Florida Gators: Chris Jones
ESPN RecruitingNation has signing day covered. Follow ESPNU’s coverage, chat with analysts and get breaking news on our Signing Day Live page beginning at 7:30 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. ET. For more on what to expect on signing day, check out the SEC conference breakdown 
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Bold Prediction for the SEC:
Ole Miss' class will eventually be ranked in the top five nationally with the addition of No. 1 overall prospect Robert Nkemdiche from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson and possibly ESPN 150 prospects Chris Jones from Houston (Miss.) High and Antonio Conner from Batesville (Miss.) South Panola.
SEC East
Florida
Biggest need: Florida wants immediate help at defensive tackle. Jarran Reed from Scooba (Miss.) East should be able to provide that if he decides to sign with the Gators on national signing day.
Biggest recruit: The Gators have two five-star commitments: cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III from Tampa (Fla.) Wharton and running back Kelvin Taylor from Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades. No other school in the country can say that.
Georgia
Biggest need: The Bulldogs would like to pick up another top offensive lineman. They looked destined to land Laremy Tunsil from Lake City (Fla.), but the competition has heated up for him lately.
Biggest recruit: With 12 ESPN 300 commitments, Georgia has plenty of star power. However, it's impossible to overvalue the commitment of Brice Ramsey from Kingsland (Ga.) Camden, a quarterback the Bulldogs can build around.
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Bold Prediction for the SEC:
Ole Miss' class will eventually be ranked in the top five nationally with the addition of No. 1 overall prospect Robert Nkemdiche from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson and possibly ESPN 150 prospects Chris Jones from Houston (Miss.) High and Antonio Conner from Batesville (Miss.) South Panola.
SEC East
Florida
Biggest need: Florida wants immediate help at defensive tackle. Jarran Reed from Scooba (Miss.) East should be able to provide that if he decides to sign with the Gators on national signing day.
Biggest recruit: The Gators have two five-star commitments: cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III from Tampa (Fla.) Wharton and running back Kelvin Taylor from Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades. No other school in the country can say that.
Georgia
Biggest need: The Bulldogs would like to pick up another top offensive lineman. They looked destined to land Laremy Tunsil from Lake City (Fla.), but the competition has heated up for him lately.
Biggest recruit: With 12 ESPN 300 commitments, Georgia has plenty of star power. However, it's impossible to overvalue the commitment of Brice Ramsey from Kingsland (Ga.) Camden, a quarterback the Bulldogs can build around.
Final RecruitingNation class rankings
February, 5, 2013
Feb 5
10:41
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
We are just hours away from national signing day. I'm going to need all you readers to breathe and count to 10. It's almost here, which means it's almost over.
And with it being almost over, it's time to take one final look at ESPN's RecruitingNation class rankings. On the eve of the biggest recruiting day of the year, the SEC is still keeping it all in the family when it comes to the top classes in the country. The SEC has 12 teams ranked within the top 40 of the class rankings, with five coming within the top 10.
Florida and Alabama remain No. 1 and No. 2. The Gators have 26 verbal commitments, with 11 being ESPN 150 members and 15 being ESPN 300 members. The biggest members of Florida's class are top-rated cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, who is the No. 3 player in the country, and top-rated running back Kelvin Taylor, who is the No. 8 prospect overall. The Gators have a few spots open and are still in the mix to sign defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick, junior college defensive tackle Jarran Reed and wide receiver James Clark. Defensive end and current Auburn commit Tashawn Bower is also on Florida's radar.
Alabama received some good news Monday night when top-rated inside linebacker Reuben Foster picked the Crimson Tide over Auburn and Georgia. Foster gave the Tide its 23rd commitment and its 11th ESPN 150 member. Alabama also has 15 ESPN 300 commitments. The Tide could leapfrog the Gators on national signing day with some big names still interested in the Tide. Top defensive tackle and former Auburn commit Dee Liner seems to be a strong lean to the Tide, while four-star defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson, who decommitted from Texas last week, could sign with Alabama as well. Running back Alvin Kamara and safety Vonn Bell, both ESPN 150 members, could also sign with the Tide.
