Florida's Dan Mullen Says 20-30 Players Had Flu Ahead of Blowout South Carolina Loss
Nov 7, 2021
Florida head coach Dan Mullen watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida coach Dan Mullen revealed the team had 20-30 players dealing with flu-like symptoms ahead of Saturday's 40-17 loss to South Carolina:
“We had several guys not even come out onto the field on the bus. I don't want to make excuses for those guys, but I want to give our guys credit for battling, for facing adversity. We had a bunch of guys dealing with sickness. We had to fly some guys up separately from the team, keep everybody separated. Those guys, they still went out. Even though the large number of guys that missed practice, we had quite a few that our training staff tried to do a good job today of IV-ing guys and try to get them ready to be able to go out and perform. And so, that's what I love. I think our guys compete and they're going to work and they're going to fight and they're going to give everything they have.
"We as coaches have got to do a better job to put them in the positions for the effort they give, to put them in position to be successful."
The Gators (4-5) were dominated almost from the opening whistle to lose their third straight game, with pressure mounting on Mullen to turn things around. Florida's five losses are already a high in Mullen's four-year tenure at the school.
The loss to South Carolina was perhaps the worst of Mullen's run in Gainesville. The Gamecocks entered the weekend with only one SEC win, a one-point squeaker over lowly Vanderbilt. However, Shane Beamer's team ran all over Florida, compiling 284 yards on the ground as Kevin Harris and ZaQuandre White each went over the 100-yard mark.
South Carolina scored on its first five possessions of the game and never trailed again after taking a 10-7 lead in the first quarter.
The depleted Gators are 2-5 in the SEC but should get back on a winning track on Saturday at home against Samford, an FCS program.
No. 1 Georgia Rides Defensive Effort to Beat Florida 34-7 in SEC Rout
Oct 30, 2021
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) scrambles for yardage in front of Florida safety Trey Dean III (0) and linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party was a success for Georgia, as the nation's No. 1 team defeated Florida 34-7 at TIAA Bank Field on Saturday to remain undefeated.
Georgia won its first seven games on the strength of a defense allowing just 6.6 points per contest. Head coach Kirby Smart stuck with Stetson Bennett as his starting quarterback this week, even though JT Daniels was finally healthy after missing the past three games with a lat injury.
The Gators came into this game looking to get back on track. They lost two of their last three games, including a 49-42 defeat at LSU two weeks ago. Anthony Richardson and Emory Jones combined to throw four interceptions in that game.
After a scoreless first quarter when it looked like Florida was going to put up a fight, things changed dramatically in the second quarter. Georgia scored three touchdowns in less than three minutes of game time to take a 24-0 lead into halftime.
Nakobe Dean capped off the scoring barrage with a 50-yard touchdown when he picked off Richardson.
The Bulldogs defense was all over Florida's quarterback duo of Richardson and Jones. They recorded only 194 yards and two interceptions on 34 combined attempts.
Saturday was the first time since Georgia's season opener against Clemson that it looked potentially vulnerable. Bennett threw his first interception in five games late in the second quarter with the team clinging to a 3-0 lead.
Unlike the Clemson game, though, the Bulldogs figured things out thanks in part to some sloppy play by Florida. Rashad Torrence II, who picked off Bennett's pass in the end zone, tried to bring it out and was tackled at the two-yard line.
Florida head coach Dan Mullen ran Richardson on back-to-back plays. The second one gained eight yards, but Nolan Smith forced a fumble and recovered the ball at Florida's 11-yard line.
James Cook scored Georgia's first touchdown on the first play after the turnover. Smith got in on the action again on Florida's ensuing possession when he picked off Richardson.
Bennett found Kearis Jackson for a 36-yard score on the next play from scrimmage to extend the lead to 17-0. Florida did put together a decent drive after getting the ball back, but it ended with Dean's 50-yard pick-six.
Georgia's offense was mostly quiet for the rest of the game after that. Its longest drive of the second half took nine plays and 55 yards, ending with a field goal.
