Florida Gators thread

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NFL player gives back to Alachua


By JONATHAN FERRANTE
Special to The Sun



Published: Monday, June 9, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.

While the Jacksonville Jaguars' Mike Peterson may have a tough job on the field, this weekend he tackled a different group of receivers.
Instead of the thick-padded, jersey-clad players he's used to charging the field with, Peterson was joined by HappE the clown, a team of face painters and enough activities to make even the hottest day seem cool.
More than 300 people braved the sweltering heat Sunday and showed up at the Hal Brady Recreation Center in Alachua to participate in the second annual Health and Family Fun Weekend.
Along with the bean-bag games, watermelon and rock-climbing wall, the participants also were given the chance to interact with the veteran linebacker.
Under the same tent, Peterson gave out autographs, HappE the clown juggled and formed balloon animals, and kids anxiously waited to have their favorite superhero meticulously painted across their face.
"We're very fortunate that the Peterson family has been putting stuff back into the community," said Hal Brady, recreation and parks director. "They've helped out to do many things."
Mike Peterson along with his brother, Adrian, who is a running back for the Chicago Bears, also help out in one of the area's senior community centers.
The events of the day included the Cal Ripken League's baseball championships on an adjacent field.
As the neighboring baseball tournaments ended, the players rushed over to have the football player sign their baseball caps and baseballs.
Peterson, a native of Alachua, graduate of Santa Fe High School and former University of Florida football player, has a simple philosophy for hosting the event.
"It gives the kids hope," he said. "They can see Mike Peterson in their newspaper, but you get a chance to see the guy that came up the same place you did - it gives the kids hope."
Peterson recalls growing up in the town and having nothing to do on the weekends.
As part of the mission of the Mike Peterson Foundation, events are planned around some of the places he remembers from his childhood.
"We're hitting all the same spots that I grew up in," he said.
Peterson started the Foundation in 2005 as a way to give back to the community.
According to Liz Willyoung, director of the foundation, the organization also reaches out to the community in Jacksonville, which is Peterson's current residence.
In the coming months, the foundation will be holding a football camp and other activities that will be hosted by Peterson and other players from the Jaguars.

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Harvey reunites with former Gators at Jaguars camp


By John Patton
Sun sports writer



Published: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 11:57 p.m.

JACKSONVILLE — Derrick Harvey arrived on the Florida campus in 2004 with a big reputation, something that always follows the nation's top five high school defensive recruits.
But perhaps because things came easier to him at Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt, Md.), he didn't immediately put forth the effort that turns a high school all-state performer into a college All-American and ultimately into a first-round NFL draft pick.
"When he got in he was gifted, but he was a lazy little sucker," former Gator/current Jacksonville Jaguar defensive end Jeremy Mincey said. "He did the least amount he could to get by. He took shortcuts.
"But some of us older guys like me, Vernell Brown and Jarvis Herring, we got on him and pushed him.
"He took to that, and look at him now."
Indeed, utilizing the benefits that came from the added work ethic, Harvey earned most outstanding defensive player honors as a third-year sophomore in UF's 41-14 January 2007 BCS championship game victory against Ohio State.
That propelled Harvey to a junior season, which saw him record 8.5 sacks en route to being named third team All-American and second team All-SEC.
And in late April, the Jaguars moved up to select the 6-foot-5, 271-pounder eighth overall. He is the only defensive end chosen in the first round in franchise history.
Leading up to the draft, Jacksonville (11-5 in 2007) was in talks with Miami about trading for All-Pro defensive end Jason Taylor. But in the end the Dolphins' demand for a second-round pick (the Jaguars were unwilling to part with any higher than a fourth), made the Jaguars decide to go young, taking Harvey and Auburn outside linebacker (now defensive end) Quentin Groves with their first two choices.
"I think he knows (the organization's expectations), but maybe didn't know the extent we needed a pass rusher," middle linebacker Mike Peterson said. "Right now, he's just a young guy trying to fit in and the team is trying to find the best way to use him and Quentin.
"And the truth is, we probably will end up better playing (defensive end) by committee instead of relying on just one guy."
Peterson said it is difficult to tell how much Harvey has progressed during the current organized team activities because the Jaguars aren't in pads. However, he added he expects Harvey to come along smoothly.
"There's always a lot expected of first rounders, but he's in a better situation than other first-round picks," Peterson said. "He's being asked to rush the passer, not run the offense, run the defense or call plays.
"He doesn't have to play every down. He can come in on third downs, get after the quarterback, and if he gets one sack a game, that's a great thing."
Harvey said he is comfortable in Jacksonville — having five other Gators on the roster helps — and added the toughest part so far has been learning different play calls.
"I've got to get rid of all the old plays," Harvey said. "This is a completely new system to me."
He's also been paying attention to the veterans' adage that says you need to stay healthy and avoid the training room at all costs.
To do so, Harvey is eating healthier and getting plenty of post-practice hot and cold treatments.
"The biggest thing he needs to understand is it is going to be a long season," said Jaguars' second-year safety Reggie Nelson, also a former Gator. "He has to take care of his body. (The rookie wall) is nothing but a mental thing. If you have your body ready, you'll get through it.
"I think Derrick is going to be all right."

