GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida's Bradley Beal was named the Southeastern Conference's Freshman of the Week for his play against Mississippi Valley State and Florida State.
The 6-foot-3 Beal averaged 17 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in the Gators' victories. He had 13 points and six rebounds against MVSU and 21 points and six rebounds against the Seminoles. That was the third time this season that Beal has surpassed 20 points.
Florida (10-2) plays at Rutgers on Thursday.
The 6-foot-3 Beal averaged 17 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in the Gators' victories. He had 13 points and six rebounds against MVSU and 21 points and six rebounds against the Seminoles. That was the third time this season that Beal has surpassed 20 points.
Florida (10-2) plays at Rutgers on Thursday.
Florida hasn't had much success with jucos 
December, 26, 2011
12/26/11
7:30
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By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida’s most recent additions to its 2012 recruiting class -- defensive tackles Visesio Salt and Damien Jacobs -- are junior college transfers who are expected to play early.
Salt committed to Florida on Dec. 18, while Jacobs signed his letter of intent with the Gators last Wednesday and will participate in spring practices.
This begs the question, though: Is Florida taking a risk by signing two players who will only be in the program for two seasons?
Salt committed to Florida on Dec. 18, while Jacobs signed his letter of intent with the Gators last Wednesday and will participate in spring practices.
This begs the question, though: Is Florida taking a risk by signing two players who will only be in the program for two seasons?
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The SEC doesn’t plan on releasing the 2012 schedule until sometime after Christmas, but parts of it are already starting to leak out.
SEC commissioner Mike Slive has said that next season’s schedule will be a one-year deal and that beginning in 2013 a new long-term rotation will be put into place.
One of the things to look for next season is Missouri and Texas A&M both getting some marquee games at home with it being their first year in the league.
For instance, Florida is scheduled to travel to Texas A&M the second week of the season, which would be the Aggies’ first SEC game.
SEC commissioner Mike Slive has said that next season’s schedule will be a one-year deal and that beginning in 2013 a new long-term rotation will be put into place.
One of the things to look for next season is Missouri and Texas A&M both getting some marquee games at home with it being their first year in the league.
For instance, Florida is scheduled to travel to Texas A&M the second week of the season, which would be the Aggies’ first SEC game.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Not much left to do but some last-minute shopping and wrapping presents, huh? Well, there's still some links to peruse on ESPN.com. See you after Christmas, Gator fans ...
ESPNHS Underclass All-Americans
Gator recruitniks have to be pleased with how Will Muschamp is doing with his first full cycle in building his Class of 2012, but next year promises to be even better. Looking at this list, Florida has several 2013 prospects earning major kudos. Among them are RB Greg Bryant (one of the best we've seen in any class), OT Laremy Tunsil (from right up the road in Lake City), DL Robert Nkemdiche (THE prize of 2013 or maybe any year), LB E.J. Levenberry (who has Florida in his top five) and CB Will Likely (Gatorade's state of Florida player of the year from Belle Glade Glades Central).
SEC bowl lineup
The mighty SEC begins its eight-game slate of bowls with tonight's Music City Bowl. Dan Mullen's Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-6) face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-6) at 6:40 p.m. ET on ESPN. SEC blogger Chris Low has the full schedule.
ESPNHS Underclass All-Americans
Gator recruitniks have to be pleased with how Will Muschamp is doing with his first full cycle in building his Class of 2012, but next year promises to be even better. Looking at this list, Florida has several 2013 prospects earning major kudos. Among them are RB Greg Bryant (one of the best we've seen in any class), OT Laremy Tunsil (from right up the road in Lake City), DL Robert Nkemdiche (THE prize of 2013 or maybe any year), LB E.J. Levenberry (who has Florida in his top five) and CB Will Likely (Gatorade's state of Florida player of the year from Belle Glade Glades Central).
SEC bowl lineup
The mighty SEC begins its eight-game slate of bowls with tonight's Music City Bowl. Dan Mullen's Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-6) face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-6) at 6:40 p.m. ET on ESPN. SEC blogger Chris Low has the full schedule.
Will juco DTs see early playing time?
December, 23, 2011
12/23/11
7:00
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By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
Maybe it’s too early to hand out nicknames to Visesio “Junior” Salt and Damien Jacobs, like “Salt n' Pepper,” but Florida’s most recent defensive tackle additions are expected to make a big contribution next season.
There is a reason Florida went hard after these two junior college prospects -- the Gators need experienced men who can contribute immediately and be leaders for the younger and often-immature players on the roster. Salt, who graduated high school in 2006, and Jacobs will bring more of a veteran feel to the interior of Florida’s line.
