Gator Clause

EXCLUSIVE! Tim Tebow's pro scouting report

An MLB scout offers his opinion of the UF quarterback's chances as a pro baseball pitcher.

GAINESVILLE -- UF quarterback Tim Tebow threw out the ceremonial first pitch on Friday night before the Gators' home baseball game against the Miami Hurricanes. Well, to be accurate, Tebow threw two first pitches.

Lefty's first effort went all the way to the backstop. Pretty funny considering Riley Cooper was the ceremonial catcher. Cooper, of course, is a receiver on the football team and a right-fielder on the baseball team. He's also Tebow's roommate. I've never seen Tebow so nervous. 

Cooper hustled to get the wild pitch and tossed it back to Tebow for another try. Tebow's second effort was much better. After the quick show of encouragement from Cooper, Tebow went into the stretch wind-up one more time and this time hit his target. Fastball. Just for kicks, I went into the stands and talked to a pro scout about Tebow's effort. The scout played along.

Tebow's MLB scouting report: "The kid's got a nice little three-quarters action going for him; a little natural movement on the heater," said the scout, who requested anonymity. They always do.

"Could he make it in the pros?" I asked. "After all, that's what everyone wants to know these days."

[SCOUT LAUGHS]

"Needs to lose some of that bulk," the scout said with a smile. "Not very flexible."

The crowd's reaction to Tebow's wild pitch was SOOOO funny. You could actually hear people gasping. As it turns out, the wild pitch was a bad omen. The Gators lost to Miami 8-5. No.12 UF (5-1) and No.10 UM (4-1) resume their weekend series at 2 p.m. today and play at noon on Sunday.

Tebow wasn't the only recognizable Florida sports figure in attendance on Friday. UF coach Urban Meyer watched from the press box. (But didn't want to speak to any reporters.) Basketball players Nick Calathes, Chandler Parsons, Adam Allen and Vernon Macklin watched from the stands.

-jo-

UF's Riley Cooper goes for double chomp

(Extended version of today's baseball story in The Herald)

Florida's two-star athlete, Riley Cooper, already defeated Miami in football this year. Today he takes his shot at the 'Canes in baseball.
*
GAINESVILLE -- Beat the Miami Hurricanes twice in one year — that’s the dream of every Florida Gator worth his long and jagged teeth. Riley Cooper gets his chance to double chomp the ‘Canes on Friday.

*

Best known as a receiver for the University of Florida’s national championship football team, Cooper is also a right fielder for the Gators’ baseball team. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, No. 12 Florida (5-0) hosts No.10 Miami (3-1) in the two teams’ annual early season series. Just as he did on the football field last September, Cooper [PICTURED] is looking forward to knocking off the Hurricanes on the baseball diamond.

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“Whatever team it is, I want to beat them,” Cooper said. “No matter if it’s the ‘Canes or Florida State or anybody but this is going to be a big weekend for us and I’m real excited to get out there and get after it.”

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Miami won the annual rivalry series last season in Coral Gables, winning two of three games. The roles are somewhat reversed this year. This time around, Miami is the younger of the two teams playing away from home for the first time. Florida will need the home-field advantage on Friday against mighty left-hander Chris Hernandez (1-0). The Gators will counter with their best pitcher, senior right-hander Patrick Keating (1-0).

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“I think it’s going to be a good match-up,” Keating said. “Hernandez is a good pitcher and they have a good team. It’s going to come down to who executes and sticks with their plan and whoever pitches the best.”

*

Confidence is high at McKethan Stadium after the Gators swept their season opening series against No.16 Louisville and obliterated Eastern Michigan on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday’s 17-6 win was highlighted by Florida’s first three home runs of the season, including a towering drive to left from Cooper.

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“I lost the ball when it went over the trees,” said UF third-baseman Josh Adams. “I have no idea where it landed. We’re used to seeing that in B.P., so for [Cooper] to finally put it together and get his first one, that’s definitely good for him.”

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Cooper, a 15^th round draft pick by the Phillies out of high school, spent most of his first two years at Florida focusing on football. He has given more time to baseball this year and it’s beginning to show on the field. Cooper is batting .389 through five games with two doubles and a home run.

Over the summer, Cooper [PICTURED] played in the Valley League in Virginia and was rated the league’s top prospect. He took time off from baseball during football’s regular season but started hitting again after the Gators’ SEC championship game in Atlanta. He practiced baseball in the mornings and prepared for the football national championship game in the afternoons.

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“This is the closest I’ve been to playing year round,” Cooper said. “I play football, I guess, seven months out of the year. It’s definitely fun but it’s a lot of work, trying to keep your grades up.”

There is a plus side, of course. Getting a chance to beat Miami twice in one year.

“It’s going to be an emotional weekend for everybody,” said Keating, Florida’s ace. “It’s going to be an important weekend for us. ... We’re going to have to stay calm but get excited at the same time.”

PROBABLE STARTERS
GAME 1, 6:30 Fri.: Miami LHP Chris Hernandez (1-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. Florida RHP Patrick Keating (1-0, 2.57 ERA)
GAME 2, 2 p.m. Sat.: Miami RHP David Gutierrez (0-0, 1.80 ERA) vs. Florida LHP Alex Panteliodis (1-0, 3.00 ERA)
GAME 3, noon Sun.: Miami LHP Iden Nazario (1-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Florida LHP Nick Maronde (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

PLAYERS TO WATCH
JOSH ADAMS [pictured] , UF third-baseman: Adams is the Gators' utility infielder. He can play everywhere and oftentimes does. A sophomore, Adams is also one of the Gators' best hitters. He's batting .500 through five games with a double and a triple.

ON MIAMI: "It's a big rivalry," Adams said. "We definitely have a bad taste in our mouth from last year, so we've just been preparing this whole week. It'll be fun."

BUDDY MUNROE, UF catcher: Munroe gets the start today, catching for UF ace Patrick Keating. A Miami native, Munroe is batting a team-best .556. 

MORE ON COOPER
Remember Cooper's long hair during the national football championship? Well, the long-hair experiment is official over for Cooper. By order of the king, UF baseball coach Kevin O'Sullivan, Cooper cut trimmed his locks before the baseball season.

"It's off," Cooper said, lifting his cap. "Baseball is a different game and [Sullivan] wasn't having the long hair, so he's the boss."

-jo-

OFFSEASON UPDATE: UF safety Ahmad Black

GAINESVILLE -- A quick offseason update on one of the heroes of the Gators' national championship team, Florida safety Ahmad Black.

Black is one of Gator Nation's fan favorites after making a miraculous interception in the fourth quarter of the national championship game. It was a beautiful play. Here's a YouTube link in case you want to relive the moment. CLICK ME! I love the delayed celebration and how no one of the field even knew what happened except for Black and, of course, the official who made the correct call. The look on OU quarterback Sam Bradford's face says it all.

Black is a living legend these days in his hometown of Lakeland. Last Thursday he spoke at a Lakeland Dreadnaughts football banquet. Black's message was simple: Enjoy high school while it lasts.

Long before Black saved the Gators' national championship, he did the same thing for the Dreadnaughts in the 2006 state championship game against Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. In double overtime, Black made a fourth-down, game-saving tackle on the goal line to propel his team to a Class 5A state title and a mythical high school football national championship. Pretty good career. And pretty remarkable that both plays -- the interception against OU and the tackle against St. Thomas -- happened at Dolphin Stadium.

According to Bruce Black, Ahmad's father, his son is trying to stack on a few extra pounds to his already chiseled frame this offseason. The goal is to get Ahmad up to 200 pounds before the fall. It has been a pretty quiet offseason for Ahmad except for one minor run-in, literally, with fellow Gator Dustin Doe, a linebacker. Black rear-ended Doe two weeks ago while driving in Gainesville. Both Black and Doe are fine but Black's 2008 Dodge Charger needed a new bumper.

-jo-

Riley Cooper bombs ... in a good way

GAINESVILLE -- Took in the baseball team's hump-day special on Wednesday night. It was the team's last warm-up game before Friday, when the Gators welcome the Miami Hurricanes to town for a three-game set.

The highlight of UF's 17-6 victory against Eastern Michigan was a towering grand slam to left field by sophomore Riley Cooper in the fifth inning that, had it not smacked a car in a parking lot far, far away, might have one-hopped the O'Dome. It was a bomb, folks. After the game, Cooper [PICTURED] shrugged off the homer with a just-another-hit attitude, but the baseball in his back pocket told you everything you needed to know about what the rightfielder thought of the blast.

"I'm keeping that one," Cooper said.

Cooper might be your favorite receiver next season on the football team, but this guy has the look of a future professional baseball player. He appears to be coming into his own on the diamond after dedicating himself this offseason to preparing for the baseball season. He said on Wednesday night that he began working on his swing while also preparing for the national championship game. He worked around football practice for about a month, taking batting practice in the mornings and running routes in the afternoon.

Florida is 5-0 and ranked No.12 by Collegiate Baseball. Two other Gators homered on Wednesday night, including catcher Buddy Munroe of Miami Christopher Columbus [PICTURED]. Munroe's three-run blast came in the sixth inning and gave UF a 16-5 lead. Munroe went 2-for-2 on Wednesday with a career-high three RBI. He also scored two runs and is batting a team-best .556 after five games. UF leftfielder Avery Barnes led off the game with a solo home run to right-center field.

Are the Gators excited about the Canes coming to town? Of course they are but they wouldn't offer any emotion on Wednesday night. "Just another game," said centerfielder Matt den Dekker of Fort Lauderdale. Den Dekker went 3-for-5 on Wednesday.

SEC HOOPS UPDATE
South Carolina defeated Kentucky 77-59 on Wednesday night in Columbia, S.C., grabbing sole possession of first place in the SEC East with three games remaining on the Gamecocks' regular-season schedule.

South Carolina (20-6, 9-4 in the SEC) has an RPI rating of 44 and is 1-4 against the RPI's top 50 teams. (Sheesh, talk about an indictment. The SEC is bad, bad, bad this season). The Gamecocks are in a good position to win the SEC East and earn a bye in the first round of the SEC Tournament. The three games remaining on South Carolina's schedule: at Vandy, Tennessee at home and at Georgia.

Kentucky's loss moved the Wildcats (19-9, 8-5) into a three-way tie for second place in the SEC East with Florida ( 21-7, 8-5) and Tennessee (17-10, 8-5). Tennessee defeated Mississippi State 81-76 in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday night. Florida hosts Tennessee on Sunday. 

-jo-

TE recruit Orson Charles eliminates Gators

GAINESVILLE -- It's official. Florida is out of the running in the Orson Charles sweepstakes. Charles eliminated Florida from his short list on Wednesday. Only UGA, Tennessee and Southern Cal remain.

"I appreciate Florida's interest. I think very highly of Coach Meyer and the Gators," Charles said in a statement. "This was a tough decision for my family. Please understand me and my family's call. Thank you and God bless."

For some reason, I don't think this is the last Florida fans have heard of Mr. Charles. If he stays in the SEC, he'll be lining up against the Gators next season. Good luck.

AROUND THE SEC
--Mobile Press-Register columnist Paul Finebaum brings his usual dose of sarcasm to an important subject. CLICK ME!

--Former Alabama lineman, Andre Smith, is surrounded by stupid people. CLICK ME!

--So is prep running back David Oku, a sought-after recruit by Auburn, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Syracuse. CLICK ME!

--Former UGA receiver Andre Hastings is into dogs. CLICK ME!

--Not a dog lover. CLICK ME!

--Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen on Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin. "I guess everybody has their own style," Mullen said on Monday during a radio interview. "You coach within what your style and your personality is. I guess that's his style and his personality."

-jo-

Florida Gators fall to LSU 81-75

GAINESVILLE -- Predictable loss for the Gators on Tuesday in Baton Rouge. UF looked good in spurts but fizzled in the end, losing to LSU 81-75 on Fat Tuesday.

LSU went without a field goal for more than five minutes (9:09-3:57) late in the second half but held off the Gators in the end by sinking 12 of 12 free throws. LSU senior guard Marcus Thornton scored 32 points, including six three-pointers. UF senior Walter Hodge led the Gators with 16 points. He made four three-pointers but two of those came in the final minute with the outcome already decided.

