Rainey turning heads at Senior Bowl 
January, 26, 2012
1/26/12
12:08
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
MOBILE, Ala. -- Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan liked the play of Chris Rainey so much he began to sound like the former Florida running back’s agent. After praising Rainey’s versatility and speed at Tuesday’s news conference, Shanahan stopped himself, saying he wasn’t his representative, but if he were, he would want a piece of that action.
Rainey has made a good impression on the rest of the South team’s coaching staff at the Senior Bowl, playing running back and wide receiver during practice in addition to time as a punt returner. He showed good hands at wideout and even threw a block against a defensive end during 11-on-11 drills.
Size, though, is the speedster's biggest hurdle in the upcoming NFL draft. To Rainey, the argument is a tired one.
Rainey has made a good impression on the rest of the South team’s coaching staff at the Senior Bowl, playing running back and wide receiver during practice in addition to time as a punt returner. He showed good hands at wideout and even threw a block against a defensive end during 11-on-11 drills.
Size, though, is the speedster's biggest hurdle in the upcoming NFL draft. To Rainey, the argument is a tired one.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- One way to confirm success in college football is to see your team's players in the discussion for the NFL draft. For Gator fans, that's apparently going to be a short conversation this spring if you go by NFL draft guru Mel Kiper's top five players by position (Insider) or his big board (Insider). Ex-Gator Janoris Jenkins doesn't count.
Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesJanoris JenkinsBut next year could be more of the same, as Mel has just one Florida player -- kicker Caleb Sturgis -- on his list of top five returning seniors by position (Insider). That doesn't auger well for UF's chances at gridiron success in 2012.
Re-drafting the 2006 NFL draft class (Insider)
Mel doesn't have a Gator in the first round, but he lists Jaguars DE Jeremy Mincey as a "close call." Quite an accomplishment for a sixth-round pick.
Switching gears (sort of) to the NFL scouting-fest known as the Senior Bowl ...
McShay on Senior Bowl players to watch: Janoris Jenkins
Scouts Inc., analyst Todd McShay says former Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins will have to do well in interviews and explain his off-the-field issues if he is to be a first- or second-day NFL draft pick.
Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesJanoris JenkinsRe-drafting the 2006 NFL draft class (Insider)
Mel doesn't have a Gator in the first round, but he lists Jaguars DE Jeremy Mincey as a "close call." Quite an accomplishment for a sixth-round pick.
Switching gears (sort of) to the NFL scouting-fest known as the Senior Bowl ...
McShay on Senior Bowl players to watch: Janoris Jenkins
Scouts Inc., analyst Todd McShay says former Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins will have to do well in interviews and explain his off-the-field issues if he is to be a first- or second-day NFL draft pick.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida will look to clear up its quarterback recruiting board in the next 24 hours.
The Gator coaching staff should know by Thursday if four-star Penn State quarterback commit Skyler Mornhinweg will be in Florida's 2012 recruiting class. Meanwhile, Deltona (Fla.) Trinity Christian quarterback Paxton Lynch was scheduled to visit Florida this weekend, but he is now waiting on Mornhinweg's decision before setting his weekend plans.
"The Florida coaches told me that they were waiting until tonight to let that other quarterback, Mornhinweg, make a decision and they will let me know tomorrow what is going on," Lynch said.
The Gator coaching staff should know by Thursday if four-star Penn State quarterback commit Skyler Mornhinweg will be in Florida's 2012 recruiting class. Meanwhile, Deltona (Fla.) Trinity Christian quarterback Paxton Lynch was scheduled to visit Florida this weekend, but he is now waiting on Mornhinweg's decision before setting his weekend plans.
"The Florida coaches told me that they were waiting until tonight to let that other quarterback, Mornhinweg, make a decision and they will let me know tomorrow what is going on," Lynch said.
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Courtesy of NikeFlorida is among the teams that will don the new look for one conference game this season (Tennessee at Florida on Feb. 11).
Check out Paul's story on the new unis as well as a slideshow of Florida's gear, or you can read AP's coverage.
From what Florida needs to close out its class to the latest on No. 1 prospect Mario Edwards to whether FSU can overtake Alabama for the nation’s top class. All that and much, much more.
