Gator Clause

Gator Clause takes a break for a few days

GAINESVILLE -- With the spring evaluation-and-recruiting post in order, I'm taking a few days off to visit family in Pensacola. My younger brother is getting hitched this weekend, so I'll be up on Shakedown Street on Friday night, in tuxedo on Saturday and eating Royal Reds on Sunday. Be back at the desk on Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

If news breaks while I'm away, then I'm confident our resident wunderkind, Mike-Mike McCall, will handle his business. As Pigpen used to say, "Next time you see me, things won't be the same."

--The bridge is yours, Mike-Mike. Let's see what you got...

-jo-

Your Florida Gators spring evaluation headquarters; Plus the Gator Clause Big Board

GAINESVILLE -- Florida's assistant coaches are fanned out across the country this week, evaluating recruits for the class of 2010.

California, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina: If there is a top recruit in one of these states then the chances are pretty good that UF's assistant coaches are charting their skills and shaking hands with high school coaches this week. The spring evaluation period runs from April 15 until May 31 but coaches can only travel for four of the six weeks, due to NCAA rules.

UF's assistant coaches began their evaluation period this week. Since the state of Florida's spring football schedule doesn't begin until May 1, the Gators' coaching staff is using this week to travel across the country and evaluate out-of-state talent. Here's a breakdown of where each UF assistant will be evaluating talent this spring: (Note: Head coaches are not allowed to travel during the spring. Urban Meyer does the Gator Gathering thing, which raises money for the program.)

If Superman wears Tebow pajamas, Wonder Woman wears these...

By Mike McCall

Tim Tebow can add another first to his resume. To my knowledge, he's the first college football player to inspire underwear. Admittedly, I'm not very well-versed on the subject, but it's hard to imagine this has been done for many other people.

That's right, you can buy TeeBows for that special someone in your life, and she (or he, no judging here) will carry the mark of The Chosen One in the form of T-shaped, 90-percent cotton, orange-and-blue undergarments.

This might be the most ridiculous example of TebowMania I've seen to date, but I have little doubt that this will be topped soon.

Schuster Watch: The Dream is Dead

By Mike McCall

Well, Patrick Schuster's amazing no-hitter streak has come to an end. Gaither High's Drew Doty smacked a deep liner to right in the third inning to end the streak at four games.

It didn't come as much of a surprise, actually, because Schuster had a pretty wild start to the game. His control was a little off, as he pegged two and walked two.

Kudos to the St. Pete Times, who pretty much predicted how that would go down. Check out the column HERE.

----

Update (4:51): Schuster's Mitchell High answered with two runs in the bottom of the second to take a 2-1 lead, and Schuster opened the third by pegging Gaither High's first batter in the face. He was down for a few minutes, and Gaither put in a pinch runner.

The next batter, Drew Doty, laced a line drive into deep right field for a double, and that's all she wrote for Schuster's no-hitter streak. For some reading on Schuster, check out the feature The New York Times ran on him today: LINK, although it's a little bittersweet now.

----

Update (4:35): Schuster got through the second unscathed, so far his line is 2 IP, R, 2BB, 2K.

The Florida signee is trying to get his fifth-straight no-no, and if he does that, he'll still be one shy of the national record. Funny thing is, Schuster could throw a no-hitter today and never get the chance to get six. With his team trailing 1-0, he could throw a no-hitter and take the loss, meaning his team would be bounced from the state playoffs.

----

So I'm toggling between the Chelsea-Barcelona Champions League semifinal and Mitchell High pitcher Patrick Schuster's bid for a fifth-straight no-hitter, which is being broadcast on ESPNNews, so bear with me.

Schuster got through the first without allowing a hit, but he did give up a run. He walked and pegged batters, and a run scored after a throwing error on a grounder to shortstop.

Alex Tyus staying with Florida Gators

UPDATE: The University of Florida is working this morning to clarify this story. Also, Alex Tyus' basketball bio was never removed from the UF athletics website, according to a spokesman.

GAINESVILLE -- Remember that whole story about University of Florida basketball player Alex Tyus transferring because he was unhappy with his role on his team? Well, you can forget about it, apparently.

According to Tyus' Facebook page, the 6-8 forward is now returning to Gainesville for his junior season. Here's what Tyus' Facebook page said today: (Edited by me out of respect for the English language.)

"Alex Tyus all over St. Louis right now!!! But yeah, man, what' s all the negativity about? I'll be back in Gainesville at the end of June. Relax, I'm going nowhere!!!"

All UF coach Billy Donovan has to do now is convince point guard Nick Calathes to stick around for another year and the Gators' should be back in business.

IN OTHER NEWS...
--The university announced on Monday that back-up quarterback John Brantley recently underwent successful ankle surgery. It was minor surgery to correct chronic tendonitis. Brantley should be fully recovered in time for two-a-days, according to UF.

--NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is still hating on Tim Tebow. During a conference call on Monday, Kiper said that Tebow will be a second- or third-round pick next year, similar to former West Virginia quarterback Pat White.

"I don't think he can be a full-time quarterback," Kiper said. "I don't think he can be the quarterback of the future for you but I do think in the third round, maybe the second round. It will be the same as Pat White. We'll be talking about Tim Tebow like we talked about Pat White."

-jo-

Watkins, Trautwein sign contracts

GAINESVILLE -- They didn't get drafted but it didn't take long for former UF lineman Jason Watkins and Phil Trautwein to find NFL homes.

