Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

All-America cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III catches a pass during a drill as part of Florida's Pro Day on Tuesday inside UF's indoor practice facility.

Sports

Hargreaves’ UF career comes to conclusion at Pro Day

By GRAHAM HACK | Mar. 22, 2016

When Vernon Hargreaves III first picked up a football, this moment was already in his mind.

UF wide receiver Antonio Callaway is tackled by FAU punter Dalton Schomp during a punt return in Florida's 20-14 overtime win against Florida Atlantic on Nov. 21, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Attorney: Antonio Callaway's suspension has no basis

By Luis Torres | Mar. 11, 2016

The attorney for Gators wide receiver Antonio Callaway said he expects the sophomore wideout to return to the team because the suspension against Callaway has no basis.

Jim McElwain looks on during Florida's 29-15 loss to Alabama in the 2015 SEC Championship Game.

Sports

Notebook: McElwain embracing continuity among staff

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Mar. 8, 2016

As Jim McElwain looks around at his coaching staff when Spring practice starts today, he’ll notice very little difference.

UF coach Jim McElwain laughs with players after practice on Dec. 4, 2015, prior to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.

Sports

Eight recruits to look out for on National Signing Day

Feb. 2, 2016

Finally, National Signing Day is here — the day where recruits across the country sign their national letters of intent to formally commit to the college of their choice. Here are eight recruits to watch out for as coach Jim McElwain rounds out his second recruiting class at Florida. All information regarding rankings comes from Rivals.com.

Sports

Defensive backs coach not returning to Florida

By IAN COHEN | Jan. 15, 2016

Florida’s defensive backs coach Kirk Callahan will not be returning to the Gators next year.

Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) pushes back Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Sports

Gators in the NFL: Reed, Floyd shine in first round of playoffs despite losses

By Luis Torres | Jan. 11, 2016

The first round of the NFL Playoffs is in the books, and there were plenty of former Florida players that took part in the Wild Card Round.

UF athletics director Jeremy Foley speaks during new head football coach Jim McElwain's opening press conference on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Notebook: Florida to continue facility renovations

By GRAHAM HACK | Jan. 10, 2016

Renovating the O’Connell Center is just one step in UF athletic director Jeremy Foley’s master plan.

Sports

Notebook: Jim McElwain talks recruiting on Finebaum

By Luis Torres | Jan. 7, 2016

With the season now over for the Gators, coach Jim McElwain and his staff have shifted their efforts to recruiting.

UF safety Keanu Neal (42) jumps in an attempt to block FSU kicker Roberto Aguayo's field goal attempt during Florida's 27-2 loss to Florida State on Nov. 28, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Hard-hitting safety Keanu Neal declares for NFL draft

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Jan. 6, 2016

Keanu Neal will not return to Florida for his senior season.

Sports

Gators in the NFL: Jordan Reed shining with Redskins

By GRAHAM HACK | Jan. 6, 2016

The Redskins are one of the hottest NFL teams headed into the playoffs, and one of the biggest reasons has been the emergence of former UF tight end Jordan Reed.

UF running back Kelvin Taylor carries the ball during Florida's 41-7 loss to Michigan on Jan. 1, 2016, at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Sports

Kelvin Taylor's departure from UF marked by highs and lows

By Luis Torres | Jan. 5, 2016

ORLANDO — Kelvin Taylor’s Florida career had its share of ups-and-downs.

UF defensive lineman Jon Bullard (90) goes for a tackle during Florida's 28-27 win against Tennessee on Sept. 26, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Jonathan Bullard made last season at UF count

By GRAHAM HACK | Jan. 5, 2016

ORLANDO — Jonathan Bullard’s senior season ended on a subdued note — three tackles, no sacks or tackles for loss and a 41-7 drubbing from Michigan.

Sports

Notebook: Linebacker leaves Gators, top recruit commits to UF

By Luis Torres | Jan. 5, 2016

Redshirt junior linebacker Jeremi Powell will not finish his career as a member of the Gators.

Sports

Florida linebacker Jeremi Powell no longer on team

By Luis Torres | Jan. 5, 2016

Redshirt junior linebacker Jeremi Powell will not finish his career as a member of the Gators.

UF cornerback Vernon Hargreaves kneels in the end zone for a touchback during Florida's 41-7 loss to Michigan in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 2016, in Orlando.

Sports

Hargreaves struggles against Michigan, readies for NFL Draft

By Luis Torres | Jan. 4, 2016

ORLANDO — This wasn’t the way Vernon Hargreaves expected to end his Florida career.

UF tight end Jake McGee breaks past a defender on his way to the game-winning touchdown in Florida's 20-14 overtime win against Florida Atlantic on Nov. 21, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Despite missing finale, tight end Jake McGee made lasting impact

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Jan. 4, 2016

ORLANDO — Jake McGee’s time on the field during No. 19 Florida’s 41-7 loss to No. 14 Michigan was limited to the opening coin toss.

UF football coach Jim McElwain walks off the field following Florida's 41-7 loss to Michigan in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 2016, in Orlando.

Sports

‘LEARN FROM DISAPPOINTMENT’: UF plans to build off Citrus Bowl loss

By Luis Torres | Jan. 4, 2016

ORLANDO — Following No. 14 Michigan’s 41-7 thrashing of No. 19 Florida in the Citrus Bowl on Friday, Gators coach Jim McElwain walked into his postgame press conference with a smile.

Michigan's Jarrod Wilson intercepts a pass from UF quarterback Treon Harris in the endzone during the Wolverines' 41-7 win against the Gators in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 2016, in Orlando.

Sports

SOUR ENDING: Florida blown out by Michigan in Citrus Bowl

By Luis Torres | Jan. 1, 2016

ORLANDO — Florida’s defense has been its backbone all season.

UF defensive coordinator Geoff Collins speaks during a press conference at the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 30, 2015, in Orlando.

Sports

Defense will be on display in Citrus Bowl

By GRAHAM HACK | Dec. 30, 2015

Florida’s defense has garnered a good deal of hype entering Friday’s Citrus Bowl contest against Michigan, and deservedly so.

The University of Michigan football team beats Minnesota, 29-26, at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Oct. 31, 2015.

Sports

Florida not turning the other cheek with Michigan tight end Jake Butt

By Luis Torres | Dec. 30, 2015

ORLANDO — Michigan tight end Jake Butt brings a dynamic to the Wolverines’ offense that the Florida defense hasn’t seen much this season.