Rounding out the top 10 from the SEC are LSU (No. 6), Texas A&M (No. 7) and Georgia (No. 9). Texas A&M and Georgia might have the best chances of the three of moving up. The Bulldogs are still in the mix for a handful of top prospects, including No. 1 offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, four-star defensive lineman Montravius Adams, outside linebacker Matthew Thomas (No. 6 in the ESPN 150) and ESPN 300 defensive end Davin Bellamy. The Aggies are still in the mix for cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who is No. 4 in the ESPN 150, FSU athlete commit Levonte Whitfield, and committed defensive ends Daeshon Hall (Washington) and Torrodney Prevot (USC).
Keep an eye on Ole Miss and Auburn. Tunsil appears to be favoring Ole Miss over Georgia, and top recruit Robert Nkemdiche is all but signed sealed and delivered to the Rebels. Mississippi State defensive end commit Chris Jones could also flip to Ole Miss, and high-profile safety Antonio Conner is strongly considering the Rebels as well. Auburn is battling Georgia for Adams, and could flip Ole Miss defensive end commit Elijah Daniel, after he officially visited Auburn over the weekend.
Here's a complete look at where SEC teams stand in the final class rankings before signing day:
1. Florida -- 26 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
2. Alabama -- 23 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
6. LSU -- 26 (6 ESPN 150, 14 ESPN 300)
7. Texas A&M -- 32 (6 ESPN 150, 11 ESPN 300)
9. Georgia -- 30 (5 ESPN 150, 12 ESPN 300)
12. Ole Miss -- 23 (2 ESPN 150, 7 ESPN 300)
14. Auburn -- 20 (3 ESPN 150, 6 ESPN 300)
17. South Carolina -- 21 (2 ESPN 150, 4 ESPN 300)
21. Vanderbilt -- 25 (0 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
27. Mississippi State -- 22 (1 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
29. Tennessee -- 19 (1 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
36. Missouri -- 19 (0 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
And with it being almost over, it's time to take one final look at ESPN's RecruitingNation class rankings. On the eve of the biggest recruiting day of the year, the SEC is still keeping it all in the family when it comes to the top classes in the country. The SEC has 12 teams ranked within the top 40 of the class rankings, with five coming within the top 10.
Florida and Alabama remain No. 1 and No. 2. The Gators have 26 verbal commitments, with 11 being ESPN 150 members and 15 being ESPN 300 members. The biggest members of Florida's class are top-rated cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, who is the No. 3 player in the country, and top-rated running back Kelvin Taylor, who is the No. 8 prospect overall. The Gators have a few spots open and are still in the mix to sign defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick, junior college defensive tackle Jarran Reed and wide receiver James Clark. Defensive end and current Auburn commit Tashawn Bower is also on Florida's radar.
Alabama received some good news Monday night when top-rated inside linebacker Reuben Foster picked the Crimson Tide over Auburn and Georgia. Foster gave the Tide its 23rd commitment and its 11th ESPN 150 member. Alabama also has 15 ESPN 300 commitments. The Tide could leapfrog the Gators on national signing day with some big names still interested in the Tide. Top defensive tackle and former Auburn commit Dee Liner seems to be a strong lean to the Tide, while four-star defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson, who decommitted from Texas last week, could sign with Alabama as well. Running back Alvin Kamara and safety Vonn Bell, both ESPN 150 members, could also sign with the Tide.
Rounding out the top 10 from the SEC are LSU (No. 6), Texas A&M (No. 7) and Georgia (No. 9). Texas A&M and Georgia might have the best chances of the three of moving up. The Bulldogs are still in the mix for a handful of top prospects, including No. 1 offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, four-star defensive lineman Montravius Adams, outside linebacker Matthew Thomas (No. 6 in the ESPN 150) and ESPN 300 defensive end Davin Bellamy. The Aggies are still in the mix for cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who is No. 4 in the ESPN 150, FSU athlete commit Levonte Whitfield, and committed defensive ends Daeshon Hall (Washington) and Torrodney Prevot (USC).
Keep an eye on Ole Miss and Auburn. Tunsil appears to be favoring Ole Miss over Georgia, and top recruit Robert Nkemdiche is all but signed sealed and delivered to the Rebels. Mississippi State defensive end commit Chris Jones could also flip to Ole Miss, and high-profile safety Antonio Conner is strongly considering the Rebels as well. Auburn is battling Georgia for Adams, and could flip Ole Miss defensive end commit Elijah Daniel, after he officially visited Auburn over the weekend.
