Friday Fodder: Game times set, recruiting news, UF-UM update

GAINESVILLE -- Florida fans will receive a brief reprieve from the heat this fall, as the Southeastern Conference announced the Gators’ season opener against Idaho (Aug. 30) will be a 7 p.m. kickoff on ESPNU. 

Earlier in the week, CBS announced the annual Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville (Nov. 1) will be televised on the network for the 12th straight year with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. 

The Gators now have four game times set, as UF’s home tilts against Eastern Michigan (Sept. 6) and Kentucky (Sept. 13) are scheduled for 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively, with both games airing on the SEC Network. 

FAMILY CONNECTION

Three-star defensive tackle Andrew Ivie, younger brother of Florida sophomore defensive end Joey, committed to the Gators Thursday, per multiple recruiting services. 

The 6-foot-3, 288-pound Pasco product chose Florida over Ole Miss, Mississippi State and UCF. 

Ivie is the eighth prospect verbally pledged to UF’s 2015 class. 

UF-UM UPDATE

The SEC Spring Meetings concluded Friday, and while league commission Mike Slive announced several major tidbits from the week’s worth of discussions, the Florida-Miami series was a minor noteworthy topic early in the week. 

According to Associated Press reporter Mark Long, Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said there’s “mutual interest” in renewing the Miami-Florida football series, but only as a “one-game deal at a neutral site.”

Foley’s quote on the matter hardly makes a potential showdown a reality (in the near or distant future), but it does clear up exactly how “receptive” Florida is in “renewing the series.”

The rub moving forward is how much cash can/will a neutral contest generate and what exactly constitutes a neutral site?

FILTHY RICH

The league announced record revenue in 2013, as $309.6 million will be distributed amongst the 14 schools -- an average of $20.9 million per university. With the league introducing its own TV network this summer, that number could double next season. 

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Donovan courted by NBA

GAINESVILLE -- Following another Final Four run, Florida coach Billy Donovan has been contacted by multiple NBA teams this offseason, he said Thursday.

Donovan stressed the conversations have been "brief," and he “fully plans on being back [in Gainesville] next season.”

“It’s always flattering, but at the same time, I’ve always said that I’m very happy here and like it here,” Donovan explained. 

“Jeremy [Foley] has been great here. I like where our program’s at and the direction we’re going.”

Florida’s coach, always guarded when speaking on the NBA following his flip-flop commitment on the Orlando Magic in 2007, didn’t disclose which NBA teams he talked to, but various media reports from league insiders said the Cleveland Cavilers and the Minnesota Timberwolves were among those interested.

“I got a few calls from a couple NBA teams. I’m going to leave it at that. After the Orlando situation, that’s all I’m saying. That’s it. So I’m not going to get into, ‘He’s lying, he’s not being truthful.’ I got a couple of calls, that’s all it is.”

Donovan has led the Gators to four Final Fours in 18 seasons and recently signed a contract extension to keep him at Florida through the 2018-19 season.

NOTHING CHANGED

Damontre Harris, officially removed from UF's roster Wednesday, did not “earn his way back” on the team this offseason, Donovan said.

“Damontre is not a bad kid, he’s a good kid, but really undisciplined and unreliable in a lot of ways. … The things we were talking about is like going to class, being on time, being in the weight room, lifting, showing up to practice, those kind of things. Basically we evaluated him over that two and a half, three months over that second semester and clearly nothing had changed at all.”

Donovan has not spoken with Harris face-to-face since the end of the season, with Harris skipping a meeting on his future sometime in recent weeks. 

INJURY UPDATES

Rutgers transfer guard Eli Carter is “80-85 percent” after missing most of the 2013-14 season recovering from a gruesome leg injury sustained with the Scarlet Knights in February 2013. Donovan said trainers expect Carter to be 100 percent by fall camp in October.

Meanwhile, guard Dillion Graham, another medical redshirt last season, continues a slow, painful recovery from bone spurs in both hips and is not expected to be cleared for any contact until September-October.

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Harris officially done

(Courtesy Gatorzone.com)

GAINESVILLE -- Damontre Harris ran out of chances. 

As first reported by Jon Rothstein of CBSSports.com, Florida’s 6-foot-10 center is no longer with the team -- a permanent move following multiple disciplinary issues and second chances. 

UF later confirmed Rothstein’s report, and coach Billy Donovan is likely to speak on the issue Thursday at his post-spring wrap-up press conference. 

But Wednesday officially ended a rollercoaster ride for the troubled transfer from South Carolina. Harris, a member of the All-SEC Defensive team in 2011-12, never played a minute for the Gators -- this despite being eligible during Florida’s Final Four run last season. 

Donovan suspended Harris indefinitely before the start of the 2013-14 season, later dismissing the big-man from the team during Christmas break. However, Harris pleaded for another chance -- a request Donovan granted.

Harris practiced with the Gators during their NCAA Tournament run, but Donovan refused to allow Harris to play citing chemistry, values and respect. 

