Florida Gators: Jonathan Bullard
GatorNation's Rankings Week concludes with a list of the Gators’ top needs in recruiting for the class of 2014, as well as a list of the top players the Gators are pursuing at those positions.
Ranking UF’s needs for 2014
1. Offensive line
Ranking UF’s needs for 2014
1. Offensive line
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida’s pass rush pretty much disappeared when Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham left the program after the 2009 season.
Production dipped the following season by nearly half. UF had 21 sacks in 2010, 28 in 2011, and 30 last season -- well below the 40 the Gators had in 2009. Though the numbers have climbed in the past two years, the Gators haven’t been able to consistently generate pressure on the quarterback.
That’s about to change -- theoretically, anyway.
With the expected return of buck Ronald Powell and the development of sophomore buck Dante Fowler Jr., and defensive end Jonathan Bullard, the Gators should have their best pass-rushing group since '09.
“We’re going to get our best rushers out there,” UF coach Will Muschamp said. “Big guys that run out of gas are done. You’ve got to get as much speed on the field as you can.”
That begins with Powell, who missed the 2012 season after tearing the ACL in his left knee in the spring game. His attempt to return by October was thwarted when he suffered a second tear during his rehab in September. Muschamp had raved about Powell throughout the spring before his injury and said he appeared ready to become an elite player.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Powell, who had 6.0 sacks as a sophomore, did not participate in spring practice but is expected to be cleared for full-contact work in August. If he returns to the level at which he was before his injury it’s not unreasonable to expect 8 to 10 sacks out of the redshirt junior, who will be the starter at strongside linebacker.
With Powell out of the lineup in 2012, the Gators were forced to rely on freshmen Fowler and Bullard. They combined for four sacks and eight quarterback hurries, including Bullard’s team-high seven -- not bad for freshmen, but neither was anywhere close to being an elite rusher.
However, the experience they gained was invaluable. The 6-3, 270-pound Bullard and the 6-3, 265-pound Fowler followed that up with a solid offseason in the weight room and on the practice field.
As a hybrid defensive end/linebacker, Fowler has multiple rushing and coverage responsibilities, and Muschamp said he has made strides in each area.
“Dante’s had a really good spring,” Muschamp said. “He’s a guy that really worked hard in the pass rush. Brad has done a really nice job of developing a solid move and a counter off of that. That’s something he needs to continue to refine over the summer. Played the runs well, strong at the point of attack. He’s got good initial quickness. He’s a really good athlete.”
Fowler sometimes didn’t play that way last season, mainly because he felt overwhelmed at times.
“There was a point when I first started playing where I was a little slow, because I didn’t know all the plays,” Fowler said. “I was scared for Coach Muschamp to get on me and things like that. I really wasn’t able to play fast, and then toward the South Carolina game, I started to go in and watch a lot of film trying to get better. That’s when I was able to play fast, because I knew everything and I had no worries or doubts.
“I just want to be able to play fast and shed some of that baby fat that I had. Just being able to be in shape, so I can play almost every down. I feel like I’ve got more acceleration. I have more wind, so I’m not getting as tired as I used to.”
He has certainly impressed left tackle D.J. Humphries, who had the job of blocking Fowler every day in spring practice.
“Dante, he’s a freak now,” Humphries said. “He’s getting better every day.”
Bullard dealt with a minor hamstring injury in the spring, but showed when he was healthy that he was going to have no problem getting to the quarterback.
“[Bullard] had a great offseason,” Muschamp said. “He’s changed his body. He’s gotten a lot stronger.”
A wild card in the Gators’ pass rush is Dominique Easley. The 6-2, 285-pound senior was supposed to be the starting defensive end, but a lack of depth at tackle -- as well as Bullard’s development -- has him starting the season at tackle. He has 5.5 career sacks.
Muschamp and defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin have more options now than last season and can tinker with the lineup. Powell can play buck and strongside linebacker. Fowler can play both, too, as well as defensive end. If needed, Bullard could play inside.
Redshirt junior linebacker Neiron Ball also can play the buck.
“To get our best guys on the field is a lengthy discussion we’ve had as a defensive staff,” Muschamp said. “Certainly Ronald, we feel like’s going to be one of those guys. Neiron Ball is another guy who has done some really nice things for us and played well. Darrin Kitchens’ development as an inside linebacker enables that move to happen and he played extremely well throughout the spring for us.
