Sports | Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Jordan Scarlett runs with the ball during Florida's 24-10 win against Georgia on Oct. 29, 2016, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

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2017 Florida Gators Position Previews: Running Backs

By Matthew Brannon | Aug. 21, 2017

About two weeks remain until Florida football kicks off the 2017 regular season against Michigan at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Gators enter this year as back-to-back SEC East champions, notching 13 conference wins under coach Jim McElwain since he took over the program in 2015. As always, UF’s success on the gridiron this fall will largely depend on its roster, a group of players featuring both seasoned veterans and unestablished newcomers. Here is the position preview for players set to play at running back for the Gators this year:

Jordan Smith was one of seven players suspended for the Michigan game on Sept. 2.

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Florida’s suspensions and how they’ll affect the Gators’ opener against Michigan

By Ethan Bauer | Aug. 21, 2017

Florida’s chances of upsetting Michigan in the two teams’ season openers took a hit over the break when UF announced seven Gators are suspended for the game.

Jim McElwain talks with players during stretches before a fall practice at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

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Gators ranked No. 17 in preseason AP poll; best start in McElwain era

By Matt Brannon | Aug. 21, 2017

Florida figures to be the fifth-best SEC team in 2017, at least according to the Associated Press. The AP Top 25 rankings came out Monday afternoon, and the Gators will open the season as the No. 17 team in the country.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) runs in a touchdown during the second half of the team's preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

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Jeff Driskel’s big day and other Gators in the NFL

By Jake Dreilinger | Aug. 21, 2017

After graduating from Florida, many former Gators are continuing their career at the next level. With two weeks of the NFL’s preseason having passed, here’s a look at how former Florida players are performing.

After Luke Del Rio (pictured) went 5-1 as Florida's starter in 2016, he's battling to keep his starting job against redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks and Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire.

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Three-man race: Reintroducing the Gators’ top QB contenders

Aug. 20, 2017

The Veteran: Luke Del Rio

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Callaway, 6 others suspended from first Gators game in Fall

By David Hoffman | Aug. 15, 2017

After reportedly misusing school funds, seven players, including star receiver Antonio Callaway, have been suspended from the Gators’ 2017 season opener against the University of Michigan.

CeCe Jefferson celebrates a play during Florida's 30-3 win against Iowa at the Outback Bowl on Jan. 2, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium.

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2017 Florida Gators Position Previews: Defensive Line

By Dylan Dixon | July 31, 2017

Less than five weeks remain until Florida kicks off the 2017 regular season against Michigan at AT&T Stadium. The Gators enter this year as back-to-back SEC East champions, notching 13 conference wins under coach Jim McElwain since he took over the program in 2015. As always, UF’s success on the gridiron this fall will largely depend on its roster, a group of players featuring both seasoned veterans and unestablished newcomers. Here is the position preview for players set to play on the defensive line at Florida this year:

DeAndre Goolsby runs out of bounds after catching a pass during UF's 30-3 win against Iowa at the Outback Bowl on Jan. 2, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium.

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2017 Florida Gators Position Previews: Tight End

By Dylan Dixon | July 27, 2017

Less than six weeks remain until Florida kicks off the 2017 regular season against Michigan at AT&T Stadium. The Gators enter this year as back-to-back SEC East champions, notching 13 conference wins under coach Jim McElwain since he took over the program in 2015. As always, UF’s success on the gridiron this fall will largely depend on its roster, a group of players featuring both seasoned veterans and unestablished newcomers. Here is the position preview for players set to play tight end at Florida this year:

Jim McElwain leaves the field after UF's 32-0 win over North Texas on Sept. 17 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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UF adds commits to 2018, 2019 recruiting classes

By Dylan Dixon | July 24, 2017

The Gators' football team’s future got a little bit brighter this past week following the additions of several talented prospects to its 2018 and 2019 recruiting classes.

Antonio Callaway celebrates with C'yontai Lewis during UF's 24-10 win over Georgia on Oct. 29 at EverBank Field.

