Posts Tagged ‘florida gators’

On the Eve of the Season, Fall Practice Begins

Posted by Justin Yerina on August 5th, 2010   No Comment

The last time we saw the Urban Meyer’s Gators take the field, nearly a month had gone by since the gut wrenching loss to Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game. The collective wind was knocked almost completely out of Gator Nation’s lungs.  However, Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow and company rode off into the sunset by putting it to the Cincinnati Bearcats. At that moment, the Tim Tebow era ended…

… On the verge of beginning life after Tebow, John Brantley is clogging around fall practice in those huge shoes. All of Gator Nation is holding their breath, hoping young Jonny Brantley can grow into those shoes.

For the first time, fall practices will be closed to the public as well as the media. Sadly, we’ll all have to wait another few weeks to see our new Gators take the field. At this point in the year, the mystery is almost too much to handle, but will make opening day that much more special.

After losing so many great players to the NFL over the offseason, Urban Meyer has spoke of the “newness” and “freshness” in the air, surrounding this team. Newness and freshness may be an understatement with all the turnover we have witnessed in the past eight months.

There are many questions being posed for this season.

How well will John Brantley perform outside of Tim Tebow’s shadow?

With a cannon arm and an NFL type of pocket presence, expect Brantley to be a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy.

How much support will Brantley receive from the receiver group?

Andre Debose hopes to have an impact after an injury-shortened 2009. Deonte Thompson comes into camp as the most productive returning receiver from 2009. Maybe the most intriguing receiving prospect is converted running back Chris Rainey. Rainey looks to have a Percy Harvin-type of impact this season; getting the ball in space any way he can.

Can the running back group avoid a letdown?

The lone group not picked apart by the NFL, the running back group should pick up where they left off. Jeff Demps should be improved and handle a lion’s share of the touches out of the backfield. If Emanuel Moody can stay healthy, he can take some of Demps’ carries, but any more that 50 touches should be considered a bonus.

Can the offensive line replace Maurkice Pouncey?

Replacing Pouncey is the only real question mark in this unit. Expect someone to emerge in the coming weeks to play next to the Pouncey left behind. Barring injury, this unit will be solid.

Among many question marks on defense, can new defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin pick up where Charlie Strong left off?

Even though this unit lost superstars at all three levels, there is immense talent all over the defense. If Teryl Austin can point the young guys in the right direction and the leftover veterans can provide solid play and leadership, this unit should compete with most teams. Look for the defense to improve over the course of the season and don’t be surprised by a rocky start to the season.

Come September 4th, The Swamp will be ready to swallow up opponents. Miami of Ohio will be the first to enter.

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Three Gators Selected In First Round of NFL Draft

Posted by Staff Writers on April 23rd, 2010   No Comment

On Thursday night, at the NFL Draft in New York, the Florida Gators tied a 1989 school record with three University of Florida football players selected in the first round.

Just as expected, the first Gator to be drafted was cornerback Joe Haden. Haden was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the seventh overall pick in the draft. This makes him the highest a defensive back has ever been picked coming from UF.

Next up, at the 18th selection, was offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey got picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers who say they may start him out as a right guard instead of at the center position. No matter what position on the offensive line Maurkice ends up playing, he’ll be great. He’s a very flexible o-lineman and could play any position on the line if asked.

The biggest surprise in round one of the  NFL Draft was the selection of college football legend, Tim Tebow. The former Heisman Trophy winner got taken by the Denver Broncos withthe 25th overall pick. Nobody expected that at all, especially after all the sports analysts talked so badly about him and so-called “exposed” his mechanics. When interviewed at his private ceremony in Jacksonville, Tim said he was absolutely thrilled and will work as hard as he can to become a successful NFL quarterback. All it took was one team to believe in Tim Tebow and it was Coach Josh McDaniels and the Denver Broncos. Tebow got what he deserved – a chance in the NFL to prove critics wrong, and he surely did.

Starting at 6pm (EST), rounds two and three of the NFL Draft will take place and the Gators still have a few players in the draft. Linebacker Brandon Spikes, defensive end Jermaine Cunningham, tight end Aaron Hernandez, safety Major Wright, and wide receiver Riley Cooper could all be selected tonight.