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Update on Speights

Some comments from Marreese Speights and New Jersey Nets General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe following Speights' recent workout with the Nets, courtesy of New York Post Nets' beat writer Fred Kerber:

Vandeweghe on Speights:
"Very quick feet, very athletic, can really jump, very good shooter. I was surprised at how much his (shooting) range has improved. He's gotten better. He had a good day today."

Vandeweghe on where Speights fits in with what he's seen, is Speights a different big man than JaVale McGee and Brook Lopez?
"Yeah, he's very different. He's a different type of player. I'm not saying he's more or less talented (than them) but he's extremely talented. You can see him coming and playing minutes right away. He was impressive. No question."

Speights on his workout:
"It was a hard, good workout. I keep getting better and better every workout so I think I did pretty good overall."

On what he could bring to the Nets:
"I can bring a four-man who can shoot the long ball, shoot the 18-footer."

Speights, currently projected as a mid-to-late first round pick, worked out for Cleveland, Orlando, Washington and New Jersey last week and is scheduled to work out for Phoenix this week. He has until June 18 to decide whether to return to Florida for his junior season or declare for the NBA draft.

The Nets hold the 10th and 21st overall pick in the first round of the NBA draft, held later this month at Madison Square Garden.

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Ex-Gator Fason misses Jags cut


The Associated Press



Published: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 11:52 p.m.

JACKSONVILLE — The Jaguars signed free-agent running back Lavarus Giles, who outperformed former Gator running back Ciatrick Fason and first-year running back D.D. Terry on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Giles, a rookie from Jackson State, was one of four players who participated in Jacksonville’s two-day minicamp last weekend on a tryout basis. Giles had 514 yards rushing and five touchdowns as a senior last season.
Terry signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2007 from Sam Houston State and spent the season on the practice squad.

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Marreese Speights leaving UF


By Kevin Brockway
Sun sports writer



Published: Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 12:28 p.m.

