The defensive end position has been one of the more confounding spots for the USC coaches as they look to put together the class of 2012. Arik Armstead's decommitment left a huge hole at the spot that simply couldn't be filled by an in-state prospect. As a result, the USC coaches have set their sights on some top prospects from across the country. And in the case of Tyriq McCord (Tampa, Fla./Jefferson), way across the country.
McCord's final top five features four schools relatively close to home -- Georgia, Miami, South Carolina and Florida -- and one outlier -- USC. Although, the Trojans seem to be right in the hunt.
"Everybody knows from my top five or top six (schools) that USC is the best college I ever visited, and I explained that to them," McCord told ESPN HornsNation's William Wilkerson during Army Bowl practices. "I fell in love with the campus when I visited. I didn't really get too in depth with it -- that's why I am going to take an official (visit) there. The broadcast communication program is great. The tradition there -- they haven't changed their weight room at all -- I like that because it's a tradition, it's a legacy. So many people have gone through there and they haven't changed anything."
McCord's final top five features four schools relatively close to home -- Georgia, Miami, South Carolina and Florida -- and one outlier -- USC. Although, the Trojans seem to be right in the hunt.
"Everybody knows from my top five or top six (schools) that USC is the best college I ever visited, and I explained that to them," McCord told ESPN HornsNation's William Wilkerson during Army Bowl practices. "I fell in love with the campus when I visited. I didn't really get too in depth with it -- that's why I am going to take an official (visit) there. The broadcast communication program is great. The tradition there -- they haven't changed their weight room at all -- I like that because it's a tradition, it's a legacy. So many people have gone through there and they haven't changed anything."
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Florida basketball team is not exactly a picture of health right now heading into Southeastern Conference play. Casey Prather is still recovering from flu-like symptoms, Erik Murphy is getting stitches and Mike Rosario is out indefinitely.
UF coach Billy Donovan said Prather, who has missed the last three games, practiced on Thursday and should play in the 14th-ranked Gators' game at Tennessee on Saturday. Murphy had to get stitches after he was elbowed above the right eye in practice on Thursday but should be able to play against the Vols provided he doesn't develop concussion-like symptoms.
Rosario's situation is a bit different. He missed Tuesday's UAB game because of a sprained ankle, an injury he sustained during the Yale game on Dec. 31. Donovan said the reserve guard, who is averaging 9.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, will undergo further tests to make sure the injury isn't more serious.
"I'm not sure when we'll get him back, what kind of availability he has for practice [on Friday]," Donovan said. "Obviously if he doesn't practice tomorrow he's not going to play. We're trying to maybe get him looked at by a doctor, take an x-ray, MRI to see if there's anything more to it than what we think it is.
"Until he feels like he can go and move and put pressure on it, we're just kind of moving forward without him."
UF coach Billy Donovan said Prather, who has missed the last three games, practiced on Thursday and should play in the 14th-ranked Gators' game at Tennessee on Saturday. Murphy had to get stitches after he was elbowed above the right eye in practice on Thursday but should be able to play against the Vols provided he doesn't develop concussion-like symptoms.
Rosario's situation is a bit different. He missed Tuesday's UAB game because of a sprained ankle, an injury he sustained during the Yale game on Dec. 31. Donovan said the reserve guard, who is averaging 9.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, will undergo further tests to make sure the injury isn't more serious.
"I'm not sure when we'll get him back, what kind of availability he has for practice [on Friday]," Donovan said. "Obviously if he doesn't practice tomorrow he's not going to play. We're trying to maybe get him looked at by a doctor, take an x-ray, MRI to see if there's anything more to it than what we think it is.
"Until he feels like he can go and move and put pressure on it, we're just kind of moving forward without him."
Jake Meador making three January visits 
January, 5, 2012
1/05/12
12:11
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Three-star Whiteland (Ind.) tackle Jake Meador will have a busy January with three visits, and the last of those visits will go to Ole Miss -- the school he is committed to.
Meador, ranked sixth overall in Indiana, will visit the in-state Hoosiers on Jan. 13, Florida on Jan. 20 and Ole Miss on Jan. 27 before making a final decision.
