Florida Gators: Jeremi Powell
Gators lose LB Anzalone to shoulder injury
March, 19, 2013
Mar 19
1:27
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida is now a little thinner at linebacker after losing freshman Alex Anzalone for the rest of the spring because of a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
Courtesy of Gregg Forwerck/ToppsAlex Anzalone will miss the rest of the spring after tearing the labrum in his right shoulder.UF coach Will Muschamp said Tuesday that Anzalone had surgery on Monday to repair the injury but expects the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Anzalone to be fine in time for the beginning of fall practice.
"It’s a freak deal," Muschamp said. "It was in a tackling drill. He just got hit on it the wrong way. Disappointed for him but he’s going to be a really good player, so we’re going to be fine."
Anzalone enrolled in January and was backing up starter Antonio Morrison at middle linebacker. Morrison played outside linebacker last season as a freshman but moved inside this spring after Jonathan Bostic graduated.
Anzalone is one of three freshman linebackers to enroll early. Only one of them is healthy now. Matt Rolin (Ashburn, Va./Briar Woods) is sitting out spring as he continues to recover from offseason ACL surgery. Daniel McMillian (Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast) is the backup to starter Michael Taylor at weakside linebacker.
Senior Darrin Kitchens, redshirt junior Neiron Ball and redshirt freshman Jeremi Powell are working at strongside linebacker.
Courtesy of Gregg Forwerck/ToppsAlex Anzalone will miss the rest of the spring after tearing the labrum in his right shoulder."It’s a freak deal," Muschamp said. "It was in a tackling drill. He just got hit on it the wrong way. Disappointed for him but he’s going to be a really good player, so we’re going to be fine."
Anzalone enrolled in January and was backing up starter Antonio Morrison at middle linebacker. Morrison played outside linebacker last season as a freshman but moved inside this spring after Jonathan Bostic graduated.
Anzalone is one of three freshman linebackers to enroll early. Only one of them is healthy now. Matt Rolin (Ashburn, Va./Briar Woods) is sitting out spring as he continues to recover from offseason ACL surgery. Daniel McMillian (Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast) is the backup to starter Michael Taylor at weakside linebacker.
Senior Darrin Kitchens, redshirt junior Neiron Ball and redshirt freshman Jeremi Powell are working at strongside linebacker.
As part of our spring practice preview, each day this week GatorNation will address the five biggest questions facing the Gators. Today we’ll address the uncertain situation at linebacker. On Tuesday, we’ll examine the problems at receiver.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida had one of the nation’s best defenses in 2012. If the Gators are to repeat that in 2013, the first thing they have to do is sort out the jumbled situation at linebacker.
They are short on experience, have a major question in the middle, and possibly could have two freshmen in the starting lineup.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida had one of the nation’s best defenses in 2012. If the Gators are to repeat that in 2013, the first thing they have to do is sort out the jumbled situation at linebacker.
They are short on experience, have a major question in the middle, and possibly could have two freshmen in the starting lineup.
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Gators have plenty of linebacker questions
January, 7, 2013
Jan 7
3:49
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The surprising loss of linebacker Jelani Jenkins to the NFL draft leaves an interesting situation for the Gators at the position in 2013.
Florida is going to have to piece together a starting unit from a group of players that’s loaded with potential but doesn’t have a lot of experience. The Gators might even end up starting a true freshman.
There is one certainty: Antonio Morrison is going to be one of the starters. The 6-foot-1, 218-pound sophomore-to-be is UF’s most physical linebacker despite his size. He made several big plays in 2012, most notably causing Florida State QB E.J. Manuel to fumble early in the fourth quarter of the Gators’ victory.
But does Morrison start at weakside linebacker, which is where he played as Jenkins’ replacement when Jenkins was out with his finger, foot and hamstring injuries? Or can he beef up and play in the middle as a replacement for Jon Bostic, who graduates? He’s a better fit at outside linebacker because he’s athletic enough to cover tight ends and backs.
Does 6-foot, 226-pound redshirt junior Mike Taylor start in the middle? He’s solid against the run but he’s not very good in coverage and the Gators subbed him out for Morrison on obvious passing downs when he was in the game.
The Gators don’t have a lot of options at inside linebacker. James Hearns (Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln) is the only inside linebacker commitment the Gators have.
The other outside spot could go to a variety of players: redshirt junior Neiron Ball, senior Darrin Kitchens, redshirt freshman Jeremi Powell (whom the coaches have raved about on the scout team), and freshman Daniel McMillian, who is scheduled to enroll this week.
