under John Calipari:
Overview: Florida is the most talented team Kentucky has played in several weeks, but the Gators were simply outmatched in just about every phase of this one. The Wildcats played stifling defense, holding one of the nation's highest-scoring and best-shooting teams to just 35 percent from the field and 6-of-27 on 3-pointers (the six makes were a season-low). Meanwhile, they got to the rim nearly at will and hit 9-of-15 3s (a season-high 60 percent) themselves to bust the game wide open in the second half. Yep, this is the No. 1 team in the country.
Turning point: After trailing 38-26 at the half, Florida scored two quick buckets to get back within eight points. John Calipari called timeout 58 seconds into the half, and his team responded with a quick 11-0 run to seize momentum by the throat. Marquis Teague and Darius Miller hit 3-pointers during the run, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist capped it with a pretty spin move for a layup and a foul.
Overview: Florida is the most talented team Kentucky has played in several weeks, but the Gators were simply outmatched in just about every phase of this one. The Wildcats played stifling defense, holding one of the nation's highest-scoring and best-shooting teams to just 35 percent from the field and 6-of-27 on 3-pointers (the six makes were a season-low). Meanwhile, they got to the rim nearly at will and hit 9-of-15 3s (a season-high 60 percent) themselves to bust the game wide open in the second half. Yep, this is the No. 1 team in the country.
Turning point: After trailing 38-26 at the half, Florida scored two quick buckets to get back within eight points. John Calipari called timeout 58 seconds into the half, and his team responded with a quick 11-0 run to seize momentum by the throat. Marquis Teague and Darius Miller hit 3-pointers during the run, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist capped it with a pretty spin move for a layup and a foul.
Recruiting Nation 411: 2013 offense
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
8:46
PM ET
By GatorNation staff | ESPN.com
In this episode of RecruitingNation 411, we focus on the offensive side of the ball in the 2013 recruiting class. Our experts tell you which prospects are primed to be the stars of the 2013 class, and which ones have already given a verbal commitment.
E.J. Levenberry has a trio of schools to focus on and two schools that have fallen by the wayside.
The ESPN 150 Watch List linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) C.D. Hylton's father, E.J. Levenberry Sr., said his son has a tentative top trio: Florida, Florida State and Michigan.
“Those are the three schools he's focusing on right now, but things change,” Levenberry Sr. said.
The ESPN 150 Watch List linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) C.D. Hylton's father, E.J. Levenberry Sr., said his son has a tentative top trio: Florida, Florida State and Michigan.
“Those are the three schools he's focusing on right now, but things change,” Levenberry Sr. said.
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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.