The 6-foot-7, 305-pound lineman is still committed to Ole Miss but it can be considered "soft" at best, as he said he “never fully decommitted.” Meador said he is open to all four his finalists, which consists of the three programs he will visit in January and Missouri.
Meador, ranked sixth overall in Indiana, will visit the in-state Hoosiers on Jan. 13, Florida on Jan. 20 and Ole Miss on Jan. 27 before making a final decision.
The 6-foot-7, 305-pound lineman is still committed to Ole Miss but it can be considered "soft" at best, as he said he “never fully decommitted.” Meador said he is open to all four his finalists, which consists of the three programs he will visit in January and Missouri.
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RecruitingNation sat down with some of the top prospects in the country to find out some of the worst things coaches have pitched to them on the recruiting trail. Look for several Florida commits.
Perception vs. reality: Recruits don't fall for old tricks
Used to be pretty co-eds, fancy dinners and sweet-talking coaches could win over recruits. Not anymore. RecruitingNation's Mitch Sherman says prospects today are too smart to fall for those old tricks.
Howard, Rainey headed to Senior Bowl
January, 4, 2012
1/04/12
6:23
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida defensive tackle Jaye Howard and running back Chris Rainey have been selected to play in the Senior Bowl.
The game will be played Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala., but it's the week of practice that leads up to the game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium that is most important. Scouts, coaches and general managers from all 32 NFL teams pack the practices to evaluate prospects. Most depart Mobile by the end of the week and very few stay for the game, which will be televised on NFL Network. The practices also will be televised on NFL Network.
A good week would help the two prospects rise up teams' draft boards heading into the NFL Scouting Combine Feb. 22-28. ESPN Scouts Inc., ranks Rainey (5-foot-9, 174 pounds) as the No. 14 running back -- teammate Jeff Demps, who is not participating in the Senior Bowl, is 11th -- while Howard (6-3, 303) is ranked No. 25 among defensive tackles.
Rainey finished his career eighth on UF's career rushing list with 2,464 yards. He also amassed 3,948 all-purpose yards and scored 21 touchdowns. Howard finished his career with 131 tackles and 11.0 sacks.
"I want to prove that I’m one of the elite defenders in this class this year, and it's a business trip for me," Howard said.
The game will be played Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala., but it's the week of practice that leads up to the game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium that is most important. Scouts, coaches and general managers from all 32 NFL teams pack the practices to evaluate prospects. Most depart Mobile by the end of the week and very few stay for the game, which will be televised on NFL Network. The practices also will be televised on NFL Network.
A good week would help the two prospects rise up teams' draft boards heading into the NFL Scouting Combine Feb. 22-28. ESPN Scouts Inc., ranks Rainey (5-foot-9, 174 pounds) as the No. 14 running back -- teammate Jeff Demps, who is not participating in the Senior Bowl, is 11th -- while Howard (6-3, 303) is ranked No. 25 among defensive tackles.
Rainey finished his career eighth on UF's career rushing list with 2,464 yards. He also amassed 3,948 all-purpose yards and scored 21 touchdowns. Howard finished his career with 131 tackles and 11.0 sacks.
"I want to prove that I’m one of the elite defenders in this class this year, and it's a business trip for me," Howard said.
UF's class of 2012 out to change culture
January, 4, 2012
1/04/12
3:30
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -– Florida’s No. 1 ranked recruiting class of 2010 was thought to be one of the best recruiting classes in school history. But after two years and a combined record of 15-11, many wonder why they haven’t helped Florida compete for an SEC championship?
Yes, some four- and five-star players haven’t lived up to the hype, but the big knock on the group is that there never appeared to be chemistry -- not only within the class, but also between it and Florida's returning players.
Yes, some four- and five-star players haven’t lived up to the hype, but the big knock on the group is that there never appeared to be chemistry -- not only within the class, but also between it and Florida's returning players.