While the linebackers appear to be a talented group, there isn’t much production. Taylor has 68 tackles and one sack in 25 career games, although that sack was a big one: It knocked Texas A&M out of field goal position just before halftime. Morrison has 34 tackles and a sack in 13 games, and Kitchens has 37 tackles in 35 games.
After that, there’s very little experience. D.J. Durkin has established himself as a heck of a recruiter and a very good special-teams coordinator. Now he’s going to have to piece together a unit that doesn’t have a consistent playmaker.
Florida is going to have to piece together a starting unit from a group of players that’s loaded with potential but doesn’t have a lot of experience. The Gators might even end up starting a true freshman.
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Courtesy of UF CommunicationsAntonio Morrison will be one of the few linebackers with experience returning for the 2013 Gators.
Courtesy of UF CommunicationsAntonio Morrison will be one of the few linebackers with experience returning for the 2013 Gators.But does Morrison start at weakside linebacker, which is where he played as Jenkins’ replacement when Jenkins was out with his finger, foot and hamstring injuries? Or can he beef up and play in the middle as a replacement for Jon Bostic, who graduates? He’s a better fit at outside linebacker because he’s athletic enough to cover tight ends and backs.
Does 6-foot, 226-pound redshirt junior Mike Taylor start in the middle? He’s solid against the run but he’s not very good in coverage and the Gators subbed him out for Morrison on obvious passing downs when he was in the game.
The Gators don’t have a lot of options at inside linebacker. James Hearns (Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln) is the only inside linebacker commitment the Gators have.
The other outside spot could go to a variety of players: redshirt junior Neiron Ball, senior Darrin Kitchens, redshirt freshman Jeremi Powell (whom the coaches have raved about on the scout team), and freshman Daniel McMillian, who is scheduled to enroll this week.
While the linebackers appear to be a talented group, there isn’t much production. Taylor has 68 tackles and one sack in 25 career games, although that sack was a big one: It knocked Texas A&M out of field goal position just before halftime. Morrison has 34 tackles and a sack in 13 games, and Kitchens has 37 tackles in 35 games.
After that, there’s very little experience. D.J. Durkin has established himself as a heck of a recruiter and a very good special-teams coordinator. Now he’s going to have to piece together a unit that doesn’t have a consistent playmaker.
GatorNation video position preview: LB
July, 13, 2012
7/13/12
10:00
AM ET
By
Michael DiRocco and
Jeff Barlis | ESPN.com
ESPN’s GatorNation is previewing each position leading up to the start of the season with a short video. Each Friday until the season kicks off, Michael DiRocco and Jeff Barlis will analyze a position group, tell you who is starting and why, and provide a breakdown of the depth at the position. This week it’s linebackers.
The starters: SLB Michael Taylor (RSo.) OR Antonio Morrison (Fr.), MLB Jonathan Bostic (Sr.), WLB Jelani Jenkins (RJr.)
The backups: Lerentee McCray (RSr.), Darrin Kitchens (Jr.), Neiron Ball (RSo.), Jeremi Powell (Fr.), Gideon Ajagbe (RSo.), Kedric Johnson (RJr.), Alex McCalister (Fr.), Bryan Cox, Jr. (Fr.)
Comment: Bostic and Jenkins are stalwarts who are tackling machines. UF coach Will Muschamp, however, challenged them in the spring to start making more big plays. That’s directly related to Jenkins dropping six interceptions last season. Taylor is a versatile player who can play all three spots and Morrison was an early enrollee who drew praise for his physical play. If or when DE/LB Ronald Powell returns from his ACL tear this season, McCray will move back to strongside linebacker.
The starters: SLB Michael Taylor (RSo.) OR Antonio Morrison (Fr.), MLB Jonathan Bostic (Sr.), WLB Jelani Jenkins (RJr.)
The backups: Lerentee McCray (RSr.), Darrin Kitchens (Jr.), Neiron Ball (RSo.), Jeremi Powell (Fr.), Gideon Ajagbe (RSo.), Kedric Johnson (RJr.), Alex McCalister (Fr.), Bryan Cox, Jr. (Fr.)
Comment: Bostic and Jenkins are stalwarts who are tackling machines. UF coach Will Muschamp, however, challenged them in the spring to start making more big plays. That’s directly related to Jenkins dropping six interceptions last season. Taylor is a versatile player who can play all three spots and Morrison was an early enrollee who drew praise for his physical play. If or when DE/LB Ronald Powell returns from his ACL tear this season, McCray will move back to strongside linebacker.
