sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Running backs coach Brian White hugs sophomore running back Mark Herndon during Tuesday's practice at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida put Herndon and fifth-year safety Tim Clark, both previously walk-ons, on full scholarship Tuesday.

Sports

Walk-ons Herndon, Clark awarded full scholarships

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Aug. 20, 2013

As a walk-on freshman running back in 2012, Mark Herndon went to bed hungry many nights.

Havana Solaun dribbles past a defender at James G. Pressly Stadium on Sept. 21.

Sports

Retooled Gators relying on new lineup

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Aug. 20, 2013

With its season opener against Florida Gulf Coast just two days away, the Florida soccer team has a new core ready to lead the team.

Ziva Recek speaks during Volleyball Media Day on Friday at the Lemerand Athletics Center.

Sports

Sophomore aiming to improve on upstart freshman season

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Aug. 20, 2013

Ziva Recek was as good as anyone could have expected in 2012.

Dante Fowler Jr. (6) pursues Kentucky’s Morgan Newton (12) in UF’s 38-0 win on Sept. 22 in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Fowler followed up a strong Thursday practice with another impressive performance Saturday during UF's open practice at The Swamp.

Sports

Ten interesting notes from Florida’s Saturday open practice at The Swamp

By LANDON WATNICK< | Aug. 17, 2013

Following Friday’s scrimmage, which was coined by coach Will Muschamp as “D-Day,” the Gators participated in their second open practice of the preseason in muggy weather Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium from 9-11 a.m.

Junior center Jonotthan Harrison (72) waits to snap the ball to sophomore Jeff Driskel (6) during Florida's 38-0 win against Kentucky at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sept. 22.

Sports

Muschamp feeling confident about Gators’ depth on offensive line

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Aug. 16, 2013

When Will Muschamp accepted the position as Florida’s head coach entering the 2011 season, he inherited many considerable problems from a deteriorating program.

Kicker Caleb Sturgis (19) celebrates with former special teams and current defensive coordinator DJ Durkin during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Nov. 24 in Tallahassee.

Sports

Durkin hoping UF’s linebackers will build on last year’s success

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Aug. 14, 2013

Florida defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin spent his first three years with the Gators as the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.

Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) attempts a pass over the Tenneesee defense during a 37-20 victory against Tennessee on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

Sports

Pease believes junior quarterback can spark passing game

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Aug. 14, 2013

Danny Wuerffel popularized it.

Sophomore Loucheiz Purifoy carries the ball down the field during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Nov. 24 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Sports

Youth will be served in UF secondary following key departures

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Aug. 14, 2013

Florida had several established upperclassmen to lead the defense in 2012.

Wide receiver Quinton Dunbar (1) catches the game-tying touchdown during Florida’s 27-20 win against Louisiana on Nov. 10 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Three factors to decide whether UF ‘breaks’ good or bad in 2013

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Aug. 14, 2013

For anyone who is a ravenous consumer of sports and entertainment, the summer months can be trying times.

Receiver Andre Debose (4) waits in the end zone to return a kick-off during the game against Texas A&M on Saturday at Kyle Field. Debose is out for 2013 with an ACL tear.

Sports

Summer of trouble gives way to season full of expectations

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Aug. 14, 2013

This was the summer of discontent for Gators fans.

Freshman linebacker Antonio Morrison (12) chases down Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (5) during UF's 20-17 victory against Texas A&M at Kyle Field.

Sports

College no longer a safe haven for much-scrutinized athletes

By ADAM PINCUS< | Aug. 14, 2013

Although the Emmy-nominated “Scandal” doesn't return to ABC until Oct. 3, college football can fill the void of twists and turns.

Coach Will Muschamp exchanges words with an official during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Sports

UF swimming in pursuit of championship

By Logan McGuire | Aug. 14, 2013

Coming off a successful 2012-13 season, the Florida swim team is built for a repeat performance this year.

(From left to right) Ermon Lane, Quincy Wilson and Chris Lammons, all four-star recruits according to Rivals.com, committed to the Gators on Monday. UF now has 16 commits for its Class of 2014.

Sports

Gators pluck three in-state 2014 commits Monday

By LANDON WATNICK< | Aug. 12, 2013

Florida's Class of 2014 received a major boost on Monday.

Freshman runningback Matt Jones runs the ball towards the Missouri endzone on Nov. 3 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during Florida's 14-7 win.

Sports

Muschamp unsure of when Jones will return

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Aug. 12, 2013

Dealing with the continued effects of a serious viral infection suffered prior to the start of fall camp, sophomore running back Matt Jones remains out indefinitely.

Freshman linebacker Antonio Morrison(12) chases down Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) at Kyle Field during Florida's 20-17 victory against Texas A&M on Sept. 8.

Sports

Morrison present at Florida's team meetings Thursday

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Aug. 8, 2013

Suspended sophomore linebacker Antonio Morrison could return to practice with the Gators tonight.

Joker Phillips watches the scoreboard during a Kentucky game on Sept. 17, 2011, in Lexington, Ky. Phillips is starting his first season at UF.

Sports

Receivers coach bringing experience, knowledge to offense

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Aug. 7, 2013

Since accepting the job as Florida’s wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator on Dec. 3, Joker Phillips has garnered attention for utilizing Photoshop to reach out to high school prospects.

Forward Erik Murphy (33) attempts a shot in UF’s 74-56 win against Wisconsin on Wednesday in the O’Connell Center. Murphy tied a career high with 24 points.

Sports

The Alligator Awards: What was the best UF individual performance of 2012-13?

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Aug. 7, 2013

Adam: The best thing about sports is that you can go to any random game and witness something you’ve never seen before. I went to a spring training game one year and saw a third-string catcher hit an inside-the-park home run (well, I should have seen it, but that’s another story).

Offensive lineman Jon Halapio blocks during Florida’s 27-20 win against Louisiana on Nov. 10 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Injuries open big spot on line

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Aug. 7, 2013

With probable starters Jon Halapio (partially torn pectoral muscle) and Max Garcia (back) out due to injury, Florida needs someone to fill big holes in the offensive line.

Junior wide receiver Andre Debose returns a kick off against Tennessee at Kyle Field on Sept. 15, 2010. Debose was pushed into a window during a brawl Saturday night.

Sports

Debose suffers ACL tear

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Aug. 7, 2013

After failing to live up to his immense potential during his college career, Andre Debose entered the 2013 season hoping to make the most of his final opportunity.