Here's a complete look at where SEC teams stand in the final class rankings before signing day:
1. Florida -- 26 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
2. Alabama -- 23 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
6. LSU -- 26 (6 ESPN 150, 14 ESPN 300)
7. Texas A&M -- 32 (6 ESPN 150, 11 ESPN 300)
9. Georgia -- 30 (5 ESPN 150, 12 ESPN 300)
12. Ole Miss -- 23 (2 ESPN 150, 7 ESPN 300)
14. Auburn -- 20 (3 ESPN 150, 6 ESPN 300)
17. South Carolina -- 21 (2 ESPN 150, 4 ESPN 300)
21. Vanderbilt -- 25 (0 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
27. Mississippi State -- 22 (1 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
29. Tennessee -- 19 (1 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
36. Missouri -- 19 (0 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
Nkemdiche thinks Ole Miss is sitting pretty 
January, 28, 2013
Jan 28
12:17
AM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Perhaps no program in the country had more talent on campus for official visits this weekend than the staff at Ole Miss. The Rebels hosted more than 15 prospects, headlined by No. 1 prospect Robert Nkemdiche (Loganville, Ga./Grayson) but also including No. 5 prospect Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Columbia) and a surprise in-state visitor.
Nkemdiche said he thinks Ole Miss is sitting pretty as signing day approaches.
Nkemdiche said he thinks Ole Miss is sitting pretty as signing day approaches.
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DE Jones not interested in one SEC suitor
January, 17, 2013
Jan 17
1:24
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
One SEC school appears to be out of the running for defensive end Chris Jones.
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Wednesday's GatorNation chat continued ...
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
4:00
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- I was unable to get to all the questions on Wednesday’s weekly chat, but since there were so many -- and the angst from Florida’s Allstate Sugar Bowl loss to Louisville was still fresh -- we decided to answer them today.
Dave (New Jersey): Mike you say we are done with our class at 26? Don't we have 8 EEs that can date back to next year giving us another 6-7 spots open in this class? We lost a lot of bodies so the staff must get at least 31 in this class IMO. Thoughts?
The Gators will try and sign several more players, but Muschamp has gone on record before saying he’s not going to sign players just to fill out a class. I anticipate only two to three more commitments, if that. UF is still after DT Jarran Reed, Jay-nard Bostwick, Montravius Adams, Elijah Daniel, Jason Hatcher, Chris Jones, James Clark, Alex Collins, Jalen Ramsey, Kennard Swanson and Quinton Powell. If Muschamp can get some of those guys, fine, but if not, he won’t just sign guys so he can fill out the class.
RemmyR (Maple Shade, N.J.): Just want to say thanks to you for dropping UF science on us every week!!!
You’re welcome. I enjoy interacting with fans. You guys are the lifeblood of what I do so these chats are the least I can do.
Dave (New Jersey): Mike you say we are done with our class at 26? Don't we have 8 EEs that can date back to next year giving us another 6-7 spots open in this class? We lost a lot of bodies so the staff must get at least 31 in this class IMO. Thoughts?
The Gators will try and sign several more players, but Muschamp has gone on record before saying he’s not going to sign players just to fill out a class. I anticipate only two to three more commitments, if that. UF is still after DT Jarran Reed, Jay-nard Bostwick, Montravius Adams, Elijah Daniel, Jason Hatcher, Chris Jones, James Clark, Alex Collins, Jalen Ramsey, Kennard Swanson and Quinton Powell. If Muschamp can get some of those guys, fine, but if not, he won’t just sign guys so he can fill out the class.
RemmyR (Maple Shade, N.J.): Just want to say thanks to you for dropping UF science on us every week!!!
You’re welcome. I enjoy interacting with fans. You guys are the lifeblood of what I do so these chats are the least I can do.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- It’s time to dip into the GatorNation recruiting mailbag and answer your questions. Because of the amount of questions we’ve received, we won’t be able to get to all of them today -- but we encourage you to post your questions on our Insider fan forum, The Chompions Club.
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -– Team Nitro and Team Highlight took to the fields at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports on Monday for Day 1 of practice for Friday’s Under Armour All-America Game (5 p.m. ET, ESPN). Two powerhouse programs in the Southeastern Conference look to battle it out for one of the standout running backs, and one of the top uncommitted offensive linemen is out with an injury.