But the Bulldogs defense continued to do what it has done all season. The Gators only averaged 4.8 yards per play in the game.
Georgia's D is ree-diculous. They have studs all over that front seven. In 8 games, they've allowed a total of 16 points in the first half. That's insane how dominant they've been. That's as many points as their defense has scored over that stretch.
There might be a game this year when the defense does get caught on its heels, but the remaining schedule in the regular season certainly sets up well for Georgia to have an easy path to the SEC Championship game.
The Bulldogs don't play another team that currently has a winning record. If this was a statement game, they made it loud and clear to the rest of the country that the road to the College Football Playoff starts in Athens.
Florida's Flaws Stand Out in Loss
Mullen and his staff are going to spend a lot of time over the next week trying to find answers for what has gone wrong during their two-game losing skid.
The most glaring issue has been turnovers at the quarterback position. Richardson and Emory Jones have done a terrible job of protecting the football against LSU and Georgia. The Gators have a total of seven turnovers in those games.
They came into Saturday with 13 turnovers this season, tied with four other teams for most in the nation.
Even when the offense was able to move the ball against Georgia, those drives would end without points until the game was well in hand. The Gators had two possessions end in a turnover on downs. Jace Christmann missed two field-goal attempts.
It's especially unfortunate the offense came up short in this game because Florida's defense did a good job under difficult circumstances. The unit forced three turnovers of its own. Bennett threw as many interceptions today as he did in the previous six games combined (two).
Pro: Florida’s finally forcing turnovers!
Con: They are likely have nearly zero impact on the final outcome!
Mullen is stuck between a rock and a hard place with his quarterbacks right now. Richardson now has as many touchdown passes as interceptions (five) after throwing two picks Saturday.
Jones didn't throw a pick for just the second game this season, but he entered Saturday tied for third in the nation with nine interceptions.
Unless Richardson or Jones is able to step up his game, Florida is going to struggle to get over the .500 mark.
What's Next?
Georgia will return home to host Missouri at Sanford Stadium next Saturday. Florida will take on South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium on the same day.
This article will be updated to
provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
No. 10 Florida Upset by Unranked Kentucky 20-13 in SEC Action
Oct 3, 2021
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 02: Chris Rodriguez Jr #24 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball against the Florida Gators at Kroger Field on October 02, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
A phenomenal defensive effort combined with running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s 99-yard, one-touchdown performance propelled unranked Kentucky to a 20-13 home win over the No. 10 Florida Gators on Saturday from Kroger Field in Lexington.
We celebrate tonight, go back to work again tomorrow morning.
The Wildcats turned this game around after defensive end Josh Paschal blocked Florida's 48-yard field goal attempt, which led to Trevin Wallace returning the loose ball 76 yards for a touchdown to give UK a 13-10 lead with 6:36 left in the third quarter.
That just happened. 👋 @JPaschalx | TD return @WallaceTrevin
UK's defense came up big time and again, most notably when linebacker J.J. Weaver picked off Florida quarterback Emory Jones and returned the ball to the Gators' 29-yard line.
The UK defense bent but didn't break in response, as Florida went 59 yards in 13 plays before settling for a Jace Christmann 33-yard field goal.
Florida got the ball back after forcing a three-and-out and got something going late, driving all the way down to the Kentucky five-yard line for a 1st-and-goal with 41 seconds remaining.
However, the Gators went backwards and had a 4th-and-goal from the eight-yard line. The drive ended with a Jacquez Jones pass breakup.
Florida lost despite out-gaining Kentucky 382-224 and possessing the ball for more than 36 minutes.
The two teams traded touchdowns in the first half. Florida wideout Ja'Quavion Fraziars caught a seven-yard pass before UK quarterback Will Levis and wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson connected on a 41-yarder. Christmann then knocked a 51-yard field goal through the uprights in the second quarter for the 10-7 lead.
