Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

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

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

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:

Marcell Harris celebrates during Florida's 38-28 loss against Tennessee on Sept. 24, 2016, at Neyland Stadium.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Gators are still DBU

By Andrew Huang | July 17, 2017

When high school defensive backs decide to attend the University of Florida, they’re actually committing to two different schools.

Tim Tebow is arguably the greatest player in UF history, but should he be judged by his former accolades forever?

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators in the MLB: Tebow hitting strong, Puk pitches in All-Star Futures Game

By Jake Dreilinger | July 17, 2017

Since his promotion to the New York Mets Class A-advanced affiliate, the St. Lucie Mets, former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow has been playing well.

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

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

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.

Alex Faedo pitches during Florida's 1-0 win against LSU on March 24, 2017, at McKethan Stadium.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators lose seven, add 13 to 2018 roster

By Jake Dreilinger | July 13, 2017

From June 12 to June 14, eight UF baseball players were selected in the 2017 MLB Draft, the first step in their long journeys to the major leagues.

Conor McGregor (right) taunts Floyd Mayweather Jr. while posing for photos during a press conference on July 11, 2017, in Los Angeles.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Don't buy the Mayweather-McGregor hype

By Morgan McMullen | July 13, 2017

My crush is into something called “lateral-thinking puzzles”. They’re fun little riddles presenting an odd scenario that you have to figure out.

Former Gator Darren O'Day stands on the mound during a Baltimore Orioles game in the 2017 MLB season.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators in the MLB: All-Star Game Edition

By Jake Dreilinger | July 10, 2017

Baltimore Orioles reliever Darren O’Day is the only Gator currently in the MLB that has played in an All-Star Game.

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge swings during the 2017 MLB Home Run Derby on Monday night in Miami. Judge hit 47 home runs over three rounds to win the competition.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: The MLB needs to add new All-Star events

By Dylan Dixon | July 10, 2017

Ladies and gentleman, the MLB All-Star break is upon us once again.

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

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

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.

Florida’s baseball team poses for a photo before its 2-0 win against Miami on Feb. 25, 2017, at McKethan Stadium.

SPORTS

Alligator Awards: Which was UF’s best team of 2016-17?

July 10, 2017

In this edition of the Alligator Awards, we debate which UF team was the best of the 2016-17 season. Sports writers Mari Faiello, Andrew Huang and Morgan McMullen join alligatorSports editors Dylan Dixon and Jake Dreilinger in a roundtable discussion to debate the five nominees. Debates will go in alphabetical order by the writer’s last name.

Florida’s men’s basketball team celebrates after its 84-83 victory over Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament on March 24, 2017, in New York City.

SPORTS

Year in Review: The 2016-17 Florida Gators

July 5, 2017

With the conclusion of last week’s College World Series, athletics at UF for the 2016-17 NCAA season have officially come to an end.

Gordon Hayward surveys the court during a Utah Jazz game in the 2016-17 NBA season. Hayward recently agreed to terms on a four-year deal with the Boston Celtics.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Hayward's Fourth of July splash still not enough for Celtics

By Jake Dreilinger | July 5, 2017

July Fourth.

Former UF basketball player David Lee competes during a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 6, 2017. Lee is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators in the NBA: 2017 Free Agency Edition

By Andrew Huang | July 5, 2017

A year ago, two-time NCAA champion and former Gator great Al Horford made headlines when he signed a four-year, $113 million contract with the Boston Celtics. The deal played a huge role in shaking up the NBA’s landscape, as Horford helped the Celtics emerge as a championship contender in the Eastern Conference.

Alex Faedo hoists the NCAA Tournament trophy on Wednesday night during UF’s championship celebration at McKethan Stadium.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators celebrate CWS title with fans

By Jake Dreilinger | June 29, 2017

The UF baseball team held a championship celebration for fans at McKethan Stadium on Wednesday night to commemorate its first ever NCAA title.

Mike Zunino smacks a three-run home run during the Seattle Mariners 10-5 win against the Houston Astros on Sept. 19, 2014.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators in the MLB: Zunino has historic month in Seattle, Tebow and Puk called up

By Jake Dreilinger | June 29, 2017

Former Gator and current Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino has had a month to remember.

Roland Thornqvist looks on during UF’s 4-2 win against Oklahoma State on Feb. 18, 2017, at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS

Who was Florida's best coach of 2016-17?

June 29, 2017

In this edition of the Alligator Awards, we debate which coach was the best of the 2016-17 season. Sports writers Mari Faiello, Andrew Huang and Morgan McMullen join alligatorSports editors Dylan Dixon and Jake Dreilinger in a roundtable discussion to debate the five nominees. Debates will go in alphabetical order by the writer’s last name.

Florida's baseball team celebrates following its 6-1 victory over LSU on Tuesday in Game 2 of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

The first is always the sweetest: Gators finally clinch national championship

By Dylan Dixon | June 29, 2017

As second baseman Deacon Liput shifted to his left, corralled the ground ball and fired it over to first base, Florida’s dugout erupted with cheers like it never had before.

The Florida baseball team celebrates with the national championship following its 6-1 win over LSU in Game 2 of the College World Series Finals on Tuesday in Omaha, Nebraska.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

NATIONAL CHAMPS: Gators win first ever NCAA title in Omaha

By Jake Dreilinger | June 27, 2017

For the first time in program history, the Gators get to dogpile on the pitcher's mound in late June. For the first time, they get to wear the shirts and hats with the words printed on them that puts a satisfying end to their season-long journey.

KeVaughn Allen shoots a free throw during Florida's 84-83 win over Wisconsin in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on March 24, 2017, at Madison Square Garden.

SPORTS

Alligator Awards: Who was Florida’s best male athlete of 2016-17?

June 27, 2017

In this edition of the Alligator Awards, we debate which UF male athlete was the best of the 2016-17 season. Sports writers Mari Faiello, Andrew Huang and Morgan McMullen join alligatorSports editors Dylan Dixon and Jake Dreilinger in a roundtable discussion to debate the five nominees. Debates will go in alphabetical order by the writer’s last name.

Quincy Wilson celebrates with fans after Florida's 20-7 win over South Carolina on November 12, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: A message to the Class of 2021

By Jake Dreilinger | June 27, 2017

I was in your shoes nearly two years ago.