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UF strength assistant leaves for Kansas
January, 4, 2012
1/04/12
12:58
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida assistant strength coach Scott Holsopple has been hired as Kansas' director of strength and conditioning, the school announced in a release on Wednesday.
Holsopple spent five seasons at Florida under former strength and conditioning coordinator Mickey Marotti, who recently left the school for the same position at Ohio State under good friend Urban Meyer. Before joining UF, Holsopple worked with the Kentucky men's basketball program for one season.
Kansas head coach Charlie Weis spent less than one season as Florida's offensive coordinator, leaving in early December to coach the Jayhawks.
UF hired Jeff Dillman as its strength and conditioning coordinator on Tuesday.
Holsopple spent five seasons at Florida under former strength and conditioning coordinator Mickey Marotti, who recently left the school for the same position at Ohio State under good friend Urban Meyer. Before joining UF, Holsopple worked with the Kentucky men's basketball program for one season.
Kansas head coach Charlie Weis spent less than one season as Florida's offensive coordinator, leaving in early December to coach the Jayhawks.
UF hired Jeff Dillman as its strength and conditioning coordinator on Tuesday.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -– In addition to the normal practice routine, Day 3 of the Under Armour All-America game practices featured a media luncheon with the players and coaches for each team.
Here are the latest news and notes on Florida’s verbal commitments and targets.
Thompson and Poole continue to shine
Here are the latest news and notes on Florida’s verbal commitments and targets.
Thompson and Poole continue to shine
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Instant analysis: Florida 79, UAB 61
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
9:53
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida center Patric Young almost couldn’t believe it when he saw the way UAB elected to defend the 14th-ranked Gators Tuesday night.
The Blazers were running under UF’s guards on screens, which meant the 3-point shot was going to be there all night long. Naturally, the Gators didn’t hesitate to take the long-range shots, and they finished with a season-high 15 in front of 7,512 fans at the O’Connell Center.
“We’re making 11-something 3s per game,” said Young, who had 15 points and seven rebounds. “It’s insane going under our guards.”
The Gators (12-3) were making exactly 11 3-pointers per game, which was tops in the nation. They had that number with 12:15 remaining. UF finished 15-of-27 from the 3-point range, with 13 of those coming from Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker.
The Gators' previous season high was 14 3-pointers in victories over Stetson and Rider.
The Blazers were running under UF’s guards on screens, which meant the 3-point shot was going to be there all night long. Naturally, the Gators didn’t hesitate to take the long-range shots, and they finished with a season-high 15 in front of 7,512 fans at the O’Connell Center.
“We’re making 11-something 3s per game,” said Young, who had 15 points and seven rebounds. “It’s insane going under our guards.”
The Gators (12-3) were making exactly 11 3-pointers per game, which was tops in the nation. They had that number with 12:15 remaining. UF finished 15-of-27 from the 3-point range, with 13 of those coming from Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker.
The Gators' previous season high was 14 3-pointers in victories over Stetson and Rider.
The recruitment of Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep defensive end Darius Hamilton is really starting to heat up. LonghornNation recruiting reporter William Wilkerson caught up with Hamilton at the U.S. Army Bowl practices in San Antonio on Tuesday to discuss the latest in his recruitment.
Hamilton, who has had Rutgers as his No. 1 school in the past, now says he has a top three.
"My top three schools are Florida, Cal and Rutgers," Hamilton said. "I will be going to Florida again, even though I took an official visit. I'll take an unofficial on Jan. 13. My mom wants to see it. I'm going to go to Rutgers on Jan. 20, and I will be visiting Miami on Jan. 27. Then I will make my decision on Jan. 31."
Hamilton, who has had Rutgers as his No. 1 school in the past, now says he has a top three.
"My top three schools are Florida, Cal and Rutgers," Hamilton said. "I will be going to Florida again, even though I took an official visit. I'll take an unofficial on Jan. 13. My mom wants to see it. I'm going to go to Rutgers on Jan. 20, and I will be visiting Miami on Jan. 27. Then I will make my decision on Jan. 31."
