Gator Golf Teams Open Seasons in the National Polls

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida women and men’s golf team will both open their season ranked nationally. UF’s women’s team is ranked No. 9 in the Golf World/NGCA Division I Preseason Coaches’ Poll. On the men’s side, the team will start the year ranked No. 12 in the Golf World/Nike Golf Division I Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The two polls were released Wednesday by their respective organizations.

The women’s team is coming off an appearance in the NCAA Championships, where it finished in 12th place. It was the second-straight year the team placed in the top-15 in the biggest tournament of the year. The great play was right on the heels of the Gators fourth-place finish at the NCAA Regionals, their best finish since 2008.

This year’s team is returning three seniors, Isabelle Lendl (Goshen, Conn.), Mia Piccio (Bacolod City, Philippines) and Megan Pak (Bradenton, Fla.), along with the reigning SEC Freshman of the Year and Third Team All-American Camilla Hedberg (Sitges, Spain). All four players were big contributors last year and will be expected to do the same this year as they all compiled a stroke average of 75 or better per round. Hedberg led the way with a 73.52 average over 34 rounds played.

Florida’s men team had a successful 2011-12 season, where they finished in a tie for 12th place at the NCAA Championships. It marked the 12th consecutive year the Gators participated in the tournament, the longest streak in the nation.

Seniors Tyler McCumber (Ponte Vedra, Fla.) and T.J. Vogel (Cooper City, Fla.) look to lead the Gators. The pair both earned All-American honors last season. In total, Florida returns five letterwinners from last season.

For the complete women’s poll, click here. For the men’s poll, click here.

The women’s team first tournament of the fall is set to take place Sept. 9-11 at the 2012 Cougar Classic at Yeamans Hall Club in Hanahan, S.C. The men will open their season at The Invitational at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C. from Sept. 9-11. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island recently hosted the 2012 PGA Championship. Both tournaments will be hosted by the College of Charleston.

Broadcast Information: Florida vs. Bowling Green

The Florida Football team opens the 2012 season on Saturday at 3:30pm ET when it hosts the Bowling Green Falcons at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The game can be seen live on television, and the audio broadcast is also available in multiple formats.

TV	ESPN
Live Video	Not Available
Radio Pre-Game Coverage Begins at 1:30pm	Gator IMG Sports Network (Station List) XM Radio Ch. 199 Cox Ch. 946 (Gainesville)
Live Audio	GatorVision | Also available via Florida Gators Mobile App
TV Replays	Sun. 9/2 – 8:30am – Sun Sports (Breakfast with the Gators) Tues. 9/4 – 4:30am – ESPNU Tues. 9/4 – 11:00pm – Sun Sports

For a full list of Florida-related broadcasts for football and all other sports, please visit our TV/Radio Listings page.

UF's Mack Brown top backup

Florida released its depth chart Monday for the opener against Bowling Green and the biggest news was running back Mack Brown beating out Matt Jones and Chris Johnson for the backup role behind Mike Gillislee. 

UF coach Will Muschamp said Brown benefited from the change in schematics under new offensive coordinator Brent Pease.

“We're very different in what we're trying to do as far as our downhill running game is concerned,” Muschamp said. “What we're doing schematically helps his running style, last year it didn't. And I think he's done a better job as far as his assignments and protections and different things you gotta do besides just carry the ball at the running back position.”

Also winning a job was Darrin Kitchens, who was named the starter at the SAM linebacker spot over Neiron Ball.

Muschamp also added that Jones, receivers Latroy Pittman and Raphael Andrades, tight end Kent Taylor, right guard Jessamen Dunker, defensive end Jonathan Bullard, buck Dante Fowler Jr., linebacker Antonio Morrison and safety Brian Poole are the freshmen he knows will play Saturday.

'Pop' out

Safety De'Ante “Pop” Saunders will “sit the first two games right now,” said Muschamp, who declined to say if Saunders had been suspended.

Muschamp did say the sophomore would have missed Saturday's game anyway because of an injured hamstring.

Saunders was suspended for last year's game against Alabama for a violation of team rules.

Hammond consistent at WR

Frankie Hammond Jr. was called Florida's most consistent wideout by Muschamp throughout training camp and his play made him the starting ‘X' receiver on Monday's depth chart.

Hammond said consistency is one of the main things he focuses on in his game.

“I don't want to be like one of those guys that's up and down, make a good play and make a bad play,” Hammond said. “So as a receiver you want to be consistent because you're developing trust with the quarterbacks in knowing that when they throw the ball, most of the time you're going to come down with it.”

Muschamp said Hammond does all the things required at receiver and provides a comfort level for both QBs.

“Everyone looks at vertical plays down the field and that's great,” Muschamp said of the position. “But you gotta be able to block, you gotta be able to make the tough catches across the middle, you gotta know you're assignments and understand the timing and different things in the throwing game. And I think throughout the summer both Jeff and Jacoby felt very comfortable with Frankie. He's a guy that's an experienced player.”

Hammond said his experience as a redshirt senior as well as his knowledge of Pease's offense makes him effective.

“It's not just running a route at 10 yards,” he said. “You gotta look at how (a defensive back) is playing you and know how to read coverages. And it's just things that comes with a little experience and knowing your playbook.”

Injury report

Muschamp said the following players will be out against Bowling Green: tight end Colin Thompson (foot), offensive linemen Tommy Jordan (shoulder) and Matt Patchan (strained pectoral muscle), defensive linemen Nick Alajajian (knee), Kedric Johnson (knee) and Ronald Powell (knee). 

Offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (sprained MCL) may also miss Saturday's game, but Muschamp said there's “an outside shot” he'll be able to play. Cornerback Jeremy Brown (wrist) will be re-evaluated today to determine his status for the opener, Muschamp said.

UF to play QBs by quarter

When Will Muschamp revealed Friday that Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel would both be playing in the opener, Muschamp emphasized Saturday's game against Bowling Green should not be viewed as an audition for the two quarterbacks.

But it's starting to set up like one.