Florida sophomore center Marreese Speights kept his name in the NBA draft Thursday, foregoing his final two years of eligibility and leaving a void in the middle for the Gators to fill this season.
Speights, who finished his sophomore season as Florida's second-leading scorer (14.5 ppg) and leading rebounder (8.1 rpg), let UF coach Billy Donovan know of his decision during a phone conversation Thursday morning.
"I completely support his decision," Donovan said. "This is what he wants to do. I wish him nothing but the best of luck on June 26 (the date of the NBA draft) and in the future."
Had Speights returned, Florida likely would have been a preseason candidate to win a Southeastern Conference championship. Instead, the Gators will face the challenge of replacing their top low-post scoring threat. Speights also led the Gators with 49 blocked shots and 10 double-doubles.
"I want to thank Coach Donovan and the entire staff for helping me develop my game and become a better player over the past two years." Speights said in a statement released Thursday. "Even though I’m leaving the University of Florida early, I'll forever be a Gator."
Speights is the first UF sophomore to leave for the NBA draft since Mike Miller, whom the Orlando Magic selected fifth overall in 2000. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Speights is projected by most draft analysts as a mid-to-late NBA first-round pick and has impressed NBA teams in workouts with his soft touch and shooting range.
"Based on the information we've gathered from workouts, we feel like it's in Marreese's best interests to keep his name in the draft," said Speights' adviser and former AAU coach, Matt Ramker.
After coming off the bench during Florida's 2007 national championship season as a freshman, Speights earned a starting job as a sophomore. The transition was rocky at times. Speights had some early-season conditioning issues which affected his ability to defend the low post.
But Speights improved as the season progressed and saved one of his best performances for last, a 16-point, 18-rebound effort in Florida's NIT semifinal loss to Massachusetts. Speights' 18 rebounds were a season-high and broke Neal Walk's 1969 record for most rebounds by a UF player in an NIT game (17).
Shortly after the NIT loss, Speights put his name in the draft without hiring an agent. Ramker said Speights is in the process of signing with Andy Miller of ASM Enterprises. Miller represents close to 20 NBA players, including Kevin Garnett and Chauncey Billups.
With Speights gone, Florida will return four starters this season. Sophomores Alex Tyus and Chandler Parsons appear the early candidates to replace Speights in the starting lineup. Incoming freshmen Kenny Kadji (6-10, 255 pounds) and Eloy Vargas (6-9, 220) also could emerge as candidates and will provide depth in the frontcourt that the Gators lacked last season. Vargas is still awaiting academic approval from the NCAA to compete next season.

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Spurrier tells Bucs' Graham to get back to work


By Rick Brown
The (Lakeland) Ledger



Published: Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 9:12 p.m.

TAMPA — Steve Spurrier had a simple message for Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham — get back to work.
The South Carolina coach and former Buc, who coached Graham while the back was at the University of Florida, was on the sidelines Thursday watching the Bucs' final day of organized team workouts. Spurrier is in town for a reunion of Florida football players of the 1960s at Innisbrook.
He talked about one of his former players — former South Carolina running back and Tampa Bay seventh-round draft choice Cory Boyd — before sending a message out to Graham.
‘‘Certainly we hope Cory makes the team here,’’ Spurrier started. ‘‘And I hope Earnest Graham will get his butt back out to practice in a little bit. I guess he'll be back next week.’’
Graham missed all 14 of the workouts because he wants a contract extension. He is in the final year of his contract. It's not known whether he will attend next week's mandatory mini-camp, although Spurrier thought he might.
‘‘I hadn't called Earnest,’’ he said, ‘‘but I'm sure he would expect me to say what I said.’’
In addition to Boyd, Spurrier had three other former players on the field Thursday.
‘‘It was good to see Ike Hilliard, Kevin Carter, Benny Troupe, my former guys,’’ Spurrier said. ‘‘So this is homecoming day for me.’’
Spurrier, who is known to be hard on his quarterbacks, said he didn't know who was tougher, him or Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden. But he gave Gruden kudos.
‘‘I understand why his voice is hoarse,’’ Spurrier said. ‘‘He yells and screams. I admire the passion he has for this game. He does it year round.
I'm a little different from him. In the offseason, I need to get away from football. I think he can do football 12 months a year, I really do. He never gets tired of it.’’
Spurrier also said Tampa native Stephen Garcia, who was kicked off the South Carolina football team for getting into trouble with police for underaged drinking, may be reinstated in July if he fulfills some requirements. He didn't elaborate.