“All of those kind of mingled together, you feel comfortable how [the pass rush] is shaping up at this time.”
[+] Enlarge
Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY SportsDoctors are expected to clear Ronald Powell to resume football activities in August.
Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY SportsDoctors are expected to clear Ronald Powell to resume football activities in August.That’s about to change -- theoretically, anyway.
With the expected return of buck Ronald Powell and the development of sophomore buck Dante Fowler Jr., and defensive end Jonathan Bullard, the Gators should have their best pass-rushing group since '09.
“We’re going to get our best rushers out there,” UF coach Will Muschamp said. “Big guys that run out of gas are done. You’ve got to get as much speed on the field as you can.”
That begins with Powell, who missed the 2012 season after tearing the ACL in his left knee in the spring game. His attempt to return by October was thwarted when he suffered a second tear during his rehab in September. Muschamp had raved about Powell throughout the spring before his injury and said he appeared ready to become an elite player.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Powell, who had 6.0 sacks as a sophomore, did not participate in spring practice but is expected to be cleared for full-contact work in August. If he returns to the level at which he was before his injury it’s not unreasonable to expect 8 to 10 sacks out of the redshirt junior, who will be the starter at strongside linebacker.
With Powell out of the lineup in 2012, the Gators were forced to rely on freshmen Fowler and Bullard. They combined for four sacks and eight quarterback hurries, including Bullard’s team-high seven -- not bad for freshmen, but neither was anywhere close to being an elite rusher.
However, the experience they gained was invaluable. The 6-3, 270-pound Bullard and the 6-3, 265-pound Fowler followed that up with a solid offseason in the weight room and on the practice field.
As a hybrid defensive end/linebacker, Fowler has multiple rushing and coverage responsibilities, and Muschamp said he has made strides in each area.
“Dante’s had a really good spring,” Muschamp said. “He’s a guy that really worked hard in the pass rush. Brad has done a really nice job of developing a solid move and a counter off of that. That’s something he needs to continue to refine over the summer. Played the runs well, strong at the point of attack. He’s got good initial quickness. He’s a really good athlete.”
Fowler sometimes didn’t play that way last season, mainly because he felt overwhelmed at times.
“There was a point when I first started playing where I was a little slow, because I didn’t know all the plays,” Fowler said. “I was scared for Coach Muschamp to get on me and things like that. I really wasn’t able to play fast, and then toward the South Carolina game, I started to go in and watch a lot of film trying to get better. That’s when I was able to play fast, because I knew everything and I had no worries or doubts.
“I just want to be able to play fast and shed some of that baby fat that I had. Just being able to be in shape, so I can play almost every down. I feel like I’ve got more acceleration. I have more wind, so I’m not getting as tired as I used to.”
He has certainly impressed left tackle D.J. Humphries, who had the job of blocking Fowler every day in spring practice.
“Dante, he’s a freak now,” Humphries said. “He’s getting better every day.”
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“[Bullard] had a great offseason,” Muschamp said. “He’s changed his body. He’s gotten a lot stronger.”
A wild card in the Gators’ pass rush is Dominique Easley. The 6-2, 285-pound senior was supposed to be the starting defensive end, but a lack of depth at tackle -- as well as Bullard’s development -- has him starting the season at tackle. He has 5.5 career sacks.
Muschamp and defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin have more options now than last season and can tinker with the lineup. Powell can play buck and strongside linebacker. Fowler can play both, too, as well as defensive end. If needed, Bullard could play inside.
Redshirt junior linebacker Neiron Ball also can play the buck.
“To get our best guys on the field is a lengthy discussion we’ve had as a defensive staff,” Muschamp said. “Certainly Ronald, we feel like’s going to be one of those guys. Neiron Ball is another guy who has done some really nice things for us and played well. Darrin Kitchens’ development as an inside linebacker enables that move to happen and he played extremely well throughout the spring for us.
“All of those kind of mingled together, you feel comfortable how [the pass rush] is shaping up at this time.”
Post-spring depth chart has few surprises
April, 24, 2013
Apr 24
7:21
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida released a post-spring depth chart on Wednesday. There were no big surprises, although seeing running back Mack Brown behind Matt Jones and ahead of Kelvin Taylor did earn a raised eyebrow.
Here’s the breakdown:
Offense
LT: D.J. Humphries (6-5, 285, So.)/Trenton Brown (6-8, 363, Jr.)
