Category: Florida Gators

 

Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) stretches to score a touch down during the second half to make it 34-20 after the extra point at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 19, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) stretches to score a touch down during the second half to make it 34-20 after the extra point at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 19, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun] More

Football is a sport where injuries are commonplace, but the Florida Gators dealt with an alarming number of ailments throughout the 2024 season.

 

Four Gators are undergoing surgery today, Friday, Dec. 27, to repair those injuries sustained during the season, according to 247Sports’ Graham Hall. All of the procedures are “described as relatively minor.”

 

Cornerbacks Devin Moore and Dijon Johnson are both getting a procedure done to address labrum tears.

 

 

Moore, a junior, has battled injuries through all three years in Gainesville and missed Florida’s final five games, including the Gasparilla Bowl, after sustaining a shoulder injury against Georgia in the first week of November. Pro Football Focus gave Moore the second-highest defensive grade (71.6) among Florida’s cornerbacks this season, and he is in line to be the No. 1 corner for the Gators in 2025.

 

Johnson, a sophomore, moved into a starting role for Florida in the second half of the season with Moore and senior Jason Marshall Jr. out. He played 550 snaps for the Gators this season, many of which came while injured. He finished the year with 25 tackles (16 solo), two pass breakups and a tackle for loss.

 

PFF lists him as Florida’s third-highest-graded cornerback with a 66.4 overall defensive grade. Given the current roster, Johnson should be a regular in the rotation next season and has a shot to be the No. 2 given the experience gained this year.

 

Freshman running back Jadan Baugh is having an arthroscopic procedure to clean up “minor cartilage damage” to his meniscus. Fellow running back Montrell Johnson Jr. had a similar procedure done during fall camps and was able to play in the regular season, so Baugh should be ready to go by spring camp and certainly summer/fall.

 

 

Baugh emerged as Johnson’s heir apparent after a breakout game against Kentucky, in which he tied a Florida program record with five touchdowns. He split carries with Johnson and junior college transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson for the rest of the season but led the team with 133 carries and an 80.9 rushing grade, according to PFF.

 

Defensive back Sharif Denson, who primarily played the STAR position for the Gators, is having a procedure done to “repair a fractured metatarsal to his left foot.” A screw is needed for the repair.

 

Denson split time with Aaron Gates at STAR and saw his snaps per game double in the final two games of the season. His 65.0 defensive grade on PFF is third among Florida safeties and sixth overall among defensive backs in the program.

 

 

 

Florida Gators linebacker Shemar James (6) celebrates after he sacked LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) (not pictured) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

; Florida Gators linebacker Shemar James (6) celebrates after he sacked LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) (not pictured) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

When Shemar James formally committed to play for Florida Football, the linebacker room in Gainesville wasn’t in the best shape. Ventrell Miller had become solid, but there was a definite lack of depth behind him that forced James onto the field right away.

 

Now three years later, James is off to the NFL Draft having help build a room that he even he would have to fight for snaps in 2025.

 

 

James announced on his Instagram page that he is declaring for the NFL Draft despite having one season of eligibility left. The Mobile, AL native originally committed to Florida under Dan Mullen, decommitted during October of 2021, but came back aboard after Mullen was fired and Billy Napier was hired.

 

James was quickly thrust into action in 2022 after Miller was hurt in the season opener. He split reps with Scooby Williams against USF and it was quickly apparent that James had a far better read of the game than most, and he just needed his physicality to catch up.

 

By the Tennessee game that year, James was already getting tabbed as a starter.

 

He was en route to a solid campaign in 2023 before the turf in Jacksonville reared its ugly head. His injury last season also revealed the Gators still had minimal depth behind him as the Gators embarked on a five-game losing streak.

 

But in 2024, there was genuine competition in the linebacker room. By all metrics, James didn’t have as great of a 2024 season as his 2023 one. For example, his missed tackle rate went up, and he had fewer tackles for a “defensive stop” in 2024 than in 2023 despite taking over 200 more snaps this season.