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- It can't be repeated enough: There's a lot of content coming out of the Worldwide Leader these days when it comes to recruiting. The blog updates are too numerous to quantify because the Under Armour All-America Game and U.S. Army All-American Bowl preparations are under way. Here's an attempt to give you links to everything written about the Florida Gators' commits and top targets who are participating ...
East Team Army notes (Insider)
Included are notes on Florida commits TE Kent Taylor and OL/DL Dante Phillips as well as Florida targets WR Stefon Diggs and CB Tracy Howard. There's also a note on former Gator RB commit Mike Davis if you still care.
West Team Army notes (Insider)
Four-star offensive tackle Kyle Murphy says Florida is among his final teams and has a shot, but most think he'll choose from teams closer to home (USC, Stanford, Cal and Oregon).
Under Armour Day 1 notes (Insider)
Florida CB commit Brian Poole thinks the White team has a great defense. Florida's top WR target Nelson Agholor is sidelined with a sore shoulder.
Day 2 highlights (Insider)
Florida safety commit Marcus Maye is playing linebacker. Top DL target Leonard Williams is making a strong impression. Top buck target Jordan Jenkins says he won't accept any more home visits while he and his family deliberate. He's likely to choose between Florida and Alabama.
Day 3 notebook (Insider)
FSU linebacker commit Dante Fowler is trying his best to not be considered a Florida lean. Tennessee commit WR Alton Howard is reconsidering and may look to UF in the wake of some of UT's top recruiters leaving for Washington.
And here's a link to the Under Armour archive page. It's handy. Not everything is Insider content, but if there was ever a time to subscribe ...
East Team Army notes (Insider)
Included are notes on Florida commits TE Kent Taylor and OL/DL Dante Phillips as well as Florida targets WR Stefon Diggs and CB Tracy Howard. There's also a note on former Gator RB commit Mike Davis if you still care.
West Team Army notes (Insider)
Four-star offensive tackle Kyle Murphy says Florida is among his final teams and has a shot, but most think he'll choose from teams closer to home (USC, Stanford, Cal and Oregon).
Under Armour Day 1 notes (Insider)
Florida CB commit Brian Poole thinks the White team has a great defense. Florida's top WR target Nelson Agholor is sidelined with a sore shoulder.
Day 2 highlights (Insider)
Florida safety commit Marcus Maye is playing linebacker. Top DL target Leonard Williams is making a strong impression. Top buck target Jordan Jenkins says he won't accept any more home visits while he and his family deliberate. He's likely to choose between Florida and Alabama.
Day 3 notebook (Insider)
FSU linebacker commit Dante Fowler is trying his best to not be considered a Florida lean. Tennessee commit WR Alton Howard is reconsidering and may look to UF in the wake of some of UT's top recruiters leaving for Washington.
And here's a link to the Under Armour archive page. It's handy. Not everything is Insider content, but if there was ever a time to subscribe ...
If LSU beats Alabama on Monday night in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game, the great debate will begin?
Does LSU go down as the greatest SEC national champion of all-time? Where would the Tigers rank among the greatest national champions -- period?
The Tigers (13-0) have already beaten eight nationally ranked teams, including three top 5 teams. Alabama would be a fourth top 5 conquest.
Granted, LSU is not without its warts, most notably the Tigers' shaky passing game. Against Georgia in the SEC championship game, the Tigers didn't make a first down.
Of course, they make up for it with a bruising running game and a defense that's one of the best in the country.
So where would this team rank among the greatest in SEC history if it pulls off the sweep of Alabama? We'll let you answer that question in our SportsNation poll, but we're limiting it right now to the BCS era.
The SEC has won five straight national championships and about to win its sixth.
Here's your chance to pick the best SEC team to win a BCS national championship. We'll unveil the results later this week.
Does LSU go down as the greatest SEC national champion of all-time? Where would the Tigers rank among the greatest national champions -- period?
The Tigers (13-0) have already beaten eight nationally ranked teams, including three top 5 teams. Alabama would be a fourth top 5 conquest.
Granted, LSU is not without its warts, most notably the Tigers' shaky passing game. Against Georgia in the SEC championship game, the Tigers didn't make a first down.