Playing with the flu for the second straight game, UF guard Nick Calathes had 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists. With three games left of the season, the Gators' No.1 goal right now should be getting Calathes healthy before Tennessee comes to Gainesville on Sunday.

The Gators (21-7, 8-5 in SEC) entered the game tied for first in the SEC East but slipped behind Kentucky and South Carolina with the loss. LSU claimed at least a share of the SEC regular season title with the win. The final two weeks of the SEC should be an interesting affair. It's believed that Florida needs to win a few more games to shore up its NCAA Tournament portfolio.

UF is 2-5 on the road in SEC play this season and undefeated at home. The Gators final away game is against Mississippi State next Wednesday, sandwiched by home games against Tennessee (Sunday) and Kentucky (next Saturday.)

-jo-

Carl Johnson case to be continued ...

GAINESVILLE -- The mysterious saga involving Florida football player Carl Johnson, his ex-girlfriend and a temporary restraining order will last at least until spring.

The attorney representing the ex-girlfriend requested and was granted a continuance on the case today at the Alachua County Courthouse. The lawyer wouldn't say why he needed more time. No criminal charges have been filed against Johnson but the ex-girlfriend has successfully humiliated her former boyfriend with some rather detailed accusations. You can go to another blog for those details. We're not going to drag this guy through the mud anymore until we hear from Johnson or his lawyer and they're not commenting.

The ex-girlfriend filed for a temporary injunction on Feb.9. Today's court hearing was to determine if the restraining order should be made permanent. The new court date is set for April 7. Oh, joy! More nonsense to cover during spring football.

Johnson violated the terms of the temporary injunction on Feb.10 when he rode on the same campus bus as his ex-girlfriend, sitting about three-feet away from her and speaking to an acquaintance, 18-year-old Nia Phillips, of his ex-girlfriend. Phillips and the ex-girlfriend filed sworn statements of the incident and Johnson was arrested for a misdemeanor. He spent the night in jail and was released the next morning on his own recognizance.

Johnson, a talented offensive lineman, is expected to compete for a starting tackle position this spring. Practice begins on March 25. The University of Florida is not commenting on Johnson's status with the team.

-jo-

EMAILS I GET: Doesn't Orson Charles owe the Gators?

GAINESVILLE -- Every once in awhile, the editorial board here at Gator Clause, Inc. publishes the emails that fill our inboxes. This latest email comes to us from Paul in Chattanooga, Tenn. Paul lives in enemy territory but is a Gators fan through and through. His No.1 goal in life is to choke slam Lane Kiffin from atop Lookout Mountain, or so we assume. Paul offers up three questions today:

1. Orson Charles -- isn't this the kid that dropped the crystal trophy? Where will he go and doesn't he owe us?
ANSWER: Paul, you're going to want to do more than choke slam Lane Kiffin if he swipes another nationally ranked recruit out of the Sunshine State. Unfortunately for Kiffin's safety, I think that might happen. Orson Charles is a mix between a tight end and a receiver who played high school football at Tampa Plant. That's the same high school that produced quarterbacks Robert Marve (Miami) and Aaron Murray (Georgia). Charles will announce his decision to attend either Tennessee, Georgia, USC or Florida next week. Many believe Georgia is the frontrunner for the simple fact that Murray, Charles' prep QB, is now at UGA. Last year when Charles was visiting UF, he accidentally knocked over Florida's 2006 BCS national championship trophy (the crystal football) and shattered it. Florida got a replacement. Does Charles owe Florida? That's a funny perspective but I think if Charles was going to sign with Florida it would have already happened. Florida is holding a scholarship for Charles but I doubt he's coming to UF. Would Florida coach Urban Meyer leave the country if he thought he still had a shot at Charles? Or, maybe he knew Charles was already in the bag, so he went on vacation?

2. Have you heard if the national championship game that was offered live in 3D is available in 3D anywhere?
ANSWER: I haven't heard about a 3D version, but I did see some rentals at Blockbuster yesterday of Gators highlights. Speaking of movies, has anyone seen Quarantine? Pretty scary, I thought. Kind of like a mix between 28 Days Later, Blair Witch Project and Melrose Place.

3. Which coach will be able to break into the Miami talent pool and when?
ANSWER: If anyone at Florida breaks through in Miami and lands a few recruits, then it's going to be assistant coach Vance Bedford, whose recruiting territory is Miami-Dade. Bedford should have a shot at signing a few 2010 prospects from Miami. He seemed optimistic when I talked to him about it before the national championship game.

-jo-

TIM TEBOW: 'Come watch us beat Georgia again'

GAINESVILLE -- When it comes to the Georgia-Florida rivalry these days, it's never too early to start talking a little smack. Not even for UF quarterback Tim Tebow.

Tebow was up in the Panhandle this weekend accepting yet another postseason award. This time it was the Wuerffel Award, presented by the good folks of Fort Walton Beach. After accepting his award, Tebow helped raise money for local charities by auctioning off a package of four tickets to the UF-UGA game in Jacksonville. Tebow got $5,500 for the tickets, sealing the deal with this zinger: "Four tickets to come watch us beat Georgia again."

SPRING FOOTBALL 5 QUESTIONS
We know spring football doesn't start for about three more weeks, but it's never too early to toss a few ideas around. Who replaces Percy Harvin? Who plays right tackle? Who plays left tackle? The Herald asked five questions regarding the Gators as spring football nears in Monday's paper. CLICK ME! 

-jo-

Impressive showing for UF receivers at NFL Combine

GAINESVILLE -- Here's a quick update from Indianapolis. Former Florida receivers Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy showed off their speed at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday.

Harvin ran an impressive 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, which was the seventh fastest time among wide receivers. In the bench press portion of the Combine, Harvin had 19 reps of 225 pounds, which ranked him fifth among receivers. Harvin's combination of speed and strength was the best of any receiver on Sunday. Receiver Louis Murphy clocked a 4.43 in the 40, which was the ninth fastest time of the day.

Former Maryland receiver Darrius Howard-Bey had the fastest 40 time among receivers with a 4.30. It was the third fastest time at Combine among receivers since 2000.

BASEBALL: GATORS SWEEP LOUISVILLE
Florida swept its seaon-opening series with Louisville on Sunday in dramatic fashion when junior Mike Mooney [PICTURED] singled home pinch hitter Clayton Pisani with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 3-2 victory.

Pisani, pinch hitting for freshman Jerico Weitzel, started the rally with a two-out single to centerfield. Junior Buddy Munroe of Miami Christopher Columbus kept the rally alive with a base hit through the right side of the infield. Pisani advanced to second, setting the stage for Mooney's game-winning hit. Mooney is a JUCO transfer from Palm Beach Community College.

Florida reliever Jeff Barfield (1-0), another JUCO transfer, pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win. UF freshman left-hander Nick Maronde pitched 6 1/3 innings in his first collegiate start. He allowed two runs on five hits.

-jo-

Big day for Gators fans and lime green track shoes

GAINESVILLE -- Florida was a triple winner on Saturday. Let's review before we question former Florida offensive lineman Jason Watkins' fashion sense.

1. The Gators men's basketball team played its best game of the season (just my opinion) on Saturday, defeating Vanderbilt 82-68. Check Sunday's Herald for my game story. A few highlights: 

-- Freshman center Kenny Kadji appears to be breaking out of his shell. He had four blocks on Saturday, including two consecutive blocks on Vandy sophomore center A.J. Ogilvy. Then, later in the game when Kadji checked back into the line-up, one of the Rowdy Reptiles standing behind me offered Ogilvy this colorful reminder: "Hey, Ogilvy. It's your buddy. He's going to stuff your junk on you ... twice!" Love those Rowdies.

--Five Gators scored in double figures including this fan fav. That's right. He didn't miss a shot. Made 4 of 4 from the field, including three 3-pointers. 

--What impressed me most with Saturday's win was the fact that Nick Calathes wasn't at his best and the Gators still won convincingly. Calathes scored 14 points, his lowest scoring total in 15 games. After the game, coach Billy Donovan said Calathes played ill. And I don't mean ill'n like this! 

--Nick Calathes complimented my haircut during post-game interviews. Seriously, he did. And so did Jeremy Foley. Two thoughts: Either it's a good haircut or my last one was really bad. Hmmmmm? Anyway, my beautiful wife shaved my head the other day (man she's going to kill me after she reads this) and the funniest thing happened. My dogs freaked out. Then one of them, Cahaba, started eating my hair. The ultimate tribute!

--Alex Tyus is the hardest working man in the game. Just wait until next year when this guy is surrounded by some qualities bigs. Tyus gonna _______! (OK, OK. No more corny links.)

--Florida plays at LSU on Tuesday. Thoughts? I'm sticking by my earlier prediction on this one. At the time, I thought Florida needed five wins to insure an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Two wins later, the magic number is at three. Either three wins before the SEC Tournament in Tampa or two wins in the next four games and one win in Tampa.

--Gator great Jack Youngblood was at the game. He's looking good. Some weirdo was later arrested after giving Jack Youngblood the ultimate tribute!

BASEBALL
2. The Gators' baseball team defeated Louisville 10-4 on Saturday to clinch their weekend series with the Cards. Freshman left-hander Alex Penteliodis pitched six innings, allowing two runs, to earn a win in his collegiate debut. UF senior Brandon McArthur had a three-run double in the fourth, giving him five RBI in two days. Sophomore Riley Cooper went 2-for-4 with two doubles.

SWIMMING
3. The Gators' women's swimming team won its 17th SEC crown on Saturday. Read all about it right here. CLICK ME!

NFL DRAFT HOORAY!
OK, now to the NFL Combine. Televised workouts began on Saturday with offensive linemen and tight ends running 40-yard dashes and shuttle runs and all that fun stuff. Florida was represented by offensive tackle Jason Watkins and tight end Cornelius. A few thoughts:

--Most importantly, what exactly was Jason Watkins thinking with those neon lime green track shoes? Seriously, I wanted to crack open a Corona just watching the guy run. Mmmmmm, Corona! Actually, as Mexican beer goes, I'm a much bigger fan of Pacifico! Anyway, if you think of beer while watching Jason Watkins run the 40, then you're probably an alcoholic.

--Jason Watkins ran a 5.53 in the 40-yard dash. But who cares how fast an offensive lineman runs the 40, right? In the bench press workout, Watkins did the up-down 18 times. Is 18 reps a lot for an offensive lineman? Who knows? Who cares? The guy wore neon lime green track shoes. Give that man a fat NFL contract!

--Saturday was a big day for Cornelius Ingram, who missed his senior year with a knee injury. Ingram clocked a great time in the 40 (4.62 seconds) and also showed off his vertical leaping ability (33 inches). Congrats, C.I., on the comeback!

--Cornelius Ingram apparently spent about six hours with NFL doctors during his NFL medical examination. Percy Harvin got the special treatment, too. According to one article, Harvin missed the interview portion of his NFL Combine because he was busy with NFL doctors.  

-jo-

Gators down Louisville in season opener

GAINESVILLE -- The aluminum ping of college baseball is back and the No.23 Gators started their season on Friday night with a 6-3 win against No.16 Louisville.

UF senior pitcher Patrick Keating (1-0) allowed four hits and three runs in seven innings and struck out a career-high seven batters. Junior pitcher Billy Bullock recorded the first save of his career, allowing two hits in two innings. 

Florida took a 3-0 lead in the first inning with a two-run triple by sixth-year senior Brandon McArthur and a sacrifice fly from freshman designated hitter Preston Tucker. Florida went up 4-0 in the second inning when sophomore Riley Cooper scored on an error by Louisville shortstop John Dao. Cooper reached on a single and went 1-for-3.

Louisville cut the Gators' lead to 4-3 in the seventh inning on a home run by Cardinals' second baseman Adam Duvall. Florida extended its lead to 6-3 in the bottom of the seventh when Gators' senior Avery Barnes singled in junior catcher Buddy Munroe and UF junior Matt den Dekker knocked in freshman shortstop Mike Mooney with an infield single. Den Dekker, who starred at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, went 1-for-4.