 

However, the fact that guys like Pup Howard and Myles Graham stepped up behind him, along with guys like Aaron Chiles and incoming true freshmen Ty Jackson, is also a test of the leadership James commanded of the room.

 

In seasons past, the loss of someone like James to the draft would be devastating for Florida.

 

Now, he is able to pass the torch to the next man up as the Circle of Life continues.

 

James leaves Florida with 166 career total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception.

 

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The Florida Gators have had a strong few weeks, highlighted by a dominant 33-8 victory over the Tulane Green Wave in the Gasparilla Bowl, where quarterback DJ Lagway was named MVP. Additionally, they secured significant recruiting victories following early signing day, finishing with the 11th-ranked class and landing key transfer portal additions, including wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant.

However, not all news has been positive. The Gators lost edge rushers Jack Pyburn and T.J. Searcy to the transfer portal, and inside linebacker Shemar James recently declared for the NFL Draft. James, a key multi-year starter for Florida, was known for his effectiveness in open field and compiled 165 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and 1 interception throughout his career. Although he had one more season of eligibility, James opted to pursue the draft. This leaves a gap at middle linebacker, but Myles Graham, who impressed as a true freshman, is expected to step into the role.

 

TV20 Highlights Gator Athletics’ Big Year

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – It’s that time of year again—the most wonderful time of the year! But this holiday season, there’s more to celebrate than just the holidays. Florida Gator athletics have once again proven why they remain one of the best programs in the nation. From the football field to the volleyball court, the diamond to the pool, Florida Athletics continues to shine and make Gator Nation proud. Let’s dive into the 12 Days of Christmas, Gator-style, and celebrate the impressive wins, incredible athletes, and unforgettable moments that have made the University of Florida a powerhouse in every sport.

 

On the 12th Day of Gator Greatness: The UF Men’s Basketball Team

 

The UF Men’s Basketball team has reached a major achievement, opening the season with an unbeaten 12-0 record! This is Florida’s best start since the 2005-2006 season when the Gators began 17-0 before securing back-to-back national championships. With a talented trio of Walter Clayton Jr., Elijah Martin, and Will Richard leading the way, the Gators have a squad filled with skill and ambition, looking poised for a strong March Madness run.

 

On the 11th Day of Gator Greatness: **Florida’s Olympic Achievements

 

This summer, the Gators made their mark on the global stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning a remarkable 11 medals: 4 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze. Florida’s swimmers were especially dominant. Caleb Dressel became the second-most decorated male swimmer in U.S. history, winning two gold medals, while Bobbie Finke defended his 1500-meter freestyle title. Grant Holloway also stunned the world, winning gold in the 110-meter hurdles by a full second, showcasing Florida’s continued eFlorida Athletics’ Best Moments of 2024: A 12-Day Tribute to Gator Excellencexcellence in track and field.

 

On the 10th Day of Gator Greatness:

The UF Women’s

 

 

Former Florida EDGE TJ Searcy has committed to Texas A&M via the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Searcy will have two years of eligibility remaining.

 

Searcy spent two seasons with the Gators, amassing 24 appearances and five starts. He finished his time in Gainesville with 60 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

 

Searcy set career-highs in each of those categories this season, as he grew his role with the team. For his efforts in his debut campaign in 2023, Searcy was named an All-SEC Freshman.

 

TJ Searcy played high school football at Upson-Lee (GA), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 238 overall recruit and No. 23 EDGE in the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

 

Texas A&M hasn’t wasted any time making moves in the transfer portal this offseason. Searcy is the Aggies’ ninth addition via the transfer portal, joining other defensive standouts such as Samuel M’Pemba and Julian Humphrey.

 

Searcy was the No. 5 EDGE still available in the transfer portal, according to On3’s Transfer Portal Player Rankings. This will be Mike Elko’s first full offseason as Texas A&M’s head coach. During an appearance on Andy & Ari On3, he revealed his plans to improve in Year 2.