Tim Tebow

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Still No Draft Decision From Tebow

Posted by Staff Writers on April 13th, 2010   No Comment

According to Rotoworld.com, which is a site that concentrates on fantasy sports news, former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has decided not to attend this year’s NFL draft in New York. As of right now, it’s just a rumor. It has not been confirmed by Tim’s agent or any members of the Tebow family.

Among the latest players to accept an NFL draft invitation are former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller and former Florida cornerback Joe Haden.

Tebow implied his possible decision a few weeks ago when he said that he might just spend some time with his family, possibly fishing with his father similar to what former Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Thomas did a few years ago. Nothing is official as of right now until confirmed by the Tebow himself, his agent or his family.

Other notable quarterbacks that have yet to accept NFL draft invitations are former Texas star Colt McCoy and Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen.

Tim Tebow

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2010 Gators Spring Game Roster

Posted by Staff Writers on April 7th, 2010   No Comment

Quarterbacks:
12 John Brantley                   6-3  218 Redshirt Junior
13 Trey Burton                       6-2  219 Freshman

Running Backs:
2 Jeffery Demps                     5-8  184 Junior
21 Emmanuel Moody         5-11 212 Redshirt Senior
23 Mike Gillislee                   5-11 191 Sophomore
86 Phillip Bellino                  5-11 209 Freshman

Fullbacks:
42 Steven Wilks                     6-1 235 Redshirt Junior
45 T.J. Pridemore                6-1 247 Redshirt Sophomore

Wide Receivers:
3 Chris Rainey                      5-9 176 Redshirt Junior
4 Andre Debose                 5-11 183 Redshirt Freshman
6 Deonte Thompson        5-11 203 Redshirt Junior
7 Justin Williams                 6-0 205 Redshirt Senior
9 Carl Moore                          6-3 222 Redshirt Senior
18 T.J. Lawrence                   6-1 193 Redshirt Sophomore
81 Robert Clark                      5-8 172 Freshman
82 Omarius Hines                  6-0 219 Redshirt Sophomore
83 Solomon Patton               5-8 171 Freshman
85 Frankie Hammond, Jr  5-11 178 Redshirt Sophomore
87 Josh Postell                        6-5 210 Redshirt Sophomore
89 Stephen Alli                        6-5 214 Redshirt Freshman

Tight Ends:
11 Jordan Reed                      6-3 240 Redshirt Freshman
32 Gerald Christian               6-3 240 Freshman
80 Desmond Parks                6-4 238 Redshirt Freshman

Centers:
50 Sam Robey                        6-4 293 Redshirt Sophomore
55 Mike Pouncey                   6-4 310 Senior
64 Kyle Koehne                      6-5 300 Redshirt Freshman

Guards/Tackles:
57 Carl Johnson                     6-5 360 Redshirt Senior
58 Nick Alajajian                    6-4 295 Redshirt Freshman
60 William Steinmann          6-5 272 Junior
61 Gary Beemer                     5-11 265 Redshirt Senior
63 Cole Gilliam                        6-4 311 Redshirt Freshman
66 James Wilson                     6-3 315 Redshirt Junior
67 Jon Halapio                        6-3 305 Redshirt Freshman
70 Shawn Schmieder            6-4 272 Redshirt Senior
71 Matt Patchan                      6-6 273 Junior
72 Jonothan Harrison          6-3 305 Redshirt Freshman
73 Xavier Nixon                      6-5 300 Sophomore
74 Maurice Hurt                      6-3 320 Redshirt Senior
76 Marcus Gilbert                   6-5 322 Redshirt Senior
77 Ian Silberman                    6-4 271 Freshman
78 David Young                       6-4 304 Redshirt Sophomore

Defensive Ends:
34 Lerentee McCray              6-2 240 Junior
44 Duke Lemmens                  6-3 253 Senior
57 Samuel Johnson               6-1 266 Redshirt Sophomore
91 Earl Okine                            6-6 280 Redshirt Sophomore
93 Kedric Johnson                 6-4 230 Redshirt Freshman
94 Justin Trattou                    6-3 252 Senior
96 William Green                     6-3 250 Junior