Watkins agreed to a free-agent contract with the Houston Texans shortly after the draft on Sunday. Trautwein did the same with the St. Louis Rams. Watkins started at right tackle for the 2008 national champions. Trautwein started at left tackle.

Three Gators were drafted over the weekend: Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings), Louis Murphy (Oakland Raiders) and Cornelius Ingram (Philadelphia Eagles).

Disappointing draft for the state of Florida

GAINESVILLE -- Slightly off topic here. So, I was charged with writing a story for Monday's paper on the instate college football players selected in the 2009 NFL Draft. Well, it's a short list.

Can you believe that only seven college football players from instate universities were drafted this weekend? You read that correctly. Only SEVEN. Here's the list. (Keep in mind that there are seven Football Bowl Subdivision teams throughout the state.)

Philly takes Cornelius Ingram in fifth round

GAINESVILLE -- Concerns still remain about the health of Cornelius Ingram's surgically repaired left knee. Ingram, the Gators' former tight end, fell to the fifth round on Sunday of the 2009 NFL Draft before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said on Sunday that his team's medical staff will evaluate Ingram before allowing him to participate in an upcoming mini-camp.

"We think he should be able to do it," Reid said. "We're going to take it real easy on him. I've got a great trainer, Rick Burkholder, and he'll bring [Ingram] in with our docs and make sure that he's good to go for the mini-camp, which we have a mini-camp this next weekend, so he's going to get thrown right into the fire. He's very talented kid and he sure looked good in his workouts."

Ingram tore his ACL last summer and spent the year rehabilitating his knee and preparing for the 2009 NFL Combine. He ran a 4.68 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in February. Ingram returned to school for the 2008 season in part to improve his skills as a blocking tight end. The injury robbed Ingram of that opportunity, so now Ingram's first year in the league will likely include plenty of instruction from the Eagles' coaching staff.

"I had [Ingram] as the third-best tight end in this class," said ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay. "Not a great blocker, obviously. Basically a rocked-up wide receiver with very good hands."

Despite the injury, McShay said that Ingram was "a great pick -- the best pick of the fifth round."

-jo-

Oakland Raiders draft Louis Murphy

GAINESVILLE -- Another Florida Gator is off the draft board. Finally.

The Oakland Raiders selected UF receiver Louis Murphy with the 24th pick of the fourth round on Sunday of the 2009 NFL Draft. Murphy [PICTURED] is the second UF receiver taken this draft. Percy Harvin was the 22nd overall pick on Saturday to the Minnesota Vikings.

Can someone explain to me why Ohio State's third best receiver, Brian Hartline, and two Penn State receivers, were selected ahead of Murphy? Am I making a big deal out of nothing? Here's what ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. thinks.

"Travis Taylor, Taylor Jacobs, Chad Jackson, Reidel Anthony: the list goes on and on and on. Florida receivers have struggled in the NFL and I think guys are afraid of people coming out of the program," Kiper said.

Ouch! Pretty sure UF receivers coach and recruiting coordinator Billy Gonzales isn't going to use that fact when he hits the recruiting road this summer. (Lane Kiffin probably will, though.)

Former Gators still waiting to be drafted today are Cornelius Ingram, Jason Watkins and Phil Trautwein. How is Ingram still around? This is baffling to me. He's such an incredible athlete, you'd think someone would have drafted him before the end of the fourth round. Four tight ends have been drafted today. Meanwhile, Ingram is still waiting to get the phone call.

-jo-

Urban Meyer calls out critical former Gators

GAINESVILLE -- University of Florida football coach Urban Meyer spoke at a booster club and alumni association meeting on Saturday in Orlando. Folks, he shot from the hip.

Here's what he had to say about former players being critical of the current administration, according to Andrea Adelson of the Orlando Sentinel:

“There’s going to be a time when you don’t win every game you play. There’s going to be a time when someone makes a mistake. If you’re a person who’s going to criticize, we don’t need you around.

“I’m also going to talk about loyalty with our former athletes. Some are welcome, some aren’t. …We want former Gators to come back, but loyalty’s a two-way street. If you want to be critical of a player on our team or a coach on our team you can buy a ticket for seat 37F, you’re not welcome back in the football office.

"You’re either a Gator or you’re not a Gator. It’s real simple. For those who are not Gators keep buying tickets, critique, but if you’re a real Gator, get to know our players. Let’s enjoy the greatest era ... of Gator athletics.”

Anybody got a clue who Meyer might be talking about?

Q&A: Percy Harvin on Vikings, character issues

GAINESVILLE -- Percy Harvin answered questions from beat reporters who cover the Minnesota Vikings and Saturday night. Harvin was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 22nd overall pick.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS OF BEING PICKED BY THE VIKINGS?

HARVIN: It was a great privilege, actually going through this whole process. Me and my agent, Joel Segal, who helped me out a ton, we kind of went through the teams we wanted to go to. Minnesota was kind of number one on my list, just being a team that I could grow from, being under Bernard Berrian and being that they already got a workhorse in Adrian Peterson. I’m just looking to come in and help win and be a (piece of) this puzzle. I’m looking forward to being a Viking and helping the team win.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE WHEN COACH CHILDRESS CAME DOWN TO VISIT?

HARVIN: It was tremendous. We didn’t specifically talk about any subject (or) anything that kind of went on. It was kind of like we were just buddies and just doing a lot of things. We went out to eat. Like I said, we didn’t specifically talk about anything; we did hit on football and things like that. For the most part it was just hanging out and getting to know each other. It was a great, tremendous visit. Even after that we kind of texted each other. Everything was very good.