 

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“Now, what we’ve got to do is we’ve got to go out and we’ve got to become really good football players. Second year in the system,” Elko said. “Second year in the scheme. Having an opportunity of really going through the details of what we’re doing and how we’re doing it is, I think, going to be really critical.

 

“So, we’re excited to move this thing forward and get into year two and kind of finish the deal on what we started this year.”

 

The transfer portal officially opened Dec. 7 and will remain open until Dec. 28, though players on teams still playing in the postseason will get an additional five-day window to enter the portal after their seasons end.

 

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

A couple of weeks have passed since Florida Football wrapped up their season by handing FSU a painful loss, 33-11, with George Gumbs planting a flag at midfield, causing a meltdown from Mike Norvell, who immediately asked for the manager. The moment has lingered, and even though Jomboy Media has been on break, the popular content creator recently gave the flag-planting incident a thorough breakdown.

Florida Football: Victors take the spoils
Jomboy’s breakdowns often feature him lip-reading, but in this case, that wasn’t possible. Instead, he focused on Marcus Burke’s active role in the altercation. Burke is shown in several shots engaging with multiple FSU players, although, as Jomboy points out, it was FSU who threw the first punch. He also covers Billy Napier’s attempts to calm the situation and Norvell’s displeasure with the entire incident.

In the aftermath of the game, we pointed out the irony of FSU’s reaction to the flag-planting. “It’s hard to take Norvell and FSU seriously about flag planting, given that they’ve long celebrated taking turf from opposing fields and even have a monument for it.”

FSU has a “Sod Cemetery,” where they cut a piece of the field after every significant road win. A “Sod Game” designation is awarded to victories over Florida, with this tradition dating back to 1962. So, when Norvell expresses outrage over flag planting, it’s worth considering the hypocrisy of their own practices in Tallahassee.

By the way, FSU finished the year with a 2-10 record. Perhaps they should be grateful that more teams didn’t plant flags against them.

 

A group of fans tailgates as part of the Harmonic Woods tailgate on the UF campus during the 2024 season. However, with the season now over, the future of certain traditions is uncertain. At the center of it all is a significant concern: what will happen to on-campus tailgating on the grass areas throughout the heart of the campus?

For generations of Gator football fans, game days have been about more than just the action inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. It’s a full-day event, deeply rooted in longstanding tailgating customs that represent the spirit of the University of Florida.

Now that the 2024 season has ended, questions remain about the future of these traditions.

The biggest question is about the fate of on-campus tailgating in grassy areas across the central part of campus.

“It’s too early for us to comment on next season,” said Amy Armstrong, UF’s Director of Communications for the Office of the Vice President for Business Affairs, in an email. “In the coming months, we’ll have many conversations with our partners in UAA and others to ensure that all of our fans enjoy a great game-day experience on campus.”

During the 2024 season, UF officials placed signs and barricades in some areas of campus to discourage or prevent tailgating.

The first sign of potential changes appeared on September 7, before Florida’s second home game of the season. As early tailgaters arrived for the Gators’ game against Samford, they encountered an unexpected sight: barricades blocking prime spots on campus, including grassy areas along Museum Road and other traditional locations.

What began as a minor inconvenience quickly turned into frustration and confusion, with fans wondering whether this was a sign of a permanent shift in UF’s game-day parking policies.

These barriers not only altered the flow of the game-day experience, but for many fans, they felt like an unwelcome message. For Gator supporters who have attended games for decades, tailgating is more than just a pre-game event; it’s a ritual with deep personal and cultural significance.

“I’ve been tailgating in this same spot for 21 years. It’s been organized into what we call ‘Harmonic Woods,’” said Robert Martin, also known as “The Mayor of Gators Tailgating.”

Martin has been a fixture on Museum Road, where he and a rotating group of friends, family, and fellow fans have gathered for every home game in the same spot. Over the years, Harmonic Woods has become a place where Gator fans come together. The tailgate attracts over 100 fans each game, with one of the highlights being their unique version of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” where fans gather around a large drum and celebrate with their favorite beverages, adding excitement and energy to the pregame atmosphere.