Defensive Tackles:
6 Jaye Howard                         6-3 295 Redshirt Junior
47 Brandon Antwine             6-0 297 Redshirt Senior
48 Neiron Ball                           6-2 214 Freshman
53 Gerry Marseile                    6-2 222 Freshman
65 Glen Watson                         6-2 299 Redshirt Sophomore
68 Leon Orr                                6-4 324 Freshman
90 Lawrence Marsh                6-5 288 Redshirt Senior
92 Terron Sanders                    6-1 312 Redshirt Senior
99 Omar Hunter                       6-0 307 Redshirt Sophomore

Linebackers:
13 Dee Finley                             6-2 208 Sophomore
16 A.J. Jones                              6-1 226 Redshirt Senior
26 Lorenzo Edwards               6-1 246 Senior
32 Scott Peek                             6-1 216 Redshirt Sophomore
40 Brandon Hicks                    6-2 228 Senior
43 Jelani Jenkins                     6-0 220 Redshirt Freshman
46 Michael Ross                      5-11 222 Redshirt Sophomore
48 Jonathan James                5-11 214 Redshirt Freshman
52 Jon Bostic                              6-1 236 Sophomore
54 Brendan Beal                        6-3 246 Redshirt Sophomore

Cornerbacks:
1 Janoris Jenkins                   5-11 186 Junior
14 Jaylen Watkins                  5-11 180 Freshman
23 Corey Henderson              6-0 170 Redshirt Sophomore
27 Adrian Bushell                    5-9 183 Redshirt Sophomore
28 Jeremy Brown                  5-10 182 Redshirt Sophomore
29 Joshua Shaw                        6-0 189 Freshman
31 Brian Biada                            5-8 168 Redshirt Freshman
34 Tim Clark                               5-9 193 Redshirt Freshman
36 Moses Jenkins                     6-2 188 Senior
37 Brandon Sanders                5-9 188 Freshman
42 Miguel Carodine               5-10 210 Redshirt Senior
44 Ean McQuay                          5-9 179 Redshirt Junior

Safeties:
10 Will Hill                                   6-1 204 Junior
22 Matt Elam                           5-10 204 Freshman
24 Josh Evans                            6-1 191 Sophomore
35 Ahmad Black                        5-9 189 Senior
39 Jordan Haden                    5-11 198 Freshman

Kickers/Punters:
17 Chas Henry – P                     6-3 222 Senior
19 Caleb Sturgis – K                5-10 192 Junior
40 David Lerner – P                5-11 209 Redshirt Sophomore
86 Eric Strack – K                    5-10 167 Redshirt Freshman
98 Zachary Brust – K                6-1 168 Junior

Long Snappers:
47 John Crofoot                      5-11 147 Redshirt Freshman
50 Cody Hampton                  5-11 215 Redshirt Sophomore
58 Christopher Guido             6-2 223 Redshirt Freshman

Kick/Punt Returners:
3 Chris Rainey – KR/PR
29 Janoris Jenkins – PR
81 Robert Clark – KR

2010 Coaches:
Head Coach – Urban Meyer
Assistants:
Steve Addazio – Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line
Stan Drayton – Running Backs Coach
D.J. Durkin – Linebackers Coach/ Special Teams Coordinator
Zach Azzanni – Wide Receivers Coach
Chuck Heater – Assistant Defensive Coordinator/ Safeties
Scott Loefler – Quarterbacks Coach
Dan McCarney – Assistant Head Coach /Defensive Line
Brian White – Tight Ends Coach
Teryl Austin – Defensive Coordinator

John Brantley

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Florida Relays: Day 1

Posted by Staff Writers on April 3rd, 2010   No Comment


Yesterday, April 2nd, was the kick-off of the annual Pepsi Florida Relays track and field event at the University of Florida’s James G. Pressly Stadium. The Gators won five events and broke a few records, including a world-leading time set in the 100-meter dash by sophomore sprinter Jeff Demps. Senior Julie Northrup also set a record in the steeplechase event.