DID YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAD TO EXPLAIN SOME THINGS ABOUT OFF-THE-FIELD ISSUES? THERE WAS A REPORT OF A FAILED DRUG TEST.

HARVIN: Definitely. I respect the question. Growing up, I’ve always been good with getting things out in the open. I knew it was a question that had to be answered. I had no problems with answering it. With these coaches, I opened up to them and they opened up to me. When it got to those subjects, the only thing I could do was tell them the truth, be up front and let them judge me from there. We had a great respect for each other. Them picking me shows they believed in me. I got their back and they got mine. I’m just looking forward to becoming a Viking.

NFL DRAFT: Percy Harvin selected 22nd overall

GAINESVILLE -- The Minnesota Vikings drafted former University of Florida receiver Percy Harvin with the 22nd selection of the first round in the 2009 NFL Draft on Saturday.

Harvin (5-11, 192 pounds) joins a team with several legitimate playmakers, which could make life easier for Harvin during his rookie season. Harvin will complement Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian and should take more pressure off of Minnesota's star running back, Adrian Peterson.

Harvin is the first wide receiver drafted by the Vikings in the first round since 2005, when Minnesota selected former South Carolina wide-out Troy Williamson with the seventh overall pick. Harvin scored 32 touchdowns in 36 games for the University of Florida. He amassed 1,929 receiving yards and 1,852 yards rushing during his collegiate career.

Harvin's selection on Saturday extended a three-year streak for the Florida Gators of at least one former player being drafted in the first round.

-jo-

Urban Meyer suspends Miami's Hannah

GAINESVILLE -- University of Florida football coach Urban Meyer has suspended Florida walk-on Marquis Hannah from the team following Hannah's Friday night arrest for breaking and entering and misdemeanor battery.

"[Hannah] is not part of this team until the issue is resolved," Meyer said on Saturday afternoon. Meyer was in Orlando on Saturday for a booster club and alumni association fan rally.

Hannah, who starred at Miami Carol City in 2005, walked on the Gators football team in 2007. He was bonded out of the Alachua County jail on Saturday.

-jo-

University of Florida football player arrested

GAINESVILLE -- University of Florida football player Marquis Hannah, a graduate of Miami Carol City, was arrested at 5 p.m. on Friday for allegedly forcing his way into a Gainesville apartment and punching a man in the face.

Hannah, who spent the night in the Alachua County Jail, was charged with two counts: a second-degree felony for unarmed burglary of an occupied dwelling and a first-degree misdemeanor for battery. Hannah, who will be a redshirt junior next season, tore the anterior-cruciate ligament in his knee in 2008 and sat out the national championship football season. Listed as a scout-team running back, Hannah joined the Gators football team in 2007 as a walk-on.

Hannah was a captain of the Miami Carol City Chiefs football team in 2005 and was selected to the Miami-Dade County all-star team following a senior season that earned him a spot on The Miami Herald's All County second-team defense. In January, Hannah was selected to the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor roll. He is majoring in criminology.

University of Florida football coach Urban Meyer was unavailable for comment on Friday night. Hannah dressed for one game during his one healthy season with the Gators.

According to jail records, Hannah allegedly knocked on an apartment door at 1000 SW 62nd Blvd. -- The District on 62nd apartment complex -- at 4 p.m. on Friday and then pushed his way inside the apartment once the door had been opened by a female occupant. Once inside the apartment, Hannah began yelling at two females "that they needed to talk," according to Gainesville police. The commotion awoke a man, who had been sleeping in the apartment's bedroom. The man walked into the living area of the apartment and began questioning why his girlfriend was being accosted.

At this time, Hannah allegedly struck the man in the face, according to police records. The victim then grabbed Hannah and pulled him outside of the apartment. According to jail records, Hannah told police post-Miranda that the male victim first bumped Hannah in the chest before the fighting ensued.

-jo-

The final blow to Percy Harvin's ego

GAINESVILLE -- Percy Harvin isn't going to be on the cover of EA Sports' college football video game after all. Instead, the coverboys of College Football 2010 will be receiver Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech, quarterback Mark Sanchez of Southern Cal, defensive end Brian Orakpo of Texas and quarterback Brian Johnson of Utah.

EA Sports introduced the players at a party on Friday night in New York. Harvin wasn't introduced, but a former Gator sure did a lot of talking at the event, so that counts for something, right?

All the talk of Harvin gracing one of the covers and then not making the final cut led some to speculate that Harvin's negative publicity of late had something to do with his snub. That theory seems a little farfetched, if you ask me, but who knows? (And never mind that EA Sports' target audience for College Football 2010 is a bunch of stoners sitting around their dorm room playing video games.)

Who cares, really? Just a video game, right? Well, not so fast. Video games aside, how many possible endorsement deals are Harvin's alleged misleads going to cost him? Not many, if he's smart. 

Harvin's image, of course, isn't totally ruined over a few rumors by NFL Draft websites and Fox Sports. It can be salvaged. (And plenty of people don't even care one way or the other if Harvin smokes pot as long as he doesn't test positive once he's in the NFL.) Hopefully Harvin will spend some of that signing-bonus money on a savvy publicist. Americans love their sports heroes, but Americans really love their sports heroes who fall and then get back up. He's edgy, he's fearless, he's reformed now go buy his jersey.

ANYWAY, let's see what else is buzzing around campus these days ... In other words, let's talking RECRUITING!

President Obama has a "soft spot" for Florida Gators offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert

How would you like being called out in a crowd by President Barack Obama? That's what happened to Florida Gators offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert when the University of Florida football team met with the President at the White House on Thursday.