With a strong sense of community, Harmonic Woods welcomes everyone, from students to alumni, and has gained recognition on Gators radio and social media. The tailgate also features a variety of competitive games and a wheel of opportunity, a prize

 

 

The best runner in America bulged out of Raymond James Stadium in a BIG way Friday night.

 

His name? Desmond Watson.

 

Okay, not really, but the 449-pound defensive lineman generated the most exciting 1-yard run in recent Florida football history in the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday.

 

With the Gators up 26-0 on Tulane in the fourth quarter, Watson lined up behind backup QB Aidan Warner on a 3rd-and-1. He took the carry and got the first down.

 

“Bowl games, you’re looking for buttons to push, and I think this helped our team,” coach Billy Napier said. “You saw that sideline light up when he went out there.”

 

After some pressure from teammates, Watson struck the iconic Heisman pose.

 

The run capped off one of Watson’s most memorable games as a Gator. It came in the perfect setting – his final collegiate game, just 30 miles from his hometown of Plant City in Florida’s 33-8 win over Tulane.

 

For Watson, the run pleased the hoards of fans who called for him to rumble all season.

 

“Since I came to college, every time I would go on the internet, I would see somebody saying that I should be on some type of package, getting the ball, especially wearing number 21 — a running back number,” Watson said.

 

Napier said the play originally called for Watson to block for a play-action pass. However, teammates pleaded for Watson to receive the rock instead.

 

“Heck of a way for him to finish his career,” Napier said.

 

Besides his 1-yard bulldozing, Watson’s box score numbers don’t look all that impressive.

 

He registered just one tackle. However, when you get tackled by a man who nearly weighs a quarter of a ton, it tends to sting.

 

In the first quarter, with Florida up 3-0, Tulane QB Ty Thompson ran it on a 3rd-and-2.

 

Watson cornered Thompson and threw him down.

 

No, this isn’t the typical hyperbole you see with football writing.

 

He, literally, picked up Thompson and slammed him to the ground.

 

Watson said he preferred the run since tackling – or thrusting opponents – is “routine” for him.

 

“It’s something (running the ball) I haven’t done in years,” Watson said. “I feel like tackling people is routine or picking people up or something like that is routine.”

 

Napier said Watson’s hammer, which forced a Green Wave punt, inspired the defense. The Gators pitched a shutout for 59 minutes and 30 seconds, until a Tulane touchdown with 30 seconds left.

 

It’s unfortunate that Watson’s collegiate career is over because he said he can catch the ball too.

 

“I can do it all. Every time I do something more athletic than they expect me to, I just look like this, I can do it all,” Watson said.

 

After the game, Watson embraced his subjects, who awaited an autograph from the man of the hour.

 

He ended his senior season with 21 total tackles and 64 throughout his Florida career.

 

 

 

Florida Gators defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) intercepts the ball during the first half at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Friday, December 20, 2024 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

Florida Gators defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) intercepts the ball during the first half at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Friday, December 20, 2024 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun] | Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Coming into the Gasparilla Bowl, Florida Football was placed in a classic conundrum. A win over a Tulane squad that had its starting QB opt out wouldn’t move the needle. A loss would create a wave of doubt from all the positive momentum created to end the year.

 

In the end, the Gators did just enough after an unimpressive first half to pull away in the second half to collect their first bowl victory under Billy Napier.

 

Florida Football: Find treasure

Florida Gators logo

 

The first half was a classic first half from Billy Napier. Florida gained plenty of yards, but time after time there was always “something” that got in the way of points. Whether it was a ill timed penalty or DJ Lagway not identifying a dropping lineman, Florida emerged from the first half with just a 6-0 lead.

 

Don’t get it twisted: Florida’s defense came to play even with the injuries to the interior of the line that saw Cam Jackson and Caleb Banks miss the game due to injuries. But the Gators showed no signs of pulling away 30 minutes into the game.

 

However, as the defense held firm, eventually, the running game for Florida proved to be too much for Tulane to handle. Jadan Baugh had 70 yards rushing, Ja’Kobi Jackson had 57, and eventually, KD Daniels got involved in racking up 82 yards.