In the 100-meter dash, Demps ran a 2010 world-leading time of 10.11. A couple years ago while in high school, he recorded a time of 10.01. Previously, Nesta Carter, of Jamaica, had the fastest time in the world this season at 10.15.  Jeremy Hall and Terrell Wilks also competed in the 100-meter dash event. Hall finished in fourth place with a time of 10.30, while Wilks came in 10th place with a time of 10.41.

Julie Northrup had a personal-best record time of 10:29.22 in the women’s steeplechase. Her time is now the third-fastest time in school history. Her previous personal-record time was 10:31.59, which she had earned at the SEC Outdoor Championships last season.

Sophomore Christian Taylor and senior sprinter Calvin Smith were very successful in the 400-meter dash. Taylor won the event, finishing with a time of 45.55. Smith came in second with a time of 45.62. Also placing in the event were Tony McQuay, who took fifth place in 46.43, and R.J. Anderson who finished sixth in 46.86. That gives the Gators four sprinters that finished among the top six in this race.

Other notes:
- Charlotte Browning, a senior distance runner, captured the women’s 800-meter event with a time of 2:06.42
- Senior long distance jumper Shara Proctor triumphed in the women’s long jump event with a leap of 6.63m
- In the women’s discus, Keely Medeiros finished in second place with a personal-record throw of 51.16m
- Justine Taylor, also a senior distance runner, placed fifth in the men’s 1,500m run
- Sophomore Gray Horn took third place in the men’s long jump
- Ugonna Ndu, a freshman hurdler, clocked a personal-best time of 58.79 in the women’s 400-meter hurdles race

Jeff Demps

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Live Blog: Florida Defeats Cincinnati, 51-24

Posted by admin on January 1st, 2010   2 Comments

Gator Sports Nation will be covering the game live.

1st Quarter:
14:52- Cin returns ball out to the 27.
12:52- Rainey dropped at the 15 yard line on the Cin punt. Gators take over.
12:44- Tebow’s pass complete to Riley Cooper for 15 yards.
10:40- 3rd and 7- Tebow’s pass complete to Hernandez out to the 47 yard line for a Gator first down.
9:30- Tim Tebow’s pass complete again to Thompson for 9 yards and another first down.
8:05- Cin takes down QB Tim Tebow for a loss on the play.
7:39- Tebow completes pass to
7:07- Tebow runs the ball up the middle for 17 yards. First and goal on the 4.
6:32- Jeff Demps runs the ball for a loss of 2 on the play. Ball on Cin 6.
6:13- Tebow’s pass complete to Hernandez for 6 yards for a Gator TOUCHDOWN! Extra point no good.
6:06- Caleb Sturgis kickoff for 66 yards returned by Mardy Gilyard for 41 yards to the Cincy 45.
5:24- Haden breaks up Pikes deep pass, saves a touchdown.
5:20- Gators stop Cin on 3rd down.
4:38- Rainey returns punt out to FL. 20.
4:41- Rainey runs the ball around the left side for a gain of 13.
4:14- Moody stuffed behind the line for a loss of 2.
3:40- Tebow’s pass complete to David Nelson for 30 yards.
2:50- Moody stopped again for a 3 yard loss.
1:56- Tebow’s pass to Cooper complete for

First Quarter Recap- “Perfection vs. Redemption” game has been dominated thus far by the ‘Redemption’ side, with Tim Tebow leading the way. After going 7 for 7 on the opening touchdown drive, the Gators seem poised to end this season with a win. Scary news did strike Florida when RB Jeff Demp’s landed awkwardly on his left elbow, and is now in a sling.