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UF track tallies 12 All-America honors


Special to The Sun



Published: Friday, June 13, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.

DES MOINES, Iowa — The University of Florida men’s and women’s track and field teams turned it up a notch on day three of the NCAA Outdoor Championships, combining to score in six events, earning 12 All-America honors in the process before a crowd of 11,228 at Drake Stadium.
The women’s team is in sixth place through 11 events with 16 points, while the men sit in ninth place through 13 events with 15 points.
The NCAA Outdoor Championships conclude today with Florida holding six scoring opportunities — three on each side. CBS will broadcast final day action live from 4-6 p.m.
As action got underway on the track, the women’s 4x100-meter relay came up with its best finish since 2002, placing fourth with a season-best time of 43.61 seconds. The Florida quartet of Abigail David, Lakecia Ealey, Dominique McLeggan and Natalie Knight were edged by Baylor for third.
Ealey returned to the track 90 minutes later and finished third in the 100-meter dash final, matching the best finish ever by a UF women’s athlete in the event. Ealey crossed the line in 11.35, matching Kisha Jett (1996) and Michelle Freeman (1992) who both finished third in the 100 final. Ealey also became the first Florida woman to earn All-America honors in the event since Jett in 1998.
The men’s 4x100-meter relay finished third and ran the fourth-fastest time in school history, as the foursome of Chris Rainey, Terrell Wilks, Jeremy Hall and Calvin Smith clocked a time of 38.84.
Hall also finished sixth in the 100-meter final in a time of 10.36.
Smith returned to the track and advanced to the 400-meter dash final, finishing third in his heat in a time of 45.64.
Rebecca Lowe closed out Florida’s night on the track by becoming its first All-American in the 5,000-meter run since 1990, finishing fifth by lowering her personal best time by nearly 24 seconds. Lowe posted the second-fastest time in school history, running a time of 15:50.73.
Adam Montague became UF’s first All-American in the javelin since Derek Trafas in 1995, coming up with a throw of 244 feet 10 inches on his fourth attempt.
Wes Stockbarger finished 12th in the discus, posting a throw of 174-11 on his first attempt, but fouling on his next two efforts, failing to advance to the final round.
Shara Proctor just missed advancing to the final of the women’s triple jump, finishing 13th, missing the finals by one position.
In other action on the track, Kallinka Pitt finished eighth in his heat of the 110-meter hurdles semifinals and did not advance to the final, running a time of 14.04.
LSU sprinters Richard Thompson and Kelly-Ann Baptiste won the men’s and women’s 100 meters.
Thompson eased to victory in 10.12, followed by Travis Padgett at 10.16. Baptiste earned her long-awaited NCAA 100 crown, bursting ahead over the last 40 meters to win in 11.20.

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UF women's track finishes ninth at NCAAs


Special to The Sun



Published: Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 10:59 p.m.