Florida also returns Omar Hunter, Sharrif Floyd, Dominique Easley, Leon Orr and Tevin Westbrook at tackle next year.
There is a reason Florida went hard after these two junior college prospects -- the Gators need experienced men who can contribute immediately and be leaders for the younger and often-immature players on the roster. Salt, who graduated high school in 2006, and Jacobs will bring more of a veteran feel to the interior of Florida’s line.
Florida also returns Omar Hunter, Sharrif Floyd, Dominique Easley, Leon Orr and Tevin Westbrook at tackle next year.
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Instant analysis: Florida 82, FSU 64
December, 22, 2011
12/22/11
9:28
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By
Jeff Barlis | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The No. 12 Gators (10-2) defeated Florida State 82-64 Thursday night in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center behind 21 points from silky smooth freshman Bradley Beal.
Florida now has 12 consecutive home wins, while the Seminoles fell to 8-4.
All five of UF's starters scored in double figures, including Patric Young (15), Kenny Boynton (14), Erik Murphy (12) and Erving Walker (11). Florida State was led by Luke Loucks with 15.
Florida came into the game leading the nation with 11.2 3-pointers per game and was fifth in the nation in scoring 86.1 points per game. The Gators again took over the game with long-range shooting, although it took 28 attempts for Florida to hit 10 3-pointers. UF has hit 10 or more 3s in 10 of its 12 games this season.
"This Florida team is at least the most difficult team for us to beat, at least since I've been at Florida State," said coach Leonard Hamilton, whose Noles faced both of Florida's back-to-back national championship teams. "They play so well together. They execute their system almost to perfection. You have very little room for error.
Florida now has 12 consecutive home wins, while the Seminoles fell to 8-4.
All five of UF's starters scored in double figures, including Patric Young (15), Kenny Boynton (14), Erik Murphy (12) and Erving Walker (11). Florida State was led by Luke Loucks with 15.
Florida came into the game leading the nation with 11.2 3-pointers per game and was fifth in the nation in scoring 86.1 points per game. The Gators again took over the game with long-range shooting, although it took 28 attempts for Florida to hit 10 3-pointers. UF has hit 10 or more 3s in 10 of its 12 games this season.
"This Florida team is at least the most difficult team for us to beat, at least since I've been at Florida State," said coach Leonard Hamilton, whose Noles faced both of Florida's back-to-back national championship teams. "They play so well together. They execute their system almost to perfection. You have very little room for error.
The AggreGator: Tiddlywinks edition
December, 22, 2011
12/22/11
5:16
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By
Jeff Barlis | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Around these parts, it is said that Florida and Florida State could play Tiddlywinks and it would still draw a crowd. A similar notion is proven correct time and time again, especially on the football fields, basketball courts and baseball diamonds.
Here are some notes from ESPN Stats & Info to get you ready for this year's clash of the Gators and Seminoles on the basketball court (tonight, 7 p.m. on ESPNU) ...
* Florida is 40-22 all time against FSU, 19-6 all time at home.
* Florida is going for its 12th consecutive home win.
* Florida leads the nation with 11.2 3-pointers per game and is fifth in the nation in scoring 86.1 points per game.
* Florida's three leading scorers are all guards -- Kenny Boynton (18.7 ppg), Bradley Beal (15.0 ppg) and Erving Walker (14.5 ppg).
* Florida State is second in the nation in opponents' field-goal percentage at .342 and is fourth in opponents' points per possession at 0.79.
* Florida State is trying to become the fourth team in ACC history to lead the conferenc in blocks per game (7.0) and steals per game (8.9) in the same season.
Here are some notes from ESPN Stats & Info to get you ready for this year's clash of the Gators and Seminoles on the basketball court (tonight, 7 p.m. on ESPNU) ...
* Florida is 40-22 all time against FSU, 19-6 all time at home.
* Florida is going for its 12th consecutive home win.
* Florida leads the nation with 11.2 3-pointers per game and is fifth in the nation in scoring 86.1 points per game.
* Florida's three leading scorers are all guards -- Kenny Boynton (18.7 ppg), Bradley Beal (15.0 ppg) and Erving Walker (14.5 ppg).
* Florida State is second in the nation in opponents' field-goal percentage at .342 and is fourth in opponents' points per possession at 0.79.
* Florida State is trying to become the fourth team in ACC history to lead the conferenc in blocks per game (7.0) and steals per game (8.9) in the same season.