A few thoughts: UF sophomore Josh Adams is a solid baseball player. Expect a big year from Adams. He went 2-for-4 at the plate and showed good instincts at third base. Keating is a quality Friday starter. He only made two mistakes in his season debut: the home run to Duvall and a lead-off double to Louisville first baseman Andrew Clark in the fourth. 

-jo-  

SEC forever blowing bubbles

GAINESVILLE -- It's bubble time for college basketball. Call me Mr. Bubble of the SEC. As the song goes, "I'm forever blowing bubbles. Pretty bubbles in the air."

So many bubble games for teams to blow this weekend around the SEC. Let's take a look around the bubble factory.

VANDERBILT (16-9, 5-6) AT FLORIDA (20-6, 7-4), 3 p.m. Sat
The Commodores appear bound for the NIT at this point but they did just defeat Kentucky and have important bubble games remaining against UF, South Carolina and LSU (away). Vandy is 1-4 in road conference games this season with its lone away victory coming against Auburn. Some people say Florida plays basketball like this famous person lived his life. I strongly disagree! The Gators are trying the best they can, according to their coach, and they're only "bad" loss was to Georgia, according to me. People also say UF can't win an important conference game on the road. I strongly disagree! UF knocked off Auburn and Vandy. As you're about to find out, that win at Auburn is looking sweeter every day.

AUBURN (17-9, 6-5) AT LSU (22-4, 10-1), 8 p.m. Sat
Winners of their last four games (Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Georgia), the Auburn Tigers are the hottest team in the league. Auburn still doesn't have a ticket to the SEC's NCAA Tournament bubble party, but Tigers could earn one very quickly with a win at LSU. LSU is a bubble eater, though.

TENNESSEE (16-9, 7-4) AT KENTUCKY (18-8, 7-4), 1 p.m. Sat
People tell me that Tennessee is on the bubble. I disagree. While some SEC teams were playing non-conference games against opponents like Florida A&M, Tennessee was actually playing (and defeating) real basketball teams. Tennessee is in. No Bubbles. Kentucky, on the other hand, needs a few more wins to bolster their resume. The Wildcats can't lose another game at home.

ARKANSAS (13-11, 1-10) AT SOUTH CAROLINA (18-6, 7-4), 7 p.m. Sat
South Carolina can't afford a home loss this late in the season either. Especially to a team that has lost 10 of its last 11 games. Arkansas might be terrible when it comes to conference play, but the Hogs did (somehow) defeat Texas and Oklahoma this season.

MISSISSIPPI STATE (17-9, 7-4) AT ALABAMA (13-12, 3-8), 3 p.m. Sat
If State loses this game, then its days on the bubble are done.

-jo-

UF baseball opens season tonight and other stuff

GAINESVILLE -- Senior Patrick Keating takes the mound at 6:30 tonight for the Gators in their season opener against Louisville. UF is ranked No.23 in the USA Today/ESPN preseason Top 25 while Louisville is ranked No.16.

The Gators host Eastern Michigan on Tuesday and Wednesday before a visit from rival Miami Feb. 27-Mar. 1. 

Second-year coach Kevin O'Sullivan appears to be moving the Gators in the right direction. Florida finished the 2008 season 34-24 and were 27-6 at home. That was a huge improvement from the 2007 season, in which Florida was 17-17 at home.

O'Sullivan's first recruiting class was ranked No.5 by Baseball America. Four of those newcomers are talented pitchers who will contribute immediately. Left handers Nick Morande and Alex Panteliodis will make their first career starts this weekend against Louisville. Freshmen pitchers Will Jolin and Anthony DeSclafani will start weekday games.

Overall, UF is a young squad (12 freshmen) but the Gators are led by a strong core of returning players. Corner infielder Brandon McArthur was awarded a rare sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Senior outfielder Avery Barnes is the Gators' lead-off man. Junior Matt den Dekker of Fort Lauderdale, who played with the U.S. National Team during the offseason, is a preseason all-American.

Sophomore infielder Josh Adams has emerged as the Gators' best hitter. Outfielder Riley Cooper, a receiver on the football team, joined the baseball team immediately after the football national championship and could be a significant contributor this season.

UF ROSTER LINK
UF SCHEDULE LINK
SEC coaches pick UF to finish second in SEC East; LSU to win league

HARVIN'S CHARACTER BEING QUESTIONED
Pro Football Weekly writer Nolan Nawrocki breaks down the good and bad of former UF receiver Percy Harvin, who will be participating in the NFL Combine this weekend. Nawrocki calls into question Harvin's character. "Not a likeable person and tends to rub teammates the wrong way," writes Nawrocki. Ouch. There is no doubt that Harvin has his demons (this blog was pretty critical of Harvin after his preseason incident with Chris Rainey) but the guy did work extremely hard to prepare himself for the national championship game after injuring his ankle against Florida State.

BROMBACHER IMPROVES TO 5-0
Florida sophomore softball pitcher Stephanie Brombacher (5-0) of Broward County recorded her fifth shutout of the season on Thursday. Brombacher is 25-0 in her career at UF. Brombacher was named SEC Pitcher of Week last week. She tossed a no-hitter against Coastal Carolina. Florida defeated defending national champs Arizona State 8-2 in their second game on Thursday. UF pitcher Stacy Nelson recorded her 100th career victory and sophomore Megan Bush hit two home runs in the same inning. And one of the dingers was a grand slam. Wow!

-jo-

Details of Brian Butler's liquid diet revealed

  

   

FINAL: Florida Gators 83, Alabama (Georgia of the West) 74

GAINESVILLE -- Florida snapped its two-game losing skid with an 83-74 victory against Alabama on Wednesday night.

UF guard Nick Calathes led the Gators with 22 pionts, six assists and three rebounds. Florida held Alabama star Alonzo Gee of Palm Beach County to 17 points. Gee scored over 30 against the Gators last season.

Florida sophomore forward Alex Tyus had 16 points and seven rebounds. Freshman point guard Erving Walker had 13 points. Walter Hodge had nine points and six assists.

LIVE BLOG BELOW
Blogging live tonight from the O'Connell Center, Alabama-Florida. Once again, no sellout. The public-address announcer just called the O'Dome the 'House of Horrors.' The Alabama Crimson Tide has lost 17-straight road conference games. Florida just lost to last-place Georgia. House of horrors, indeed. Should be a great game...

1ST HALF
15:32 Florida Gators 16, Alabama Crimson Tide 7
--What's this? The Florida Gators' basketball actually DOES have a pulse after all. Back-to-back dunks by Parsons in the game's first four minutes! A three ball from Dan Werner! A three ball by Erving Walker! All of sudden, this Florida team doesn't seem so bad. Am I dreaming on press row again?

RANDOM THOUGHTS: Alabama's unis are hideous...but not nearly as bad as the guys in the unis.

RANDOM THOUGHTS: Bama sorely misses guard Ronald Steele, who quit the team awhile back. The Tide has five turnovers in the first eight minutes of the game.

RANDOM THOUGHTS: Former Gator Andrew Declercq in the house or horrors!

Tim Tebow and Terrell Owens together in Gainesville?

GAINESVILLE -- Got something a bit odd to pass along this afternoon.

UF quarterback Tim Tebow and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens were in the Outback Steakhouse in Gainesville at the same time on Tuesday night, according to the restaurant's manager.

"There's not really much to it," said Adam, the manager who for some reason didn't want me to print his last name. "One of them came in right when we opened and the other one came in about an hour later. Terrell Owens was with a lady and another man and Tebow came in with one of his buddies."

Owens and Tebow did not eat together and, according to the restaurant's manager, the two football players did not speak to one another.

Weird, huh? Wonder if Tebow is a Bloomin' Onion guy? Doubt it.

-jo-

NFL Combine: TE Cornelius Ingram has much to prove

GAINESVILLE -- The NFL Scouting Combine begins today, Feb.18, and ends on Tuesday, Feb.24. It's a big week for a select few. Some players will one day be millionaires based upon this week and some will see their dreams of playing professional football come to an end. 

Four Gators -- Percy Harvin, Cornelius Ingram, Jason Watkins and Louis Murphy -- were invited to this year's NFL Combine. In case you were wondering, the Combine is a job fair for college players hoping to be employed by NFL football teams. If you want to know what players do at the NFL Combine, then CLICK ME! In addition to that fun stuff, players will also be weighed, measured, questioned and tested by NFL scouts, general managers, coaches, directors and doctors.

Every year there are one or two players whose measurable skills stand out among their peers. Last year it was Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Jake Long (Michigan Wolverines), whose 11-inch hands and 35 3/4-inch arms wowed all. Then there was Tampa Bay Bucs receiver Dexter Jackson (Appalachian State) who ran a 4.27 in the 40-yard dash. It was enough for the Bucs to draft him in the second round.

This year, tight end Cornelius Ingram [PICTURED] could be one of the players with the most to gain (or lose) based on his measurable skills. Ingram tore an anterior-cruciate ligament in his left knee before the 2008 college football season. Since that time, he has been rehabilitating and training for the NFL Combine.

Ingram has a lot to prove his week after missing the 2008 season. NFL general managers are always on the look out for pass-catching tight ends who create match-up problems for opposing defenses. Has Ingram fully recovered from his injury? Is he worth the risk? Scouts will watch intently as Ingram races from point to point in the three-cone drill, which tests a player's ability to change directions. How will Ingram's reconstructed left knee respond? If Ingram can clock one of the fastest 40-yard dash times among tight ends this week, then his draft stock will rise considerably.

Like Ingram, receiver Percy Harvin will be judged by his measurable skills this week. Exactly how tall is Harvin, after all? He is listed at 5-11. If Harvin measures out at 5-9, then his draft stock could take a hit.

Receiver Louis Murphy (6-2, 205) never was the Gators' first option. Will his combination of height and speed overshadow his lack of production at the collegiate level?

Offensive tackle Jason Watkins is an intriguing prospect. He won't be the most experienced and polished offensive lineman at the NFL Combine but there is something to be said for a guy who only played two years of high school football only to emerge as the Gators' best at his position on a national championship team. Can Watkins prove that his raw athleticism is enough to warrant a draft pick?

Oh, and if you're keeping score at home, and we know you are, UF has more players at the NFL Combine this year than Florida State and Miami combined. Florida State sent two players to Indianapolis and only ONE Miami Hurricane was invited. South Florida will have two players at the NFL Combine this week. Other instate schools: Central Florida (1), FIU (0), Bethune-Cookman (0) and Florida A&M (0).

Among Southeastern Conference schools, LSU (9 players) and Georgia (8 players) will have the most representation at the NFL Combine. Here's the complete SEC breakdown. Alabama (5), Arkansas (2), Auburn (3), Florida (4), Georgia (8), Kentucky (3), LSU (9), Ole Miss (6), Mississippi State (1), South Carolina (6), Tennessee (6) and Vanderbilt (1). 

-jo-

UF's Brandon James has foot surgery

GAINESVILLE -- Brandon James, Florida's all-American kick return specialist, underwent surgery on Monday to repair a fractured metatarsal bone in his right foot, according to the University of Florida. James, a junior, will be on crutches for six to eight weeks, according to UF. 

 

In 2008 James was voted the Southeastern Conference Special Teams Player of the Year. He holds school records for single-season (510 yards) and career punt-return yardage (1,127 yards).

UF's Carl Johnson accused of abusive relationship

GAINESVILLE -- Florida offensive lineman Carl Johnson was allegedly involved in an abusive relationship in 2008, according to a petition for injunction for protection against sexual violence filed in Alachua County on Feb. 9.

According to the petitioner, Johnson's former girlfriend, she was in a "violent dating relationship" with Johnson from July 2008 to Dec. 2008. During that time, Johnson's former girlfriend claimed that "physical and emotional abuse were regular."