 

Even Anthony Rubio, son of Marco Rubio, got involved to score a touchdown in the waning moments.

 

The end result was a 33-8 win that won’t win over the Billy Napier doubters as offensive coordinator but was a positive showing for the defense that also rotated in guys we didn’t see a ton of during the regular season.

 

Florida finishes the regular season 8-5, but it is still not where expectations were at the start of the season, but it is a far cry from what seemed possible in November.

 

The Gators will enter their offseason with a feeling of momentum and a sense of what is possible heading into 2025.

As the Florida Gators welcomed supporters on Gator Walk prior to their 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl matchup against the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Friday, December 20, 2024, quarterback DJ Lagway (2) embraces his mother Nikita Lagway. [Gainesville Sun/Doug Engle]

Victor Blum offers Albert a high five following the Florida Gators’ Gator Walk greeting of supporters prior to their 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl matchup against the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

Before the Florida Gators play the Tulane Green Wave in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, head coach Billy Napier speaks with Director of Football Communications Scott Burns, right, before participating in the Gator Walk. [Gainesville Sun/Doug Engle]

Before the Florida Gators arrived to greet fans during Gator Walk prior to their 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl matchup against the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Friday, December 20, 2024, Jose Ramos wore his gator head with Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway’s mother, Nikita Lagway, on the right. [Gainesville Sun/Doug Engle]

Before facing the Tulane Green Wave in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the Florida Gators welcomed fans on Gator Walk and had quarterback DJ Lagway (2) sign autographs for them. [Gainesville Sun/Doug Engle]

Gator fans sport their team support and pirate costumes before the Florida Gators greeted fans during Gator Walk before taking on the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Friday, December 20, 2024 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

Before the Florida Gators arrived to greet fans during Gator Walk prior to their 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl matchup against the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Friday, December 20, 2024, Jose Ramos wore his gator head with Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway’s father, Derek Lagway, on the right. [The Gainsville Sun/Doug Engle]

Location kicker for the Lorida Gators Before the Florida Gators played the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Friday, December 20, 2024, in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, Trey Smack’s mother, Liberty Smack, left, posed with her son Tucker Smack and father John Smack. [The Gainsville Sun/Doug Engle]

Before the Florida Gators arrived to greet fans during Gator Walk prior to their 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl matchup against the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Friday, December 20, 2024, Derek Lagway, center, the father of quarterback DJ Lagway, holds a gator head while DJ’s mother Nikita, left, and grandmother Beverly Mills, right, examine the head. [Gainesville Sun/Doug Engle]

Jose Ramos left, show a picture of himself and Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway’s dad, Derek Lagway, right, before the Florida Gators arrived to greet fans during Gator Walk before taking on the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Friday, December 20, 2024 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier arrives with the team as the Florida Gators greeted fans during Gator Walk before taking on the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Friday, December 20, 2024 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

Before going out to greet fans during Gator Walk before facing the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Friday, December 20, 2024, in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) and punter Jeremy Crawshaw (26), left, converse. [Gainesville Sun/Doug Engle]

DJ Lagway (2), quarterback for the Florida Gators, greets supporters during Gator Walk prior to the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl matchup with the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Friday, December 20, 2024. [Gainesville Sun/Doug Engle]

The Florida band plays as the Florida Gators greeted fans during Gator Walk before taking on the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Friday, December 20, 2024 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

DJ Lagway (2), quarterback for the Florida Gators, walks with the team as they greet fans during Gator Walk prior to their 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl matchup against the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Friday, December 20, 2024. [Gainesville Sun/Doug Engle]

Inside linebackers, co-defensive coordinators, and executive head coaches Ron Roberts strolls towardBefore facing the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Friday, December 20, 2024, in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, the Florida Gators welcomed supporters with the squad during Gator Walk. [Gainesville Sun/Doug Engle]

Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) walks with the team as the Florida Gators greeted fans during Gator Walk before taking on the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Friday, December 20, 2024 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]