Marcus Gilbert's father, Jeff, was a Secret Service agent for Obama throughout most of his campaign. President Obama and Jeff Gilbert are good friends, according to the President. Naturally, that means the President gets to bust the chops of Jeff's son. Gilbert, who will be a redshirt junior next season, is from Coral Springs and graduated from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in 2006.

For the record, Gilbert [PICTURED] was the first person President Obama singled out on Thursday ... ahead of Tim Tebow even.

"I do have to give a special shout-out to Marcus Gilbert," Obama said. "Where's Marcus? There he is. Marcus, I've got a soft spot for this guy, because his dad, Jeff, was the first Secret Service agent on my detail, almost two years ago. He was with me for most of the campaign. He is a great friend of mine -- and there he is back there.

"So that's Marcus' pop right here. We always tried to figure out how Marcus got so big because Jeff is not that big and his wife is even smaller."

-jo-

Tim Tebow: I got your back, Mr. President

Among the many highlights of the Florida Gators' trip to the White House on Thursday was quarterback Tim Tebow's words of encouragement to President Barack Obama.

According to Tebow, he looked President Obama "in the eye" and told him "we're behind" you and "praying for" you ... So, the President has got that going for him.

During his address to the team, President Obama recognized Tebow's "Promise Speech," which Tebow delivered to reporters and fans following the Gators' 2008 loss to Ole Miss. President Obama was in Oxford, Miss., the day the Rebels defeated Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Notes on the Gators' trip to the White House

The University of Florida football team presented President Barack Obama with a Florida Gators jersey today with his name on the back. The jersey number was the number one, of course.

President Obama also received a commemorative football from the team. On the ball reads "Barack Obama" along with the score from the national championship game and the phrase, "National Champions."

President Obama flipped the ball underhanded to his aide, Reggie Love. Obama then noted that Love played football at Duke and asked Love if he ever played the Gators. Love said no, to which Obama replied, "Yeah, you're lucky."

Love said Duke "probably would have beaten them."

President Obama meets with the Florida Gators

President Barack Obama met with the University of Florida football team for about 10 minutes today (3:50-4 p.m.) in the East Room of the White House. Here's a transcript of the meeting, according to the Office of the Press Secretary ...

Shakespeare on the Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE -- With today being the official/unofficial birthday of William Shakespeare and all, we thought we'd have a little fun on the blog...

SHAKESPEARE ON THE FLORIDA GATORS
"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em."
-Malvolio, Twelfth Night Act 2, scene 5, 156-159

ON PERCY HARVIN
The quality of "Percy" is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that "tokes."
-Portia, The Merchant of Venice Act 4, scene 1, 180-187

ON MAJOR WRIGHT
A hit, a very palpable hit.
-Osric, Hamlet Act 5, scene 2, 282

Analyzing the Florida Gators 2010 recruiting class ... So far, it's ridiculously good

GAINESVILLE -- Hurry up, recruits. The spots are filling up fast at the University of Florida.

That's the message UF's coaching staff is sending out this recruiting cycle. I don't know if UF has totally reversed its stance of limiting its early commitments, or if the kids UF already has onboard are just so good there is no need for hesitation. Either way you look at it, the floodgates have opened and some of the best players in the state of Florida are pouring into Gainesville. National Signing Day 2010 is still 10 months away but Florida already has 12 commitments (and 10 of them are ranked nationally in the Rivals.com 250). By all accounts it's shaping up to be a talented class.

The two latest commitments are Gerald Christian, a 6-3, 230-pound athlete from West Palm Beach Dwyer, and Jordan Haden, the younger brother of UF cornerback Joe Haden. Jordan Haden [PICTURED, Great hair!] is a 6-0, 198-pound defensive back, who will likely play safety at UF.

Here's a list of the 2010 commitments with the some analysis of each player ...

Miami invasion continues at UF

GAINESVILLE -- We won't spend much time on this subject but it's BIG news nonetheless. Pollo Tropical is coming to the University of Florida.

OK, so it's not really big news to most of the people reading this, but to the guy writing this blog ... these are exciting times! I've lived in Gainesville for about two years now and one of the things I miss most about Miami and Broward counties is Pollo Tropical.

True story ... When I first moved to Miami from Alabama, Pollo Tropical was the first place at which I ate. It was also the first time I ever had a plantain. Like I said, pretty pointless blog post, but I'm sure there's a few UF grads living in South Florida who will appreciate this news.

-jo-

Florida recruit tosses fourth no-hitter

GAINESVILLE -- Remember that great post on this blog a few days ago about the Florida baseball recruit who pitched three no-hitters in a row. Well, guess what? The kid did it again.

Patrick Schuster of New Port Richey Mitchell High pitched his fourth consecutive no-hitter on Monday, striking out 17 batters in a 5-0 win. Schuster is committed to the Gators but hasn't ruled out entering the MLB amateur draft out of high school.

-jo-

Another UF assistant is on the clock ... How long before Richard Pitino leaves the Gators?

GAINESVILLE -- Well, Billy Donovan finally went and hired an assistant who might stick around for a few years.

The University of Florida announced on Monday morning that 26-year-old Richard Pitino [pictured] will replace former UF assistant Shaka Smart, who spent one year at UF before leaving to coach Virginia Commonwealth. Pitino is the son of Rick Pitino, who coached Donovan at Providence and gave him a job as an assistant while at Kentucky.