LG: Max Garcia (6-4, 307, RJr.)/Ian Silberman (6-5, 290, RJr.)
C: Jonotthan Harrison (6-3, 303, RSr.) /Kyle Koehne (6-5, 314, RSr.)
RG: Jon Halapio (6-3, 317, RSr.)/Trip Thurman (6-5, 313, RSo.)
RT: Tyler Moore (6-5, 315, RSo.) OR Chaz Green (6-5, 305, RJr.)
TE: Clay Burton (6-4, 247, Jr.)/Tevin Westbrook (6-5, 258, Jr.) OR Colin Thompson (6-4, 250, RFr.) OR Kent Taylor (6-5, 223, So.)
RB: Matt Jones (6-2, 228, So.)/Mack Brown (5-11, 215, RJr.)
Here’s the breakdown:
Offense
LT: D.J. Humphries (6-5, 285, So.)/Trenton Brown (6-8, 363, Jr.)
LG: Max Garcia (6-4, 307, RJr.)/Ian Silberman (6-5, 290, RJr.)
C: Jonotthan Harrison (6-3, 303, RSr.) /Kyle Koehne (6-5, 314, RSr.)
RG: Jon Halapio (6-3, 317, RSr.)/Trip Thurman (6-5, 313, RSo.)
RT: Tyler Moore (6-5, 315, RSo.) OR Chaz Green (6-5, 305, RJr.)
TE: Clay Burton (6-4, 247, Jr.)/Tevin Westbrook (6-5, 258, Jr.) OR Colin Thompson (6-4, 250, RFr.) OR Kent Taylor (6-5, 223, So.)
RB: Matt Jones (6-2, 228, So.)/Mack Brown (5-11, 215, RJr.)
Here are five questions that could be answered during Florida's Orange & Blue spring practice on Saturday:
Will the pass rush be better?
It has the potential to pretty good. Dante Fowler Jr. and DE Jonathan Bullard played a lot as freshmen, and Bullard ended up leading the Gators with seven quarterback hurries. Redshirt freshmen Bryan Cox Jr. and Alex McCalister are two young guys to watch. The staff really likes McCalister. He’s got great size (6-foot-5) but needs to bulk up a bit from 230 pounds. He’s got long arms, too, which makes him someone who can deflect passes at the line of scrimmage. If these guys get pressure in drills, then there’s reason to be encouraged -- especially with the impending return of Ronald Powell in the fall.
Will the pass rush be better?
It has the potential to pretty good. Dante Fowler Jr. and DE Jonathan Bullard played a lot as freshmen, and Bullard ended up leading the Gators with seven quarterback hurries. Redshirt freshmen Bryan Cox Jr. and Alex McCalister are two young guys to watch. The staff really likes McCalister. He’s got great size (6-foot-5) but needs to bulk up a bit from 230 pounds. He’s got long arms, too, which makes him someone who can deflect passes at the line of scrimmage. If these guys get pressure in drills, then there’s reason to be encouraged -- especially with the impending return of Ronald Powell in the fall.
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Central Florida drives UF's recruiting 
February, 20, 2013
Feb 20
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By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- South Florida used to be where college football coaches would flock to try to land the next great football star. For the most part, that is still the case -- but Florida's focus appears to have shifted north.
Since Florida coach Will Muschamp took the reins at UF, the Gators have finished with recruiting classes ranked Nos. 12, 4 and 2 in the country.
Of the 61 players signed in those three classes, only 18 percent (11) were from South Florida.
Since Florida coach Will Muschamp took the reins at UF, the Gators have finished with recruiting classes ranked Nos. 12, 4 and 2 in the country.
Of the 61 players signed in those three classes, only 18 percent (11) were from South Florida.
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Questions mount for Gators defense
January, 18, 2013
Jan 18
3:46
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The one constant in Florida’s 2012 season -- until the Allstate Sugar Bowl, anyway -- was the Gators’ defense.
The unit was one of the nation’s best, ranking in the top five nationally in rushing, pass efficiency, and scoring, and it kept the Gators in games while the offense struggled.
Heading into the 2013 season, however, the defense has become as big an uncertainty as the offense in the wake of the departure of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the inexperience of replacement D.J. Durkin, and the loss of seven starters.
There were already significant questions about the unit because of the loss of those starters, which include All-American S Matt Elam, potential first-round NFL draft pick DT Sharrif Floyd, and a pair of players who played the best football of their careers during 2012 (NT Omar Hunter and S Josh Evans). Also gone is MLB Jon Bostic, who started 32 games in his career, including every game in 2011 and 2012.