DES MOINES, Iowa — The University of Florida track and field teams capped the NCAA Outdoor Championships finishing ninth in the women’s and 15th in the men’s competition, before a crowd of 11,410 at Drake Stadium on Saturday.
Florida scored in five of six possible events, completing a strong championship showing for both squads. A combined seven athletes earned eight All-America honors for Florida on Saturday, giving UF a total of 21 over the four days of competition.
The women finished with 26 points and placed in the top 10 for the first time since 2005. The 26 points were the eighth-highest point total ever by a Florida women’s team. The men’s team totaled 20 points and came up with its best finish since its runner-up finish in 2005.
“We had a great week across the board,” Florida head coach Mike Holloway said. “We had a lot of great efforts, a lot of heart and a lot of pride. We thought both teams could finish in the top 10. The women did, and the men’s team came up four points short.”
LSU won its first women’s national title since 2003, while Florida State claimed its third straight men’s title.
Sophomore Mariam Kevkhisvili opened the day with a third-place finish in the women’s shot put, coming up with a throw of 57 feet 2 1/4 inches, her second best throw of the outdoor season. For Kevkhisvili, it marked her second straight outdoor All-America honor, as she finished sixth at the NCAA Outdoor meet a year ago.
Senior Natalie Knight capped her career with a sixth-place finish in the 200-meter dash, her second All-America honor in the event outdoors, and first since 2005 when she also finished sixth.
“I’m really proud of the way the women’s team competed. They lined up and methodically got it done, and that’s kind of been the way they’ve operated all year,” Holloway said. “They were only six points out of a top-five finish, it was a good week for them.”
Calvin Smith stepped up in a loaded 400-meter final and finished fifth in a time of 45.14, a significant personal record for the sophomore. Running out of lane three, Smith’s finish was the highest by a Gator in the quarter-mile since Rickey Harris finished second in 2002 and was the fourth fastest time in school history.
Smith capped his day by running the second leg of the 4x400-meter relay team that finished eighth. He joined with Bernard Middleton, LaMarr Davis and Eric Alberter to run 3:07.91.
“I felt like we had a top-10 team on the men’s side and we were close and had our chance at the end,” said Holloway. “Overall, they had a good week and competed hard.”
Elsewhere in the field, Evelien Dekkers came up with an eighth-place finish in the javelin, earning All-America honors in the process.

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Got the Gator football blues?


By Robbie Andreu
Sun sports writer



Published: Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 10:51 p.m.

Read a good book
If you can't keep your focus long enough to read James Patterson or Harlan Coban this summer, try Pat Dooley, Buddy Martin or Norm Carlson. Dooley interviewed 31 former Florida players who tell their stories in "Game of my Life". It's a nice, breezy read — perfect for the beach. Martin's "The Boys From Old Florida" is full of history and insight, and Carlson's "University of Florida Football Vault" is a combination history book/scrapbook that is full of neat stuff. All three books will satisfy your hunger for football.
Buddy up to the TV
There's no live college football on the tube, but if you're an addict, you've got a video/DVD/DVR collection. So, sit back on a Saturday or Sunday and have a marathon of your favorite games. Sun Network certainly helps fill the void with its Gridiron Greats series of classic UF, FSU and Miami games on Saturday, and the Gator replays every Sunday morning leading up to the season. Next up on Gridiron Greats — the 1986 Florida-Auburn game Monday at 11:30 a.m.
Hit the newsstands
The preseason college football magazines offer a quick and inexpensive fix — and several are already on bookstore shelves. If you're looking for a pro-Florida spin, you'll want to check out Lindy's and Phil Steele's College Football Preview. Those two publications have the Gators ranked No. 1 heading into the season. All the magazines are full of stats, schedules and information that will keep you immersed in college football for many hours.
Shop ’til you drop
Why wait until the season is about to start to purchase that new game-day shirt or replace those worn-out flags on the car? Do it now. Spend some time browsing the Gator shops around town. It will seem like football season is here — and it will help the economy.
Let's tailgate
Why wait until the season is about to start to purchase that new game-day shirt or replace those worn-out flags on the car? Do it now. Spend some time browsing the Gator shops around town. It will seem like football season is here — and it will help the economy.
Relax and enjoy the summer
Instead of wishing away months of your life wishing football season was here, relax and enjoy the summer. Aug. 30 will be here soon enough.

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Gator gathering in Jacksonville


By John Patton
Sun sports writer



Published: Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 7:29 p.m.