Top surprises in the Eastern Division
December, 22, 2011
12/22/11
3:00
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By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Now that you've seen our SEC West surprises from the 2011 season, it's time to take a look at the surprises in the SEC East:
FLORIDA
The offense didn't take a step forward: Even though quarterback John Brantley appeared better suited for Charlie Weis' pro-style offense, the Gators didn't look much better after last year's ugly offensive output. Things looked better during the first four weeks, but the more SEC defenses the Gators saw, the worse they got. A complete turnaround wasn't expected, but improvement was and Florida just didn't have it.
Weis leaving for Kansas: Staying with the offensive theme, Florida received quite the surprise when Weis left Florida to take over as Kansas' head coach. People around the program were pretty surprised when they received the news, but it seemed especially odd considering how outspoken he was about staying at Florida for the long haul.
FLORIDA
The offense didn't take a step forward: Even though quarterback John Brantley appeared better suited for Charlie Weis' pro-style offense, the Gators didn't look much better after last year's ugly offensive output. Things looked better during the first four weeks, but the more SEC defenses the Gators saw, the worse they got. A complete turnaround wasn't expected, but improvement was and Florida just didn't have it.
Weis leaving for Kansas: Staying with the offensive theme, Florida received quite the surprise when Weis left Florida to take over as Kansas' head coach. People around the program were pretty surprised when they received the news, but it seemed especially odd considering how outspoken he was about staying at Florida for the long haul.
Four Florida verbal commitments made ESPNHS All-American teams, which were announced Thursday. Offensive tackle D.J. Humphries and tight end Colin Thompson received first-team honors. Here are their write-ups:
The Gators also had place-kicker Austin Hardin, of Marist (Atlanta), on the second team and middle linebacker Antonio Morrison, of Bolingbrook (Ill.), on the third team.
Florida also has several top targets scattered throughout the list, including Darius Hamilton (first-team DT), Tracy Howard (first-team CB), Nelson Agholor (second-team S, who is being recruited as a WR) and Stefon Diggs (third-team kick returner, who is being recruited as a WR).
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
D.J. Humphries, Mallard Creek (Charlotte, N.C.), Senior
Rated the nation's No. 1 offensive tackle by ESPNU, Humphries, a Florida commit, was an All-State first team selection.
TIGHT END
Colin Thompson, Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.), Senior
Whether run blocking or catching passes, Thompson made a huge impact for the Vikings, who rolled to the Class AAA state title. Rated the nation's No. 1 tight end by ESPNU, Thompson has committed to Florida.
The Gators also had place-kicker Austin Hardin, of Marist (Atlanta), on the second team and middle linebacker Antonio Morrison, of Bolingbrook (Ill.), on the third team.
Florida also has several top targets scattered throughout the list, including Darius Hamilton (first-team DT), Tracy Howard (first-team CB), Nelson Agholor (second-team S, who is being recruited as a WR) and Stefon Diggs (third-team kick returner, who is being recruited as a WR).
Chomp Confidential: Recruiting notes
December, 22, 2011
12/22/11
11:35
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By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GatorNation brings you the latest installment of Chomp Confidential, a look inside Florida football recruiting for GatorNation subscribers only. As with anything confidential, what's reported in the weekly Chomp Confidential must stay in The Chompions Club forum. We are providing this information for our subscribers and expect you will keep the information here. A few things discussed in this week's update:
- The latest on Jonathan Bullard
- Gators offer new wide receiver
- Is DT Dalvin Tomlinson still visiting?
- Most likely to end up in Florida's class
Check out the weekly Chomp Confidential.
Quinn excited about defense's continuity
December, 21, 2011
12/21/11
7:12
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn can’t help but look ahead to the 2012 season and get excited.
He’s returning 10 of 11 starters and 17 of the 22 players on the two-deep depth chart. He said he doesn’t anticipate a single defensive coach leaving, either, which means the Gators will have something on defense they haven’t had in a while -- continuity.
"That would be a really cool thing," Quinn said. "And I can relate back to being a player on a new coaching staff. Even if it's only one or two people, that's where we've all got to fit in. And so many returning players coming back along with the staff, I think that's a big thing."
The players won't have to learn a new system or spend time adjusting to new coaches. The coaches don’t have to worry about installing a new system and can concentrate on fine-tuning packages and do more teaching. All that should make the Gators better on defense, Quinn said, especially in terms of forcing turnovers and making big plays.
"Any time you get some experience at something, when you get some turns and you build some trust with some of the players and they’re back with you," he said, "I think that can only be a positive thing moving forward."