Gators LB Neiron Ball medically cleared
June, 15, 2012
6/15/12
3:53
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida got a little deeper at linebacker on Friday when the school announced that Neiron Ball has been medically cleared more than a year after he was hospitalized for a hereditary congenital vascular condition.
The 6-foot-2, 222-pound Ball missed the entire 2011 season after a blood vessel burst in his brain in February 2011. He had played in 13 games in 2010, mainly on special teams, and recorded 10 tackles.
Ball will be competing for playing time behind Jelani Jenkins at weakside linebacker with freshmen Antonio Morrison and Jeremi Powell. Morrison was an early enrollee and impressed the coaching staff with his physical play.
The 6-foot-2, 222-pound Ball missed the entire 2011 season after a blood vessel burst in his brain in February 2011. He had played in 13 games in 2010, mainly on special teams, and recorded 10 tackles.
Ball will be competing for playing time behind Jelani Jenkins at weakside linebacker with freshmen Antonio Morrison and Jeremi Powell. Morrison was an early enrollee and impressed the coaching staff with his physical play.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida signed 23 prospects in its 2012 recruiting class. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs will make his decision on Feb. 10, but for the most part this class is complete. Let's take a closer look at this class and look in to our GatorNation crystal ball at who will stand out.
Star of the class: OL D.J. Humphries -- Barring injury, Humphries is talented enough to be a first-round draft pick in three years. He is already enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
Sleeper of the class: LB Antonio Morrison -- The three-star linebacker is very physical. Because he didn't attend many camps or combines, he wasn't ranked as high as he probably could have been. Morrison enrolled early and will participate in spring practices. Look for him to make an impact early at Florida.
Star of the class: OL D.J. Humphries -- Barring injury, Humphries is talented enough to be a first-round draft pick in three years. He is already enrolled and will participate in spring practices.
Sleeper of the class: LB Antonio Morrison -- The three-star linebacker is very physical. Because he didn't attend many camps or combines, he wasn't ranked as high as he probably could have been. Morrison enrolled early and will participate in spring practices. Look for him to make an impact early at Florida.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Will it be boom or bust for the Gators on signing day?
The hoopla actually gets started early, as defensive end Darius Hamilton will make his decision on Tuesday at 8 p.m., ET. He's down to Rutgers, Florida and Miami.
On Wednesday, several top prospects who have the Gators near the top of their lists will announce. Wish so many unknowns heading into signing day, here's a chronological look at announcement details for some of the top prospects.
The hoopla actually gets started early, as defensive end Darius Hamilton will make his decision on Tuesday at 8 p.m., ET. He's down to Rutgers, Florida and Miami.
On Wednesday, several top prospects who have the Gators near the top of their lists will announce. Wish so many unknowns heading into signing day, here's a chronological look at announcement details for some of the top prospects.
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Powell still plans to sign with Florida 
January, 30, 2012
1/30/12
6:58
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Four-star outside linebacker Jeremi Powell isn't wavering on his commitment to Florida despite having a good time on an official visit to Marshall this past weekend.
The Largo, Fla./Pinellas Park High School standout said Monday afternoon that he will sign a letter of intent with the Gators on Wednesday.
"I'm planning on it," Powell said.
The Largo, Fla./Pinellas Park High School standout said Monday afternoon that he will sign a letter of intent with the Gators on Wednesday.
"I'm planning on it," Powell said.
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Chomp Confidential: Recruiting notes
January, 26, 2012
1/26/12
12:34
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- GatorNation brings you the latest installment of Chomp Confidential, a look inside Florida football recruiting for GatorNation subscribers only. As with anything exclusive, what's reported in the weekly Chomp Confidential must stay here. A few things discussed in this week's update:
• The latest on the quarterback situation
• Will a commit qualify?
• Derek's mock class
• The latest on the quarterback situation
• Will a commit qualify?
• Derek's mock class
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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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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida received commitment No. 19 this weekend from three-star linebacker Bryan Cox Jr. (Ft. Lauderdale,Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas), son of former 12-year NFL veteran Bryan Cox.
Cox, who holds offers from Miami, North Carolina, Michigan State, Iowa and Louisville among others, said he chose the Gators because of his comfort with the Florida coaching staff.