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2017 Florida Gators Position Previews: Wide Receiver

By Dylan Dixon | July 24, 2017

Less than six weeks remain until Florida kicks off the 2017 regular season against Michigan at AT&T Stadium. The Gators enter this year as back-to-back SEC East champions, notching 13 conference wins under coach Jim McElwain since he took over the program in 2015. As always, UF’s success on the gridiron this fall will largely depend on its roster, a group of players featuring both seasoned veterans and unestablished newcomers. Here is the position preview for players set to play wide receiver at Florida this year:

Marcell Harris looks on during Florida's 16-10 win against LSU on Nov. 19, 2016, at Tiger Stadium.

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Florida safety Marcell Harris out for the season

By Dylan Dixon | July 20, 2017

Marcell Harris had the opportunity to declare for the NFL Draft this spring along with fellow teammates Jalen Tabor, Quincy Wilson, Alex Anzalone and others.

Feleipe Franks stands under center during UF's Orange and Blue Debut on April 7, 2017, at McKethan Stadium.

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2017 Florida Gators Position Previews: Quarterback

By Dylan Dixon | July 17, 2017

Less than seven weeks remain until Florida kicks off the 2017 regular season against Michigan at AT&T Stadium. The Gators enter this year as back-to-back SEC East champions, notching 13 conference wins under coach Jim McElwain since he took over the program in 2015. As always, UF’s success on the gridiron this fall will largely depend on its roster, a group of players featuring both seasoned veterans and unestablished newcomers. Here is the position preview for players set to play quarterback at Florida this year:

Jim McElwain walks by fans before Florida's 32-0 win against North Texas on Sept. 17, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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Notebook: McElwain remains mum on starting quarterback

By Dylan Dixon | July 13, 2017

The biggest storyline surrounding Florida’s football team this offseason is a simple one.

Florida football coach Jim McElwain paces the sideline during UF's 31-13 loss against Florida State on Nov. 26, 2016, in Tallahassee.

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McElwain, players set to attend SEC Media Day

By Dylan Dixon | July 10, 2017

With exactly 54 days to go until Florida kicks off the 2017 regular season against Michigan at AT&T Stadium, numerous questions still sit unanswered regarding UF’s football team.

Malik Zaire passes during Notre Dame’s 38-3 win against Texas on Sept. 5, 2015. Zaire is expected to transfer to UF this week.

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Former Notre Dame QB Malik Zaire confirms transfer to UF

By Dylan Dixon | June 5, 2017

Following a spring riddled with questions over who will be leading Florida’s offense in 2017, the Gators’ situation under center got even murkier this weekend.

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez listens to the prosecution's summary of facts as he is arraigned on homicide charges at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston, Wednesday. Hernandez pleaded not guilty in the shooting deaths of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado. He already faces charges in the 2013 killing of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd.

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Convicted murderer, former UF star Aaron Hernandez found dead from suicide

By The Associated Press | Apr. 19, 2017

BOSTON (AP) — Former NFL star Aaron Hernandez hanged himself in his prison cell early Wednesday while serving a life sentence for murder, authorities said.

UF quarterback Kyle Trask drops back to pass during a spring practice at the Sanders Practice Field on March 22, 2017.

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Florida football injuries: Trask has surgery, Sherit may miss start of Fall

By Matt Brannon | Apr. 12, 2017

As Florida’s Spring camp ends, the Gators are addressing injuries before the season starts in Fall.

UF quarterback Feleipe Franks during Florida's Spring game on Friday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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Franks should have strong supporting cast

By Patrick Pinak | Apr. 9, 2017

As Feleipe Franks took to the lectern to face reporters and cameras, one question stumped him.

Linebacker Jeremiah Moon looks on during Florida's Spring football game on April 7, 2017, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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Notebook: Linebackers step up, Toney impresses

By Dylan Dixon | Apr. 7, 2017

The biggest storyline for Florida heading into this spring was its situation at quarterback.

UF running back Jordan Scarlett carries the ball during Florida's Spring game on Friday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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Gators’ rushing attack stalls in Spring game

By Matt Brannon | Apr. 7, 2017

While the biggest question of Florida’s offseason has been the quarterback competition, the Gators used their annual Spring game as an opportunity to find some answers in the running game.