Johnson, 21, was arrested on Monday for violating the terms of his restraining order when he sat approximately three feet away from his former girlfriend on a public bus, according to an arrest report. The report also states that Johnson followed his former girlfriend once she exited the bus. He was booked into the Alachua County jail at 1:21 p.m. on Monday. Johnson had been ordered by the court to remain 500 feet away from his former girlfriend.

According to arrest records, Johnson’s former girlfriend and an eyewitness gave sworn statements on Monday of “the accounts that took place on the bus.”

Johnson spent the night in jail on Monday and appeared in court on Tuesday morning. He was then released under the condition that he remain at least 500 feet away from his former girlfriend at all times. Terms of the original restraining order indicate that Johnson and his former girlfriend are scheduled to appear in Alachua County court at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 24.

Johnson's former girlfriend included a lengthy and detailed description of her relationship with the football player in her petition for a restraining order. She also indicated in the petition that she reported sexual violence to law enforcement and is cooperating in any criminal proceeding. No criminal charges against Johnson have been filed "as of this time" with the State Attorney's Office, according to State Attorney's Office spokesperson Spencer Mann.

Johnson, a sophomore offensive guard, started nine games last season and is expected to compete for a starting position on the offensive line this spring. Florida’s spring practice begins on March 25 and the Gators’ spring football scrimmage is scheduled for April 18. Johnson, a native of Durham, N.C., was rated one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation as a high school senior.

-jo-

UF lineman Carl Johnson arrested

GAINESVILLE -- Florida offensive lineman Carl Johnson was arrested on Monday for allegedly violating the terms of a temporary restraining order, according to the Alachua County jail record. The charge is listed as a first-degree misdemeanor.

Johnson was booked into the Alachua County jail at 1:21 p.m. on Monday by the University Police Department after allegedly following a woman off a bus. Johnson had been ordered to stay away from the woman. Johnson was issued a restraining order last week.

Johnson, a sophomore, worked his way up the depth chart to first-string guard last season and started the Gators' final nine games of the season. He is expected to compete for a starting position this spring.

University Athletic Association spokesman Steve McClain said in a statement on Monday night that the university is aware of the report and gathering details about the incident. Florida coach Urban Meyer is out of the country, according to McClain.

-jo- 

Donovan: 'Are they trying the best they can?'

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Billy Donovan wasn't overly critical of his team on Monday, two days after losing to Georgia, a team that hadn't won a game since Dec.31. The message: These guys are trying hard.

"I kind of evaluate it in: Are they trying the best they can? Are they trying to give me everything they have?" Donovan said. "There is no question there are some limitations there but I do feel like those guys are trying to do what we’re asking them to do. There are certain things maybe inside the game that they do struggle with, that’s challenging with them, but I really do not have a problem with their effort."

Florida (19-6, 6-4) has lost two straight and hosts Alabama (13-11, 3-7) on Wednesday.

Losing to a team as bad as Georgia is certainly a good time for reflection. Donovan did a lot of that during his Monday press conference.

"I had a conversation about this the other day with Urban [Meyer]," Donovan said. "It is all so fragile in a lot of ways -- the highlights of things when things are really, really incredible and then, maybe, when you’ve got some challenges. When I look at my time here, I probably have grown more as a person and coach through the challenging parts than when things were great."

There's a rumor going around the SEC that Florida has a soft team this year. Donovan reminded everyone on Monday that Florida doesn't make a point to recruit soft players. "We won two national chamionships with three monsters up front and a 6-8 small forward." Sigh...

Donovan also reminded everyone that when he returned to Florida after the second championship (turning down the NBA in the process) that Florida basketball was "starting from scratch."

"One of the things that I looked at and knew going into last year and the opportunity that I had after 2007 was the challenge of taking on — just knowing there was going to be a drastic drop off," Donovan said. "A drastic drop off in talent, a drastic drop off in experience and just a drastic drop off of just having a lot of guys coming in that were going to be thrust into situations with no level of leadership above them and having to go through it and figure it out.

.

"I’m actually in a certain way — and I know because the level we’ve been at people don’t maybe have a tendency of looking at it this way — but the reality is I think our team totally overachieved last year."

.

Last year, Florida had Maurice Speights, who left for the NBA after his sophomore season. Donovan thought Speights was coming back.

.

"I don’t think when the season started last year that Maurice Speights would be gone," Donovan said. "Our frontcourt complexion looks totally different if you now have Maurice, Alex [Tyus] and Dan [Werner]. At the time when we signed some of these guys there is no question that the role they’re in right now is a different role than what we had envisioned when we signed them."

.

Everyone is always critizing Dan Werner for being Dan Werner. It's not Dan's fault, says Donovan.

.

"I think Dan [Werner] has had a tougher time shooting the basketball since SEC play has started. That would help," Donovan said. "I don’t think it’s the situation with us being undersized has anything to do with those guys at all as players. We felt like Dan was going to be a great complement but the one thing you can never forecast is guys leaving early ... It’s tough for Dan to lineup 30 minutes a night and expect him to go grab 10-12 rebounds. Inside of what his ability is, I think he’s doing all the things he can possibly do. "

.

Don't you get it, people. These guys are trying the best they can. What more can you ask for?

.

-jo-

Online Surveys & Market Research

One sentence that sums up the SEC this year

GAINESVILLE -- We all know the SEC's collection of men's basketball teams is absolutely garbage this year, right? Well it wasn't always that way. On Monday, Florida coach Billy Donovan reminded reporters of the good ole days:

"I took the No.1 team one year into Kentucky and lost by 30."

How's that for perspective?

Does anyone out there have ONE SENTENCE that sums up SEC men's basketball this year?

-jo-

Tebow chats with Spurrier at Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH -- The Great American Quarterback is at the Great American Race.

UF quarterback Tim Tebow is at the Daytona International Speedway today for the Daytona 500. He was present for the pre-race drivers' meeting, which was attended by celebrities, reporters and, of course, drivers. Tebow, Florida's latest Heisman-winning quarterback, stood next to the Gators' first Heisman winner, Steve Spurrier during the meeting. The two chatted briefly, no doubt asking each other when the heck Lane Kiffin is going to start taking his medication again.

The editorial staff of Gator Clause, Inc., is taking a break from the Gators today and helping out with The Herald's NASCAR coverage. All bets are off, however, when Tebow pops up. Other celebrities present in the drivers' meeting were Tom Cruise, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman. That was kind of awkward.

Most importantly, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano was at the drivers' meeting. Get this, Sparano used to live in Daytona Beach and was a chef at an old Days Inn, which used to be located across from the Speedway. Weird, uh? Sparano lived in Daytona Beach briefly while commuting to the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Just because I know all the Gators out there HAVE to know this. Here's what Sparano thinks of Tebow:

"I haven't studied him because, obviously, we knew right away he wasn't coming out," Sparano said. "I got a chance to watch him play a few times and I like what he does with the football. The guy throws the ball well and he runs it pretty well and when you see a guy doing those kind of things ... I haven't really studied him, so I can't really comment."

Gators' season beginning to tailspin

GAINESVILLE -- Grab the parachutes, girls and boys. The Gators' men's basketball season is beginning to spin out of control.

Florida lost to Georgia 88-86 on Saturday at Stegeman Colisuem. It was the Bulldogs' first conference win of the season and first win of any kind since Dec. 31. Ouch. Even more disturbing, the Gators lost despite another epic performance from sophomore guard Nick Calathes. He had a triple-double, the third of his career. Calathes finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists.

The loss to Georgia (10-15, 1-9) comes four days after Florida (19-6, 6-4) lost to Kentucky despite a 33-point effort from Calathes.

Georgia guard Terrance Woodbury, who had seemingly been in a shooting slump all season, torched the Gators for 32 point. He made 7 of 10 three-point attempts.

What makes this loss so confounding is that the Gators actually played one of their best games in some time ... at least until the final five minutes of the game. In addition to Calathes' effort, four other Gators scored in double figures. UF guard Walter Hodge had 22 points in the loss and made 6 of 8 three-point attempts. UF forward Chandler Parsons scored 11 points. Alex Tyus and Erving Walker scored 10 apiece. Dan Werner had eight points.

Georgia led by nine points with 18 minutes left in the second half when Florida began chipping away at the Bulldogs' lead. UF took the lead (79-76) with 7:27 to play but, similar to their effort against Kentucky, the Gators went cold in the final minutes of the contest and only scored two points in the final five minutes.  

-jo-  

Gators need five more wins to insure Tournament berth

GAINESVILLE -- How many more games does the Florida men's basketball team need to win to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament? I'm predicting the magic number is five.

Seven games remain of the men's basketball season and Florida (19-5, 6-3) is locked in a four-way tie for first place in the SEC East with Tennessee (15-8, 6-3), South Carolina (17-5, 6-3) and Kentucky (17-7, 6-3). On Monday, ESPN projected five teams from the SEC to make the NCAA Tournament: the four teams currently tied for first in the East and LSU (20-4, 8-1) from the SEC West. Nothing is guaranteed, however, and I expect Florida needs five more regular-season wins to insure a place in the NCAA Tournament. It will not be easy.

Florida plays at Georgia on Saturday and hosts Alabama and Vanderbilt next week. The Gators should win these three games. Georgia hasn't won a game since December and Alabama is 3-6 in the league and playing without guard Ronald Steele, who quit the team. Vanderbilt lost to Florida 94-69 at home on Jan.25.   

Assuming Florida defeats Georgia, Alabama and Vanderbilt, that leaves the Gators needing two wins with four difficult contests remaining: at LSU (Feb.24), Tennessee at home (March 1), at Mississippi State (March 4) and Kentucky at home (March 7).

In case anyone was wondering, Florida's RPI, according to realtimeRPI.com, is 36. The Gators are 1-3 against teams with an RPI in the top 30 and 5-5 against teams with an RPI in the top 100. It's not exactly a strong resume.

Florida's best non-conference win came way back on Nov.25 with an 86-84 victory against Washington. Washington currently has an RPI of 19. Syracuse, which currently has an RPI of 22, defeated Florida 89-83. Florida State (RPI 20) defeated Florida 57-55. Tennessee (RPI 24) defeated Florida 79-63.

-jo-

Don Shula, Dan Marino, Bobby Bowden and ... Tim Tebow?

GAINESVILLE -- In case you didn't know, ESPN's SportsCenter is putting together a "Mount Rushmore of Sports" for every state in the union, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. CLICK ME! It's a good idea and a great conversation piece. So, naturally, let's discuss it.

Four sports figures represent each state. It seems to me that a person (or horse) should only represent one state, but a few sports icons represent several states. No big deal, I guess. Standing atop Florida's Mount Rushmore are Don Shula, Dan Marino, Bobby Bowden and Tim Tebow. Tebow, by the way, is the youngest sports icon of any state. Michael Phelps of Baltimore, Md., is 23 years old. For a complete list of Florida's sports icons CLICK ME!

Should Tebow be on this short list of Florida's sports icons? What about Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher? How about Roy Jones, Jr., arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer of all time? How about Michelle Akers, one of the greatest U.S. soccer players of all time? What about tennis icon Chris Evert? What about Ray Lewis, Michael Irvin or Deion Sanders? Swimmer Dara Torres makes a strong case as well. From the basketball court, Florida can boast Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Amare Stoudimare, to name a few off the top of my head. Affirmed, a Florida-bred, was the last horse to win the Triple Crown.

It should be noted that Florida is one of only two states represented by an all-football Mount Rushmore. Mississippi, another talent-rich state, boasts Jerry Rice, Brett Favre, Walter Payton and Archie Manning.

If you want to check out all 52 Mount Rushmores of Sports, then scroll through the index on the feature's main page (LINK LISTED ABOVE.) If you want to vote on the five best Mount Rushmores of Sports then CLICK ME! 

Who makes your Florida Mount Rushmore of Sports? At the rate he's going, does UF athletics director Jeremy Foley ever enter the conversation? I hear you laughing but he has turned an underachieving athletics department into arguably the nation's best. Florida has had the best collection of sports programs in the Southeastern Conference in all but one of his years as A.D. My Florida Mount Rushmore of Sports would be Don Shula, Chris Evert, Roy Jones Jr. and Emmitt Smith.