UF freshman Beal pronounces slump over
January, 25, 2012
1/25/12
1:39
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Phil SandlinFreshman Bradley Beal is Florida's second-leading scorer.
AP Photo/Phil SandlinFreshman Bradley Beal is Florida's second-leading scorer.It was Beal’s third solid game in a row -- he scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds -- since he hit a rough patch after returning from the Christmas break. The 6-foot-3 freshman guard from St. Louis knows he’s still going to have some bad games the rest of the season, but he now has a much better understanding of how he’s supposed to play and adjust his game to the challenges of the Southeastern Conference.
“He’s got a better feel and understanding of when and where shots are coming for him,” UF coach Billy Donovan said. “I don’t know if he ever really felt comfortable with that. I think he’s getting better at that. I think he’s understanding when to be aggressive, when not to be aggressive, but he’s not allowing some missed shots or plays that maybe don’t go his way to affect him on the next play.”
SEC recruiting needs: Eastern Division
January, 25, 2012
1/25/12
12:35
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Now that you've seen the recruiting needs for the SEC Western Division teams, it's time to check what teams in the East needed to focus on when it came to recruiting for the 2012 class:
FLORIDA
Offensive line: There's no getting around how much Florida's offensive line struggled in 2011. Florida doesn't lose a lot from its line, but the Gators need more talent. There are a lot of questions surrounding this position and getting qualities bodies is a must.
Running back: Florida loses seniors Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, and will enter the fall with unproven players in Mike Gillislee and Mack Brown. As Florida continues to move closer to a more traditional/pro-style offense, the Gators also need to add size to the position.
Wide receiver: Again, this is a position in which the Gators need to improve in the talent category. Florida lost just one senior from last year's squad, but unproven players lurk. What Florida needs to get in this class is a true playmaker at receiver. There is hope that Quinton Dunbar, Andre Debose and Frankie Hammond can step up, but some solid competition won't hurt.
GEORGIA
Offensive line: Georgia loses three starters in Cordy Glenn, Ben Jones and Justin Anderson. The Bulldogs would like to add a few more big bodies up front in this class to help with all that unproven depth.
Linebacker: In Todd Grantham's 3-4 defense, linebackers are extremely important. The Bulldogs will likely lose a couple bodies at outside linebacker next year, including star Jarvis Jones, and would like to add a couple of true playmakers at that position in this class.
Wide receiver: Come 2013, Georgia will have taken some hits at its wide receiver depth. There is young talent in Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Conley and Michael Bennett, but veterans like Tavarres King, Marlon Brown and Rantavious Wooten will be gone. Adding a couple standouts at wide receiver in this class would be nice.
KENTUCKY
Offensive playmakers: Whether it comes at quarterback, wide receiver, running back or tight end, the Wildcats need to find players who can make plays when they get the ball in their hands. Kentucky's offense was hard to watch all season because there was no one who could consistently move the ball.
Offensive line: Kentucky loses three starters -- Chandler Burden, Stuart Hines and Billy Joe Murphy -- from its offensive line and needs to load up here in this class. There is a handful of young players at each offensive line position, but the Wildcats need to think about adding more for the future.
Defensive back: Veterans are leaving the Wildcats' secondary, so it's time to stock up. Winston Guy, Taiedo Smith, Randall Burden and Anthony Mosley will all be gone, meaning the Wildcats are in need of adding some depth to both the cornerback and safety positions.
MISSOURI
Running back: Leading rusher Henry Josey suffered a severe knee injury toward the end of the 2011 season and the Tigers have some veterans jam packed at the top of the depth chart at the position. Getting help to add to future rosters would really help this offense as it moves to the SEC.
Defensive line: The Tigers are losing three starters along the defensive line and 10 players from 2011 will be gone by the end of next season. There are some youngsters there, but it's time to getting into restocking mode along the defensive line. Also, this is where games are won and lost in the SEC. Finding more athleticism here is crucial.
Offensive line: Like the defensive line, Missouri will lose three starters here. There are some bodies to fill in for now, but you can never have too many offensive linemen and now that the Tigers are headed to the SEC, getting some bigger, more athletic linemen will be key to survival in this jungle.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Defensive line: The Gamecocks have gotten a ton of production from here lately, but South Carolina will lose two starters in Melvin Ingram and Travian Robertson. South Carolina might want to add to defensive end the most, with Ingram leaving and Devin Taylor getting ready to depart in a year.