JACKSONVILLE — Prior to the 2007 season, Alltel Stadium went back to being named Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, what the facility was called when the Jaguars began play on Aug. 18, 1995.
Second-year free safety Reggie Nelson has an idea for a more catchy title.
"They should call the stadium ‘Little Swamp’ " Nelson said.
He was only half-kidding.
The Jaguars' roster is peppered with former Gators, six in all.
Nelson, middle linebacker Mike Peterson and Pro Bowl tailback Fred Taylor are returning starters. Defensive end Derrick Harvey was the team's first-round pick, eighth overall.
Jeremy Mincey is in his second NFL season, having played in six games for Jacksonville last year after being a sixth-round pick of New England in 2006. And versatile offensive lineman Drew Miller is attempting to make the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.
The familiarity has made life easier for Harvey, who is having to deal with the pressure of being what some Jacksonville insiders have called the "missing piece" between a playoff team and a Super Bowl contender.
"It's nice," Harvey said. "It's really nice to see somebody you know. It's helping the process (for me)."
Peterson, who said "Gator Growl Stadium" is the name he would choose, said the number of former Florida players in camp have made for some mouthy practices.
"Oh yeah, we talk a lot," Peterson said. "There isn't too much anyone else can say. You've got me, Fred, the rest of us out there, and we're all Gators.
"And the Gators have been winning a lot lately. It's not like someone can say something back to us."
When the season begins Peterson, Nelson, Taylor and Harvey are guaranteed roster spots, and all but Harvey are listed as starters right now.
Mincey is hoping his motor — one teammates praise profusely — will help him land a spot. And the 6-foot-5, 303-pound Miller, who can play center, guard and tackle, hopes his many talents fit in to the Jaguars' plans.
For now, with organized team activities winding down, the former Gators are enjoying their time together.
"We're here, young and old," Mincey said. "It's great being around everyone. We all share a bond and always will."

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Florida's Heater has been fire for defensive backs

June 16, 2008
By Dennis Dodd
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Tell Dennis your opinion!

Editor's note: This is the fourth of a 10-part summer series rating the top D-I college football coaches in the country. From position coaches to head coach, Dennis Dodd and you, the community, will compile an All-Star team of the nation's top 10 coaches. Next up: Defensive line. Vote now!
Chuck Heater, Florida:

Ten schools, 32 years, two national championships, one backup tight end.
Dodd's Coaches Feature Feature Tight End Coaches Wide Receivers Coaches Running Backs Coaches Today: Secondary Coaches Thursday: DL Coaches Mon., June 23: OL Coaches Thu., June 26: LB Coaches Mon., June 30: Offensive Coordinators Mon., July 7: Defensive Coordinators Mon., July 14: Head Coaches
They have all played into a long, accomplished career for Florida's cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator. Florida is Heater's 10th school since becoming a coach in 1976. In the 32 seasons since then, he has worked for six national coaches of the year.
However, he might not have hit the pinnacle of his career until 2006. Remember that crazy December day when Florida won the SEC title game and Southern California was upset by UCLA? The Gators didn't know for another day that they had officially clinched a spot in the BCS title game.
But on the floor of the Rose Bowl that day was one Adam Heater connecting the football dots. Born in Columbus, Ohio (supposedly during his dad's stop at Ohio State in the '80s), UCLA's backup tight end was reveling in his team's role in getting his father's team to the national championship game.
"I told him, we'll take care of business if they take care of business," Adam said that day. "It's a great day for the Heaters."
And Ohio State and Florida went on to play for the national championship.
It has been a great career for Chuck Heater. Having joined Urban Meyer on a staff for the fourth time, Heater has been a right-hand man for the Florida coach.
"He's one of the best teachers," Meyer said. "I used to just sit in his meetings and watch him coach."
Twenty of Heater's 32 seasons have been spent coaching the secondary. In his three seasons at Florida, the Gators have intercepted 48 passes, leading the SEC in 2005 and 2006. Three of the defensive backs he has coached became first-round draft choices.
Don't fret about the Gators slipping in SEC pass defense last season. Heater is doing something about it, and has it covered as recruiting coordinator. Florida's past three recruiting classes have been ranked in the top five.

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Notebook: UF sports make SEC history


By Brandon Zimmerman
Sun sports writer



Published: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.