I know I'm biased, but I have long since believed Alabama (my home state) has produced the most concentrated collection of sports icons in the nation. ESPN's Mount Rushmore of Sports feature only bolsters that argument, I think. I've got to disagree with Alabama's Mount Rushmore, though. I'll take Willie Mays and Hank Aaron, of course. They're arguably the two greatest baseball players in the history of the game. Bo Jackson is a keeper, too. He's the greatest athlete that ever was. I'll gladly replace Bear Bryant (born in Arkansas), however, with a few more deserving Alabama natives: Satchel Paige, Mia Hamm, Jesse Owens, Joe Louis, Willie McCovey or John Stallworth.

-jo-

Gators collapse in final minutes to Kentucky

GAINESVILLE -- The Gators' road struggles continued on Tuesday night with a 68-65 loss to Kentucky at Rupp Arena.

Florida led by six points with 3:19 left but Kentucky outscored Florida 12-3 from there and won the game in dramatic fashion when guard Jodie Meeks swished a three-pointer with six seconds to play. UF had a chance to tie the game with six-tenths of a second left when UF guard Nick Calathes was fouled by Kevin Galloway while attempting a three-pointer. Calathes missed his three free throws.

Calathes led the Gators with 33 points and Alex Tyus had 14. It wasn't a good showing for the Gators' upperclassmen. UF senior guard Walter Hodge was ejected from the game for stepping on the arm of an opponent and UF junior forward Dan Werner had four points.

Florida did an excellent job of containing Kentucky power forward Patrick Patterson. Patterson scored seven points, making just 3 of 9 shot attempts. Meeks led Kentucky with 23 points and forward Perry Stevenson scored 10 points.

Florida (19-5, 6-3 in the SEC) is now in a three-way tie in the SEC East with Kentucky (17-7, 6-3) and South Carolina (17-5, 6-3). It could become a four-way tie for first place in the SEC East on Wednesday if Tennessee (14-8, 5-3) defeats Georgia.

-jo-

UF's Brombacher begins season with one-hit shutout

GAINESVILLE -- For all you college softball fans out there, here's a quick blog post on an emerging star. UF sophomore pitcher Stephanie Brombacher of Pembroke Pines tossed a one-hit shutout in her first start of the season on Saturday.

Brombacher led the Gators to an 8-0 victory in the second game of a three-game series. Florida defeated Baylor 3-0 in the first game and lost 1-0 in the third game. UF (2-1) travels to Jacksonville on Wednesday before hosting the Lipton Invitational this weekend. It's a big weekend for college softball fans. The tournament includes Texas Tech, South Alabama, FAU, Georgia Tech and Coastal Carolina.

Brombacher, who starred at Plantation American Heritage in high school, is one of two ultra-talented pitchers on the Gators' roster. Senior Stacy Nelson is the team's ace but Brombacher isn't far behind. On Tuesday, UF softball coach Tim Walton said UF has two No.1 pitchers. If you know anything about college softball, then you know two ace pitchers is more than enough to win a conference championship.

In a matter of full disclosure, I must confess that I'm a big Stephanie Brombacher fan. Back in the day, back when I proudly covered Broward County high school sports, I wrote this first-hand account of what it's like standing in the batter's box and facing Brombacher. CLICK ME! 

-jo-

Irony is a funny thing, Tennessee football reports recruiting violations

GAINESVILLE -- In a rather interesting twist of irony, this happened today up in Knoxville. CLICK ME! Talk about a rookie mistake. If Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin has an appetite tonight, he's probably eating Volunteer-orange and idiot-white shoes.

SI.com recruiting writer Andy Staples chimes in on National Signing Day and the bizarre Thursday that followed. CLICK ME!

LSU's defense allowed plenty of points last season and lose everyone on its defensive line except this guy. CLICK ME!

Up in Columbia, S.C., coach Steve Spurrier is starting from scratch on offense with four new assistants. CLICK ME!

And if ya don't know, now ya know. CLICK ME! Lady Gators are No.9 and rising. More on women later this week in a Miami Herald near you.

Mark Bradley of the AJC -- one of my favorites -- compares psychos. CLICK ME!

It has been an exceptional week for the Alabama Crimson Tide football program. CLICK ME!

Editor's note: The editorial board of Gator Clause, Inc., reserves the right to update this blog throughout the night and into morning. Check back for updates!

-jo-

Stopping Kentucky's Patterson, Meeks key for Florida

GAINESVILLE -- The back half of the Florida Gators men's basketball team's Southeastern Conference schedule begins at 9 p.m. on Tuesday night with an important away game against the Kentucky Wildcats. The game will be televised by ESPN.

Kentucky has lost three straight, including two at home, so expect the 'Cats to take the court believing this is one of their most important games of the season. Florida (19-4, 6-2 in the SEC) is a game ahead of Kentucky (16-7, 5-3) in the SEC East standings and currently leads the division. A road when at Rupp Arena would bolster not only the Gators' NCAA Tournament resume but also strengthen the young Gators' collective confidence level. Florida has lost two of its last three away games.

"This game means a lot to them but also means a lot to us," Florida guard Nick Calathes said. "This will put us in first place in the SEC. It's going to be a tough game."

In a loss at Tennessee on Jan.31, Florida was out-muscled and out-hustled by an athletic Volunteers team in need a win. It's the same scenario on Tuesday. Kentucky is led by 6-9, 235-pound power forward Patrick Patterson, one of the SEC's most dominant big men. Florida doesn't have a player to match-up with Patterson's ability and strength, so expect a steady rotation of UF defenders throughout the game. Florida coach Billy Donovan said on Monday that the goal defensively against Kentucky will be to tire Patterson early in the game and limit Kentucky guard Joe Meeks, who is averaging 25.1 points per game.

"Patterson is a beast," UF forward Chandler Parsons said. "Him and Jodie Meeks are like the highest-scoring tandem in college basketball, so we're going to have to do a really good job on those guys. We're going to throw different defenses at them and see what we can do."

Florida basketball fans are quite familiar with Patterson. After a long recruiting battle, he chose Kentucky and new coach Billy Gillispie over Florida and coach Billy Donovan. Kentucky has lost seven of its last eight games against the Gators but defeated UF at Rupp Arena last season in Patterson's first home game against Florida.

"[Patterson] is big and strong and he knows how to use his lower body and hips and doesn't have to play with his arms and his hands," UF junior Dan Werner said. "He hits you with his hip and you can't get up and that's something you learn and is a talent."

Meeks is capable of dominating a game as well. He scored a school-record 54 points in a win against Tennessee in January. Does Meeks have the ability to dominate Florida? UF recently allowed 33 points to South Carolina guard Devan Downey.

FLORIDA PROBABLE STARTERS (19-4, 6-2)
F Dan Werner 6-8, 230 (9.2 ppg/4.4 rpg)
F Chandler Parsons 6-9, 213 (10.4/5.9r)
C Alex Tyus 6-8, 220 (12.4/6.3r)
G Nick Calathes 6-6, 194 (18.1/6.4apg)
G Walter Hodge 6-0, 170 (7.7/2.4a)

KENTUCKY PROBABLE STARTERS (16-7, 5-3)
F Ramon Harris 6-7, 218 (5.3/3.0 rpg)
F Perry Stevenson 6-9, 207 (7.9/6.7r)
F Patrick Patterson 6-9, 225 (18.3/9.2r)
G Michael Porter 6-3, 193 (3.5/2.9apg)
G Jodie Meeks 6-4, 208 (25.1/3.5a) 

-jo- 

10 storylines for Florida Gators spring football

GAINESVILLE -- Spring practice begins on March 25. There is going to be plenty of storylines to cover this year and the biggest might be quarterback Tim Tebow's transition to a new quarterbacks coach.

Dan Mullen is gone and the new guy was brought in to -- this is everyone else's thoery and not mine -- help get Tim Tebow to the NFL. New quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler coached Tom Brady and Chad Henne at the University of Michigan before coaching for one season with the Detroit Lions. Loeffler spoke with reporters on National Signing Day but didn't say much beyond the company line. When asked if Tebow could succeed in the NFL, Loeffler answered with an overly dramatic, "Damn right he can."

Why? How do you know? This is what all the crazy reporters wanted to know. Those dogs! Those wolves! 

Well, Loeffler couldn't offer anything concrete. He'll know more about Tebow in the coming weeks. Give the guy a break, right? He's only been on staff about a month, he has been recruiting the whole time and Tebow has been recovering from surgery.

Loeffler explained that Tebow had the "it" factor. A few years ago, Loeffler started recruiting Tebow to Michigan when Tebow was only a sophomore in high school. "From day one meeting the kid he has had "it" and he will always have "it," Loeffler said.

In other, just as vague words, you know "it" when you see "it?"

"Hey, man, is that "It" walking down the street?"

"Yeah, man, I heard "It" is moving to Cananda. "It" just up and cracked. Can't take "it" any longer.

What is "it," you're asking yourself? Is "it" something that only slick quarterbacks coaches and NFL scouts and general managers can understand? Does "it" come in pill form?, you're secretly asking yourself.

EXPLAINING THE 'IT' FACTOR
It is an amorphous entity that no one on Earth other than Joe Montana, Tiger Woods, Tim Tebow and Stephen King could possibly try to understand. "It" is like the human version of a Jedi knight's metachlorian count. "The Force is strong with this one," explains Yoda.  

"The Force is what gives a Jedi his power," says Obi-Wan Kenobi in Stars Wars (the first one). "It is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together."

You got that? Tim Tebow has been penetrated by The Force! Right...Well, a blind mind who only knows Florida football by the sound of Mick Hubert's voice could tell you that.

We'll have to wait and see what Loeffler can contribute that Mullen could not. My guess, not much. That's not a knock, of course. That just means Mullen was pretty good, too. Loeffler is new to the spread (although he said he has been studying it for a long time), so he's going to be busy learning that this spring. My guess is Loeffler was brought along more for John Brantley's sake than Tebow's.

Loeffler on Brantley: "I know his family. He comes from good stock."

Maybe I'm way off base on that? Anyway, that's a little preview of the quarterback-coach storyline I'm sure you'll be reading about once the spring rolls around. Here are a few more spring storylines to keep in mind:

MORE SPRING STORYLINES
1. Replacing Percy. Who's going to do it? Everyone says Andre Debose but Debose can't participate in spring practice. Is Brandon James the answer?

2. Emmanuel Moody, where are you? This guy needs to show up in a big way. It's time for Moody to earn the trust of his coaching staff.

3. Offensive tackles! The most important story of the spring, in my opinion, will be the development of the new offensive tackles. Marcus Gilbert, it's time to take charge. Gilbert is expected to fill one of the open tackle spots. Who wins the other starting role? Does a Pouncey move to the outside?

4. Matt Patchan. Where is he going to play?

5. Deonte Thompson has waited two years for this spring. Time to earn your scholarship, kid.

6. Is David Nelson the new wingman? What about Riley Cooper? How will the baseball season interfere with his spring football schedule? Which young receiver will earn playing time?

7. Where is UF thin? Answer: Tight end. Aaron Hernandez will be the only scholarship tight end this spring. How will that affect spring practice, the offense?

8. One story I'm looking forward to writing...With so many starters returning, will the most heated spring battles be on special teams? Maybe this is the ONE story that will put into context how good Florida is right now: Florida is so good, five-star recruits are trying to win starting spots on special teams...that sort of thing.

9. Could we be looking at the best defense in Florida football history? Historically, what are some other SEC defenses that might compare? 

10. Tim Tebow story. Can't leave this guy out no matter how many times you've written about him. What is his role this spring? What does he work on? What kind of cereal does he eat? Boxers or briefs...or maybe boxer briefs? Mission work?

-jo-

Kiffin calls Pahokee coach and apologizes

GAINESVILLE -- Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin called Pahokee coach Blaze Thompson on Saturday and apologized for the statement's made about the Palm Beach County high school during a Tennessee booster function on Thursday. Pahokee is still awaiting a public apology by Kiffin.