But Quinn’s departure on Thursday to become the defensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks muddies things even more. Quinn’s defenses ranked among the top 10 nationally in his two seasons at Florida. The Gators were fifth nationally in scoring (15.4 ppg), second in pass efficiency defense, and fourth in rush defense (94.9 ypg), and gave up only seven passing touchdowns, which was second only to Boise State (four), in 2012. In 2011, the Gators ranked eighth nationally in total defense, seventh nationally in passing defense, and second nationally in third-down defense.
His replacement, Durkin, has been UF’s linebackers coach and special teams coordinator since 2010. He has never been a coordinator before. Quinn had only been one for one year (Hofstra in 2000), but he had spent the previous 10 seasons in the NFL before joining Muschamp’s inaugural staff. However, Durkin has done a good job coordinating UF’s special teams (the Gators rank 11th or better in three statistical categories) and after watching him for two seasons, Muschamp quickly promoted him to succeed Quinn.
The unit was one of the nation’s best, ranking in the top five nationally in rushing, pass efficiency, and scoring, and it kept the Gators in games while the offense struggled.
Heading into the 2013 season, however, the defense has become as big an uncertainty as the offense in the wake of the departure of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the inexperience of replacement D.J. Durkin, and the loss of seven starters.
There were already significant questions about the unit because of the loss of those starters, which include All-American S Matt Elam, potential first-round NFL draft pick DT Sharrif Floyd, and a pair of players who played the best football of their careers during 2012 (NT Omar Hunter and S Josh Evans). Also gone is MLB Jon Bostic, who started 32 games in his career, including every game in 2011 and 2012.
But Quinn’s departure on Thursday to become the defensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks muddies things even more. Quinn’s defenses ranked among the top 10 nationally in his two seasons at Florida. The Gators were fifth nationally in scoring (15.4 ppg), second in pass efficiency defense, and fourth in rush defense (94.9 ypg), and gave up only seven passing touchdowns, which was second only to Boise State (four), in 2012. In 2011, the Gators ranked eighth nationally in total defense, seventh nationally in passing defense, and second nationally in third-down defense.
His replacement, Durkin, has been UF’s linebackers coach and special teams coordinator since 2010. He has never been a coordinator before. Quinn had only been one for one year (Hofstra in 2000), but he had spent the previous 10 seasons in the NFL before joining Muschamp’s inaugural staff. However, Durkin has done a good job coordinating UF’s special teams (the Gators rank 11th or better in three statistical categories) and after watching him for two seasons, Muschamp quickly promoted him to succeed Quinn.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Will Muschamp’s search for a new defensive coordinator didn’t last very long.
Just two hours after Dan Quinn was named the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, Muschamp promoted D.J. Durkin to replace Quinn.
Durkin has been UF’s linebackers coach and special-teams coordinator for the past three seasons. He joined UF’s staff in 2010 under former coach Urban Meyer and was one of three assistant coaches Muschamp retained for his inaugural staff.
Just two hours after Dan Quinn was named the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, Muschamp promoted D.J. Durkin to replace Quinn.
Durkin has been UF’s linebackers coach and special-teams coordinator for the past three seasons. He joined UF’s staff in 2010 under former coach Urban Meyer and was one of three assistant coaches Muschamp retained for his inaugural staff.
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Tagging the Gators: DE Jonathan Bullard
December, 22, 2012
12/22/12
9:00
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
Editor’s note: Each day between now and Florida’s Allstate Sugar Bowl date with Louisville, GatorNation will review the season for a key Gators player and attempt to project what’s next. Today we’ll look at DE Jonathan Bullard.
DE Jonathan Bullard
Freshman
26 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 7 QB hurries
Role in 2012: Bullard earned playing time as a reserve defensive end and improved throughout the season. By November, he was one of Florida’s most consistent pass rushers.
The good: It’s hard for a freshman to play on the defensive line in the SEC, but Bullard was on the field right away. He naturally started slowly but gradually improved and ended up leading the team in QB hurries. The 6-foot-3, 271-pound Bullard has good quickness and power and gave experienced SEC offensive tackles some trouble. He had seven tackles against Vanderbilt and recorded three tackles and 1.5 sacks against Missouri. Bullard also was solid against the run.