Florida's athletic program has ruled the SEC for almost two decades now.
We know this because the Gators have won the SEC All-Sports trophy in 16 of the past 17 years.
But which SEC program has been the most dominant for the 75-year history of the conference?
The Birmingham News, in its Sunday editions, decided that it's the Gators. The newspaper created a formula to determine which athletics program rates as the best in SEC history in all sports.
The News placed more weight on national titles and SEC titles than on other measurements such as number of All-Americans. It also weighed football and men's basketball most heavily.
Georgia finished second followed by LSU, Tennessee and Kentucky. Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina and Vanderbilt rounded out the top 10 while Ole Miss and Mississippi State rounded out the list.
The Gators recent success in the SEC has been documented by the school's 16 SEC All-Sports Trophy's over the past 17 seasons. The All-Sports Trophy is awarded by the New York Times Regional Newspaper Group.
More rankings ...
Speaking of ranking athletic programs, Florida looks to be in good shape to once again finish in the top 10 nationally.
As of the latest standings, Florida was ranked seventh in the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Director's Cup. The Gators have finished in the top 10 every year since 1983-84, but have never won it.
The final standings will be released next week after the conclusion of the College World Series.
Soccer schedule never dull
Most of Florida's non-revenue sports face challenging schedules each year. But it seems Becky Burleigh's soccer team always has the most interesting one.
The Gators' schedule, released this week, features road trips to Colorado and traditional-power Portland as well as home matches against Kansas and Nebraska of the Big 12 and Illinois of the Big Ten.
The Gators open in Boulder, Colo., on Aug. 22 against the Buffaloes in what will be a homecoming for Florida's Ameera Abdullah, of Denver, and Karly Findorff, of Colorado Springs.
Florida will travel to Portland, Ore., to face the Pilots on Sept. 19 then return home to host Kansas two days later.
Mullaney off to fast summer
Kyle Mullaney's sophomore season at Florida didn't exactly go as planned. His summer season, however, is off to a fast start.
Mullaney won his first start for the Orlando Suns of the Florida State Collegiate Summer League when he worked 6 innings of a 2-1 win over Clermont on June 13. For his effort, he was named the Pitcher of the Week for the Suns.
Mullaney is 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA in two stars for the Suns.
Several other Gators are playing in summer leagues including five in the Cape Cod League. They are pitcher Billy Bullock (Harwich Mainers), catchers Buddy Munroe (Wareham Gatemen) and Hampton Tignor (Orleans Cardinals) and shortstop Cole Figueroa (Orleans Cardinals).
Outfielder Riley Cooper is playing for the New Market Rebels in the Valley League. Pitcher Tony Davis has joined the Fayetteville Swampdogs of the Coastal Plains League while outfielder Jonathan Pigott is playing with Mullaney for the Suns.
Gators center fielder Matt den Dekker, meanwhile, is participating in the USA Baseball National Team Trials. The national team roster will be finalized June 24.

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UF baseball's Keating, Adams make ABCA All-South Region


Special to The Sun



Published: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 8:35 p.m.

Florida junior right-hander Patrick Keating and freshman second baseman Josh Adams were each named to All-South Region squad released by the American Baseball Coaches Association on Wednesday.
Keating became the first Gator pitcher to garner first-team recognition since Justin Hoyman in 2004, while Adams was the first UF rookie on the squad since Brad Wilkerson in 1996.
Keating achieved first-team All-SEC status after compiling a 7-0 league ledger with a 3.28 earned run average in nine starts.
Adams started 57 games for the Gators at five different positions and hit .330 on the season.

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Tim Tebow: Raising a man of character

Florida QB Tim Tebow has learned from his father, Bob, the importance of faith in his life.

Dave Curtis
Sentinel Staff Writer
June 15, 2008
JACKSONVILLE

Of all the great nights in Florida quarterback Tim Tebow's life, the one in New York stands out most to his father, Bob. More than winning a national championship in Glendale, Ariz., more than accounting for seven touchdowns in Colum