"He said he wasn't making excuses and that what he said was wrong," Thompson said. "He apologized and said he would make a public apology to the town and the school and also call the principal as well. I said thank you and that we appreciate that and the town and schools needs for you to make a public apology."

Thompson said that Pahokee's formal letter of complaint will still be sent to the Southeastern Conference and the University of Tennessee.

"I'm so glad he called so we can get past this," Thompson said. "I'm glad I didn't have to call. I told him I was glad he was doing what is right and being a man about it."

-jo-

Pahokee to send formal complaint to Tennessee

GAINESVILLE -- In an effort to prove it knows how to use a fax machine, the city of Pahokee is preparing to send a formal complaint to the University of Tennessee regarding the recent comments made by Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin. Here's a copy of that letter. CLICK ME!! 

Pahokee coach Blaze Thompson said the letter will be faxed, mailed and emailed to just about every important person in Knoxville. Thompson called Tennessee athletics director Mike Hamilton on Friday but hasn't heard back. Thompson also called SEC commissioner Mike Slive.

"You can't do this to somebody," Thompson said. "It's not right."

Thompson is obviously a very patient man but here's what's going to happen if he doesn't hear from Kiffin either today or tomorrow. Just a guess, but Kiffin and his assistants probably won't be welcomed in Pahokee anymore. And I'm assuming the other schools in the area -- Belle Glade Glades Day and Belle Glade Glades Central -- have been paying attention to this whole saga. Thompson and Pahokee want an apology and also want Kiffin to set the record straight. Either Kiffin writes a letter or visits Pahokee or else.

Kiffin's rivals are taking advantage of his recruiting mistakes. Florida coach Urban Meyer called Thompson on Saturday morning just to touch base.

"He wanted to know if Florida did anything wrong in recruiting Nu'Keese," Thompson said. "He also wanted to make sure Florida and Pahokee maintained a professional and ethical relationship."

See, Meyer knows something that Kiffin hasn't figured out yet. In the SEC, recruiting is all about building relationships. Back in the Pac-10, all Kiffin had to do was tell people he coached for USC. Kiffin is either too young to realize this or too arrogant to think it matters. He'll learn.

-jo-

Which team in the SEC had the best recruiting class?

GAINESVILLE -- Was meaning to breakdown the SEC's 12 recruiting classes on Thursday but I was busy writing about Tennessee's Boy Wonder. Hey, the guy knows how to stick his foot in his mouth almost as good as he knows how to recruit, apparently. Only time will tell, of course. Anyone other than me looking foward to the Janoris Jenkins vs. Nu'Keese Richardson match-up next season? More importantly, anyone other than me totally digging the Academy Award weekend on AMC?

Before we breakdown every team in the league, let's review the three major recruiting rankings: Rivals, Scouts and ESPN.

DON'T FORGET to vote in the poll at the bottom of this post! This post took awhile.

Team          Class Size     Rivals Scouts ESPN
Alabama            27              1        2         2
Arkansas           31              15      23       20
Auburn               28             19       19       25
Florida               16              10      13        5
Georgia              18              9        10       6
Kentucky            29             42       32      n/a
LSU                   24              2        4         1
Mississippi         37             18       12       22
Miss. State         27             23       22       23
South Carolina    29             12       9         12
Tennessee         20              17      20        15
Vanderbilt           17             73      67        n/a

Ole Miss signed a real winner on Wednesday

Jamar Hornsby is a Rebel. Hotty Toddy! Gosh almighty! Who the hell is he? This guy ...

 

Summitt should teach Kiffin a few lessons

GAINESVILLE -- I've read plenty this morning about Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin's buffoonery on Wednesday but no where is anyone writing what might be the worst part about all of this.

On the day Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt got win No.1,000, Tennessee's football coach intruded into Summitt's spotlight and embarrassed her university.

Summitt might be the best coach in the country --college or pro -- regardless of sport. She has won more games than any other men's or women's college basketball coach in the history of the sport. Hell, she could probably coach football better than most of the guys in the SEC.

All that winning and has anyone ever heard Summitt brag about anything other than being surrounded by great people? She should probably do Kiffin a favor by sitting down with the guy and going over a few things. In my brain, here's how that conversation would probably go:

KIFFIN: [WALKS INTO SUMMITT'S OFFICE.]

KIFFIN: "Congratulations, coach, on your 1,000th wi..."

SUMMITT: "Sit down and shut up, son."

KIFFIN: [CLOSES MOUTH; SITS DOWN]

SUMMITT: "Shoot, you got some mouth on that pretty little face don't you, son."

KIFFIN: [OPENS MOUTH]

SUMMITT: "Save it. We all make mistakes...especially our idiot athletics director...Heck, but I wouldn't sweat it. No one here in Tennessee cares about Florida anyway. But, listen, you've got to be a little smarter if you want to have a long and successful career here at Tennessee. Now, your daddy probably taught you something about public speaking but you just forgot, right?"

KIFFIN: [BEGINS TO OPEN MOUTH.]

SUMMITT: "No, don't answer that question, Lane. It was rhetorical. I was being sarcastic."

KIFFIN: [BEGINS TO RAISE HIS HAND]

SUMMITT: "Put your hand down, Lane. Frankly, I don't want to hear anything else you have to say. Now, grab a pen and a piece of paper and write this stuff down. Follow these rules and you'll be fine from here on out.

"No.1: When speaking into a microphone, never mention yourself or your rivals by name.

"No.2: Let Ed Orgeron be the point man when it's time to talk about recruiting.

"No.3: Never...Wait, on second thought, don't ever let Ed speak to the media. Come to think of it, don't ever let him speak to anyone other than recruits.

"OK, No.3, and this is an important one, son: Never try and upstage me, kiddo. This is Pat Summitt's town. You got that?"

KIFFIN: [NODS HEAD.]

"No. 4: You're not in California anymore. Pete Carroll might joke around and have fun at USC but you're not Pete Carroll and people in the South don't have a sense of humor when it comes to college football.

"No. 5: Always give everyone else the credit.

"No. 6: Get a nose job. Something is wrong with your face. I'm pretty sure it's your nose.

KIFFIN: [GRABS HIS NOSE.]

"No.7: Fly to Florida and apologize face to face with the people at Pahokee High School. Lord knows there' s not enough talent in this state to field a competitive football team. In case you didn't know, you're probably going to need a few recruits from Florida if you want to win an SEC championship.

"No. 8: If you see me on campus or at the Christmas party or at the SEC meetings or downtown eating dinner, don't talk to me. I'm being serious now, Lane. Just smile and wave and keep on walking."

-END-

In case anyone wanted to see Lane Kiffin make a fool of himself, here's the video of his ill-fated shot at Urban Meyer. CLICK ME!

Columnist Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel ripped into Kiffin this morning. CLICK ME!

Here's how Florida lost Marsalis Teague to Tennessee, according to Kiffin. CLICK ME!

Lane Kiffin wants Marsalis Teague to play receiver. Monte Kiffin wants him at cornerback. CLICK ME! could play receiver for Vols. 

If that wasn't painful enough to read for Gators fans, then this one will be like shoving bamboo shoots under your toenails. CLICK ME!

Was Kiffin's blunder reported by the Knoxville News-Sentinel as a success? CLICK ME! Reading through the comments of Tennessee's fans is pretty funny.

-jo-

Pahokee coach confused, saddened by Kiffin's comments

GAINESVILLE -- Florida wasn't the only school Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin took a shot at on Thursday. The Vols' coach also called into question the people at Pahokee Middle/High School.

While addressing a crowd of about 1,000 people at the Knoxville Convention Center, Kiffin said that receiving a faxed National Letter of Intent from Pahokee receiver Nu'Keese Richrdson on Wednesday was made difficult by the staff at Pahokee. Kiffin inferred that Pahokee High wanted to somehow prevent Richardson from signing with UT.

"You can't understand how hard this is to get done," Kiffin said. "[UT assistant coach] Eddie [Gran] had this set up at 7 o'clock in the morning. [Richardson's aunts] got the papers signed by the kid. They didn't go do it at the school because they knew somebody at the school was going to screw it up. The fax machine wouldn't work, or they would have changed the signatures, all the things that go on in Pahokee now. The aunts took it over to a junior high, found a fax machine that worked and faxed them over to us at 7 o'clock, and I kept it in a drawer till their 1 o'clock press conference."

Pahokee coach Blaze Thompson said on Thursday he was "confused" by Kiffin's comments. For starters, there isn't a junior high in Pahokee. Pahokee High School and Pahokee Middle are the same school. Thompson said that Kiffin must have been talking about Pahokee Elementary, where Richardson's aunt works.

Thompson said that he has been friends with the Richardson family for 20 years and also said, "I wouldn't think they would say something like that about me."

Thompson was troubled by Kiffin's apparent fear that Pahokee had the intentions to somehow sabotage Richardson's attempt to fax his National Letter of Intent to Tennessee.

 

"I'm just confused," Thompson said. "I don't know where he would get we screw up faxes or change signatures. No player here has ever been coerced by me or anyone else at the school to go to one school or the other. Pahokee is certainly not a Florida school. [UF cornerback] Janoris [Jenkins] was our first to go there in a long time. We would have been proud for [Richardson] to go to Florida but we're just

as proud he went to Tennessee, although with these statements, I'm confused why [Kiffin] would bash a school he would get a commitment from."

 

Thompson said he looks forward to speaking with Kiffin and "hearing what this is all about."

 

"We have to deal with Tennessee and we're going to maintain a professional relationship with them," Thompson said. "They've got a great kid and a great player. We've never had anyone at Tennessee and we're excited about it. This is really sad that Coach Kiffin would make these kinds of statements.

 

"You put your heart into working with kids and any time your professionalism or your character is questioned it takes you back and makes you concerned."

 

-jo-

SEC reprimands UT coach Lane Kiffin

GAINESVILLE -- The Southeastern Conference wasted little time in dealing with Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin and his public comments about UF coach Urban Meyer. League officials issued a public reprimand on Thursday afternoon, stating that Kiffin violated the SEC's code of ethics.

"Coach Kiffin has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," SEC commissioner Mike Slive said. "SEC Bylaw 10.5.1 states that coaches and administrators shall refrain from directed public criticism of other member institutions, their staff or players.

"The phone call to which Coach Kiffin referred to in his public comments is not a violation of SEC or NCAA rules. We expect our coaches to have an understanding and knowledge of conference and NCAA rules."

-jo-

Florida responds quickly to Kiffin's recruiting accusation; NCAA says no rules were violated

GAINESVILLE -- Florida moved quickly on Thursday after Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin accused Florida coach Urban Meyer of a recruiting infraction. UF athletics director Jeremy Foley fired back at Knoxville with this terse statement:

“There was no rule violation and we have confirmed this with Southeastern Conference. It is obvious that Coach Kiffin doesn’t know that there is not a rule precluding phone contact with a prospect during an official visit on another campus during a contact period. His allegations are inappropriate, out of line and, most importantly, totally false.

"It is completely unfair to Urban Meyer, our coaching staff, our football program and our institution. The appropriate action at this time in my opinion is for Coach Kiffin to make a public apology. His comments not only slandered our coach, but he violated SEC rules by publicly criticizing another coach and institution.

Just to double check, I emailed the NCAA about the possible recruiting violation. Here's the response from Christopher Radford, the NCAA assistant director of public and media relations:

"It is not a violation of NCAA rules for a coach to contact a student-athlete while they are on an official visit to another school."

Kiffin's bizarre comments are, however, a violation of my sanity. Think nothing good can come out of this for Tennessee and Lane Kiffin? Think again. It's the day after National Signing Day and guess who we're talking about? Tennessee and Lane Kiffin. In a related story, Kiffin's belligerence has apparently landed him an endorsement deal with Kellogg's newest cereal, Ritalin-O's. Kiffin eats them with bananas.

 

UT's Lane Kiffin accuses Meyer of recruiting violation

GAINESVILLE -- Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin publicly accused Florida coach Urban Meyer of a recruiting violation this morning. CLICK ME! Folks, the gloves came off long ago. What we have now is glass-knuckle boxing.