The bad: He’s pretty raw as a pass rusher and relied on his strength and athleticism to get to the quarterback. Sometimes that resulted in him being out of position or unable to make a play. It’s the normal problems that all freshmen face as they try and adjust to the higher level of competition. Bullard needs to refine his technique and get stronger and in better shape.
Crystal ball: He enrolled in the fall so this will be his first experience with the offseason conditioning program. That should take care of his strength and conditioning. Working in the spring with defensive line coach Bryant Young should take care of the technique issue. That sets Bullard up to be the starter at end in 2013 -- and potentially become the big-time pass rusher the Gators have lacked since 2009.
DE Jonathan Bullard
Freshman
26 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 7 QB hurries
Role in 2012: Bullard earned playing time as a reserve defensive end and improved throughout the season. By November, he was one of Florida’s most consistent pass rushers.
The good: It’s hard for a freshman to play on the defensive line in the SEC, but Bullard was on the field right away. He naturally started slowly but gradually improved and ended up leading the team in QB hurries. The 6-foot-3, 271-pound Bullard has good quickness and power and gave experienced SEC offensive tackles some trouble. He had seven tackles against Vanderbilt and recorded three tackles and 1.5 sacks against Missouri. Bullard also was solid against the run.
The bad: He’s pretty raw as a pass rusher and relied on his strength and athleticism to get to the quarterback. Sometimes that resulted in him being out of position or unable to make a play. It’s the normal problems that all freshmen face as they try and adjust to the higher level of competition. Bullard needs to refine his technique and get stronger and in better shape.
Crystal ball: He enrolled in the fall so this will be his first experience with the offseason conditioning program. That should take care of his strength and conditioning. Working in the spring with defensive line coach Bryant Young should take care of the technique issue. That sets Bullard up to be the starter at end in 2013 -- and potentially become the big-time pass rusher the Gators have lacked since 2009.
GatorNation position breakdown: DT
December, 20, 2012
12/20/12
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
Editor’s note: Every Tuesday and Thursday through Jan. 31, GatorNation will break down each position. We’ll look at 2013, of course, but also try and give you a peek beyond next season, too. Today is defensive tackle. We will profile outside linebacker on Tuesday.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Two-deep: Redshirt senior Omar Hunter (39 tackles) is the starter at nose tackle and junior Sharrif Floyd (41 tackles, six QB hurries) is the starter at defensive tackle. Redshirt sophomore Leon Orr (13 tackles) backs up Hunter, while junior Damien Jacobs (nine tackles) backs up Floyd. In addition to losing Hunter to graduation, the Gators likely won’t have Floyd next season. He’s considering leaving early for the NFL.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Two-deep: Redshirt senior Omar Hunter (39 tackles) is the starter at nose tackle and junior Sharrif Floyd (41 tackles, six QB hurries) is the starter at defensive tackle. Redshirt sophomore Leon Orr (13 tackles) backs up Hunter, while junior Damien Jacobs (nine tackles) backs up Floyd. In addition to losing Hunter to graduation, the Gators likely won’t have Floyd next season. He’s considering leaving early for the NFL.
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GatorNation position breakdown: DE
December, 18, 2012
12/18/12
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
Editor’s note: Every Tuesday and Thursday through Jan. 31, 2013, GatorNation will break down each position. We’ll look at 2013, of course, but also try and give you a peek beyond next season, too. Today is defensive end. Thursday will be defensive tackle.
DEFENSIVE END
Two-deep: Dominique Easley is the starter at end and Lerentee McCray is the starter at the buck (end/linebacker hybrid). Jonathan Bullard and Dante Fowler are the reserves. McCray graduates. Easley is a junior but could leave early for the NFL.
DEFENSIVE END
Two-deep: Dominique Easley is the starter at end and Lerentee McCray is the starter at the buck (end/linebacker hybrid). Jonathan Bullard and Dante Fowler are the reserves. McCray graduates. Easley is a junior but could leave early for the NFL.
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Tagging the Gators: DT Sharrif Floyd
December, 14, 2012
12/14/12
9:00
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
Editor’s note: Each day between now and Florida’s Allstate Sugar Bowl date with Louisville, GatorNation will review the season for a key Gators player and attempt to project what’s next. Today we’ll look at DT Sharrif Floyd.
DT Sharrif Floyd
Junior
41 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 6 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick
Role in 2012: Floyd moved inside to tackle after spending the first two years of his career at end and was the Gators’ best defensive lineman by the end of the season.