On Monday, Muschamp announced Saturday's plan for the quarterbacks. One will play the first quarter, the other will play the second, then Muschamp and offensive coordinator Brent Pease will evaluate the situation at halftime and decide where to go from there.

“As I've stated before, both quarterbacks will play in the game,” Muschamp said. “Brent and I right now plan to play one in the first quarter — we haven't made that decision yet — and another in the second quarter, then at halftime make a decision on how we move forward.”

It certainly sounds like an audition for the two quarterbacks, who have pretty much been running a dead heat for the starting role since last January.

There has been no apparent separation on the practice field and in scrimmages. Maybe that will change when they carry over their competition to The Swamp in a live game.

Some might question the decision to play two quarterbacks, but Muschamp reiterated Monday that he's comfortable with it.

“I think both guys are good players,” Muschamp said. “I have said it before, we're not overly concerned with the quarterback position and the talent we have there.

“We've got good players. It's no different than at cornerback (where four players are expected to share playing time at the two positions). We have really good players at that position, and we can play well.

“Does that mean we are going to play well? No, it doesn't. But going into the season, I feel very comfortable about both of those positions (quarterback and cornerback) where we have great competition with guys who all deserve to start and all deserve to play.”

Driskel, who bruised his left, non-throwing, shoulder Aug. 12, was cleared for contact Monday, clearing the way for Muschamp and Pease to play both quarterbacks Saturday.

Muschamp said the decision to play both Brissett and Driskel was made after the Gators' second preseason scrimmage Aug. 17. UF's third and final scrimmage was called off due to rain and lightning last Tuesday.

Senior wide receiver Frankie Hammond Jr. said Monday that having the two quarterbacks alternate should not be a problem for the offensive players — or the offense.

“I'm fine (with it),” Hammond said. “We've been rolling with them since January. They've been splitting time. When one comes in and another comes out, there's no difference, no drop off. We're used to it. It doesn't make a difference.”

Hammond said the two quarterbacks are so similar that he usually doesn't even know which one he's caught a pass from in practice until he's returning to the huddle.

“It's the same,” Hammond said. “In practice, they usually switch them out every two or three plays. I'm not really paying too much attention because I'm getting in the huddle and getting the play and getting back out there.

“The ball comes and you just catch it. I don't really pay attention (to who threw it). I can't really tell a difference. I don't know until I'm jogging back.”

Muschamp has said numerous times that he feels the Gators can win with either quarterback, or with both.

Both will have a chance to prove it Saturday.

Muschamp was asked what his expectations are for the two quarterbacks heading into the opener.

“Win,” he said. “Play well, take care of the ball, score points, move our football team, get us in and out of the huddle and just manage our team and not in the conservative manner. Let's get the ball going.”

Gator Soccer Upsets No. 2 Duke 3-2 in Overtime

enior All-American Erika Tymrak’s first goal of the year was golden as the University of Florida soccer team (1-1-1, 0-0 SEC) upset No. 2 Duke (2-1, 0-0 ACC) in the second day of action at the Carolina Nike Classic Sunday afternoon at Fetzer Field.

Did You Know…

►Duke came into Sunday’s match ranked No. 2 on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), TopDrawerSoccer.com, CollegeSoccer360.com and Soccer Times polls and also held the No. 1 spot on Soccer America’s last poll. Florida last defeated the NSCAA’s No. 2 ranked team in 1998 NCAA College Cup semifinal action (UF 1, Santa Clara 0; Dec. 4, 1998). Florida last defeated a top-ranked team (on any poll) in 1998 NCAA College Cup action (UF 1, North Carolina 0; Dec. 6, 1998). ►The last time Florida played consecutive road matches that went to overtime came in a span of a week during the 2010 season. Florida defeated Florida State 2-1 in overtime and then traveled to Durham, N.C., to register a 1-1 2OT tie the following Friday. ►Today’s goal was the second golden goal for senior All-American Erika Tymrak. She also scored the overtime winner Oct. 17, 2010 versus Georgia.

It wasn’t unexpected that the contest would be pushed to overtime, as this was the third consecutive meeting between Florida and Duke that went to extra minutes. Unlike the two meetings in 2010 – a 1-1 2OT tie in Durham and 0-0 2OT in Gainesville in the NCAA Second Round - a winner was determined today.

It was a give-and-go play that ended the match in the 93rd minute. Tymrak brought the ball down to the top of the box and sent it right to fellow senior McKenzie Barney. Barney sent the ball back to Tymrak who continued her run into the box.

“I looked up and saw McKenzie wide open. I gave her the ball and then made a run in the box,” Tymrak said. “She put it literally right on my foot. I don’t really remember much of it because I was so in the moment. I kicked it and it might have deflected off of someone, but it went in.”

Tymrak’s score finished the Gators comeback from a first-half two-goal deficit. The Blue Devils struck first when junior Gilda Doria struck a 20-yard shot in the ninth minute. Cassie Pecht scored her second goal of the season after she intercepted a Gator pass to hit an unassisted goal from 20 yards in the 29^th minute.

A pair of sophomores synced up to score Florida’s first goal in the 39^th minute. Havana Solaun, located just above the middle of the box, sent a through ball into the box which found Jillian Graff. Her right-footed shot from 15 yards scored at the lower right corner of the goal.

“I saw the gap in the defense between the two center backs so I made a run across the line,” Graff said. “Havana played a great ball through and I took a touch and shot it.”

It was Graff’s first goal of the season and the third of her career.

Graff’s goal was “huge”, according to Tymrak, as it sent the Gators to halftime down by just a goal.

A second-half cross by Tymrak ended up as the tying goal in the 64th minute. Florida was awarded a corner kick and Annie Speese sent the ball to Tymrak, who moved the ball along the end line. She saw an opportunity to put the ball into traffic and the ball she sent deflected off of a Duke player’s back to score for the Gators.

“The coaches always say just drill it in (in that situation) because it will hit off of someone. I just looked up and saw a bunch of our players and a bunch of their players so I drilled it waist high and it deflected,” Tymrak said. “It was really exciting because it tied the score.”