Pitino The Younger is the latest (and youngest) assistant basketball coach at UF since every team in the country started hiring UF assistant basketball coaches. Since Anthony Grant left in 2006, UF has had to replace an assistant coach every offseason. According to Donovan, that revolving door is as much to blame for UF's recent recruiting woes as anything. (I'm not buying that, of course.)

ROSENHAUS: Ingram will be a Pro Bowl TE

GAINESVILLE -- In today's Miami Herald you'll find a story about former Florida Gators receiver Percy Harvin, who is awaiting the NFL Draft amid concerns about his attitude and durability.

Today is the 20th day of April (4/20), so another post about Harvin's alleged habits would seem appropriate. But we're bored to tears with all that. Instead, we'll offer Harvin a bit of advice as he embarks on the next journey of his remarkably blessed life: Don't be the next Charles Rogers.

The focus of today's blog -- as we transition from spring football practice to this weekend's NFL Draft -- is Florida Gators fan favorite Cornelius Ingram.

Grueling summer awaits Florida Gators

Meyer: 'We're going to make it so hard that they have a hard time picking up the Street & Smith magazine telling them how good they are.'

GAINESVILLE -- So, we've already projected the depth charts for two-a-days, and we've already handed out awards for spring football. We've even set the scene for a season of expectations unlike anything since Steve Spurrier was in town. What's left? A look to the future, perhaps?

That was the theme on Saturday during the spring game. You can read all about it right here. CLICK ME! As for the immediate future -- as in the next couple of months -- the summer is almost here but that doesn't mean it's vacation time for the football players.

SPRING GAME LIVE: Orange 31, Blue 21

GAINESVILLE -- Frankie Hammond Jr. with his second touchdown catch of the day. With 6:56 left in the fourth quarter, Hammond caught an eight-yard pass from back-up quarterback John Brantley to give Team Orange a 31-14 lead. Hammond has four receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns.

--Tim Tebow's spring game appears to be over. John Brantley is now the quarterback for both teams. (For the record, most of the defensive first-teamers never saw the field today: Major, Ahmad, Spikes, etc...)

--Announced attendance is 65,000, according to UF. Doesn't look like 65,000 to me but whatever. (Meanwhile, linebacker Brendan Beal intercepts John Brantley.)

Frankie Hammond Jr. is your frontrunner for spring game MVP after hauling in a 50-yard touchdown pass from Brantley. Orange Team 24, Blue Team 14 in the third quarter. Hammond extended his post pattern for a long gain with several impressive downfield moves.

Florida Gators forward Alex Tyus to transfer

GAINESVILLE -- University of Florida men's basketball player Alex Tyus is transferring. The school announced the news on Friday morning. Tyus, a forward, was the Gators' best post player in 2008 and was second on the team in scoring last season. He averaged 12.5 points per game.

"Sometimes for guys, they want something different," UF coach Billy Donovan said. "I think for Alex, I enjoyed coaching him for two years, but at the same point I think he wants to do things for himself that are decisions that he has to make on his own for what he wants.

"For me as a coach, you sit there and you know there is a certain vision and a certain path and a certain commitment that's necessary for the team going forward that you want to have and I think for Alex that's not something he really wanted to do. I respect that and understand that and wish him luck and hopefully he can get what he's looking for."

Donovan to recruit: Calathes likely gone

GAINESVILLE -- There's a report on SI.com that UF coach Billy Donovan told North Carolina super-recruit John Wall that Gators' point guard Nick Calathes is likely finished at the collegiate level.

Is this just savvy recruiting by Donovan or is Calathes really gone?

Florida is two scholarships under the cap (13) at the moment and Donovan is desperately trying to fill one of the slots with a point guard. College basketball's spring signing period began this week and ends in mid-May. UF needs another point guard regardless if Calathes is staying at Florida or attempting to turn pro -- some think entering the draft this year is a mistake. If Calathes is in fact foregoing his senior season, then Florida definitely needs another ball handler.

Wall would be a great addition. He has been compared to Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose. Can UF actually land Wall, who is considered the nation's No.1 recruit? We'll find out soon. I'm off to the basketball facility in 10 minutes for a press conference with Donovan at 9:15 a.m. The press conference was only announced yesterday afternoon, so the timing is interesting to say the least.

This blog will be updated with fresh info by mid-morning. In the meantime, read my story on Tim Tebow in today's paper.

-jo- 

PROJECTING THE FIELD

Gator Clause hands down an educated guess at the two-deep depth charts entering two-a-days.

GAINESVILLE -- After much debate among the editorial board, here's our collective opinion of how the starting line-ups shake out entering two-a-days. We had some fun with some of the formations, so enjoy ...

Florida Gators spring football awards

GAINESVILLE -- Well, spring football at the University of Florida is basically over. Everyone you've ever heard of is injured. The football team practiced in shorts and helmets on Wednesday. Friday is a "walk-through" day for the spring game. The Gainesville Sun is now writing about walk-ons. Yep, spring football is a rap.

The Orange & Blue Game is on Saturday. If you're coming to Gainesville for the big show then here are some things you might need to know. CLICK ME! Oh, and make sure you bring some cash. The price of admission is $5.

With spring football in the books, let's hand out some awards...

Mel Kiper still hating on Tim Tebow

GAINESVILLE -- It's never too early for NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. to tell people that Tim Tebow doesn't have what it takes to be an every-down quarterback in the NFL.

Tebow is still months away from his senior season but Kiper somehow already knows the role Tebow will play in the NFL. Here's what Kiper said today during a conference call:

"The way the evolution of this game -- the copycat league that it is -- Tim Tebow has a role at quarterback, seven to 10 snaps a game -- with the way he can run and it also gives you a throwing dimension. And if he can catch the ball, he can also be an H-back."

