2013 Football Recruiting Report: Daniel McMillian – Linebacker – Jacksonville, FL

  By The Bull Gator | May 17, 2012 - 6:16 pm | Football Recruiting
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One of the Florida Gators’ highest rated commitments, Jacksonville, FL (First Coast) linebacker Daniel McMillian is also one of the most important recruits to hold on to. Whether playing inside or outside linebacker (the recruiting services seems to differ on where he should end up), McMillian is a dynamic athlete with a certain amount of beast mode to the way he plays. Committed to Florida, his recruitment won’t stop and a number of programs will continue to pursue him.

The Rundown

Name: Daniel McMillian
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 220
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
High School: First Coast
Class: 2013
Rankings: 247Sports – 4 stars, No. 3 OLB, No. 44 Overall | ESPN – 4 stars, No. 2 OLB, No. 38 Overall | Scout – 4 stars, No. 3 ILB, No. 44 Overall | Rivals – 4 stars, No. 2 ILB, No. 53 Overall
Status: Committed to Florida

The Report

McMillian has the potential to turn into a nightmare for opposing offenses much in the manner Jevon Kearse was during his time with the Gators. He’s an all-out player that seems to gravitate toward the ball. McMillian has the innate ability to sniff out plays and the direction they are headed. Many times, you’ll find him on the ball carrier almost immediately when the rest of the defense has yet to make a read on the play. It’s this type of instinctive play that generally guides a linebacker to greatness. As he refines the rest of his game, his ball awareness will be the strength that allows him to succeed.

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Leon Orr Finds Trouble Again; Gators Defensive Tackle Driving Without A License

  By The Bull Gator | May 16, 2012 - 11:00 am | Florida Gators Football
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Florida Gators’ defensive tackle Leon Orr has had a rough start to his college experience. While learning in the classroom and on the practice field, Orr’s extracurricular activities have gone down a different path. On Monday, Orr was cited for driving without a license. The citation marks the fifth time Orr has found himself in some sort of trouble with the law in less than two years.

While most of Orr’s offenses have come while he’s behind the wheel, his January arrest for marijuana possession is what will stick in the minds of most. Orr’s prosecution in that case was deferred, but the recent citation could impact that. As part of that agreement, he was to obey all laws for six months following the decision (it might be a good idea to just go ahead and obey all laws, well, forever).

With another incident in the books, it’s hard to imagine Orr’s shot at playing time actually increasing. He’ll need a quick turn for the better if he hopes to advance his football career in a positive manner.

2013 Football Recruiting: Alvin Bailey Rethinks Interest In Florida Gators After Not Receiving Offer

  By The Bull Gator | May 16, 2012 - 7:05 am | Football Recruiting
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One day after the Florida Gators added wide receiver Marqui Hawkins to their 2013 recruiting class, another pass catcher said his interest in the orange and blue is waning. Seffner, FL (Armwood) WR Alvin Bailey would have committed to Florida at one time, but now he’s not nearly as sure. Without an offer from the Gators, Bailey seems close to eliminating them from his list of possibilities.

Bailey was hoping to join Armwood teammate Matt Jones – his best friend – on the Gators offense one day. His dream was to receive an offer and commit on the spot. Bailey even went as far as saying that commitment would have been it and the recruiting process would have ended there for him.

Fast forward to Tuesday and those feelings have almost entirely vanished. While Florida hasn’t been eliminated yet, Bailey plans to trim his list after spring football is over and if the Gators still haven’t offered, they’ll be out of the running.

It’s hard to put a finger on exactly why Florida hasn’t extended an offer to the four-star receiver. One of the nation’s better WRs, Bailey would be a welcome addition to a number of programs. However, if you take a look at what the Gators already have at the position – or at least what they’ve picked up recently – you may find your answer.

Florida has three wide receivers that are already a part of the 2013 recruiting class. Not one of those three is listed under 6’1″. Look at the 2012 class and you’ll find two more WRs both listed 6’0″ or taller. You can even look ahead to 2014 and see the Gators just extended an offer to the 6’2″ Austin Roberts ($). Bailey, on the other hand, is listed at 5’11″. While clearly talented, there’s a reason Florida hasn’t offered the Seffner receiver. One has to wonder if his size has anything to do with it.