It was the first time an opponent registered an own goal versus Florida since the Oct. 7, 2011 3-2 overtime win over Auburn at the James G. Pressly Stadium.

Through three matches, the Gators now have a win, loss and a tie. Just over a week ago, the team opened with a disappointing 4-1 loss to Miami. Now after tying perennial power and No. 14 North Carolina 0-0 2OT and defeating 2011 NCAA College Cup finalist Duke today, the Gators got some validation that they are better that what they showed in the opener.

“I know this is the biggest win of the season since it is the only one,” UF Head Coach Becky Burleigh said with a laugh. “It was just a much-needed win and confidence boost for this team. We overcame a lot in this game. After going to overtime in a battle with North Carolina Friday night, to be able to have the legs to go into overtime today and win this after overcoming a two-goal deficit shows the character this team has.

“It was a huge game for us because of the way we started the season against Miami,” she continued. “It would be easy for us to have some self-doubt, but everyone on this team knew that we are a really good team and we just had to go out and prove it.”

Florida Soccer Team Meets No. 2 Duke Sunday

The University of Florida soccer team (0-1-1, 0-0 SEC) faces No. 2 Duke (3-0, 0-0 SEC) Sunday in the second day of action at the Nike Carolina Classic. Match time is set for 1 p.m. at the University of North Carolina’s Fetzer Field.

Sunday’s Match Info:

RV Florida (0-1-1, 0-0 SEC) versus No. 2 Duke (3-0, 0-0 ACC) Date & Time: Aug. 26, 2012 @ 1 p.m. ET Site: Fetzer Field (5,700) Press Box Phone: (919) 962-1460 The Coaches: Becky Burleigh, 18th season @ UF (382-104-33/23rd season overall – 300-81-27/UF), Robbie Church 222-130-39/19th season; 138-81-28/12th season at DU) Radio: live on ESPN Radio 850/900 Internet: live stats and audio for UF-DU match available on www.GatorZone.com Admission:  $5 for adults. Contact the UNC Ticket Office at (800) 722-4335 for further information

These two teams last met in 2010, with both matches ending in a draw. Florida and Duke tied 1-1 double overtime in the Duke Nike Classic. The two teams also met in the NCAA Second Round in Gainesville, Fla., tying 0-0 2OT. The Blue Devils advanced to the 2010 NCAA Round of 16 with a 4-2 penalty kicks advantage.

In the opening day of action at the 2012 Nike Carolina Classic, Florida and No. 14 North Carolina played to a scoreless tie. It was the second overtime match in the 10-match series between the two teams and Friday’s result was the first tie. The only other overtime went to the Tar Heels 2-1 in front of a James G. Pressly record crowd of 5,222 on Oct. 11, 1998. Florida last recorded a tie in its final match of the 2010 season, as Florida and Duke tied 0-0 2OT in NCAA Second Round play.

No. 2 Duke claimed a 5-1 win over the University of Montreal in the opening match of the Nike Carolina Classic. Four Blue Devils contributed the five scores, with Kim DeCesare scoring consecutive goals in the second half. The Blue Devils have been dominate in each of their three wins this season, opening with victories over William & Mary (4-1) and Elon (8-0).

Both the Gators and the Blue Devils have players more than seven thousand miles away at the 2012 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. Play began Aug. 20 in Japan and the medal matches are scheduled for Sept. 8.

Gator junior transfer Adriana Leon is with the Canadian national team. She joined the Gator team this season after playing the 2010 and 2011 campaigns at Notre Dame. She turned in three goals in Canada’s 6-0 win versus Argentina in the opening match.

Two Duke players are on the U.S. U-20 roster - junior Mollie Pathman and sophomore Kelly Cobb.

No. 18/20 Gators Earn Second Straight Sweep, Defeat Florida A&M

The No. 18/20 University of Florida volleyball team (2-0, 0-0 SEC) swept the Florida A&M Rattlers, 3-0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-14), to begin day two of the Campus USA Credit Union Invitational. The Gators were led by 12.5 points apiece from freshman Živa Recek (Kočevje, Slovenia) and junior Chloe Mann (Gainesville, Fla.).

Recek led all hitters with 12 kills, hitting .455 with just two errors on 22 swings. Mann hit .381 with 11 kills on 21 attacks. Another bright spot for the Gators was freshman outside hitter Berkley Whaley (St. Petersburg, Fla.), who had eight kills and only one error for a .412 hitting clip while registering 11.5 points. Whaley added three service aces on the afternoon, tying for the team lead with redshirt freshman middle blocker Simone Antwi (Lorton, Va.), who tallied 7.5 points with her four kills and three aces against the Rattlers.

Florida hit .365 on the afternoon, thanks to phenomenal setting by both Taylor Brauneis (Crystal Lake, Ill.) and Dana Backlund (Wildomar, Calif.), who combined for 33 assists against FAMU. Brauneis played the first two sets while Backlund ran the offense in the third stanza.

The Gators hit an impressive .571 in the opening set, registering 17 kills with only one error on 28 swings. Mann and Whaley contributed five kills apiece in the first set, while Recek added four. Antwi and sophomore libero Taylor Unroe (Muncie, Ind.), both went on long service runs in the opening stanza, as they combined for 16 service attempts in set one. A block by Mann and Recek sparked the Gators’ run to close the first set, as Unroe stepped behind the service line at 19-11 and never looked back, firing off six straight points to give the Gators the first set victory, 25-11.

A fast start in set two helped the Gators jump out to an early lead, as freshman defensive specialist Nikki O’Rourke (Clearwater, Fla.) used her tricky jump float to rattle off nine straight points to open the second stanza. Florida continued to roll, as Mann and Recek traded kills to put Florida ahead, 15-4. Antwi then stepped behind the service line once again, serving up back-to-back aces and catching the Rattlers off guard, putting the Gators up 22-5. Mann earned her ninth kill of the match, putting away the second set, 25-11.