Here's what Kiffin said this morning at a banquet to celebrate the Vols' recruiting class:

"I'm gonna turn Florida in right here in front of you," Kiffin told fans at the Knoxville Convention Center. "While Nu'Keese [Richardson] was on campus, his phone kept ringing. One of the coaches says, 'Who's that?' and he said, Urban Meyer."

"I love the fact that Urban had to cheat and still didn't get him."

Pahokee receiver Nu'Keese Richardson chose Tennessee over Florida on Wednesday despite being committed to Florida since last May. Tennessee also lured former UF commitment Marsalis Teague of Paris (Tenn.) Henry County to Knoxville on Wednesday.

Ah, the SEC. Gotta love it.

Kiffin went on explain how his assistant, Eddie Gran, got the best of Florida's coaching staff by luring Richardson away from UF in the 11th hour of the recruiting process. Gran, who previously recruited South Florida for Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, has a great reputation in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

But Kiffin didn't stop there. He went on to bash the good folks in Pahokee by intimating that the people at Pahokee High are either incompetent or on Wednesday were just hell bent on preventing Richardson from signing with Tennessee.

"You can't understand how hard this is to get done," Kiffin said. "Eddie [Gran] had this set up at 7 o'clock in the morning. They [Richardson's aunts] got the papers signed by the kid. They didn't go do it at the school because they knew somebody at the school was going to screw it up. The fax machine wouldn't work, or they would have changed the signatures, all the things that go on in Pahokee now. The aunts took it over to a junior high, found a fax machine that worked and faxed them over to us at 7 o'clock, and I kept it in a drawer till their 1 o'clock press conference."

Sheesh, forget about burning bridges. Kiffin just dropped verbal Napalm on the Muck.

But Kiffin didn't stop with Florida. He also took a shot at Alabama coach Nick Saban. This Kiffin guy is crazy.

"Nick Saban should have started his press conference [on Wednesday] by saying, 'Our great class that we signed ... I'd really like to thank Lance [Thompson] because Lane signed eight of those guys,'" Kiffin said.

Thompson, a former Alabama assistant, was recently hired by Kiffin and Tennessee.

Somebody, please remind me how many games Kiffin and his staff have won in the SEC. Tennessee plays at Florida next season. That one will get ugly.

-jo-

Despite excellent class, Gators struck out in Miami-Dade and Broward

GAINESVILLE -- The Gators landed one of the best recruiting classes in the nation on Wednesday, but for the fourth consecutive year Florida struck out in Miami-Dade, one of the state's and nation's most fertile counties for producing talented football players.

UF also missed on its recruiting target in Broward County, Denard Robinson of Deerfield Beach. Robinson signed with Michigan on Wednesday, snapping a streak that began in 2004 of at least one player from Broward to UF.

On Wednesday, Florida coach Urban Meyer addressed the struggle of pulling players from Miami-Dade County. UF safety Dorian Munroe, who will be a redshirt senior next season, is the last scholarship player from Miami-Dade County to sign with UF.

"It's difficult," Meyer said. "We have to just keep grinding. We haven't had a player from Miami in awhile. Broward County and Palm Beach have obviously been very good to us but Miami -- it has been hard to go in there and get them. We're doing OK where we're at...We need to just keep grinding."

There are a few early signs the trend will end with the 2010 class. Second-year UF assistant Vance Bedford, the Gators' cornerbacks coach, is making new inroads in Miami-Dade and is hopefully his relationships with Miami-Dade coaches will lead to commitments as early as next season.

-jo-

UF holding a scholarship for top tight end

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer said on Wednesday that there is a possibility of a late addition to the Gators' 2009 recruiting class.

UF is likely holding a scholarship for Tampa Plant tight end/receiver Orson Charles, who is visiting Southern Cal this weekend. Charles (6-2, 230 pounds) is also considering Georgia.

THE GUYS WHO GOT AWAY
Meyer seemed a bit upset about losing Pahokee receiver Nu'Keese Richardson to Tennessee on National Signing Day. Florida's coach said he watched a highlight film of receiver Andre Debose before his 1 p.m. press conference to set his mind at ease.

"Before I came down here I flipped on [Debose's] highlight video one last time before I have to go deal with some issues," Meyer said. "I left with a big smile on my face."

Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin also persuaded UF commitment Marsalis Teague of Paris (Tenn.) Henry County to sign with the Vols on Wednesday. The Gators also lost out on Georgia prep defensive lineman Jarvis Jones, who signed with Southern Cal. Before National Signing Day, two other prep standouts withdrew their oral commitments to UF. Defensive end Nick Kasa signed with Colorado on Wednesday and cornerback Greg Reid, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's player of the year, signed with Florida State.

-jo-

Small class of Gators full of talent

GAINESVILLE -- Florida received national letters of intent from 10 players on Wednesday, giving them 16 total commitments for 2009. It's a small number but of those 16 players, three are rated as five-star prospects by Rivals.com and eight are listed in ESPN's Top 150.

The stars of the class are many. Start with receiver Andre Debose of Sanford Seminole, who Florida coach Urban Meyer said could develop into the best player in the country. Debose is well known in Miami-Dade County. He caught the dramatic game-winning touchdown against Miami Northwestern in the Class 6A state championship game.

Equally as a talented as Dubose is five-star prospect Jelani Jenkins, a linebacker from Only (Md.) Our Lady of Good Counsel. Jenkins, only 16 years old, is already already 6-2, 220 pounds. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds, according to UF. Best of all, he is a 4.0 student. On Wednesday, Meyer said he would be disappointed if Jenkins wasn't one day a captain on the Gators' football team.

Another five-star prospect, defensive tackle Gary Brown of Quincy West Gadsden, chose Florida over Florida State. Meyer said on Wednesday that Brown still has work to do in the classroom but could contribute immediately.

In addition to Brown, UF also signed defensive tackle Edwin Herbert, a JUCO transfer from City College of San Francisco. Brown will be a junior next season and will be expected to contribute immediately. He can bench press 465 pounds.

Kedric Johnson of Palmetto was the Gators only defensive end signing of 2009. He 24.5 sacks as a senior and 19 sacks as a junior.

The Gators signed five offensive linemen, which Meyer said was great accomplishment considering the diversity of the linemen: two tackles, two guards and a center. Among the linemen is tackle Xavier Nixon (6-6, 275 pounds) of Fayetteville, N.C. Nixon's father is a Master Sargeant in the U.S. Army is currently stationed in Afganistan. Tackle Nick Alajajian of Naples, the fourth-best at his position nationally according to Rivals, is already enrolled at Florida.

Jon Halapio of St. Petersburg could play either guard or center or the Gators. Meyer said on Wednesday that he expects Halapio to flourish once in the Gators strength-and-conditioning program.

Offensive guard Jonotthan Harrison chose Florida over Miami and Florida State. The South Lake Groveland native played high school ball with UF sophomore-to-be Jeffery Demps. 

Offensive guard Kyle Koehne of Indianapolis was named the Indiana player of the year by the Indianapolis Star. He led his high school, Indianapolis Cathedral to a Class 4-AA state championship in 2008. 

Of the players already enrolled at UF,  Meyer said that linebacker Jon Bostic of Wellington appears to be the most developed. The father of a former NFL player (Jon Bostic Sr. played three seasons with the Detroit Lions), Jon Bostic Jr. was the fifth-ranked inside linebacker in the nation, according to Rivals.com.

Running Mike Gillislee of Deland (6-0, 190 pounds) rushed for 1,149 yards on 227 carries his senior year. He was also used a slot receiver in high school.

 Quarterback Jordan Reed of Connecticut (6-3, 225 pounds), unknown before he impressed coaches at the Gators football camp last summer, was injured for most of his senior season. As a junior, Reed completed 122-of-222 passes for 28 touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 370 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior.

One player to keep an eye on is defensive back Dee Finley of Auburn, who committed to the Gators in 2008 before enrolling at a prep school. Now qualified, Finley could make an immediate impact on special teams next season.

Tight End Desmond Parks of Greer, S.C., is already enrolled at UF. He was a second-team all-state selection last year and is listed among the ESPN Top 150 prospects in the nation. 

Rounding out the list is Josh Evans of Irvington, N.J. Evans played quarterback in high school but will follow in the footsteps of UF sophomore-to-be Will Hill and UF junior-to-be Joe Haden and make the switch to defensive back for the Gators.

-jo-

Shaping up to be a banner class for UF

GAINESVILLE -- Receiver Andre Debose of Sanford Seminole faxed his national letter of intent to the Gators football office early this morning. The Gators' fax machine continues to scream this morning.

So far, the Gators have collected signatures from some of the best high school football players in the nation. The list includes receiver Andre Debose of Sanford Seminole and defensive tackle Gary Brown of Quincy West Gadsden.

In addition to Debose and Brown, Connecticut prep quarterback Jordan Reed has also faxed in his letter. Also, add running back Mike Gillislee of Deland to that list.

JELANI JENKINS COMMITS TO GATORS
The biggest news of the day so far came around 11 a.m. when linebacker Jelani Jenkins of Olny (Md.) Good Counsel committed to the Gators. Even more than Debose and Brown, the commitment of Jenkins represents a sign that the Gators are turning into a national brand. Jenkins, rated nationally by Rivals.com as the No.2 outside linebacker, is an honors student with a 3.9 GPA. He chose the Gators over Notre Dame, Southern Cal, Penn State and Stanford.

"I went down to visit and I felt comfortable with all the coaches and all the players...It was great weather," Jenkins said. "We had a list of things we felt most important about -- a top 15 -- and Florida jumped out in every one, so we felt comfortable."

Just my opinion, but the signings of Debose, Brown and now Jenkins should be enough to give the Gators one of the best recruiting classes in the nation.

UF COMMITMENT MARSALIS TEAGUE PULLS A SWITCH
The Knoxville News Sentinel is reporting that UF commitment Marsalis Teague signed with Tennessee. Teague, a four-star prospect from Paris (Tenn.) Henry County, committed to Florida in December but apparently changed his mind after UT hired new coach Lane Kiffin.

-jo-

UF predictions for National Signing Day

GAINESVILLE -- Weary eyes from reading recruiting websites. Weary ears from calling high school coaches. Weary fingertips from text messaging high school students. National Signing Day is here.

Florida's NSD press conference is at 1 p.m. You can watch it live on GatorZone.com (for a fee) or you can just read my blog (for free).

Florida coach Urban Meyer is known as a great closer in the world of recruiting. He had his work cut out for him over the past three weeks. Florida returns 19 of 22 starters, including all 11 defenders, for the 2009 season. In years past, Meyer was able to sell recruits on the prospect of early playing time. The sales pitch was slightly different this time around. Play for a champion. Plain and simple.

Florida enters today with 10 oral commitments (six players of the 2009 recruiting class are already enrolled). Those 10 oral commitments are non-binding agreements until players sign their official letters of intent and fax them to Florida's coaching office this morning. Here are my predictions for what to expect today. We'll see soon enough how things shake out.

Before we get to the high school players who haven't committed to a school, let's a take a close look at a few UF commitments who might pull a NSD switch-a-roo.

1. Gary Brown, defensive tackle, Quincy West Gadsden: Brown is a five-star talent, according to Rivals.com. That means he's supposed to be pretty darn good. Brown has been committed to Florida since March 5 of last year. That means little in recruiting, though. One former UF commitment, Greg Reid of Georgia, was the Gators' first commitment of the 2009 class. He announced on Tuesday night that he's heading to Florida State. Could Brown follow Reid's lead? Brown visited Florida State last weekend. Did the Seminoles steal Brown from the Gators? I don't think so. Brown's parents like Urban Meyer. Meyer does a great job of recruiting parents. Gator Clause prediction: Gary Brown to UF.

2. Andre Debose, receiver, Sanford Seminole: Like Brown, Debose also visited Florida State last weekend. Like Brown, Debose is still likely headed to Florida. Expect Debose, another five-star talent, to fax his letter to UF this morning. With the loss of Percy Harvin to the NFL Draft, Debose is one of the few players of this signing class who could contribute immediately on offense. Gator Clause prediction: Andre Debose to UF.

