J

Website: http://www.gatorsportsnation.com

I have been a Gator fan my whole life. I started GSN when I was a sophomore in high school because I loved writing and especially when it was about the Gators. You can describe me as one of the biggest fans alive! There is nothing better then going to the Swamp on a Saturday to watch a football game. Go Gators! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send me an email. admin@gatorsportsnation.com

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Jenkins makes his return official

Posted by admin on January 10th, 2011   No Comment

Gator Sports Nation was told from close sources yesterday that Florida Gator junior cornerback Janoris Jenkins was going to return for his senior season and now Jenkins himself has made it official.

Jenkins, a three year starter at Florida and a possible first-round draft pick, has recorded eight interceptions, three of those eight picks were from this past year. He was also named to the first-team All-SEC. Jenkins did not play in the 2011 Outback Bowl against Penn State due to a shoulder injury.

One of the big reasons why Jenkins decided to come back was because of the recovery time that would affect him when he goes to prepare for the NFL draft following the surgery on his shoulder. He just wouldn’t of been ready with that shoulder.

Todd McShay of ESPN has Jenkins rated as the No. 2 corner in the NFL draft and the No. 11 overall.

“I spent some time with my family and coach [Will] Muschamp and came to the conclusion it was in my best interest to return to school,” Jenkins said in a statement. “Coach Muschamp was very supportive throughout the whole process, regardless of my decision, but he wanted to make sure I had all of the facts. I’m looking forward to working towards my degree, completing my rehab and getting back on the field with my teammates.”

Head coach Will Muschamp replied to Jenkins’ decision.

“It would have been real easy for Janoris to make an emotional choice and leave early,” Muschamp said. “But with our contacts in the NFL, we were able to assist him in understanding his draft status and he made an educated decision that will be beneficial to him in the long term.”

[Quotes gathered by ESPN/Associated press]

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Muschamp will be rooting for Auburn on Monday

Posted by admin on January 7th, 2011   No Comment

New Florida Gator head coach Will Muschamp will be pulling for Auburn on Monday night when they face Oregon in the BCS National Championship game.

During The Dan Patrick Show today, Muschamp said he would like to see Auburn win. Muschamp not only grew up in Gainesville but has been around the SEC for a while. He was the defensive coordinator/secondary coach for Auburn during the 2006-07 season.

“Well I’m always pulling for the SEC and having coached at Auburn, there’s about nine defensive players that are starting for Auburn right now on defense that I recruited and coached,” Muschamp said. “So I’m pulling hard for those guys to have some success and win the national championship. It’ll be great for the SEC.”

During the radio show, Muschamp was asked if he still keeps in contact with Urban Meyer and Muschamp replied; “A lot, Urban’s been great. When I took the job I talked to Urban for about an hour.”

Coach Muschamp also spoke about the rumors about him taking the Auburn job before he started at Texas. “Its funny, I was never contacted by Auburn.” He said there was some confusion, he thinks someone said there is a former defensive coordinator from Auburn that is going to take the job and they forgot to throw the name in.

Discussing the Auburn-Oregon game, Muschamp talked about how to stop Cam Newton. “You better have more than one on him.” He also mentioned how impressive Newton’s passing game has developed. “He throws the ball very well.”

Why is coach Muschamp not the head coach at Texas?

“When Florida presented itself it was just an opportunity, I consider myself an SEC guy.”

You can listen to the entire interview with Will Muschamp right here below:

Click here to listen to Will Muschamp.

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Janoris Jenkins will enter NFL draft

Posted by admin on January 7th, 2011   No Comment

Sources close to ESPN reported that Florida Gator junior cornerback has chosen to enter this years NFL draft and will not return for his senior season in Gainesville.

Jenkins, a three year starter for the Gators, recorded 43 tackles including six for a loss during the 2010 season. Jenkins had three interceptions, one of the three he returned all the way to the house for a touchdown. He started 11 games this season and was first team All-SEC.

During the three years at Florida, Jenkins finished with 121 tackles and eight interceptions, 25 pass break ups and two sacks.

Jenkins has always been a weapon on defense. He started his freshman year in 2008 when Florida won the National Championship. Him and Joe Haden were considered one of the top corners in the Country in 2009 before Haden left for the NFL draft in April.

Jenkins did not play in this years Outback Bowl due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The Will Hill situation I think he should return for his senior season but with Janoris Jenkins wanting to enter the NFL draft, it may be a good move.

By: MLB Picks

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Jeff Driskel arriving in Gainesville tomorrow

Posted by admin on January 7th, 2011   No Comment

I spoke with Kyle Christy tonight and he mentioned quarterback Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, FL.) is set to arrive in Gainesville sometime tomorrow. Christy, who is one of the eight who enrolled early, has already settled into his dorm and started classes, now he awaits for Driskel who is one of his three roommates.

Driskel was already planned to move and start classes earlier this week but it was set back because he participated in the Under Armour All-American game. By enrolling at UF, Driskel is locked in so nobody has to worry about the four-star quarterback transferring anywhere.