The teams traded points to open the third set, but Whaley’s jump serve got the Gators back out front, scoring five straight points including two aces. With four freshmen on the floor, including three in the front row, Florida continued its run as Backlund found the seam of the block for both Antwi and Recek. Backlund ended the match with a service ace, her second of the match, to give the Gators the third set win, 25-14.

Florida returns to action tonight, as the Gators close out the Campus USA Credit Union Invitational with their first-ever match against Florida Gulf Coast. First serve is set for 7:30 p.m. and Gator fans can listen live on ESPN 850/900 and watch online on GatorVision.

FLORIDA GULF COAST DEF. FIU, 3-2

The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles won a tight five-set contest, 3-2, over Florida International Saturday morning at the O'Connell Center. The victory moves FGCU to 2-0 on the season while FIU falls to 0-2. The Eagles had four players in double-digit kills and three with double dips in digs. Marija Prsa had a match-high 25 kills for the Panthers, while Lucia Castro added a double-double of 15 kills and 15 digs.

Gator soccer ties No. 14 Tar Heels

Visiting Florida (0-1-1, 0-0 SEC) and No. 14 North Carolina (0-1-1, 0-0 ACC) recorded a 0-0 double overtime tie in front of a Fetzer Field crowd of 4,125.

It was the second overtime match in the 10-match series between the two teams and Friday’s result was the first tie. The only other overtime went to the Tar Heels 2-1 in front of a James G. Pressly record crowd of 5,222 on Oct. 11, 1998. Florida last recorded a tie in its final match of the 2010 season, as Florida and Duke tied 0-0 2OT in NCAA Second Round play.

No. 18 UF volleyball sweeps FIU

As far as season openers go, 18th-ranked Florida’s 3-0 volleyball win over FIU on Friday night in the O’Connell Center left everyone from the players to the coaches to the large and raucous opening night crowd of 4,705 smiling from ear to ear.

Getting a match-high 15 kills from redshirt junior Chloe Mann, 10 from true freshman Berkley Whaley and eight from senior Betsy Smith, the Gators downed the Panthers by scores of 25-21, 25-14 and 25-12 to close out day one of the Campus USA Credit Union Invitational in style.

“We were really excited to come out tonight,” Mann said. “Everyone was just really, really hyped in the locker room. We’re glad that we came out and executed a lot of things well. It’s early in the season and there’s still a lot to work on, but we’re pretty proud and happy of where we are after this win.”

“It was absolutely amazing,” Whaley said. “Just from the start when they said ‘Here come the Gators,’ it was a feeling like no other.”

Three players – Whaley, setter Taylor Brauneis and redshirt freshman middle blocker Simone Antwi – made their first starts as Gators, and all played well.

Brauneis, a junior transfer from Louisville, was impressive running the new 5-1 offense which UF is using for the first time since 2007, racking up a match-high 38 assists.

She and Mann, were a formidable pair. At one point in the first set with UF trailing 19-18, Mann, reeled off five consecutive kills – the first three of which came off perfect Brauneis sets – to put the Gators in control.

From there, Whaley and fellow true freshman outside hitter Ziva Recek, who joined Antwi with five kills, started finding their stroke, and UF’s defense, which allowed FIU to hit .387 in the opening set, picked things up, holding the Panthers to marks of .000 and minus-.031 in the second and third sets, respectively.

In addition, the Gators started finding holes with their serves, knocking down four aces.

“We’ve got a pretty good combination there with Taylor Brauneis to Chloe Mann,” Wise said. “That was pretty effective tonight. And then we got on a good serving run. That’s got to be one of our staples.

“Our initial plan was not to have two freshman outside hitters on the court at the same time. Well, that’s where we are, and Berkley Whaley was nothing short of outstanding tonight.”

UF finished the match with a lofty .417 hitting percentage, its best ever in a season opener. Mann and Smith led the way, each with a .545 mark. Defensively, redshirt sophomore libero Taylor Unroe had a match-high 13 digs, while sophomore Holly Pole added six.

Freshman Lucia Castro had nine kills to lead the Panthers.

Wise was quick to credit the huge crowd, especially the large student group at one end that was on their feet – and in FIU’s collective ear – the entire match.

“We’ve never had an organized student group,” Wise said. “That group of students was the best we’ve ever had.

“In twenty-two first nights (this is Wise’s 22nd season at UF), this one, when it’s all said and done, will go down as one of the most special.”

Florida Gulf Coast defeated Florida A&M, 3-1, in the tournament opener behind a match-high 16 kills from Christine Pinder and 25 assists and 10 digs from sophomore setter Gigi Meyer, the 2010 Sun Player of the Year (Buchholz) and youngest daughter of former UF football coach Urban Meyer.

Maria Ceccarelli had 15 kills to lead the Rattlers.

“I grew up dreaming about playing in this place,” Meyer said. “I was so nervous, but I thought I kept my composure pretty well. It’s always great to start the season with a W.”

Tournament action continues with four matches today, beginning with FIU (0-1) taking on Florida Gulf Coast (1-0) at 10 a.m. followed by UF (1-0) squaring off against Florida A&M (0-1) at noon. Play resumes later when FIU and FAMU battle at 5:30 p.m., with the Gators taking on FGCU in the tournament finale at 7:30.

Soccer: Visiting Florida (0-1-1, 0-0 SEC) and No. 14 North Carolina (0-1-1, 0-0 ACC) recorded a 0-0 double overtime tie in front of a Fetzer Field crowd of 4,125.

It was the second overtime match in the 10-match series between the two teams and Friday’s result was the first tie. The only other overtime went to the Tar Heels 2-1 in front of a James G. Pressly record crowd of 5,222 on Oct. 11, 1998. Florida last recorded a tie in its final match of the 2010 season, as Florida and Duke tied 0-0 2OT in NCAA Second Round play.

Patchan to miss opener

The talk among the players and coaches during training camp has been that the Gators are going to be a much-improved team in Will Muschamp's second season. Well, it's about time to find out. The opener is only a week away now.

“I think we've improved tremendously,” Muschamp said Friday. “I've told our guys we're not going to talk about it (anymore). We need to line up and do it. Talk is cheap. We need to go line up and play.