The good: The coaching staff hoped that a return to tackle would allow the 6-foot-3, 305-pound Floyd to flourish, and that’s what happened. Floyd started off the season a bit slow, but he surged midway through the season as a disruptive force. He didn’t always make the tackle but he was in the backfield and forced ball carriers into other defenders. Floyd’s explosiveness, quickness and strength made him someone opponents had to double-team.
The bad: Not a whole lot to find wrong with the way Floyd played this season; he was pretty consistent. He wasn’t as dominant as he could have been against lesser opponents Louisiana-Lafayette and Jacksonville State, but he made plays in both games. The coaching staff might have been hoping for more sacks, but Floyd’s six QB hurries were second to DE Jonathan Bullard's seven.
Crystal ball: Floyd is shooting up NFL draft projections. Mel Kiper Jr., has him at No. 23 on his latest Big Board and Todd McShay has him No. 28. It’ll be hard for Floyd to pass up the chance to be a first-round pick, so it’s expected that he’ll forgo his final season at Florida. He plays a premium position and he’ll wow scouts with his quickness at workouts, so he could sneak into the top half of the draft.
DT Sharrif Floyd
Junior
41 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 6 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick
[+] Enlarge
Kim Klement/US PresswireGators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd might have the highest NFL draft stock on the team after a solid junior season.
Kim Klement/US PresswireGators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd might have the highest NFL draft stock on the team after a solid junior season.The good: The coaching staff hoped that a return to tackle would allow the 6-foot-3, 305-pound Floyd to flourish, and that’s what happened. Floyd started off the season a bit slow, but he surged midway through the season as a disruptive force. He didn’t always make the tackle but he was in the backfield and forced ball carriers into other defenders. Floyd’s explosiveness, quickness and strength made him someone opponents had to double-team.
The bad: Not a whole lot to find wrong with the way Floyd played this season; he was pretty consistent. He wasn’t as dominant as he could have been against lesser opponents Louisiana-Lafayette and Jacksonville State, but he made plays in both games. The coaching staff might have been hoping for more sacks, but Floyd’s six QB hurries were second to DE Jonathan Bullard's seven.
Crystal ball: Floyd is shooting up NFL draft projections. Mel Kiper Jr., has him at No. 23 on his latest Big Board and Todd McShay has him No. 28. It’ll be hard for Floyd to pass up the chance to be a first-round pick, so it’s expected that he’ll forgo his final season at Florida. He plays a premium position and he’ll wow scouts with his quickness at workouts, so he could sneak into the top half of the draft.
What if .... UF's D.J. Durkin left?
December, 7, 2012
12/07/12
8:00
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – D.J. Durkin has been a valuable member of Florida coach Will Muschamp’s staff, both as a linebackers coach/special teams coordinator and a recruiter. But he’s not going to be around forever.
Durkin is headed for a coordinator’s job, and there are plenty of jobs available across the country. What if Durkin were to leave Florida? What kind of impact would that have on the Gators’ recruiting?
Potentially a pretty significant one.
Durkin is headed for a coordinator’s job, and there are plenty of jobs available across the country. What if Durkin were to leave Florida? What kind of impact would that have on the Gators’ recruiting?
Potentially a pretty significant one.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Which Florida players are making the biggest contributions on the field?
GatorNation will tell you every week. It’s not just a list of MVP candidates, but a compilation of the players who are making the biggest difference each week.
Here’s this week’s top 10 (last week’s rankings in parentheses):
GatorNation will tell you every week. It’s not just a list of MVP candidates, but a compilation of the players who are making the biggest difference each week.
Here’s this week’s top 10 (last week’s rankings in parentheses):
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Film study: Gators vs. Missouri Tigers
November, 5, 2012
11/05/12
8:00
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Here’s an analysis of three key plays in Florida’s 14-7 victory over Georgia on Saturday.
The score: 7-0, Missouri leading early in the third quarter.
The situation: Second-and-6 at the Missouri 36-yard line.
Wildcat TD run
The score: 7-0, Missouri leading early in the third quarter.
The situation: Second-and-6 at the Missouri 36-yard line.
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Which Florida players are making the biggest contributions on the field? GatorNation will tell you every week. It’s not just a list of MVP candidates, but a compilation of the players who are making the biggest difference each week.
Here’s this week’s top 10 (last week’s rankings in parentheses):
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.