Baseball Recap: Samford 12 – Florida 7; Gators Offense Returns, But It’s Not Enough

  By The Bull Gator | May 16, 2012 - 6:36 am | Florida Gators Baseball
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The No. 3 Florida Gators saw the return of their offense on Tuesday night against the Samford Bulldogs, but it wasn’t enough. Florida (38-15) scored seven runs in the game, but couldn’t overcome Samford’s (34-19) hot start and fell to the Bulldogs 12-7.

The Gators would struggle through the first four innings of the game, not recording a single hit. By the time their bats started to find the ball, they were already down 7-0 thanks to a hot start by the Bulldogs. Florida scored one run in each of the fifth and sixth innings, then got three across the plate in the seventh. Unfortunately, Samford scored five runs in those three innings as well and never lost their lead. The Bulldogs scored at least two runs against four of the five Gators’ pitchers used.

On the bright side, senior right fielder Preston Tucker went 2-for-3. His second hit was the 319th of his career, tying him for the all-time Florida lead with Mark Ellis. Tucker will have plenty of opportunities to break the record later the week.

Florida is off on Wednesday before starting its final series of the season on Thursday at Auburn.

Baseball recaps are sponsored by Ben Versnik and Advocare – a world-class nutrition company specializing in health and wellness, weight management, vibrant energy and sports performance.

Why Is Florida State At The Center Of Conference Expansion Talks? Viewers, Of Course

  By The Bull Gator | May 15, 2012 - 2:34 pm | College Football
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Ask most Florida fans about the possibility of Florida State moving to a “bigger” conference and their orange and blue bias could take the discussion down a variety of paths. And rightfully so due to the rivalry between not only the athletic teams, but the fans of both schools as well. But look deeper and you can see FSU’s value from a football standpoint and, recently, from a basketball perspective as well.

A Tomahawk Nation reader – NYC_CFB Fan_16 – posted a detailed analysis of the ACC and viewers to try to determine if the Seminoles’ value was overstated. It turns out, in comparison to the rest of the ACC, it was not. At its most obvious point, more viewers are better for advertisers.

Giving credit where credit is due, NYC_CFB Fan_16 does a great job researching the issue at hand and compiling a great deal of information into his post. With so many marquee teams firmly locked into their conferences, it seems reasonable that the Big 12 would consider FSU.

While you may not like the ‘Noles – be it in your DNA or something learned over time – there is a case for their pursuit by other conferences. I have yet to determine my position on FSU to the SEC should it ever come up, but I can understand why the Big 12 may want them to come aboard over others.

Former Florida Gators Safety Will Hill Signs With New York Giants

  By The Bull Gator | May 15, 2012 - 10:22 am | Florida Gators In The NFL
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Former Florida Gators’ safety Will Hill has signed with the New York Giants. Hill left Florida with one season of eligibility remaining after the 2010 season, but wasn’t selected in the 2011 NFL Draft. He spent time with the Arizona Rattlers of the AFL before recently signing with New York.

Hill holds a place in Gators’ history, although it’s not always a favorable one for Florida fans. Coming out of high school, he was one of the nation’s top recruits, but his talents never seemed to show up with him. From not becoming the superstar fans wanted him to be to questions regarding his desire, Hill struggled with consistently performing on the field. His signature moment as a Gator was in 2010 against the Georgia Bulldogs when he intercepted Aaron Murray (his second of the game) in overtime. Other than that key play though, this is the moment many fans remember Hill for the most:

Hill now has a chance to resurrect his career and finally bring his talents and abilities to good use. If he can keep his head on straight and dedicate himself to the game of football and not all of the outside influences that may come along with it, he’ll have a chance to make a career out of the game. It will be a tough road for Hill, but finally finding a team is a start.

2013 Football Recruiting: Georgia Wide Receiver Marqui Hawkins Commits To Florida Gators

  By The Bull Gator | May 14, 2012 - 9:35 pm | Football Recruiting
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The Florida Gators continued their faster than usual pace through the 2013 football recruiting cycle. Historically an equal player throughout the entire cycle, Florida has slightly changed gears under head coach Will Muschamp who has brought with him a philosophy of filling the class early. On Monday, Columbus, GA (Carver) wide receiver Marqui Hawkins became the latest member of the 2013 class and the 16th total commitment for the Gators despite it only being May.

At 6’2″, 190 pounds, Hawkins has good size for a receiver, but has also been mentioned as a prospect at defensive back. Currently listed as a WR, Hawkins is rated No. 100 at his position by 247Sports and No. 42 by Rivals. He becomes the third wide receiver in the class thus far. Hawkins joins Rodney Adams and Ahmad Fulwood at a position desperately in need of depth. The Gators are looking for size at the position and all three currently fit that bill with each commitment being 6’1″ or taller.