Driskel won the Maxwell Club’s award as the national high school player of the year and was also honored as the Gatorade player of the year in the state of Florida. He threw for 1,819 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 1,333 yards and 20 touchdowns and catching two touchdown passes.

Jason Lieser of Gator Bytes pointed out that if Brantley does decide to stay for his senior season he will more than likely be the starting quarterback. But if he does not return which will probably not happen, Driskel may be fighting for the starting quarterback job as a freshman.

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Will Hill to skip senior season to enter NFL Draft

Posted by admin on January 6th, 2011   1 Comment

According to sources close to Adam Silverstein of OGGOA, Florida Gator junior safety Will Hill has chosen not to return to Gainesville for his senior season so he could enter the 2011 NFL draft. But the question is.. is that the right choice for Hill?

Hill, a five-star prospect out of high school, recorded 132 tackles, four interceptions and one forced fumble during the three years he contributed at Florida. In 2008, Hill was assigned to the SEC All-Freshman team after finishing with 22 special team tackles. During the 2009 season Hill started five games and led in tackles for special teams again.

Looking at his junior season, Hill grabbed two interceptions which both were against the Bulldogs and one that was in overtime that played a big part in the Gators win.

Hill has faced a little bit of trouble early in the season and at the end. Due to disciplinary issues, Hill was suspended for the Miami (OH) and South Florida game back at the beginning of September and he was recently held out for the beginning of the 2011 Outback Bowl against Penn State.

Something that didn’t really surprise me when I read Adam’s story was when the final whistle blew of the Outback Bowl game, Hill left the field right after the game ended without celebrating with any players or coaches. Who knows why in the world he did that but maybe it had to do with him being benched at the beginning of the game. But it also may be a sign that Will wants to get out of Gainesville.

Even before the season started Will was expected to be a high pick in the 2011 NFL draft but now it looks like he is going to have to really impress the scouts at the combine if he wants a good spot in the NFL draft. ESPN has Hill listed as a 68 for their defensive backs who they think is draftable. Ahmad Black is rated at a 76 by ESPN. Hill is one of those guys who would have a down type season but blows up during the workouts. I don’t see him as a top 100 draft pick but maybe a fourth rounder or so possibly.

Around late December, Will Hill was posting his farewells to the University of Florida and to the fans. Also on January 5th, Muschamp had his first team meeting and Hill was not present. More news on this will be released by Gator Sports Nation.

NFL Betting Lines

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Four-star safety Jabari Gorman commits to Florida

Posted by admin on January 6th, 2011   No Comment

Will Muschamp received his first verbal commitment on Wednesday by Jabari Gorman, a four-star safety out of Miami who made his commitment during the Under Armour All-America Game that took place in St. Petersburg.

Gorman said he wants to compete for a National Championship. [According to Orlando Sentinel]

I feel good,” said Gorman after his family and done the Gator chomp to announce his decision. “It’s a new program and I’m going to be part of a up-and-coming program.”

Gorman is the 16th commit of the class of 2011 and the first under new head coach Will Muschamp. Florida lost the following three recruits after Meyer chose to resign back on December 8. DE Jeoffrey Pagan, LB Ryan Shazier and CB Nick Waisome.

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Jeff Driskel earns Maxwell player of the year

Posted by admin on January 4th, 2011   No Comment

Five-star quarterback commit Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, FL.) has been named Maxwell Football Club’s National High School Player of the Year for 2010.

Throughout his career at Oviedo Hagerty High, Driskel threw for 4,844 yards and 36 touchdowns. Driskel also led his team to their first winning season in four years.

Driskel finished his senior season with 138 completions of 235 attempts for 1,819 yards and 16 touchdowns. Not only can he throw but he also rushed for 1,333 yards and 20 touchdowns.

“I’m excited to receive this honor,” Driskel said in a statement. “It’s a prestigious award and to be named national player of the year is awesome. There are all kinds of people I’d like to thank who have given me help to get here, from my parents, to the coaches I’ve had, to my teachers, and it’s great to know that all of the hard work that I’ve put in throughout my whole high school career has been recognized. But I think I’m most proud of my team. We never had a winning record, or were even close to a winning record before this year, and this team worked hard all summer to achieve a goal we set.” [Gathered by Antonya English]

Driskel is expected to see some action as a true freshman next season under new head coach Will Muschamp.

(Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)

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Chase Hounshell chooses not to enroll early

Posted by admin on January 4th, 2011   No Comment

Three-star offensive tackle Chase Hounshell (Kirtland, OH.) has decided that he will not be enrolling early this January at the University of Florida.

Rumors were said that Hounshell was considering Notre Dame as his other top choice rather then the Florida Gators.

“I have decided today I will not be enrolling early at Florida. I just don’t feel like rushing the most important decision of my life.”

Hunter Joyer, a 2011 Gator recruit from Tampa asked Chase if he was still a Gator. Hounshell replied; “Im still gator boys dont worry.”

Time will tell whether Hounshell will stick to his word. Stay tuned to Gator Sports Nation for a possible interview with Chase.

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