"I chose them because I get a great vibe from the Gator Nation," Cox said. "I think I fit well into their system and the degree from Florida means something. The academics are outstanding, and I have been really impressed with the coaching staff."
At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Cox could play a number of positions, but Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn already has an idea of how he wants to use Cox.
"Coach Quinn told me they want me to play ether defensive end or their buck, which is a hybrid position," Cox said.
Whatever position he ends up playing, Cox said Florida will be getting a player who will help the team however he can.
"Florida is getting a very gritty and tough player that will give it his all and try to contribute to the team as much as possible," he said.
Cox will join Jeremi Powell (Largo, Fla./Pinellas Park) and Antonio Morrison (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook), Florida's other linebacker commits.
Cox, who holds offers from Miami, North Carolina, Michigan State, Iowa and Louisville among others, said he chose the Gators because of his comfort with the Florida coaching staff.
"I chose them because I get a great vibe from the Gator Nation," Cox said. "I think I fit well into their system and the degree from Florida means something. The academics are outstanding, and I have been really impressed with the coaching staff."
At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Cox could play a number of positions, but Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn already has an idea of how he wants to use Cox.
"Coach Quinn told me they want me to play ether defensive end or their buck, which is a hybrid position," Cox said.
Whatever position he ends up playing, Cox said Florida will be getting a player who will help the team however he can.
"Florida is getting a very gritty and tough player that will give it his all and try to contribute to the team as much as possible," he said.
Cox will join Jeremi Powell (Largo, Fla./Pinellas Park) and Antonio Morrison (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook), Florida's other linebacker commits.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Four-star outside linebacker Jeremi Powell (Largo, Fla./Pinellas Park) took his official visit to Florida this weekend with his mother.
Powell said the visit made him feel at home and that he can't wait to get to Gainesville for good.
"My visit was off the chain," Powell said. "I was hanging out with Mike [Taylor] and Mack [Brown]. Those dudes are real cool. They took care of me. It was crazy. I wish I could stay and not come back to hard living."
Powell said the visit made him feel at home and that he can't wait to get to Gainesville for good.
"My visit was off the chain," Powell said. "I was hanging out with Mike [Taylor] and Mack [Brown]. Those dudes are real cool. They took care of me. It was crazy. I wish I could stay and not come back to hard living."
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UF has key visitors slated this weekend
January, 13, 2012
1/13/12
7:04
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida may not be hosting many prospects this weekend, but it is still an important recruiting weekend.
Of the four official visitors expected, outside linebacker Jeremi Powell (Largo, Fla./Pinellas Park) is the only committed prospect. Powell wanted to visit Florida on another weekend, but this was the only time his mom could make it.
Three-star defensive tackle Vincent Valentine (Edwardsville, Ill./Edwardsville) will be taking his official visit to Florida with his family. Valentine said he is looking forward to it.
Of the four official visitors expected, outside linebacker Jeremi Powell (Largo, Fla./Pinellas Park) is the only committed prospect. Powell wanted to visit Florida on another weekend, but this was the only time his mom could make it.
Three-star defensive tackle Vincent Valentine (Edwardsville, Ill./Edwardsville) will be taking his official visit to Florida with his family. Valentine said he is looking forward to it.
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Florida linebacker commit Antonio Morrison (6-3/220, Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) broke his foot in a 22-19 playoff victory over Naperville Central (Ill.) on Saturday afternoon.
Morrison, who is rated a three-star linebacker by ESPNU, will miss the rest of the postseason for Bolingbrook. His father, Anthony Morrison, said the injury won’t affect his son's plans to attend Florida.
“Antonio Morrison will be 110-percent on his first day of school at UF January 10,” Morrison said. “He will be taking his official visit to Florida on December 9-11.”
Morrison, who is rated a three-star linebacker by ESPNU, will miss the rest of the postseason for Bolingbrook. His father, Anthony Morrison, said the injury won’t affect his son's plans to attend Florida.
“Antonio Morrison will be 110-percent on his first day of school at UF January 10,” Morrison said. “He will be taking his official visit to Florida on December 9-11.”
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ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 and a half years covering UF for the Florida Times-Union. He lives in Middleburg, Fla., with his wife and two sons. Email him at espndirocco@gmail.com.
Derek Tyson
Derek Tyson joined ESPN.com in 2011. He worked as a football and recruiting analyst for GatorCountry.com before joining ESPN. He currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at derektysonespn@gmail.com.