Hawkins’ commitment to Florida was first reported by Andrew Spivey of Gator Country.

Florida No. 3 In USA Today/ESPN Top 25 Coaches’ Baseball Poll; Gators Rise Two Spots

  By The Bull Gator | May 14, 2012 - 6:22 pm | Florida Gators Baseball
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The Florida Gators’ baseball team rose two spots in the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 Coaches’ Baseball Poll after a 3-1 week. The Gators three wins were all unnervingly close, but enough to help the rise in the poll. The two programs higher than 38-14 Florida in the top 25 are the 40-10 Florida State Seminoles and 38-13 South Carolina Gamecocks. Interestingly enough – and a little fact to keep us on the positive side of our hopes for the Gators’ progress through the postseason – Florida is 5-1 against those two teams.

The top 10 also includes SEC foes Kentucky at No. 5 and LSU at No. 9. Texas A&M brings added strength to next season’s schedule as the Aggies currently come in at No. 8. Arkansas and Ole Miss add to the conference’s collection among the top 25.

2013 Football Recruiting Report: Caleb Brantley – Defensive Tackle – Crescent City, FL

  By The Bull Gator | May 14, 2012 - 12:19 pm | Football Recruiting
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Crescent City, FL (Crescent City) defensive tackle Caleb Brantley was the second member of the Florida Gators’ 2013 recruiting class behind only Winter Haven, FL (Winter Haven) running back Adam Lane. While confident in his decision at the time, recent events have led to numerous questions over the level of his commitment. A big body with speed for his size, the Gators are looking to keep Brantley happy with the choice he originally made in hopes he ends up in orange and blue.

The Rundown

Name: Caleb Brantley
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 302
Hometown: Crescent City, FL
High School: Crescent City
Class: 2013
Rankings: 247Sports – 4 stars, No. 16 DT, No. 241 Overall | ESPN – 4 stars, No. 4 DT, No. 18 Overall | Scout – 4 stars, No. 28 DT, No. 252 Overall | Rivals – 4 stars, No. 7 DT, No. 82 Overall
Status: Committed to Florida

The Report

Depending on which recruiting service you follow or where you like to get your news, Brantley may or may not have gone from being solid to Florida to becoming a soft commitment in recent weeks. It seems that he feels he rushed into his decision and wants to take a few more looks before confidently saying he is a Florida Gator. Then again, maybe he is solid and just needed a moment to realize such. Only Brantley knows where he stands at this exact moment. What we know is that he’s an important recruit that could be a vital member of the Gators’ class as Florida looks to rebuild depth at defensive tackle in another season or two.

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Baseball Recap: Florida Gators Win Series Over Mississippi State Bulldogs

  By The Bull Gator | May 14, 2012 - 10:49 am | Florida Gators Baseball
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The No. 5 Florida Gators baseball team only scored six runs over their three-game weekend series with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, but they were enough to propel the Gators to two victories to take the series. It’s not often that you score six runs in three games and outscore your opponent, but that’s just what happened as Florida’s six beat out Mississippi State’s four.

If six runs scored over two games can net you two victories, so be it, but it’s that other game that has you concerned. The weekend series went like this: 4-1 win (with seven hits), 2-0 loss (three hits), 2-1 win (three hits). Yes, that’s six total hits over the final two games. The curious case of the missing bats has continued and is a serious threat for any hope of advancing far into the postseason. Not that Mississippi State fared better over the course of the weekend series, but Florida needs to find offense sooner or later (read: sooner; later isn’t a realistic option).

Fortunately, pitching remains solid. While the Gators have faced many good pitchers in recent weeks, they’ve also put together some great performances of their own. If the staff continues to perform well, postseason success can be had. If it doesn’t, the offense is no longer a reliable option to fall back on. The talent is present to get out of the funk, but with each passing game, it seems more unlikely it will happen. If there was ever a time for the offense to come to life, now is that time.

The Gators now head to the state of Alabama for the final week of the regular season. Florida faces Samford on Tuesday and visits Auburn for a three-game series later in the week.

Baseball previews and recaps are sponsored by Ben Versnik and Advocare – a world-class nutrition company specializing in health and wellness, weight management, vibrant energy and sports performance.