Of course, they make up for it with a bruising running game and a defense that's one of the best in the country.
So where would this team rank among the greatest in SEC history if it pulls off the sweep of Alabama? We'll let you answer that question in our SportsNation poll, but we're limiting it right now to the BCS era.
The SEC has won five straight national championships and about to win its sixth.
Here's your chance to pick the best SEC team to win a BCS national championship. We'll unveil the results later this week.
UF hires Jeff Dillman as strength coach
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
3:40
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida coach Will Muschamp has reached back into his LSU past to hire the Gators' new strength and conditioning coordinator.
Muschamp has tabbed Jeff Dillman, who has been the head of physical conditioning at the IMG Performance Institute since the fall of 2009, as the replacement for Mickey Marotti, who resigned last month to take the same position at Ohio State under former UF coach Urban Meyer. Dillman and Muschamp were both at LSU in the early 2000s.
"I'm excited to have Jeff join our staff. He is a perfect fit for what we were looking for," Muschamp said. "He has trained athletes at the highest caliber on every level -- from high school to college to the NFL. Jeff knows what physical and mental tools are needed to be successful and has a developmental plan to make every player better. He has a championship pedigree and his results speak for themselves.
"He will be the catalyst for kick-starting our offseason program with the No. 1 goal of making our football program a tougher program. We will be a blue-collar program built with toughness, and Jeff is the man to lead that charge."
Muschamp has tabbed Jeff Dillman, who has been the head of physical conditioning at the IMG Performance Institute since the fall of 2009, as the replacement for Mickey Marotti, who resigned last month to take the same position at Ohio State under former UF coach Urban Meyer. Dillman and Muschamp were both at LSU in the early 2000s.
"I'm excited to have Jeff join our staff. He is a perfect fit for what we were looking for," Muschamp said. "He has trained athletes at the highest caliber on every level -- from high school to college to the NFL. Jeff knows what physical and mental tools are needed to be successful and has a developmental plan to make every player better. He has a championship pedigree and his results speak for themselves.
"He will be the catalyst for kick-starting our offseason program with the No. 1 goal of making our football program a tougher program. We will be a blue-collar program built with toughness, and Jeff is the man to lead that charge."
Under Armour interview: WR Latroy Pittman
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
3:00
PM ET
By GatorNation staff | ESPN.com
Four-star wide receiver Latroy Pittman (Citra, Fla./North Mario) talks with GatorNation's Derek Tyson about the Under Armour experience, his fellow Florida commits and his efforts to recruit other players into the Gators' class of 2012.
Tonight: Florida vs. Alabama-Birmingham
January, 3, 2012
1/03/12
2:31
PM ET
By
Jeff Barlis | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Gators wrap up their non-conference schedule tonight at 7 p.m. Eastern in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center against Alabama-Birmingham. The game will be televised on regional cable (and you can watch right here as well).
Here is a preview of the game and some notes on Florida from ESPN Stats & Information ...
• Florida is averaging 85.9 points this season, fourth in Division I.
• The Gators are 8-2 vs. Conference USA under head coach Billy Donovan.
• Florida has won 14 straight home games.
• UF junior guard Kenny Boynton is averaging 19.4 points this season, second in the Southeastern Conference.
• UAB is 5-7 this season (10-2 through 12 games last season).
• The Blazers have lost six of their last seven road games against non-conference opponents.
• UAB is 2-2 in its last four games vs. ranked opponents after losing 10 straight.
Here is a preview of the game and some notes on Florida from ESPN Stats & Information ...
• Florida is averaging 85.9 points this season, fourth in Division I.
• The Gators are 8-2 vs. Conference USA under head coach Billy Donovan.
• Florida has won 14 straight home games.
• UF junior guard Kenny Boynton is averaging 19.4 points this season, second in the Southeastern Conference.
• UAB is 5-7 this season (10-2 through 12 games last season).
• The Blazers have lost six of their last seven road games against non-conference opponents.
• UAB is 2-2 in its last four games vs. ranked opponents after losing 10 straight.
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.