Linebacker: Over the next two years, the Gamecocks will lose some quality players at linebacker and even the spur position. A handful of veterans occupy the depth chart at linebacker, so that means South Carolina needs to add a few quality bodies for the future.
Defensive back: South Carolina's depth in its defensive backfield could be considered thin. The Gamecocks are down two starters at cornerback and will lose solid players in D.J. Swearinger and DeVonte Holloman in 2013.
TENNESSEE
Running back: The Vols never figured out how to run the ball last year and will now turn to a group of unproven running backs. Marlin Lane has the talent to excel, but he needs to be more consistent. Finding a couple talented backs in this class would help this position tremendously.
Defensive tackle: The Vols need some help inside, and now that they are moving to the 3-4, getting quality nose guards is a must for Tennessee. Adding some girth inside will be very important in order to improving this position.
Defensive back: Tennessee will say goodbye to quite a bit of their defensive backs in the next couple of years, so getting a head start on adding to players to both safety and corner would be a plus.
VANDERBILT
Offensive line: The Commodores return the bulk of their offensive line next year, but after that, Vanderbilt will be pretty thin and very young up front. Adding four or five bodies to the offensive line would go a long way for Vanderbilt.
Linebacker: Vanderbilt loses one starter, in Chris Marve, here for next season, but the year after will see a lot of turnover at the position, with four rising seniors on the roster.
Defensive end: Two starters — Tim Fugger and T.J. Greenstone — are gone and Vanderbilt will lose a handful more after the 2012 season. Getting some help at this position is another must for coach James Franklin.
FLORIDA
Offensive line: There's no getting around how much Florida's offensive line struggled in 2011. Florida doesn't lose a lot from its line, but the Gators need more talent. There are a lot of questions surrounding this position and getting qualities bodies is a must.
Running back: Florida loses seniors Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, and will enter the fall with unproven players in Mike Gillislee and Mack Brown. As Florida continues to move closer to a more traditional/pro-style offense, the Gators also need to add size to the position.
Wide receiver: Again, this is a position in which the Gators need to improve in the talent category. Florida lost just one senior from last year's squad, but unproven players lurk. What Florida needs to get in this class is a true playmaker at receiver. There is hope that Quinton Dunbar, Andre Debose and Frankie Hammond can step up, but some solid competition won't hurt.
GEORGIA
Offensive line: Georgia loses three starters in Cordy Glenn, Ben Jones and Justin Anderson. The Bulldogs would like to add a few more big bodies up front in this class to help with all that unproven depth.
Linebacker: In Todd Grantham's 3-4 defense, linebackers are extremely important. The Bulldogs will likely lose a couple bodies at outside linebacker next year, including star Jarvis Jones, and would like to add a couple of true playmakers at that position in this class.
Wide receiver: Come 2013, Georgia will have taken some hits at its wide receiver depth. There is young talent in Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Conley and Michael Bennett, but veterans like Tavarres King, Marlon Brown and Rantavious Wooten will be gone. Adding a couple standouts at wide receiver in this class would be nice.
KENTUCKY
Offensive playmakers: Whether it comes at quarterback, wide receiver, running back or tight end, the Wildcats need to find players who can make plays when they get the ball in their hands. Kentucky's offense was hard to watch all season because there was no one who could consistently move the ball.
Offensive line: Kentucky loses three starters -- Chandler Burden, Stuart Hines and Billy Joe Murphy -- from its offensive line and needs to load up here in this class. There is a handful of young players at each offensive line position, but the Wildcats need to think about adding more for the future.
Defensive back: Veterans are leaving the Wildcats' secondary, so it's time to stock up. Winston Guy, Taiedo Smith, Randall Burden and Anthony Mosley will all be gone, meaning the Wildcats are in need of adding some depth to both the cornerback and safety positions.
MISSOURI
Running back: Leading rusher Henry Josey suffered a severe knee injury toward the end of the 2011 season and the Tigers have some veterans jam packed at the top of the depth chart at the position. Getting help to add to future rosters would really help this offense as it moves to the SEC.
Defensive line: The Tigers are losing three starters along the defensive line and 10 players from 2011 will be gone by the end of next season. There are some youngsters there, but it's time to getting into restocking mode along the defensive line. Also, this is where games are won and lost in the SEC. Finding more athleticism here is crucial.