3. Nu'Keese Richardson, receiver, Pahokee: Richardson committed to Florida way back on 30 May 2008. That didn't stop Tennessee and its new coaching staff of persuading Richardson's parents to fly their son to Knoxville, Tenn., last weekend for an official visit. Tennessee pulled out the Gators' depth chart in an attempt to steal Richardson from the Gators. UF returns five underclassmen receivers next season, including three redshirt freshmen. Just a guess, but I suspect Tennessee told Richardson that if he signs with Florida, then he can expect to redshirt next season. Was it enough to scare Richardson into signing with the Vols? Doubt it. Richardson loves the Gators. One of his best friends and former high school teammates, UF sophomore-to-be Janoris Jenkins, is a Gator. No way he jilts his true love for an SEC East rival. Gator Clause prediction: Richardson to UF.

4. Marsalis Teague, athlete, Paris (Tenn.) Henry County: Teague committed to UF on Dec. 19 of last year. If Phil Fulmer was still the coach at Tennessee, then Teague would be headed to Florida. I don't think that's the case anymore. Gator Clause prediction: Teague to Tennessee.

Now for the uncommitted players UF spent the past three weeks trying to bring to Gainesville. In recruiting lingo, these players are referred to as targets. With Teague staying home and headed to Knoxville, Tenn., UF will likely sign three or four of these players.

1. Joshua Evans, athlete, Irvington (N.J.) High: Evans is expected to play safety in college. He visited Pittsburgh last weekend and is also considering Purdue and Oklahoma. With Teague likely gone to Tennessee, expect Evans to sign with the Gators today. Thanks to UF assistant Steve Addazio, UF has built a pipeline from New Jersey to Gainesville. Gator Clause prediction: Evans to UF.

2. Jarvis Jones, linebacker/defensive lineman, Columbus (Ga.) Carver: Jones is apparently a longtime Florida fan. But UF's defensive depth chart is loaded down with returning players and UF's rivals are using that against the Gators. In addition to UF, Jones is considering Texas, Southern Cal, Georgia and LSU. This one is too close to call, but I'll make a prediction anyway. That's what this blog post is all about, right? Gator Clause prediction: Jones to UF.

3. Trent Richardson, running back, Pensacola Escambia: Richardson, committed to Alabama, is close friends with several of the Crimson Tide's players. UF made a valiant effort to steal Richardson away from UA but this guy will be in the Crimson Tide's backfield next season. Gator Clause prediction: Richardson to UA.

4. Denard Robinson, quarterback/athlete, Deerfield Beach: Robinson is considering Florida, Central Florida, Michigan and Tennessee. When Tebow returned for his senior season that was enough to push Robinson away. Gator Clause prediction: Robinson to Michigan.

5. Jelani Jenkins, linebacker, Olny (Md.) Our Lady of Good Counsel: Jenkins could be the crowning jewel of the Gators' 2009 recruiting class. He is also considering Penn State but the recruiting websites believe Jenkins is headed to Gainesville. After talking with Jenkins' high school coach, so do I. Gator Clause prediction: Jenkins to UF.

6. Orson Charles, tight end, Tampa Plant: Charles is not signing with a school on Wednesday. Instead, Charles will take an official visit to Southern Cal this weekend. In addition UF and USC, Charles is considering FSU, Georgia and Tennessee. Charles' high school quarterback, Aaron Murray, graduated early from Tampa Plant and is already enrolled at Georgia. Gator Clause prediction: Charles to Southern Cal.

7. Dre Kirkpatrick, cornerback, Gadsden (Ala.) City High: Kirkpatrick wants to play as a freshman and he'll get his chance at Alabama. Gator Clause prediction: Kirkpatrick to Alabama.

For those counting at home, the subtraction of Teague and the additions of Evans, Jones and Jenkins gives UF 18 players for the Class of 2009. That seems like a low number. Could Denard Robinson be headed to UF? Will Teague remain true to his commitment? What about Trent Richardson or Orson Charles? We'll have to wait and see what happens.

-jo- 

UF 97, South Carolina 93; Exciting game at the O'Dome

GAINESVILLE -- Finally, a basketball game to make the SEC proud.

Florida and South Carolina, the two best teams in the SEC East, battled to the last on Tuesday night at the O'Connell Center. Florida won 97-93, holding off a 33-point effort from USC guard Devan Downey. Downey scored 11 points in the final minute of the game, including three three-pointers.

Florida (19-4, 5-2) now leads the SEC East, followed by South Carolina (16-5, 5-3) and Kentucky (16-7, 5-3). Kentucky lost to Mississippi State on Tuesday night. The Wildcats have lost three in a row.

Six Gators scored in double figures: Nick Calathes (22), Alex Tyus (19), Erving Walker (18, off the bench), Chandler Parsons (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Dan Werner. It was a physical game. The two teams combined for 49 fouls with the Gamecocks committing 30.

UF responded by making 31-of-40 free throws. South Carolina made just 10-of-22 from the free-throw line.

-jo-

Tim Tebow hair gel night at the O'Dome

There was an unsubstantiated rumor circulating through my head last night that the University of Florida was giving away free three-ounce bottles of hair gel tonight at the men's basketball game. The touching sentiment was to honor UF's two greatest athletes (of the popular sports), Tim Tebow and Nick Calathes. Those rumors turned out to be false this morning when I awoke. Sorry to get everyone's hopes up. Instead, guard Walter Hodge will just shave the names 'Tebow' and 'Calathes' into the sides of his head to honor a contract between ESPN and the University of Florida. (At least one Tebow reference in every broadcast.) Hodge enjoys an alphabetic shave every now and then. For instance, if you combine selective letters from 'Tebow' and 'Calathes,' here's what you get: 'what Table,' 'Calathes bet' and 'These blow.' I watched The Princess Bride last night on cable television. Classic movie. While walking through the Fire Swamp, Buttercup reminds Westley of the 'R.O.U.S.' lurking about. It reminded me of Joe Haden. After all, Haden does have a tattoo of Mighty Mouse on his arm. Indeed, there is a basketball game tonight.

GAINESVILLE -- Three storylines you need to know before you watch the game (UF vs. South Carolina) at 9 p.m. on ESPN:

3. Suddenly, but not without warning, South Carolina is pretty good. Florida (18-4, 5-2 in SEC), South Carolina (16-4, 5-2) and Kentucky (16-6, 5-2) are tied for first place in the SEC East. South Carolina defeated Kentucky 78-77 on Saturday and has won four straight since edging the Gators 70-69 in Columbia, S.C. The Gamecocks' guards have been carrying the team. One of those players has a great name, Zam Fredrick. He scored 24 points in the win against Kentucky. The other guy to watch is Devan Downey. His name might imply softness, but do not be fooled. Downey leads the Gamecocks in scoring (19.8 p.p.g.) Not bad for a guy that's listed at 5-9.

2. Tennessee exposed Florida's many weaknesses on Saturday. The Vols won 79-63. Those weaknesses include but are not limited to: 1. A team that loses its shape when Calathes gets into foul trouble and goes to the bench. 2. A back-up point guard who is still figuring things out. By things, we mean when to shoot and when to pass. 3. A defense that lacks the athletes to play straight man-to-man defense. 4. No size on the block. 5. A senior shooting guard searching for his shot. One can only guess which deficiency South Carolina will try and exploit tonight.

1. Calathes had a triple-double in his last home game. Can he do it again? By the way, Calathes apparently was offered a pro contract by a lower-tier Greek team this summer while trying out for the Greek National team. Calathes told reporters as much on Monday. Isn't Calathes an American citizen, you ask? Why is he trying out for the Greek team? Calathes' grandfather was Greek. Like most Greeks, he moved to Florida. Since most Greeks live in Florida these days, the old country now considers Florida a Greek city-state.

-jo-

Lane the Pain making his presence known around SEC

GAINESVILLE -- Hide the youngins, SEC football coaches, new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin is coming to steal your children. If it doesn't happen in 2009, you can bet on it happening in 2010.

Contrary to what you might read in the Mobile Press-Register CLICK ME!, Kiffin is showing early signs that he has the smarts and salesmanship to succeed in at least one discipline required to win in the SEC: recruiting. First, Kiffin stole assistant coaches. Next up, the recruits.

Alabama coach Nick Saban is taking notice. After losing one of his top recruiters, assistant Lance Thompson, Saban recently told his current crop of recruits not to take official recruiting visits to Knoxville. CLICK ME! Seems like a good idea after news today that Pahokee receiver Nu'Keese Richardson had a fabulous time this weekend on a recruiting trip to the University of Tennessee. According to a Rivals.com report, Richardson is rethinking his oral commitment to Florida.

"I don't know it's going to be really difficult now because Tennessee certainly showed me somethings I didn't see at Florida and that impressed me tremendously," Richardson said. "I don't want to rush and making a decision yet so I'm going to let things settle down in my head, talk it over with the family and come to a conclusion about which school I will sign with just before signing day."

According to a few people up in Tennessee, Nu'Keese actually didn't want to take the trip but did so on the order of his parents. Smart parents. Recruits should have every opportunity to make an educated decision on their collegiate destination. Anyone who thinks otherwise is either a coach or a fan.

Richardson isn't the only UF recruit Tennessee's new coaching staff is hoping to sign on Wednesday. Paris (Tenn.) Henry County cornerback Marsalis Teague is also considering the Vols. Teague committed to UF last month but now appears to be waffling on that decision. His high school coach has told a few people in Knoxville that his star player is headed to UT.

For those keeping score, that's two UF commitments that Kiffin and his all-star cast of recruiters have been able to influence in a very short amount of time. Kiffin didn't finalize his coaching staff until AFTER the national championship. That's quick work. Given a full year, Kiffin and his staff should have Tennessee on the road to recovery in the world of recruiting.

In addition to hiring Thompson away from Alabama, Kiffin stole South Carolina recruiting coordinator David Reaves from the Gamecocks. Reaves, Kiffin's brother-in-law, is the son of UF legend John Reaves. Kiffin also pilfered running backs coach Frank Wilson from Mississippi State. Wilson is a well-known recruiter in Louisiana.

That leads us to former Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron, who coached with Kiffin at USC. Orgeron might not have been much of a head coach at Ole Miss but he is one heck of a recruiter. Tennessee also picked up former Auburn assistant Eddie Gran. Gran is an excellent recruiter as well. In his time with the Tigers, he signed more kids out of South Florida than perhaps any team not named Miami.

Kiffin's staff of talented recruiters appears to be salvaging the Vols' 2009 recruiting class and, more importantly, laying the necessary groundwork for the future. Beware.

-jo-

UF tackle Marcus Gilbert recognized by President Obama

GAINESVILLE -- President Obama is a Gators fan.

The President said on Sunday during NBC's Super Bowl pregame show that he has a "soft spot" for the current college football national champions. Before you shrug it off as good swing-state politics, you should probably know that there's a very good reason for President Obama's interest in the University of Florida's football team. One of his Secret Service agents, Jeff Gilbert, is the father of UF offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert.

President Obama recognized Jeff and Marcus Gilbert [PICTURED] during an interview with NBC's Matt Lauer. The President said, "One of our Secret Service guys, his son is a tackle on the, on the Florida Gators. So, you know, I've got a soft spot for" the Gators.

Marcus Gilbert, a rising redshirt junior from Coral Springs in Broward County, played football for coach George Smith at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Gilbert, who helped fill in at guard this season, is expected to contend for a starting position this spring.

Could President Obama perhaps some day attend a Florida Gators football game? The chances of that happening are probably better than you think.

During the interview, Lauer asked President Obama if he thought Florida was the true national champion. President Obama has said he would like university presidents to agree to forming a playoff system for the Football Bowl Subdivision.

The President said, "Congratulations, Gators, on an outstanding season. ... Wouldn’t you feel better if you had beat — every team that was out there through a playoff system? ... I love you. But — I — I think they could have — I — they could have taken on anybody through the — the playoff system."

-jo-