Tide and Dawgs at top for RB Kamara
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Film study: Gators vs. Bowling Green
September, 2, 2012
9/02/12
12:09
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Here’s an analysis of three key plays in Florida’s 27-14 victory over Bowling Green on Saturday. The first two are scoring plays in which the Gators did a good job of blocking and picking up a blitz. The third, however, is an illustration of what can go wrong when blocking breaks down and the quarterback is too tentative.
Mike Gillislee’s TD run
Mike Gillislee’s TD run
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Halftime instant analysis: Florida 14, BG 7
September, 1, 2012
9/01/12
5:16
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- No. 23 Florida didn't look good early in the half against Bowling Green at Florida Field, but the Gators got better as the half went along.
Neither of the quarterbacks, however, did much, so it'll be interesting to see how the rotation will work in the second half.
Stat of the half: One of the things the Gators were supposed to have been working on throughout the offseason was being a more disciplined team. They need more work. UF committed 10 penalties for 76 yards, which included two personal fouls.
Player of the half: Florida RB Mike Gillislee ran for a career-high 94 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries, including a 38-yarder to put UF ahead 14-7 with 5:03 remaining.
What's working for Florida: After a slow start, the Gators' offensive line began to assert himself. Bowling Green was able to close down running lanes behind big defensive tackle Chris Jones on UF's first drive, but the Gators got much more movement on the second. That drive went 85 yards and all but 10 of them came on the ground. The Gators finished the half with 145 yards on the ground.
What's not working for Florida: The passing game doesn't look any better than it did under John Brantley last season. UF quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel (4-for-5, 27 yards) are still struggling with intermediate passes. Two of Driskel's four first-half completions were on wide-receiver screens and his one incompletion was because he threw behind a wide-open Quinton Dunbar. Brissett went 3-for-5 for 31 yards.
Neither of the quarterbacks, however, did much, so it'll be interesting to see how the rotation will work in the second half.
Stat of the half: One of the things the Gators were supposed to have been working on throughout the offseason was being a more disciplined team. They need more work. UF committed 10 penalties for 76 yards, which included two personal fouls.
Player of the half: Florida RB Mike Gillislee ran for a career-high 94 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries, including a 38-yarder to put UF ahead 14-7 with 5:03 remaining.
What's working for Florida: After a slow start, the Gators' offensive line began to assert himself. Bowling Green was able to close down running lanes behind big defensive tackle Chris Jones on UF's first drive, but the Gators got much more movement on the second. That drive went 85 yards and all but 10 of them came on the ground. The Gators finished the half with 145 yards on the ground.
What's not working for Florida: The passing game doesn't look any better than it did under John Brantley last season. UF quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel (4-for-5, 27 yards) are still struggling with intermediate passes. Two of Driskel's four first-half completions were on wide-receiver screens and his one incompletion was because he threw behind a wide-open Quinton Dunbar. Brissett went 3-for-5 for 31 yards.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida plays host to Bowling Green on Saturday (3:30 p.m., ESPN) to open the 2012 season. Here’s a look at the Falcons:
BOWLING GREEN
2011 record: 5-7 (3-5 Mid-American).
Coach: Dave Clawson, fourth season (14-23); 13th season overall (72-72).
Series record: first meeting.
Top returners: QB Matt Schilz (3,024 yards, 28 TDs, 13 INTs); RB Anthon Samuel (844 yards, 5 TDs); MLB Dwayne Woods (111 tackles); DT Chris Jones (47 tackles, 8.5 sacks).
Scouting the offense: Schilz is a dangerous quarterback who can make plays with his feet as well as his arm. Samuel was named the MAC’s Freshman of the Year. Had he not missed two of the Falcons’ final four games he would have surpassed 1,000 yards. Bowling Green is experienced at tight end but inexperienced at receiver.
Scouting the defense: Jones, who led the MAC in sacks last year, is one of 10 returning starters. Rover Booboo Gates had 73 tackles and two interceptions and also set a school record with 981 kickoff return yards in 2011. That earned him a spot on the Paul Hornung Award Watch List. The award is given annually to the nation’s top two-way player.
Three keys to victory
BOWLING GREEN
2011 record: 5-7 (3-5 Mid-American).
Coach: Dave Clawson, fourth season (14-23); 13th season overall (72-72).
Series record: first meeting.