Like former embattled guard Scottie Wilbekin, Harris was given conditions follow before ever seeing the court again -- stipulations likely not completed this spring/summer. 

Harris’ loss is hardly a surprise considering Florida recently landed 7-foot shot blocking sensation John Egbunu from South Florida. 

While Egbunu, with three years of eligibility remaining, must sit out the 2014-15 season due to transfer rules, he will be on scholarship -- an issue resolved with Harris’ dismissal. 

With Egbunu’s addition, the Gators were one over the NCAA scholarship limit (13) before Harris was released. 

More to come. 

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Scheduling: SEC rotation set; UM-UF to renew rivalry???

GAINESVILLE -- The Southeastern Conference announced a 12-year rotation (2014-2025) of non-divisional opponents Monday, as the Gators now know their league schedule for the next dozen seasons. 

Earlier this month, league presidents voted to stick with the status quo -- maintaining its eight-game conference schedule under the 6 (division games) – 1 (one permanent cross-division opponent) – 1 (a rotating cross-division opponent) format. 

The 12-year rotation starts this fall, as Florida travels to Alabama in late September. 

The Gators won’t see the Crimson Tide again until 2021 and coach Will Muschamp can only hope to still be around to see one of his favorite non-traditional rivalries: Florida-Auburn (2019).

With Texas A&M on the docket in 2017, the Gators will travel to Texas to play Michigan to open the season and host the Aggies later in the year. 

Florida's future cross-division foes...

YEAR	OPPONENT
2014	at Alabama
2015	Ole Miss
2016	at Arkansas
2017	Texas A&M
2018	at Mississippi State
2019	Auburn
2020	at Ole Miss
2021	Alabama
2022	at Texas A&M
2023	Arkansas
2024	at Auburn
2025	Mississippi State

Meanwhile…

UM-UF RIVALRY BACK ON?

Possibly.

According to the Miami Herald’s own Barry Jackson, UM athletic director Blake James said Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley was “receptive” when recently discussing renewing the in-state series.

Due to financial reasons (see: seven home games), Florida has stipulated the series must continue at neutral-sites only -- an idea James is currently juggling.

“I would have to think about Orlando,” James said. “That’s not real neutral but it’s an easy distance to our campus.”

Not two days after the Hurricanes’ upset victory over the Gators last fall -- a game many presumed would be the final game in the series for the foreseeable futures -- James made a brilliant PR move suggesting the two teams continue the rivalry. It was empty posturing, but now UM appears to be open to a neutral site contest.

So what say you: Do you want the two schools to renew a rich rivalry -- even solely at neutral sites Thoughts on Florida's future SEC schedule?

Pop off.   

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2014 NFL Draft: Four Gators selected, several others signs UFA contracts

GAINESVILLE -- The 2014 NFL Draft is over, with four former Florida Gators drafted -- half as many as last season. 

Defensive tackle Dominique Easley was selected No. 29 overall by the New England Patriots, the second straight season a Gators defensive lineman was nabbed in the first round. 

Following a quiet Friday evening (rounds 2-3), cornerback Jaylen Watkins didn’t have to wait long on Saturday, going No. 101 to the Philadelphia Eagles with the first pick in the fourth round. Later, linebacker Ronald Powell was selected by the New Orleans Saints and guard Jon Halpio joined Easley in New England. 

Below is a recap of Florida’s draftees (as well as a number of undrafted free agents). Conspicuously absent: cornerbacks Marcus Roberson and Loucheiz Purifoy, who both saw their stock’s crash to rock bottom. After failing to find a professional home Saturday, both prospects are free agents, waiting to join a team sometime in the near future.  

DRAFTEES

DT Dominique Easley, Round 1, New England Patriots (No. 29)

CB Jaylen Watkins, Round 4, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 101)

LB Ronald Powell, Round 5, New Orleans Saints (No. 169)

OG Jon Halapio, Round 6, New England Patriots (No. 179)

UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS

DT Damien Jacobs, Buffalo Bills

LB Darrien Kitchens, Buffalo Bills

WR Trey Burton, Philadelphia Eagles

WR/KR Solomon Patton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

C Jon Harrison, Indianapolis Colts

Meanwhile, versatile offensive lineman Kyle Koehne earned a rookie-camp tryout with the Atlanta Falcons. 

UPDATE

Monday, Roberson signed a free agent deal with the St. Louis Rams and Purifoy agreed to a contract with the Indianapolis Colts. 

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2014 NFL Draft: Gators, anyone?

GAINESVILLE -- Following weeks (or months) of over-analyzation, endless mock drafts and the psychoanalysis of 10,000 wannabe Dr. Frazier Crane's, the 2014 NFL Draft is finally upon us. 

The frustratingly-fascinating three-day event kicks off tonight (8 p.m., ESPN/NFL Network), only the first round figures to be an uneventful evening for the Gators. 

But anything can happen.

For the second time in three years, Florida is unlikely to see a former player selected in the first round, as talented defensive tackle Dominique Easley -- a former top 10 overall prospect before a second non-contact knee injury -- stands as the lone semi-possible late-first round pick. 