2nd Quarter:
9:07- Tebow’s pass to Thompson complete for a 7 yard TOUCHDOWN!
9:02- Williams returns kickoff out to 28 yard line.
8:52- Pike sacked by Carlos Dunlap.
8:06- Haden and Major Wright forces incomplete pass. Cin to punt.
7:46- Tebow’s pass complete to Rainey for a gain of 22 yards to the Cincy 29, CINCINNATI penalty 15 yard personal foul accepted for a 1ST down.
7:32- Tebow’s pass is complete to Hernandez for a gain of 23 yards. Ball on Cin 6.
7:05- Moody rushes 6 yards for a Gator TOUCHDOWN!
6:59- Caleb Sturgis kickoff for 65 yards returned by Mardy Gilyard for 22 yards to the Cincy 27.
5:30- Tony Pike pass complete to Ben Guidugli for 3 yards to the Cincy 43.
5:14- Florida penalty 5 yard offside defense accepted.
5:00- Isaiah Pead rush for 4 yards to the Cincy 44, CINCINNATI penalty 15 yard personal foul accepted.
3:52- Pike’s pass complete to Jacob Ramsey for 11 yards to the Fla 29, FLA penalty 15 yard personal foul accepted for a 1ST down.
3:16- Gator brings the pressure and forces Cin to kick a field goal.
3:11- Jake Rogers 47 yard field goal GOOD.
3:11- Rainey kneels the ball in the endzone for a touch back.
3:02- Tim Tebow’s pass complete to Riley Cooper for a 80 yard TOUCHDOWN!
2:55- Gilyard returns kick off out to the 22 yard line.
1:35- Pike sacked by Carlos Dunlap for a loss of 8 yards.
1:28- Jake Rogers punt for 33 yards, downed at the Fla 46.
1:23- Tim Tebow pass complete to Chris Rainey for 14 yards to the Cincy 40 for a 1ST down.
0:29- FLORIDA penalty 5 yard illegal shift accepted.
0:05- Caleb Sturgis 39 yard field goal MISSED.
0:00- Jacob Ramsey rush for 9 yards to the Cincy 32.

3rd Quarter:
14:53- Jake Rogers kickoff for 68 yards returned by Chris Rainey for 51 yards to the Cincy 47.
14:45- Tim Tebow pass complete to Aaron Hernandez for 16 yards to the Cincy 31 for a 1ST down.
13:30- Tim Tebow pass complete to Deonte Thompson for 24 yards to the Cincy 11 for a 1ST down.
11:13- Emmanuel Moody rush for 2 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.
11:07- Gilyard returns kick off out to the 25.
4:46- Tony Pike pass complete to Marcus Waugh for 2 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.
4:40- Rainey returns the ball out to the 25 yard line.
3:34- Tim Tebow pass complete to Riley Cooper for 17 yards to the Cincy 49 for a 1ST down.
2:06- Tim Tebow rushes 4 yards for a TOUCHDOWN!
0:06- Jake Rogers punt for 54 yards, downed at the Fla 4.

4th Quarter:
14:55- Tebow’s pass incomplete to Thompson.
14:05- Chas Henry punt for 44 yards, fair catch by Mardy Gilyard at the Cincy 48.
10:07- Tony Pike pass complete to Armon Binns for 3 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.
Rainey takes the kick off out to the 35 yard line.
9:10- Tim Tebow rush for 14 yards to the Cincy 48 for a 1ST down.
8:50- Tim Tebow pass complete to Chris Rainey for 33 yards to the Cincy 15 for a 1ST down.
7:06- Chris Rainey rush for 6 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.
5:41- Timeout Cincy.
4:30- Cincy fumbles by goal line but recovers for a loss.
3:43- Tony Pike pass complete to Kazeem Alli for 6 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.
3:35- Rainey returns the ball out to the 35.
3:30- Mike Gillislee rush for 13 yards to the Fla 43 for a 1ST down.
2:28- Mike Gillislee rush for 51 yards to the Cincy 11 for a 1ST down.

FINAL!- Gators 51, Cincinnati 24

Gathered from ESPN.com

Gathered from ESPN.com

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Florida VS Mississippi St. FINAL, 29-19

Posted by admin on October 24th, 2009   No Comment

Florida vs Mississippi State- 7:30 pm. Live stats.

