Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Offensive coordinator Kurt Roper addresses the media during his introductory press conference on Jan. 13. Four-star quarterback Sheriron Jones, who was recruited by Roper, committed to Florida on Sunday.

Sports

McGee to transfer from Virginia to Florida

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | May 9, 2014

The Gators added another weapon for their spread offense.

Dominique Easley (2) pushes through two opposing players during Florida’s 31-17 win against Tennessee on Sept. 21 in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Easley selected by Patriots in first round of NFL Draft

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | May 8, 2014

Dominique Easley is a first-round pick.

Sports

Three-star DB plans to visit Gators

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Apr. 22, 2014

Good things come to those who wait, or so the saying goes. That adage couldn’t be truer when it comes to high school recruiting.

Sammi Burgess (2) drives to the net during Florida’s 21-5 win against Jacksonville on Feb. 12 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Burgess chose UF over several different schools.

Sports

Burgeoning star: Freshman attacker helps UF reload roster

By EDEN OTERO | Apr. 21, 2014

“Just close your eyes and tell me where you are.”

Adam Lane (22) breaks a tackle during Florida’s Orange and Blue Debut on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Lane was UF’s leading rusher during the game.

Sports

Running backs key to new offensive scheme for UF

By ADAM PINCUS< | Apr. 13, 2014

Adam Lane followed coach Will Muschamp’s postgame press conference as the first player to speak. Muschamp quipped about Lane’s height, saying he needed to stand up so the reporters could see him.

$Jeff Driskel (6) signals down the field as he scrambles during Florida’s Orange and Blue Debut on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Driskel suffered a fractured fibula against Tennessee on Sept. 21, 2013.$

Sports

Driskel solid in first game at Florida Field following injury

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Apr. 13, 2014

Jeff Driskel took to Florida Field during Saturday’s Orange and Blue Debut for the first time since suffering a season-ending fractured fibula against Tennessee on Sept. 21, 2013.

Hunter Joyer (41) runs the ball during Florida’s Orange and Blue Debut on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Gators’ two offenses combined for 606 yards in the game.

Sports

Gators show off offense at spring game

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Apr. 12, 2014

Florida showcased its new up-tempo offense during the Orange and Blue Debut on Saturday, and coach Will Muschamp liked what he saw in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Ahmad Fulwood (5) recovers from a tackle made by Jabari Gorman (2) during Florida’s Orange and Blue Debut on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Fulwood is one of several sophomore wide receivers who expect to have a large role in the Gators’ offense in 2014.

Sports

Sophomore wide receivers leading the way in Florida’s new passing offense

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Apr. 12, 2014

Youth is the key word in the Gators’ wide receiving corps.

Dante Fowler Jr. awaits a snap during Florida’s 24-7 win against Kentucky on Sept. 28, 2013, at Commonwealth Stadium. Fowler looks to become one of UF's leaders on defense this season.

Sports

Begin Again: UF hoping to put 4-8 season in rearview mirror

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Apr. 10, 2014

When you hit rock bottom, there isn’t anywhere to go but up. The Gators hope that’s true because 2013 was, by all accounts, a disaster.

Sports

Positions, players to watch for during the Orange and Blue Debut

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Apr. 10, 2014

The Orange and Blue Debut is scheduled to kickoff Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Spring practice is a superb chance for players wishing to start to separate themselves from those destined to be on the second team. Here are some of the positions to keep an eye on while you watch the game.

Jeff Driskel throws a pass during Florida’s 38-0 win against Kentucky at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sept. 22, 2012. Driskel is the first-team starter at quarterback.

Sports

Back on the field: Driskel returns to Gators for spring game

By ADAM PINCUS< | Apr. 10, 2014

Jeff Driskel lied writhing in pain at the 47-yard line.

Vernon Hargreaves III intercepts a pass in the end zone during Florida’s 24-7 victory on Sept. 28, 2013, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky.

Sports

Hargreaves stepping up as he enters second season at UF

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Apr. 9, 2014

It’s not easy to get better when you’re already one of the most talented cornerbacks in the nation.

Max Garcia (76) runs at an opposing player during Florida’s 30-10 victory against Arkansas on Oct. 5, 2013, in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Garcia moved from guard to center during spring practice.

Sports

Florida linemen struggling on both sides of scrimmage

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Apr. 8, 2014

Coach Will Muschamp preaches strength to all of his linemen, but with less than a week left in spring practice, there are weaknesses on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Will Muschamp instructs players during Florida’s first open practice on March 19 at Sanders Practice Fields.

Sports

Florida opens spring practice after disappointing ‘13 season

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Mar. 19, 2014

It may be a little more than five months until college football season begins, but with March comes a chance for fans to get a glimpse of what their team will look like in the fall.

Sports

Payton joins Farrier on 2015 receiving corps

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Feb. 24, 2014

The Gators picked up their fourth commitment to the 2015 class Monday afternoon. Tristan Payton, a wide receiver out of First Coast High in Jacksonville, took a visit to UF over the weekend for junior day.

Sports

Jordan adds depth to offensive line

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Feb. 22, 2014

Florida has landed its third verbal commitment for the 2015 class, as three-star offensive tackle Tyler Jordan announced Saturday afternoon that he was committing to the Gators. The commitment comes during his visit to Gainesville this weekend.

Sports

Florida adds receiver to 2015 class

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Feb. 21, 2014

2015 wide receiver prospect Deondre Farrier confirmed Friday morning via text message that he has committed to the Florida Gators. Farrier attends Lake Nona High in Orlando, which also produced 2014 Florida signee Ryan Sousa.

Cody Riggs (31) tackles LSU junior wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) during Florida’s 17-6 loss to LSU on Oct. 12 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.

Sports

Riggs to transfer following graduation to play cornerback

By LANDON WATNICK< | Feb. 5, 2014

Cody Riggs will complete his college career elsewhere.

Will Muschamp speaks at a press conference in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Jan. 13. UF hosted Friday Night Lights on Friday for its top prospects.

Sports

Signing Day has arrived

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Feb. 4, 2014

National Signing Day is finally here.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin talks to reporters after his team’s practice on Thursday in Renton, Wash. The Seahawks face the Denver Broncos on Sunday at 6:25 p.m. in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Sports

Gators in the NFL: Harvin cleared to return to Seahawks for Super Bowl XLVIII

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Jan. 28, 2014

Percy Harvin is ready to start making an impact again.