Easley is a dominant three-technique defender who continues to climb teams’ draft boards following an impressive private pro day and a purported clean bill of health, but he figures to be a mid-second round pick and the first former Florida player off the board. 

In all, the Gators could have as many as eight players drafted, but the majority of ex-Gators are likely to wait until Saturday (rounds 4-7) to hear their names called. 

Enigmatic cornerbacks Marcus Roberson and Loucheiz Purifoy were once touted as possible first rounders, but both prospects could be drafted after fellow UF cornerback Jaylen Watkins. 

Former No. 1 overall recruit Ronald Powell, a player with durability concerns but potential as a pass rushing specialist, could be selected anywhere between rounds 4-6, while wideout Solomon Patton and offensive guard Jon Halapio figure to be Florida’s lone offensive players drafted. 

Below are my Gators draft projections. They’re surely to be wrong. 

Make your own picks in the comments section and use this blog as a thread for the next couple of days. 

I’ll update the piece as Gators start to come off the board. 

DRAFTEES 

DT Dominique Easley - 2nd Round  1st Round - No. 29 overall, New England Patriots  

* The Miami Herald's story on Easley's selection... 

 

CB Jaylen Watkins - 3rd Round  4th Round - No. 101, Philadelphia Eagles 

CB Marcus Roberson - 4th Round

CB Loucheiz Purifoy - 5th Round

LB/DE Ronald Powell - 5th Round  5th Round - No. 169, New Orleans Saints

OG Jon Halapio - 6th Round  6th Round - No. 179, New England Patriots 

WR Solomon Patton - 7th Round

UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS

C Jon Harrison

WR Trey Burton

DT Damien Jacobs

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UF-KU rematch date set

GAINESVILLE -- Florida will travel to Kansas on December 5 for a non-conference showdown against the Jayhawks as part of the 2014 SEC/BIG 12 Challenge, the leagues announced Wednesday. 

The marquee matchup, a rematch of last season’s inaugural SEC/BIG 12 Challenge when UF trumped KU 67-61 in Gainesviile, is one of 10 games between the two conferences in 10 days. 

ESPN’s family of networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, WatchESPN) will televise the event.

“The ability to showcase SEC basketball in this kind of inter-conference competition makes this a unique and exciting event for our coaches, student-athletes and fans,” SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said in a statement.   

ACADEMIC SUCCESS 

Florida’s men’s basketball team was publicly honored by the NCAA for its “outstanding academic performance,” scoring in the top 10 percent nationally in the Academic Progress Rate. 

The Gators were the only SEC basketball team to be recognized, as Florida set a conference record with eight players named to the academic honor roll. 

According to the university, the APR “provides a real-time look a the team’s academic success each semester by tracking the progress of each student-athlete on scholarship.”

Last weekend, six players participated in UF’s spring commencement ceremonies, as Billy Donovan, Jacob Kurt, Patric Young, Casey Prather, Scottie Wilbekin and Will Yeguete all graduated. 

YOUNG TO ATTEND COMBINE

Florida's former senior center has accepted an invite to this month's NBA Draft combine in Chicago (May 14-18), according to draftexpress.com.

The 6-foot-9, 245-pound frontcourt freak averaged 11 points and 6.2 rebounds this past season, anchoring one of the stingiest defenses in the country and earning defensive player of the year honors in the process. 

Per multiple mock drafts, Young projects as a late second round selection. 

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Gators debut on SEC Network in Week 2

GAINESVILLE -- Two of Florida’s first three games in 2014 will be broadcast on the new SEC Network, ESPN announced Thursday. 

The Gators’ Sept. 6 game against Eastern Michigan (4 p.m.) and Sept. 13 SEC opener against Kentucky (7:30 p.m.) will air on the network. 

According to the release, all 14 league teams will appear on the SEC Network within the first four weeks of the season.  

INJURY REPORT

During the conference’s spring teleconference Wednesday, Florida coach Will Muschamp updated the status of several sidelined players set to be cleared this week. 

Tailback Matt Jones, who missed spring practice recovering from a serious knee injury, is “on target,” Muschamp said. 

Also “on track” are linebackers Alex Anzalone (shoulder) and Matt Rolin (knee), as well as sixth-year senior wideout Andre Debose. 

“I think we’re in pretty good shape,” Muschamp said. 

QUOTABLE 

“It’s fine with me. I was for eight games. It isn’t all fair all the time, that’s part of it. Whatever format they went with eight games I was good with it. … There’s no perfect answer to please everybody. We did what is best for our league. We all have hidden agendas whatever university we represent.”

-- Muschamp on the finalization of the future SEC schedule

2015 CLASS ADDS ANOTHER

West Orange cornerback/tailback/athlete Jalen Julius committed to Florida late Wednesday night, according to multiple recruiting services. 

Later, Julius, a three-star prospect, confirmed his verbal pledge on Twitter. 

Julius is Florida’s seventh commit in its 2015 class.  

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