Top returners: QB Matt Schilz (3,024 yards, 28 TDs, 13 INTs); RB Anthon Samuel (844 yards, 5 TDs); MLB Dwayne Woods (111 tackles); DT Chris Jones (47 tackles, 8.5 sacks).
Scouting the offense: Schilz is a dangerous quarterback who can make plays with his feet as well as his arm. Samuel was named the MAC’s Freshman of the Year. Had he not missed two of the Falcons’ final four games he would have surpassed 1,000 yards. Bowling Green is experienced at tight end but inexperienced at receiver.
Scouting the defense: Jones, who led the MAC in sacks last year, is one of 10 returning starters. Rover Booboo Gates had 73 tackles and two interceptions and also set a school record with 981 kickoff return yards in 2011. That earned him a spot on the Paul Hornung Award Watch List. The award is given annually to the nation’s top two-way player.
Three keys to victory
- Throughout the spring and preseason camp we’ve heard about how much the offensive line has improved. They’ve allegedly gotten stronger and tougher. Well, the players’ first chance to prove that comes against the Falcons. Jones (6-foot-1, 295 pounds) will be a decent early test for the interior of UF’s offensive line. He’s not an SEC-caliber player, but if UF can’t neutralize him we’ll know nothing has changed.
- Florida coach Will Muschamp and offensive coordinator Brent Pease have to figure out the best way to rotate quarterbacks Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Brissett so the flow of the offense isn’t disturbed. Actually, it would nice for the Gators if they developed some rhythm on that side of the ball because it was missing last season. Whether it’s by quarter, drive or play, the rotation has to be done smoothly.
- Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has stressed turnovers throughout the offseason. The Gators got only 14 last season and that number has to be much higher in 2012. The players have another year in Quinn’s system so that should result in a much higher comfort level, and that usually means guys play better. UF needs to force at least two turnovers against the Falcons to get some confidence.
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ESPN’s GatorNation brings you the 30 things you need to know about Florida’s upcoming 2012 season. For 30 weekdays, we’ll preview games, talk about trends, spotlight players and positions, and give you pretty much everything you need to know to be ready for the season before the Sept. 1 opener against Bowling Green.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- ESPN's GatorNation is previewing each of Florida’s 2012 opponents. First up is the Sept. 1 season opener against Bowling Green.
BOWLING GREEN
2011 record: 5-7 (3-5 Mid-American).
Coach: Dave Clawson, fourth season (14-23); 13th season overall (72-72).
Series record: First meeting.
Top returners: QB Matt Schilz (3,024 yards, 28 TDs, 13 INTs); RB Anthon Samuel (844 yards, 5 TDs); MLB Dwayne Woods (111 tackles); DT Chris Jones (47 tackles, 8.5 sacks).
Did you know? Bowling Green has beaten Missouri, Purdue, Minnesota and Pitt in season openers.
Scouting the offense: Schilz is a dangerous quarterback who can make plays with his feet as well as his arm. Samuel was named the MAC’s Freshman of the Year. Had he not missed two of the Falcons’ final four games he likely would have surpassed 1,000 yards. Bowling Green is experienced at tight end but inexperienced at receiver.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- ESPN's GatorNation is previewing each of Florida’s 2012 opponents. First up is the Sept. 1 season opener against Bowling Green.
BOWLING GREEN
2011 record: 5-7 (3-5 Mid-American).
[+] Enlarge
AP photo/L.G. PattersonHead coach Dave Clawson has a 14-23 record in three seasons at Bowling Green.
AP photo/L.G. PattersonHead coach Dave Clawson has a 14-23 record in three seasons at Bowling Green.Series record: First meeting.
Top returners: QB Matt Schilz (3,024 yards, 28 TDs, 13 INTs); RB Anthon Samuel (844 yards, 5 TDs); MLB Dwayne Woods (111 tackles); DT Chris Jones (47 tackles, 8.5 sacks).
Did you know? Bowling Green has beaten Missouri, Purdue, Minnesota and Pitt in season openers.
Scouting the offense: Schilz is a dangerous quarterback who can make plays with his feet as well as his arm. Samuel was named the MAC’s Freshman of the Year. Had he not missed two of the Falcons’ final four games he likely would have surpassed 1,000 yards. Bowling Green is experienced at tight end but inexperienced at receiver.
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.