Offensive line: Like the defensive line, Missouri will lose three starters here. There are some bodies to fill in for now, but you can never have too many offensive linemen and now that the Tigers are headed to the SEC, getting some bigger, more athletic linemen will be key to survival in this jungle.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Defensive line: The Gamecocks have gotten a ton of production from here lately, but South Carolina will lose two starters in Melvin Ingram and Travian Robertson. South Carolina might want to add to defensive end the most, with Ingram leaving and Devin Taylor getting ready to depart in a year.
Linebacker: Over the next two years, the Gamecocks will lose some quality players at linebacker and even the spur position. A handful of veterans occupy the depth chart at linebacker, so that means South Carolina needs to add a few quality bodies for the future.
Defensive back: South Carolina's depth in its defensive backfield could be considered thin. The Gamecocks are down two starters at cornerback and will lose solid players in D.J. Swearinger and DeVonte Holloman in 2013.
TENNESSEE
Running back: The Vols never figured out how to run the ball last year and will now turn to a group of unproven running backs. Marlin Lane has the talent to excel, but he needs to be more consistent. Finding a couple talented backs in this class would help this position tremendously.
Defensive tackle: The Vols need some help inside, and now that they are moving to the 3-4, getting quality nose guards is a must for Tennessee. Adding some girth inside will be very important in order to improving this position.
Defensive back: Tennessee will say goodbye to quite a bit of their defensive backs in the next couple of years, so getting a head start on adding to players to both safety and corner would be a plus.
VANDERBILT
Offensive line: The Commodores return the bulk of their offensive line next year, but after that, Vanderbilt will be pretty thin and very young up front. Adding four or five bodies to the offensive line would go a long way for Vanderbilt.
Linebacker: Vanderbilt loses one starter, in Chris Marve, here for next season, but the year after will see a lot of turnover at the position, with four rising seniors on the roster.
Defensive end: Two starters — Tim Fugger and T.J. Greenstone — are gone and Vanderbilt will lose a handful more after the 2012 season. Getting some help at this position is another must for coach James Franklin.
It's time to take one last look at where each SEC school is currently fairing in the recruiting world.
And it is a wacky world when it comes to keeping up with high school athletes.
Alabama will enter national signing day with the No. 1 ranking in ESPN's team recruiting rankings. Florida (fourth) and Georgia (fifth) also rank inside the top 10.
As a whole, the SEC has eight teams that rank inside the top 25.
It's no surprise that Alabama is yet again looking down at the country, as the national champs currently have 27 verbal commitments, including 12 that are members of the ESPNU 150. Six of the top 31 prospects in the country are committed to Alabama.
Alabama isn't the only SEC school doing well as one of the biggest days in college football approaches. Here's a look at how each SEC is doing in recruiting:
ALABAMA
2012 verbal commitments: 27
Spotlight: Safety Landon Collins of Geismar, La., was a major get for the Crimson Tide coaching staff. He's the nation's top safety prospect, but plays all over the field. He can play the run in the box and is also a ball-hawking defensive back. His mother wasn't too happy about his commitment, but Alabama's staff has to feel pretty good about keeping Collins.
ESPNU 150 members: 12 (S Landon Collins of Geismar, La.; ATH Eddie Williams of Panama City, Fla.; ATH Cyrus Jones of Baltimore, Md.; WR Chris Black of Jacksonville, Fla.; OT Brandon Greene of Ellenwood, Ga.; CB Geno Smith of Atlanta; WR Amari Cooper of Miami; RB T.J. Yeldon of Daphne, Ala.; LB Dillon Lee of Buford, Ga.; LB Ryan Anderson of Daphne, Ala.; LB Reggie Ragland of Madison, Ala.; LB Tyler Hayes of Thomasville, Ala.)
And it is a wacky world when it comes to keeping up with high school athletes.
Alabama will enter national signing day with the No. 1 ranking in ESPN's team recruiting rankings. Florida (fourth) and Georgia (fifth) also rank inside the top 10.
As a whole, the SEC has eight teams that rank inside the top 25.
It's no surprise that Alabama is yet again looking down at the country, as the national champs currently have 27 verbal commitments, including 12 that are members of the ESPNU 150. Six of the top 31 prospects in the country are committed to Alabama.