Kiper was one of Tebow's toughest critics a few months ago when Tebow was still considering leaving early for the NFL. Tebow returned to Florida for his senior season to help the Gators win another championship and work with new quarterbacks' coach Scot Loeffler, who has a history of placing quarterbacks in the NFL.

[Tebow] will have value but there are some other quarterbacks next year. Sam Bradford of Oklahoma is going to be maybe the No.1 pick," Kiper said. "You got Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan, who could be a top 10 pick. You got Colt McCoy from Texas who could be a first-round pick."

-jo-

Florida signee throws third-straight no-hitter

By MIKE McCALL

New Port Richey Mitchell High pitcher Patrick Schuster is on fire.
Schuster no-hit Clearwater Central Catholic on Monday night, giving him three no-nos in his last three starts. Schuster struck out 16 CCC batters, and only three reached base (he pegged the first hitter and two more reached on fielding errors).
That's an unbelievable feat, and if he can live up to the name he's building when he gets to Gainesville, the Gators could have their first dominant starting pitcher in a long time.
Has anyone seen Schuster pitch? Are these teams he's shutting down any good? Even if he's playing a bunch of patsies, it's extremely hard to throw a no-hitter. Three in a row is just ridiculous.

Percy Harvin again linked to drug use

GAINESVILLE -- Percy Harvin is back in the blogosphere. Another website is claiming that Harvin indeed failed his drug test at the NFL Combine. Here's the link. CLICK ME!

That is all.

-jo-

Gators take season series against Seminoles

By MIKE McCALL

TALLAHASSEE--Florida claimed its season series against rival Florida State with a 10-2 win Tuesday night, using a five-run first inning and holding the Seminoles to just one hit in the first six innings.
Freshman Greg Larson pitched great in his first career start, throwing 4.1 shutout innings to earn the win. Left fielder Avery Barnes kicked off the scoring with a three-run home run to right field in the top of the first, and Florida added two more on a sacrifice fly and wild pitch.
Barnes finished 4 for 5 with three RBIs and two runs, and his homer was partly due to the man standing on deck.

CB Janoris Jenkins and others out for spring

GAINESVILLE -- Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins is done for the spring, out three-to-four weeks with a finger injury.

He's having minor surgery on Tuesday, according to Florida coach Urban Meyer. Jenkins is the latest UF starter to go down with an serious injury after a rugged set of spring practices. (By "serious" we mean requires surgery.) Guard Maurkice Pouncey had shoulder surgery on Monday to correct a torn labrum. He'll be out for at least three months. Meyer expects defensive tackle Lawrence Marsh to undergo abdominal surgery, so he's dunzo. The same injury and prognosis goes for defensive end Carlos Dunlap.

If you're counting at home that's four starters out for the spring game. But wait, there's more. Guard Mike Pouncey already had surgery on his shoulder, so he's done. Running back Emmanuel Moody had surgery on his hand last week, so he's on the mend.

If you're coming to the spring game (1 p.m. Saturday) hope you like watching back-ups. Meyer expects all of his injured players to be ready by two-a-days.

-jo-

Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer says Percy Harvin 'has got to be in the right place'

GAINESVILLE -- So, people are talking about Percy Harvin these days and it isn't good. Here's what ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay had to say recently about Harvin:

"In addition to concerns about drug us, coachability, and lack of respect for authority, teams are reportedly worried that Harvin has a huge ego and lives in 'Percy Harvin World.'"

Ouch! Talk about character assassination. Percy Harvin World? Is that like Disney World? Or maybe Willy Wonka World. Do the schnozberries taste like schnozberries? Todd McShay lives in the ESPN Bubble World if that's his best analysis of Percy Harvin. What a hack job, right? McShay doesn't have any sources in Gainesville. And name five wide receivers as good as Harvin or better who aren't prima donnas.

Florida coach Urban Meyer defended Harvin on Monday when asked by The Miami Herald if Meyer is "going to bat for Percy Harvin with his character coming under attack."

Behind the scenes, Florida Gators' QB Tim Tebow working overtime to prepare for the NFL

For a story on the rise of Aaron Hernandez ... CLICK ME!
For a story on the vexing Matt Patchan ... CLICK ME!

GAINESVILLE -- Quarterback Tim Tebow's most important lessons this spring aren't coming during the Florida Gators' regularly scheduled practice dates. Behind the scenes, Tebow is working with quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler to improve his mechanics and learn the footwork of an NFL passer.

This past weekend, Gator Clause received a rare insider's look at the one-on-one interaction between Tebow and Loeffler. Not only did I get a chance to observe Loeffler working with Tebow on the footwork, arm action and timing for myriad combinations of drop-back, roll-out and play-action passes, I also had the opportunity to compare Tebow's skills to NFL quarterbacks.

UF forward Allan Chaney to transfer

GAINESVILLE -- The University of Florida announced on Friday that basketball player Allan Chaney is not returning for the 2009-2010 season.

"Allan, his family and I have spoken and we have mutually decided that he will be transferring from the University of Florida," UF coach Billy Donovan said in a statement. "I've enjoyed coaching Allan and I would like to help him and his family in any way possible to ensure the best path for his future."

A freshman, Chaney played a limited role last season and was suspended for the NIT by Florida coach Billy Donovan. The loss of Chaney is an interesting one, considering Florida recruit Deshawn Painter, a 6-9 forward, recently said he is no longer interested in playing for UF. Painter signed with Florida but will likely be released from his letter of intent.