“I can sit here and tell how I feel. At the end of the day, we'll be judged on Sept.1, and how we perform and then the following weeks from that on every Saturday.”

The last time the Gators performed in The Swamp, they made a mess of things in a 21-7 loss to arch-rival Florida State.

Citing that game, Muschamp said several times over the summer that UF needed to put on a good performance for its fans in the opener. So, don't expect the Gators to hold back anything on offense or defense against Bowling Green.

“No, we're going to play,” Muschamp said. “I don't think you hide things. I think you go out and play the game. That's what we need to do.

“We need to continue to show improvement as a program, and that's what we plan on doing.”

Offensive tackle Matt Patchan, who has been injured for much of his career, likely will miss the opener with a strained pectoral muscle, Muschamp said.

“He will probably be out the first game,” Muschamp said. “He strained it Saturday, the day after the scrimmage. We tried to work him back in Monday and it was sore. We needed to take off some contact, but that's where we are.”

Muschamp said starting tight end Jordan Reed, who missed several practices with a sprained knee, is back to 100 percent.

“He's practiced going back to Monday. Monday night we cleared him,” Muschamp said. “We were going to do some partial stuff with him and he ended up feeling pretty good and he got most of every snap Monday.

Muschamp said there's a chance that true freshman offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (sprained MCL) will return next week in time for the opener.

“We're hoping to get (him) back, possibly Tuesday or Wednesday,” he said. “He' really flexible in his movement and doing that stuff, so we feel pretty good.”

Muschamp said injured Buck linebacker/end Ronald Powell (ACL surgery) has moved to the final phase of his rehab. There still is no timetable for his return.

“He's started his last phase, of cutting, or part of his last phase, I'd say,” Muschamp said. “He hasn't put pads on or anything yet, but he's cutting and changing direction.”

Also on the injury front, Muschamp said cornerback Jeremy Brown (wrist) will be re-evaluated Tuesday to determine his status for the opener.

Muschamp said Mack Brown and true freshman Matt Jones continue to be in a tight battle to claim the No. 2 tailback position behind senior Mike Gillislee.

“Right now, Mack and Matt will both play at the running back position and we'll see how that separates them in the first ball game,” Muschamp said. “Omarius Hines will get some opportunities there, and Chris Johnson.”

In another tight position battle, Muschamp said the coaches still have not decided who will start at cornerback, where four players (Marcus Roberson, Jaylen Watkins, Loucheiz Purifoy and Cody Riggs) are vying for two positions.

“Those will be game-day decisions,” Muschamp said. “We've got some guys playing at a high level, but as much nickel and dime as we play, they're all starters to me.

“I know how important it is to write the guy's name on the first line. The first three games last year we were 75 percent nickel and we're getting into some dime looks this year.

“You're talking about the first three games (Bowling Green, Texas A&M and Tennessee) probably close to 90 percent of the time we're going to have five or six defensive backs on the field.”

On the offensive line, Muschamp said senior James Wilson is the starter at left guard.

In an attempt to find out if any UF players are suspended for the opener, Muschamp was asked if anyone was not going to play for non-injury reasons.

Muschamp's answer was quick and succinct.

“No,” he said.

Muschamp said three walk-ons — defensive back Tim Clark, running back Scott Peek and defensive tackle Cole Gilliam — have been awarded scholarships.

“They're guys that have been in our program and done a good job academically and represented our program the right way,” Muschamp said. “Any time you have an opportunity to reward those guys, it's always good.”

Muschamp said talented wide receiver Andre Debose still needs to find the consistency that has eluded him for most of his UF career.

“He needs to be more consistent as far as his assignments are concerned, finishing plays down the field, and continue to work at those things,” Muschamp said. “He certainly has the ability, but you've got to do it all in the game. You can't just talk about it.”

UF takes court tonight with eight new players

With so many new faces on the roster, Florida volleyball coach Mary Wise quipped that she considered handing out name tags at UF's 2012 Media Day.

UF volleyball

What: Campus USA Credit Union Invitational
Who: Florida, Florida Gulf Coast, Florida A&M and Florida International
When: Starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, and starting at 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: O'Connell Center

Eight players — half of the 16-member roster — will suit up for UF for the first time when the 18th-ranked Gators open the season against Florida International tonight as part of the Campus USA Credit Union Invitational in the O'Connell Center.

In the opening game at 5:30 p.m., Florida A&M meets Florida Gulf Coast, which features Buchholz alum Gigi Meyer, daughter of Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer and 2010 Gainesville Sun volleyball player of the year. Florida and FIU follow at 7:30 p.m. Four more matches are on tap Saturday in the two-day, round-robin event.

“The beauty of college athletics is that every team changes so much from year to year, even when you're just replacing one player, let alone two All-Americans, five starters and the like,” Wise said. “There are a lot of unknowns about this group, but the knowns are that all 16 of them were here starting the end of June for Summer B, and that healthwise we're in really good shape.”

Gone from last year's 27-6 Elite Eight team are five seniors, including two all-time greats in All-Americans Kristy Jaeckel and Kelly Murphy, UF's pin hitters. They were the only players to start all 33 matches last season and ranked 1-2 in kills with 405 and 297, respectively. In addition, Murphy, a rare combination of setter and left-handed, right-side hitter, led UF in assists (694).

Also gone is setter Chanel Brown, a Tempe, Ariz., native who played the past two seasons and was second to Murphy with 664 assists in 2011. She has transferred to the University of Arizona.

The large change in personnel has led Wise to implement a 5-1 offense rather than UF's familiar 6-2 for the first time since before Murphy's arrival in 2008. But the addition in January of junior Taylor Brauneis, an elite-level setter and two-year starter at Louisville who transferred to UF and is very familiar with the scheme, has provided an early boost.

“It's so great to have Taylor coming from such a successful program and the experience that she has,” said senior right-side hitter Tangerine Wiggs, a second-team All-SEC selection who is UF's top returning kills leader (243).

“She's been able to come in and she knows how to run a 5-1 offense. That's something we haven't done here in quite a few years. It's so different, and she has such a command of it.”