Florida finished second nationally in third-down defense (27.7 percent), ninth nationally in pass defense (167.3 yards per game) and 10th nationally in total defense (299.6 ypg). The Gators, however, forced just 12 turnovers and gave up 804 yards rushing in October to Alabama, LSU, Auburn and Georgia.
He’s returning 10 of 11 starters and 17 of the 22 players on the two-deep depth chart. He said he doesn’t anticipate a single defensive coach leaving, either, which means the Gators will have something on defense they haven’t had in a while -- continuity.
"That would be a really cool thing," Quinn said. "And I can relate back to being a player on a new coaching staff. Even if it's only one or two people, that's where we've all got to fit in. And so many returning players coming back along with the staff, I think that's a big thing."
The players won't have to learn a new system or spend time adjusting to new coaches. The coaches don’t have to worry about installing a new system and can concentrate on fine-tuning packages and do more teaching. All that should make the Gators better on defense, Quinn said, especially in terms of forcing turnovers and making big plays.
"Any time you get some experience at something, when you get some turns and you build some trust with some of the players and they’re back with you," he said, "I think that can only be a positive thing moving forward."
Florida finished second nationally in third-down defense (27.7 percent), ninth nationally in pass defense (167.3 yards per game) and 10th nationally in total defense (299.6 ypg). The Gators, however, forced just 12 turnovers and gave up 804 yards rushing in October to Alabama, LSU, Auburn and Georgia.
ESPNU 150 defensive end Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland) will likely delay his decision until signing day.
Originally he had planned to announce at the Jan. 5 Under Armour All-America Game.
"I think I'm going to do the announcement with my team instead," Williams said.
Originally he had planned to announce at the Jan. 5 Under Armour All-America Game.
"I think I'm going to do the announcement with my team instead," Williams said.
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The stage has been set for Jordan Jenkins (Hamilton, Ga./Harris County), one of the most talented pass rushers in the country, to announce his decision. Four programs have been in contention for the 6-foot-3, 248-pound ESPNU 150 prospect, and the high-motor defender has given each school a chance to impress him in the last few months.
Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Georgia have been going all out with official visits, calls and in-home visits to the Jenkins family, and fans of the Southeastern Conference rivals will soon learn which team the Under Armour All-American will suit up for this fall.
Jenkins’ announcement will air Jan. 9 on FoxSports.
Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Georgia have been going all out with official visits, calls and in-home visits to the Jenkins family, and fans of the Southeastern Conference rivals will soon learn which team the Under Armour All-American will suit up for this fall.
Jenkins’ announcement will air Jan. 9 on FoxSports.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Just a quick batch of links from around the Worldwide Leader today, as we stay locked in on the latest recruiting news. In case you've missed it ...
• Juco DT Damien Jacobs flipped from Tennessee and signed with Florida today.
• Five-star big-man Jarnell Stokes is set to announce on Thursday night (and could actually play this season).
• Juco DT Visesio "Junior" Salt became Florida's 17th verbal commit on Sunday.
Speaking of recruiting, I've shared a lot of content about former Florida coach Urban Meyer lately, maybe too much. Well, on Tuesday the pendulum swung again, as Meyer's Ohio State Buckeyes were slapped with NCAA penalties, including a bowl ban next season. ESPN's Mark Schlabach says the governing body sent a message with the sanctions. Here's more analysis ...
• Juco DT Damien Jacobs flipped from Tennessee and signed with Florida today.
• Five-star big-man Jarnell Stokes is set to announce on Thursday night (and could actually play this season).
• Juco DT Visesio "Junior" Salt became Florida's 17th verbal commit on Sunday.
Speaking of recruiting, I've shared a lot of content about former Florida coach Urban Meyer lately, maybe too much. Well, on Tuesday the pendulum swung again, as Meyer's Ohio State Buckeyes were slapped with NCAA penalties, including a bowl ban next season. ESPN's Mark Schlabach says the governing body sent a message with the sanctions. Here's more analysis ...
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida has the first official signee of its Class of 2012.
Damien Jacobs, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive tackle from East Mississippi Community College who was previously committed to Tennessee, announced the switch on Wednesday afternoon. The school later confirmed it received his signed letter of intent and expects Jacobs to enroll in January and participate in spring practice.
"I just joined the Florida Gator family!" Jacobs posted on his Facebook page.
Damien Jacobs, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive tackle from East Mississippi Community College who was previously committed to Tennessee, announced the switch on Wednesday afternoon. The school later confirmed it received his signed letter of intent and expects Jacobs to enroll in January and participate in spring practice.
"I just joined the Florida Gator family!" Jacobs posted on his Facebook page.
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.