Alabama isn't the only SEC school doing well as one of the biggest days in college football approaches. Here's a look at how each SEC is doing in recruiting:
ALABAMA
2012 verbal commitments: 27
Spotlight: Safety Landon Collins of Geismar, La., was a major get for the Crimson Tide coaching staff. He's the nation's top safety prospect, but plays all over the field. He can play the run in the box and is also a ball-hawking defensive back. His mother wasn't too happy about his commitment, but Alabama's staff has to feel pretty good about keeping Collins.
ESPNU 150 members: 12 (S Landon Collins of Geismar, La.; ATH Eddie Williams of Panama City, Fla.; ATH Cyrus Jones of Baltimore, Md.; WR Chris Black of Jacksonville, Fla.; OT Brandon Greene of Ellenwood, Ga.; CB Geno Smith of Atlanta; WR Amari Cooper of Miami; RB T.J. Yeldon of Daphne, Ala.; LB Dillon Lee of Buford, Ga.; LB Ryan Anderson of Daphne, Ala.; LB Reggie Ragland of Madison, Ala.; LB Tyler Hayes of Thomasville, Ala.)
More Gator prospects who never were
January, 25, 2012
1/25/12
10:43
AM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Here are some more Florida players who were under consideration for inclusion in the 10 Who Never Were …
S Dee Finley, Auburn, Ala./Auburn High School, 2008 -- He was a USA Today second-team All-American and participated in the Under Armour All-American Game. He failed to qualify and enrolled in prep school. He eventually enrolled at UF and was moved to linebacker. He was a reserve who never made an impact on the field. He was suspended for the 2011 Tennessee game after his arrest for driving with suspended license and misdemeanor resisting arrest without violence. He left the team shortly thereafter.
QB Luke Bencie, Sarasota, Fla/Riverview High School, 1991 -- Bencie was a Parade All-American, and National High School Recruiting Service named him the No. 2 overall prospect in nation among QBs who combined throwing and running ability and the No. 3 overall player in Florida. He was an honorable mention All-American by USA Today. SuperPrep ranked him among top 10 players in the south. The Sporting News ranked him among top 10 quarterbacks. He never played a down at UF.
S Dee Finley, Auburn, Ala./Auburn High School, 2008 -- He was a USA Today second-team All-American and participated in the Under Armour All-American Game. He failed to qualify and enrolled in prep school. He eventually enrolled at UF and was moved to linebacker. He was a reserve who never made an impact on the field. He was suspended for the 2011 Tennessee game after his arrest for driving with suspended license and misdemeanor resisting arrest without violence. He left the team shortly thereafter.
QB Luke Bencie, Sarasota, Fla/Riverview High School, 1991 -- Bencie was a Parade All-American, and National High School Recruiting Service named him the No. 2 overall prospect in nation among QBs who combined throwing and running ability and the No. 3 overall player in Florida. He was an honorable mention All-American by USA Today. SuperPrep ranked him among top 10 players in the south. The Sporting News ranked him among top 10 quarterbacks. He never played a down at UF.
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Where UF recruiting stands on defense
January, 25, 2012
1/25/12
6:02
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida's recruiting board is taking its final shape, as detailed in Tuesday's look at the offense. Here is a position-by-position look at where the Gators currently stand on defense:
SAFETY
Commits: Marcus Maye and Rhaheim Ledbetter
Prospects: none
SAFETY
Commits: Marcus Maye and Rhaheim Ledbetter
Prospects: none
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Jon Haskins joins Florida support staff
January, 24, 2012
1/24/12
7:54
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida has hired Jon Haskins as its new director of player personnel.
Haskins spent the 2011 season at Nevada after spending the previous three at Stanford, where he was a four-year starter as a linebacker from 1994-97. At Nevada, Haskins oversaw all aspects of recruiting, according to the school's web site.
Haskins takes over for Mark Pantoni, who left in November to join former UF coach Urban Meyer at Ohio State. Pantoni's duties included football operations, working with recruiting coordinator Aubrey Hill and helping run UF's Friday Night Lights, a popular one-night summer camp and recruiting showcase. Haskins' exact duties are not yet established.