The majority of experience is at the middle blocker position, where fifth-year senior Betsy Smith and redshirt junior Chloe Mann return. Mann, a former Eastside standout, led the SEC in hitting percentage last season with a lofty .500 mark, while Smith (.392) was second.

Redshirt freshman Simone Antwi adds valuable depth.

“We can rely on the middles for their point production if we can get them the ball, and where we're better now is in our ball-handling,” Wise said. “Both of our setters, Taylor (Brauneis) and (freshman) Dana (Backlund), they play with no fear. They love getting the ball to the middle.”

Redshirt sophomore libero Taylor Unroe, who led UF in digs (432) last season and earned SEC All-Freshman kudos, also returns as do sophomore defensive specialists Madison Monserez and Holly Pole, senior Sundai Weston and sophomore outside hitter Noami Santos-Lamb.

Backlund, defensive specialist Nikki O'Rourke and outside hitters Berkley Whaley, Jackie Swalchik, Ziva Recek and Gabby Mallette comprise a talented, six-member freshman class.

 
“Because of our inexperience, we have a chance to be much better later in the season than we are early,” Wise said. “But we can't push a pause button. We've got to be ready to go.”

UF Soccer to play in weekend tournament

Florida travels to Chapel Hill, N.C., to face a pair of top-15 teams in the Nike Carolina Classic. The Gators open with No. 14 North Carolina on Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. in a match scheduled to stream on ESPN3. Then Florida faces No. 2 Duke on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. 

Both North Carolina and Florida enter Friday’s match coming off season-opening losses. Florida found itself trailing 3-0 at halftime versus Miami in the 2012 debut at the James G. Pressly Stadium on Aug. 17. Freshman Claire Falknor put the Gators on the board in the 58th minute, but the Hurricanes pushed the lead to the final 4-1 margin in the 67th minute. It was the second home-opening loss in the 18-year history of Gator soccer. North Carolina suffered only its fourth season-opening loss in its 34-year history when it fell 1-0 at Portland on Aug. 17. The Pilots scored the only goal of the match off a free kick in the fourth minute to claim its first win ever over North Carolina.

This is the 10th meeting between the two teams and the Gators’ only win over UNC in the 1998 NCAA College Cup final gave UF the national title. This is the second time UNC enters a match with UF without the No. 1 ranking (first was 2006 when No. 5 UNC took a 1-0 win in Durham, N.C.).

Both the Gators and the Tar Heel have players more than seven thousand miles away at the 2012 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. Play began Aug. 20 in Japan and the medal matches are scheduled for Sept. 8.

Gator junior transfer Adriana Leon is with the Canadian national team. She joined the Gator team this season after playing the 2010 and 2011 campaigns at Notre Dame. She turned in three goals in Canada’s 6-0 win versus Argentina in the opening match.

 
North Carolina is without four players. Three are members of the U.S. U-20 team - junior forwards Crystal Dunn and Kealia Ohai and freshman goalkeeper Bryane Hearberlin. New Zealand freshman defender Katie Bowen is competing for the Football Ferns. The U.S. defeated Ghana 4-0 in its opening match and New Zealand started play with a 2-1 victory over Switzerland.

Quinn looks for aggression from defense

Like most coaches, Dan Quinn took time to evaluate his first season as Florida's defensive coordinator.

One of Quinn's regrets? The Gators weren't aggressive enough going after the quarterbacks.

“It's kind of in my nature to play an aggressive and up-front style where we can pressure and affect the QB that way,” Quinn said. “So at times I wish I had more last year, and certainly we had it in the package and I'd like to see us play that style.”

The Gators finished 2011 sixth in the Southeastern Conference with 28 sacks. To make the jump to an elite pass-rushing team in the league will take more than increase in blitz calls. It will take improved pressure from the four-man rush as well.

Quinn has been evaluating the one-on-one matchups between defensive linemen and offensive linemen in camp. He's confident that the Gators can get to the quarterback more often in 2012, even without their best pass-rusher early in the season. Junior defensive end Ronald Powell, who led UF with six sacks last season, will miss at least the first month of the season while recovering from a torn ACL.

With Powell out, senior Lerentee McCray has moved to start in the hybrid “buck” position, which lines up as an outside linebacker on 3-4 schemes and a defensive end on 4-3 schemes. Quinn also has been impressed with the pass-rushing ability of true freshman Dante Fowler and sophomore linebacker Neiron Ball, who sat out last season with a vascular condition.

“I'm anxious to see what Neiron Ball can bring to us,” Quinn said. “He's a really quick guy. He's long and fast, and as a rusher those are some of the traits you look for.”

Quinn said that Ball is lining up at the buck position in some nickel packages. Fowler, a five-star recruit from St. Petersburg, had 20 sacks in his junior season of high school.

“He certainly looks like he belongs,” Quinn said. “He's physically strong, and when he's out there practicing, you certainly say this guy is ready to help and be part of our defense.”

The increased depth on the defensive line also has Quinn more confident in UF's ability to rush the quarterback. Quinn mentioned true freshman Jonathan Bullard as another player capable of getting some sacks. He also said that junior college transfer Damien Jacobs has improved his pass-rushing ability from inside at defensive tackle since the end of spring practice.

“Even with Ronald not being available to us yet, with the addition of Ball, with the addition of McCray moving down, with the addition of Bullard, with the addition of Fowler, with the existing guys, it seems like the lines are longer, which is certainly a good thing,” Quinn said.

And Quinn is confident that Powell will return at some point during the 2012 season. Powell has already tested the knee with individual workouts on the practice field.

I'm really proud of the way he's approached (the injury),” Quinn said. “He's just been very aggressive and diligent and on it. So I am expecting him to have him back at some point.”

Secondary taking shape

With preseason practices winding down, Quinn laid out some the potential defensive depth chart on Thursday night.

Quinn mentioned Matt Elam and Josh Evans as the top two safeties, with Cody Riggs working out there as well.

“Communication has been good on the back end,” Quinn said. “I've been pleased with that.”