With the loss of Chaney, Florida returns 10 players from last season, including guard Nick Calathes, who has declared himself eligible for the upcoming NBA Draft. Two 2009 recruits have signed with Florida (guard Kenny Boynton Jr. and forward Erik Murphy) but UF is expected to add a third player, possibly guard Eric Bledsoe of Birmingham (Ala.) Parker, who recently named the Gators' as his top team.

-jo-

Think you're a diehard Florida Gators fan?

GAINESVILLE -- OK, the editorial board here at Gator Clause is getting a little bored with the same-old-same-old spring practice updates.

In an effort to amuse ourselves and give the loyal readers of Gator Clause something a little different, the staff has devised a spring-football quiz. Consider it an alternative format to bring you the last news from spring practice...Enjoy! (Answers are at the bottom of the post.)

Ransom Everglades star commits to Florida

Linebacker Gideon Ajagbe could be the first player from Miami-Dade since 2005 to sign with the Florida Gators.

GAINESVILLE -- The drought might finally be over.

Florida has gone nearly five years without signing a football player from Miami-Dade but the streak appears to be nearing an end. On Tuesday, Florida coach Urban Meyer received an oral commitment from Ransom Everglades star Gideon Ajagbe, according to a report on Rivals.com. (Calls are out to Ajagbe and Ransom Everglades coach David Hewett. Ransom Everglades is in Coconut Grove, which is south of downtown for those not familar with the area).

[PICTURED, A trendsetter?]

If Ajagbe remains committed to UF and signs with the Gators in February, then he will be the first Miami-Dade football player to sign with the Gators since Dorian Munroe (and Simon Codrington) did so way back in February of 2005. Ajagbe (6-2, 200 pounds) plays running back and linebacker for Ransom Everglades but will likely play linebacker in college. Ajagbe told Rivals.com that he plans to take all of his official visits.

UF's ninth commitment overall for the class of 2010, Ajagbe is one of two commitments projected to play linebacker at UF. The other is Matt Elam of Palm Beach County.

-jo-

Tennessee Volunteers move past Florida Gators in Rivals recruiting rankings

GAINESVILLE -- Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin is a better recruiter than Florida coach Urban Meyer, according to the national college football recruiting rankings of Rivals.com.

According to the website, Tennessee's 2009 recruiting class is ranked No.10 in the country. Florida is ranked No.11. CLICK ME to see for yourself. Keep in mind that Florida only signed 16 players this year. Tennessee has 21 newcomers.

This might mean nothing. This might mean a lot. We'll let you decide. Either way you digest this information, there's no denying the fact that boy wonder up in Tennessee, Lane Kiffin, has done a pretty good job of selling Volunteers football. That something former coach Phil Fulmer had trouble doing in the waning years of his career.

Is Kiffin actually a better recruiter than Meyer? It's too early to tell. But Kiffin did get the best of Meyer in the recruitment of receiver Nu'Keese Richardson. (And Kiffin also beat out Randy Shannon for running back Bryce Brown).

-jo-

REPORT: Florida Gators recruit decommits

Is this a sign that point guard Nick Calathes is going pro or coming back?

GAINESVILLE -- More puzzling news to report about the Gators' basketball team. First there was this. Now, more stuff is happening. According to VirginiaPreps.com, UF recruit DeShawn Painter is no longer committed to Florida.

Painter, a 6-9, 210-pound center, was supposed to add depth to the Gators' frontcourt next season. Instead, he said thanks but no thanks to the Gators on Monday. (Or vice versa.) He'll be enrolling elsewhere this fall. Why did this happen? There are two possible scenarios:

1. Calathes is gone and since no one is transferring or being forced out, then UF needs to make room for another point guard. That means, "So long, Painter, and hello Rico Pickett."

2. Calathes is staying and since no one is transferring or being forced out, then UF simply doesn't have any room for Painter.

If UF receives a commitment from Pickett, a JUCO transfer from Miami-Dade College (or anyone else for that matter) then that probably means Calathes is gone.

Pickett [PICTURED] has experience at the D-I level. He played at the University of Alabama as a freshman before transferring. Swapping Pickett for Calathes seems like the best solution to a crummy situation for UF coach Billy Donovan. Raise your hand if you're a little uneasy with the idea of restocking the Gators' roster with JUCO transfers.

-jo-

Innocuous and boring headline about Percy Harvin, Urban Meyer and drug use

[For an explanation of this headline, see the comments.]

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer said he would be "shocked" if former UF receiver Percy Harvin tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Draft Combine.

A report on NFLDraftBible.com recently claimed that Harvin tested positive for marijuana during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The NFL has since tried to debunk the claim. When asked on Monday by a reporter if Harvin had ever failed a drug test while at Florida, Meyer didn't rule it out.

"I'm not going to talk about guys -- stuff like that," Meyer said.

BANGED UP GATORS
Several Florida Gators were hobbling around the practice field on Monday. Receiver David Nelson was on crutches with his right ankle wrapped. Meyer said that Nelson sprained his ankle, which would contradict a report on this blog that Nelson damaged ligaments in his ankle.

Offensive lineman James Wilson was also on crutches. Wilson, who wore a protective boot over his injured foot on Monday, was scheduled to have an MRI on Monday night. Meyer said that even if Wilson's MRI revealed a stress fracture, then the redshirt sophomore guard would be ready by the fall. 

Defensive tackle Justin Trattou injured his right shoulder near the end of practice. His arm was in a sling as he walked off the practice field.