Haskins spent the 2011 season at Nevada after spending the previous three at Stanford, where he was a four-year starter as a linebacker from 1994-97. At Nevada, Haskins oversaw all aspects of recruiting, according to the school's web site.
Haskins takes over for Mark Pantoni, who left in November to join former UF coach Urban Meyer at Ohio State. Pantoni's duties included football operations, working with recruiting coordinator Aubrey Hill and helping run UF's Friday Night Lights, a popular one-night summer camp and recruiting showcase. Haskins' exact duties are not yet established.
UF DT Leon Orr gets deferred prosecution
January, 24, 2012
1/24/12
7:38
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida reserve defensive tackle Leon Orr was given deferred prosecution for his arrest earlier this month on possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
According to Alachua County court records, Orr was fined $50 and also will have to either serve 12 1/2 hours of community service or pay an additional $150 fine.
Orr was arrested by University of Florida police on Jan. 10 after a bag of marijuana, a pipe and rolling papers were found in Orr’s dorm room. He was charged with misdemeanor possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and misdemeanor possession of drug equipment.
Orr, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound redshirt freshman who had 10 tackles and one sack in 2011, is the eighth player to be arrested since Muschamp took over for Urban Meyer in January 2011.
UF spokesman Daniel Apple said last week that Gators coach Will Muschamp is aware of the incident and has handled the matter, but was unable to say whether Orr has been suspended. Apple said Tuesday that the school would have no further comment.
Where UF recruiting stands on offense
January, 24, 2012
1/24/12
6:28
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The countdown is on until national signing day. With just over a week left until the big day, Florida's recruiting board is taking its final shape. Here is a position-by-position look at where the Gators currently stand:
QUARTERBACK
Commits: none
Prospects: Skyler Mornhinweg, Paxton Lynch and Jacob Guy
QUARTERBACK
Commits: none
Prospects: Skyler Mornhinweg, Paxton Lynch and Jacob Guy
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Three-star offensive tackle Jake Meador (Whiteland, Ind./Whiteland) recently had a final three of Florida, Indiana and Missouri.
He still has a final three, except a new team resides in Indiana's place.
Meador texted ESPN.com that Wisconsin, which offered on Sunday, is now in his top three, replacing Indiana. Meador will officially visit Wisconsin this weekend, his fifth and final official visit.
He still has a final three, except a new team resides in Indiana's place.
Meador texted ESPN.com that Wisconsin, which offered on Sunday, is now in his top three, replacing Indiana. Meador will officially visit Wisconsin this weekend, his fifth and final official visit.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- We've got a whole lot of rankin' going on. We'll start with future Gators before leaping back to the present tense for the current Florida squad.
Class of 2012 updated ESPNU 100
Florida only has one player in our top 100, point guard Braxton Ogbueze, who fell from No. 35 to No. 46 in our latest rankings. The big man on the board is Florida's top target, power forward Anthony Bennett, who is ranked No. 6 in the nation.
Class Rankings: Arizona on top, Gators in the mix (Insider)
Florida checks in at No. 25 with Ogbueze and a pair of shooting guards from in-state in Michael Frazier and Dillon Graham. Look for a big surge if Billy D gets that big man he's after.
Bilas Index: Kentucky claims No. 1 (Insider)
ESPN Insider Jay Bilas has Week 6 of the Bilas Index, ranking the top 68 college basketball teams in the country. This week, he hasn't changed his thoughts on the Gators too much, noting how UF is having success without a whole lot of size.
Class of 2012 updated ESPNU 100
Florida only has one player in our top 100, point guard Braxton Ogbueze, who fell from No. 35 to No. 46 in our latest rankings. The big man on the board is Florida's top target, power forward Anthony Bennett, who is ranked No. 6 in the nation.
Class Rankings: Arizona on top, Gators in the mix (Insider)
Florida checks in at No. 25 with Ogbueze and a pair of shooting guards from in-state in Michael Frazier and Dillon Graham. Look for a big surge if Billy D gets that big man he's after.
Bilas Index: Kentucky claims No. 1 (Insider)
ESPN Insider Jay Bilas has Week 6 of the Bilas Index, ranking the top 68 college basketball teams in the country. This week, he hasn't changed his thoughts on the Gators too much, noting how UF is having success without a whole lot of size.
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.