At cornerback, Quinn was more vague, bringing up Riggs, Jaylen Watkins, Brian Poole, Loucheiz Purifoy and Marcus Roberson. The competition, Quinn says, has remained even.

“We're going to play three DBs, three corners, a bunch,” Quinn said. “Certainly in the first few games, we'll see that, when we're going to play Bowling Green and Texas A&M, who based on their last season are teams that can throw the ball. So we're going to have to use a nickel package and play three corners and things like that. I kind of have a feeling it will work itself out like it usually does through the course of the season.”

Linebacker depth

Quinn also said that Mike Taylor will back up Jelani Jenkins at weakside linebacker and true freshman Antonio Morrison will back up Jon Bostic at middle linebacker.

 
“This guy is really coming on,” Quinn said of Morrison. “I like his instincts, his toughness. I think he's got a good a future ahead of him.”

Pease eyes production over flash

Those out there who are feeling a bit uneasy about Florida’s situation at wide receiver probably will find no comfort in something offensive coordinator Brent Pease said Wednesday.

When asked about the receivers, the first player Pease mentioned was a walk-on — one who is out for six weeks with a broken foot.

“I think every day (the receivers) have gotten better,” Pease said. “Consistency is starting to show up. It really hurt when Mike McNeely (was injured) because he was having a good camp. That kid was going to help us.”

The fact that the Gators will miss a 5-foot-8, 176-pound sophomore walk-on is going to be viewed as yet another ominous sign for those harboring negative feelings for Florida’s wide receivers.

But while some fans will continue to stress over the situation, Pease seems perfectly comfortable.

He likes what he’s got. And like he’s been saying since last spring, the Gators have the talent at the skill positions — including receiver — to make his offense effective.

“I think everybody that’s here now (at wide receiver) has the ability to fit in with what we’re doing,” Pease said. “They’ve got the ability to catch and run routes, and they’ve got speed.

“I think everybody can find their role. I think everybody fits in a situation that we can do something with.”

By mentioning a hard-working walk-on first, maybe Pease was sending out a message to the receivers that goes something like this: those who work, those who produce, are going to play, regardless of past history or star power coming out of high school.

“Like I’ve told them, ‘If you want more, you better show consistency and create it,” Pease said. “I think guys are kind of grasping onto that.

“I’m going to tell you this: We’re not just sticking anybody out there that looks pretty and can run. They better go out there and perform. They better go out there and block.

“If you came here thinking, ‘I was labeled this, labeled that,’ you might not see some people. You go out there and you make plays. That’s the bottom line at that position. We don’t want any of these Terrell Owens guys.”

Substance over flash seems to be what Pease wants out of his wide receivers.

Although the Gators still seem to be in search of a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver, Pease is quick to point out that the receiving end of the offense also will include tight end Jordan Reed and two of UF’s most versatile offensive players — Trey Burton and Omarius Hines, running backs who can play tight end and slot receiver.

“(The tight ends) are very important in this system because they create so many things that we do — running the ball, creating gaps, spreading out, stretching the field in the passing game,” Pease said. “They create mismatch problems.

“You’ve got a guy who’s got speed and ability to run vertical and snap routes when you’re matched up on linebackers. Somebody like Jordan, who’s got wide-receiver ability but in a body like his. He’s a nightmare for defensive coordinators.”

Pease said Burton and Hines can have a similar effect in the passing game.

“I want to see them because they do create mismatches,” Pease said. “We will get them the ball, now they have to make plays.

“Omarius has the ability to be a running back, a tight end, a receiver. Trey has the ability to be a running back, receiver, kind of wingback, H-back type guy, quarterback. They’re going to have some stuff on their plate, and some positions.

“We didn’t have a guy like that at Boise State. We didn’t have players like that. We use guys differently.”

Florida Gators make plans for secondary

GAINESVILLE — After starting 10 games at cornerback last season, junior Cody Riggs is also working at safety and nickelback this fall.

With the secondary having arguably the most depth of any unit, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Thursday the cross-training would help the Gators get the best players on the field. Florida plays with five defensive backs more often than not, and Quinn said players like Riggs and freshman Brian Poole will play a considerable amount, even if they aren’t starting.

“Certainly in the first few games, we’re going to see that when we play Bowling Green and Texas A&M, who based on their last season, they are teams that know how to throw the ball,” Quinn said. “We are going to have a nickel package and play three corners and things like that. I kind of had a feeling it would work itself out. It usually does through the course of the season as we get through a few ballgames.”

Riggs, fellow Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas alum Marcus Roberson, Loucheiz Purifoy and Jaylen Watkins are competing for the starting spots at cornerback, while Matt Elam and Josh Evans are in line to be the starters at safety.

Powell expected back

Quinn said he expects to get starting Buck linebacker Ronald Powell back at some point this season. Powell has been out since tearing the ACL in his right knee during the spring game, but an estimate on when he would return has been difficult to glean from coaches.

“Yeah, I definitely am [expecting Powell to return],” Quinn said. “And I would think he’d be approaching it that way, too. … The guy has been very aggressive and diligent and on it, so I am expecting to have him back at some point.”

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/23/4169814/florida-gators-make-plans-for.html#storylink=cpy

Florida Soccer Team Hits Road for Pair of Matches

Florida travels to Chapel Hill, N.C., to face a pair of top-15 teams in the Nike Carolina Classic. The Gators open with No. 14 North Carolina on Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. in a match scheduled to stream on ESPN3. Then Florida faces No. 2 Duke on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.