1st quarter:
15:00- Sturgis kicks off to Leon Berry, returned to Miss. St. 31 yard line.
14:45- Tyson Lee’s pass intercepted by A.J Jones at Miss. St. 46.
12:17- Caleb Sturgis attempts 37 yard field goal- MISSED!
9:05- Derek DePasquale attempts 43 yard field goal- GOOD! Mississippi State takes 3-0 lead.
8:58- Brandon James returns kickoff to Fla. 28 yard line.
7:50- Tebow rushes for 15 yards for a first down.
7:15- Tebow’s pass to Riley Cooper completed for 21 yards to Miss St. 8
5:00- Tebow stopped at the 1 for no gain.
4:35- Tebow stopped for loss. Forces field goal.
- Caleb Sturgis attempts 20 yard field goal- GOOD!
1:53- Punt to Brandon James called for a fair catch.
1:05- Tim Tebow pass complete to Deonte Thompson for 19 yards to the Miss. St 43 for a 1ST down.

2nd Quarter:
13:16- Tebow rushes 26 yards for a TOUCHDOWN! 49th career rushing TD.
13:06- Miss. St. returns FLA kickoff to 36.
11:51- Brandon James calls fair catch at 26 yard line.
7:15- Caleb Sturgis attempts 21 yard field goal- GOOD! Fla 13, Miss. St 3
5:53- Miss. St punts, no return.
2:36- FLA punts to Miss. St, tackled at 9.
:56- Miss. St punt is BLOCKED by FLA defense, ball at 6.
:27- Tim Tebow pass intercepted by Banks at the Miss. St 0, returned for 100 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.
HALFTIME.

3rd Quarter:
15:00- James returns kickoff to 31.
13:15- FLA punts to Miss. St. Fair catch at 20.
9:30- Derek DePasquale 31 yard field goal GOOD.
5:15- Caleb Sturgis attempts 27 yard field goal- GOOD!
2:53- FLA sacks Miss. St, 4th down and 12.
2:19- Miss. St punts to Brandon James for fair catch at the 6.
FLA punts to Miss. St at 7 yard line.

4th Quarter:
11:46- Miss. State fake punt reverse, turnover on downs. FLA takes over.
10:14- 4th and 1 attemp, Tebow gaines 5 yards for first down.
9:08- Rainey rushes for 8 yards for a TOUCHDOWN!/ missed extra point.
9:00- Miss. St returns kickoff out to the 20 yard line.
8:25- Interception by Dustin Doe returned all the way for touchdown!
8:17- Miss. St returns kickoff out to the 39.
4:01- Major Wright intercepts Miss. St pass. Ball at 1.
3:51- Tebow’s pass intercepted and returned for a TOUCHDOWN./ 2 point conversion no good.
3:43- Brandon James picks up kickoff at 1, but offside penalty called on Miss. St.
3:32- Brandon James returns kickoff out to the 50 yard line after a re-kick.
2:52- FLA punts into end zone for a touch back.
1:28- Interception by FLA returned for a TD but called back for roughing the passer.

FINAL

untitled-11

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Game Preview: Mississippi State vs Florida Gators

Posted by admin on October 23rd, 2009   No Comment

When: October 23, 2009
Where: Davis Wade Stadium – Starkville, MS
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Prediction: Florida Gators 24, Mississippi State 10

The Florida Gators will enter the game with a #1 BCS ranking although they have not earned it so far this season. Since Tebow’s injury, the Gators have had trouble putting opponents away. Two weeks ago, they beat LSU 13-3 and last week they defeated Arkansas in the last few seconds of the game. Against an inconsistent team like Arkansas, the Gators shouldn’t have struggled as much as they did. Florida’s offensive line gave up a numerous amount of sacks and the offense turned the ball over more than 3 times.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs have a 3-4 record and will be looking to upset the Gators tomorrow in Mississippi. Anthony Dixon, the running back for the Bulldogs, is an impact player.  He has averaged over 100 yards of rushing in the past five games. Expect Florida’s defense to be challenged by MSU’s running offense, especially with the Gators possibly missing starters Brandon Spikes (MLB), Jaye Howard (DT), and Lawrence Marsh (DT).

The game between the two won’t be a blowout, but the Florida Gators will come out of Mississippi with the win. Go GATORS!

Florida Gators

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