Freshman tight end Desmond Parks appeared to seriously injure his knee on Monday. He was carted off the field. Meyer spoke with Parks after practice. UF's coach said that he would speak with Parks again on Monday night.

Offensive lineman Matt Patchan didn't practice one day after dressing out for the first time this spring. Linebackers Dustin Doe and A.J. Jones were in shorts. Defensive tackles Terron Sanders and Lawrence Marsh did not practice. Offensive linemen Mike and Maurkice Pouncey are both still nursing shoulder injuries.

-jo-

Florida Gators' WR tears ligaments

PLUS, WHY IS TENNESSEE COACH LANE KIFFIN CALLING THE PALM BEACH POST? Keep reading to find out.

From the newspaper ... Florida Gators' defense dominates in spring practice.

GAINESVILLE -- Florida wide receiver David Nelson tore ligaments in his ankle during Saturday's practice, according to a source. 

The injury occurred during Florida's scrimmage. Nelson [PICTURED] limped to the south end zone of the practice field after a collision with safety Ahmad Black. The 6-5 wide receiver was then carted off the field after an examination from a team doctor. Nelson will miss the rest of spring practice but could return for the start of two-a-days, according to the source. 

Nelson is one of several players who has fallen injured during a tough and physical spring practice. UF has had seven spring practice and two scrimmages. The Orange and Blue game is on April 18. Offensive lineman James Wilson joined the growing list of injured players on Saturday. He sat out of practice with an injured foot, an ongoing problem for Wilson.

Pictures of Gators' championship rings

GAINESVILLE -- Check out the bling. The 2008 championship rings are nearly completed. The Gators received three rings last season. One for winning the Southeastern Conference championship and two for the national championship (one is a BCS ring). This is an image of the national championship ring designed by the team.

OL Jason Watkins apparently helped design the ring. Watkins, of course, knows a thing or two about rings. He won his first set of three in 2006. Just an opinion: I could have done without the FedEx logo and replaced the new Gators logo with the Fightin' Gators logo. That's just me, though. Always the critic. Pretty sweet, though.

-jo-

Percy Harvin is a drug user, according to website

GAINESVILLE -- Former Florida wide receiver Percy Harvin apparently tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine, according to this report. 

Better than receivers who smoke meth. That's what I always say.

Will this affect Harvin's draft stock? Well, if it's true, then It might. Harvin's character has been questioned in the past. Sure, he's a hard worker, but do NFL teams want to invest millions on a guy who doesn't respect his team and teammates? Smoking pot is selfish when 52 other guys are depending on you to make the right decision.

Of course, it was rumored last season that Harvin missed the first game of the year because of a positive drug test. The same goes for his mysterious migraine headaches in 2007.

-jo-

Brandon Knight not favoring Florida Gators

Can UF coach Billy Donovan convince Broward County's national player of the year to play with Boynton Jr.?

GAINESVILLE -- Florida recruiting target Brandon Knight was named the Gatorade Boys' Basketball National Player of the Year on Tuesday.

A junior, Knight is considered one of the top recruits for the class of 2010. He has a 4.28 GPA at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest. The 6-3 point guard could play for any team in the country. Will it be Florida? If you think Knight is a lock to sign with the Gators, then you'd be wrong. The truth, it seems, is far from it.

According to Knight's former AAU coach, Knight is far from committing to the Gators. In fact, Team Breakdown coach Kenny Gillion believes Knight will choose "anyone but the Gators." Duke, UConn and Syracuse are considered the frontrunners.

Gillion coached Knight and future Gator Kenny Boynton Jr., a shooting guard, in the summers of 2007 and 2008. During that time, Knight and Boynton won a pair of AAU national championships.

"You'd think it would be a perfect fit," Gillion said. "They play great together and they complement one another's skills. They're already familiar with each other, so you'd think it would be something Knight would consider."

Florida Gators freshman impressing Meyer

Linebacker Jon Bostic isn't wasting any time this spring. UF coach Urban Meyer says the freshman will contribute.

GAINESVILLE -- One or two freshmen emerge from the rest every offseason. The first freshman to make a name for himself this spring is linebacker Jon Bostic of Wellington.

Bostic received praise after Wednesday's practice from Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer. Meyer said that defensive coordinator Charlie Strong and linebacker Brandon Spikes mentioned Bostic's effort to Meyer. In addition to defense, Bostic has been lining up with the kickoff team. Wednesday was Florida's fifth spring practice.

"Jon Bostic had a heck of a day," Meyer said. "I think there's a chance -- it's so early -- but there's a chance he'll be involved next year. He's a good guy. Coach Strong, even [Brandon] Spikes said something to me about him."

What do you expect from Andre Debose next year?

By MIKE McCALL

The biggest question facing Florida’s offense for next season is how to replace Percy Harvin, and it seems like a lot of people have taken the attitude that, "Oh, Andre Debose will be here next year. It's all taken care of."

Debose has been touted as the Second Coming, but the claims that he’ll shoulder the load Harvin left behind need to be tempered. Maybe he will be the next Harvin. Just not yet.

Urban Meyer has made it clear that he doesn’t want to give up what he calls “The Percy Position” just because Harvin entered the NFL Draft, and why would he? Meyer said opposing coaches told him that the toughest matchups against UF last season were Harvin and tight end Aaron Hernandez, and he wants to keep at least one player on the field who's versatile enough to score by taking direct snaps, hand-offs, option pitches or catching passes.

From the way Meyer talks about Debose, it's clear he thinks he has his man. On National Signing Day, he called the Sanford Seminole High receiver “the best player in America,” and he's counting on Debose to make his presence felt right away.