Friday’s Match Info:

RV Florida (0-1, 0-0-0 SEC) at No. 14 North Carolina (0-1, 0-0-0 ACC) Date & Time: Aug. 24, 2012 @ 7 p.m. ET Site: Fetzer Field (5,700 The Coaches: Becky Burleigh, 18th season @ UF (382-104-32/24th season overall – 300-81-26/UF), Anson Dorrance 728-44-26 – 34th season overall & at UNC Streaming Video: live streaming video & audio available on ESPN3 Radio: live on ESPN 850 Internet: live stats and audio for UF at UNC match available on www.GatorZone.com Tickets: $5 for adults. Contact the UNC Ticket Office at (800) 722-4335 for further information

Both North Carolina and Florida enter Friday’s match coming off season-opening losses. Florida found itself trailing 3-0 at halftime versus Miami in the 2012 debut at the James G. Pressly Stadium on Aug. 17. Freshman Claire Falknor put the Gators on the board in the 58^th minute, but the Hurricanes pushed the lead to the final 4-1 margin in the 67^th minute. It was the second home-opening loss in the 18-year history of Gator soccer. North Carolina suffered only its fourth season-opening loss in its 34-year history when it fell 1-0 at Portland on Aug. 17. The Pilots scored the only goal of the match off a free kick in the fourth minute to claim its first win ever over North Carolina.

This is the 10th meeting between the two teams and the Gators’ only win over UNC in the 1998 NCAA College Cup final gave UF the national title. This is the second time UNC enters a match with UF without the No. 1 ranking (first was 2006 when No. 5 UNC took a 1-0 win in Durham, N.C.).

Both the Gators and the Tar Heel have players more than seven thousand miles away at the 2012 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. Play began Aug. 20 in Japan and the medal matches are scheduled for Sept. 8.

Gator junior transfer Adriana Leon is with the Canadian national team. She joined the Gator team this season after playing the 2010 and 2011 campaigns at Notre Dame. She turned in three goals in Canada’s 6-0 win versus Argentina in the opening match.

North Carolina is without four players. Three are members of the U.S. U-20 team - junior forwards Crystal Dunn and Kealia Ohai and freshman goalkeeper Bryane Hearberlin. New Zealand freshman defender Katie Bowen is competing for the Football Ferns. The U.S. defeated Ghana 4-0 in its opening match and New Zealand started play with a 2-1 victory over Switzerland.

Gators in position for opener

After spending Sunday with his staff breaking down every player on the roster, Florida coach Will Muschamp said Monday he's still not quite ready to finalize a depth chart heading into the Sept. 1 opener against Bowling Green.

“We didn't set the depth chart,” Muschamp said. “We will release one the Monday of game week.”
Although there's no depth chart, Muschamp did reveal Monday where the Gators stand in most position groups.

Here's a position-by-position breakdown heading into today's final preseason scrimmage:

Quarterback — Sophomores Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel remain in a dead heat and will continue to split the reps 50-50 with the No. 1 offense, Muschamp said. The quarterbacks will be in non-contact jerseys the rest of the way. Muschamp said Driskel's bruised shoulder will be re-evaluated next Monday. In the meantime, he has not been cleared for contact. A starter likely won't be named until sometime next week.

Tailback — The clear starter here is senior Mike Gillislee, who has distanced himself from his competition. “The bulk (of the carries) are with Gilly. That's what we discussed yesterday. That was pretty evident as we worked through camp. Mack Brown and Matt Jones are in that next pecking order, then Omarius Hines is going to get his touches as well,” Muschamp said. “I'm very encouraged with the other guys (Brown, Jones and Hines). There's not a tremendous drop-off, in my opinion, other than experience.”

Fullback — The starter is Trey Burton and the backup is Hunter Joyer. Muschamp said Monday that tailback Chris Johnson also is going to get a look at fullback. “He's still battling for reps (at tailback), but he can help us a lot at the fullback position as well,” Muschamp said.

Tight end — Jordan Reed, who is expected to return today from a sprained knee, is the clear starter, with Clay Burton, Tevin Westbrook and true freshman Kent Taylor lining up behind him. One player not in the mix at the moment is true freshman Colin Thompson, who will undergo surgery Wednesday to have a screw placed in his fractured foot. He could be out for eight weeks or longer and figures to redshirt this season.

Wide receiver — Muschamp said Monday he's been pleased with this group and is confident they can make plays down the field. The top wideouts are Frankie Hammond Jr., Quinton Dunbar, Andre Debose, Solomon Patton and true freshman Latroy Pittman. “I think they've all improved. We've all gotten better at that position,” Muschamp said.

Offensive line — If the season started today, the starting line would consist of Xavier Nixon at left tackle, James Wilson at left guard, Jon Harrison at center, Jon Halapio at right guard and either Chaz Green or Matt Patchan at right tackle. The likely backups would be D.J. Humphries (LT), Kyle Koehne (LG), Sam Robey (C), Jessamen Dunker (RG) and Green or Patchan (RT). Other players in the mix for playing time, according to Muschamp, are Ian Silberman and Trip Thurman. Muschamp said Koehne can play all five positions and Harrison and Robey also can play guard.

Defensive line — The starting four is pretty obvious: Lerentee McCray at Buck, Dominique Easley at end, Omar Hunter and Sharrif Floyd at the tackle positions. McCray's backup is true freshman Dante Fowler. The No. 2 end is either Earl Okine or true freshman Jonathan Bullard. The backup tackles are Leon Orr and Damien Jacobs. “The luxury we have this year is depth,” Muschamp said. Muschamp said when Ronald Powell returns, there's a chance McCray could move back to strongside linebacker, where he started last season.

Linebacker — Jon Bostic and Jelani Jenkins are the obvious starters at middle linebacker and weakside linebacker, respectively. The likely backups are Michael Taylor and Antonio Morrison. At strongside linebacker, Darrin Kitchens and Neiron Ball are dead-even in the battle for the starting role.

Cornerback — The Gators continue to have four players battling for the two starting positions. They are Marcus Roberson, Jaylen Watkins, Loucheiz Purifoy and Cody Riggs. “We're repping all four guys and we'll continue to evaluate that,” Muschamp said. “(Today's scrimmage) is a great opportunity and they've got to go out and make plays.”

Safety — Matt Elam and Josh Evans appear to be the established starters, especially Elam, with De'Ante Saunders, Valdez Showers, Brian Poole and Jabari Gorman all battling for playing time.

Punter — Kyle Christy.

Place-kicker — Caleb Sturgis.

Punt returner — Marcus Roberson.

Kickoff returner — Andre Debose and Mike Gillislee.