The 3-2 Gators will host the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET from Gainesville's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Kentucky, which is 5-0 overall and 3-0 in SEC play, will welcome LSU into town on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Bryce Young, No. 1 Alabama Survive Upset Bid by No. 11 Florida in SEC Action
Sep 18, 2021
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 18: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass during the second quarter of a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Nick Saban continues to have Dan Mullen's number.
Top-ranked Alabama went on the road and earned a 31-29 victory over No. 11 Florida in The Swamp in Gainesville, Florida, on Saturday.
Dameon Pierce found a seam and hit pay dirt on a 17-yard run to bring the Gators to within two points with 3:10 on the clock. Emory Jones and Malik Davis were unable to complete the two-point conversion, which kept Alabama in the lead.
After forcing Alabama to punt, Florida had four seconds to complete a miracle. Jones was sacked on the final play.
With the win, Saban improved to 11-0 against Mullen.
The outcome also reaffirms the Crimson Tide's status as the team to beat in the national championship race. They made a big statement in their opener by beating Miami 44-13, but that was undercut somewhat by the Hurricanes struggling to take down Appalachian State and losing to Michigan State.
Overcoming the Gators provides more clarity about an Alabama squad that lost a lot of talent to the NFL after its 2020 title run. The Tide won't dominate the competition in the same way they did a season ago, but they're still positioned to be as good as anyone else in the country.
Notable Performers
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: 22-of-35 for 240 yards, three touchdowns
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama: 15 carries 78 yards, one touchdown; one reception, seven yards, one touchdown
Emory Jones, QB, Florida: 18-of-28 for 195 yards, one interception; 18 carries, 76 yards, one touchdown
Malik Davis, RB, Florida: 10 carries, 86 yards, one touchdown
Tide Slow Down after Early Blitz
At the end of the first quarter, Alabama was up 21-3 and a blowout appeared to be in the making at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Bryce Young was 12-of-16 for 138 yards and three touchdowns.
Young was excellent through two weeks, but this was his first big test in hostile territory. As the rest of the first half unfolded, his inexperience may have become a factor as he and the Alabama offense ran aground.
That’s five consecutive incompletions by Bryce Young and two straight three-and-outs. Tide RBs have a combined 5 carreis for 41 yards.
Florida opened the second half with a three-yard touchdown run by Pierce to make it a one-score game 21-16.
Young responded with a 13-play, 75-yard drive that ate 5:47 off the clock. Brian Robinson Jr. gave Alabama some breathing room after he punched it in from three yards out on 4th-and-1.
It was the same story on when the Tide needed to run down the clock after Pierce's late scamper. Young and his teammates also had to deal with clock issues inside the stadium that meant an official on the field was keeping the time.
For those wondering about the clock issues in the Florida-Bama game, it's simple: Alabama being in a close game has caused a warp in the space-time continuum.
Although the road doesn't get a whole lot easier for Alabama the rest of the way, this might be one of the team's stiffest challenges before a possible SEC title clash. Survive and advance was the modus operandi for a Tide roster that's still finding its footing.
Slow Start Dooms Gators
In the past, mobile quarterbacks have caused problems for Alabama under Saban, with Johnny Manziel the most notable example. After running for 275 yards and two scores in Florida's first two games, it looked like the Gators would have one such threat with Anthony Richardson.
However, Richardson was battling a hamstring injury throughout the week, and his lack of involvement seemingly confirmed how serious the injury was.
Perhaps a healthy Richardson changes the outcome Saturday because Florida found plenty of success on the ground. The Gators finished with 245 rushing yards as the offensive line more than held its own against the Alabama front seven.
Teams don't just run the ball on Alabama like Florida is today. Very rare to run for 200+ yards vs. Bama, and we're still in the 3rd quarter.
Still, Mullen is left to rue a pair of mistakes that proved costly in retrospect.
Jalyn Armour-Davis' interception in the first quarter gave Alabama a short field for its third touchdown. Chris Howard's missed extra point in the second quarter meant Florida needed a two-point conversion after Pierce's second touchdown run to tie the score.
What's Next?
Alabama goes out of the SEC to play Southern Miss on Sept. 25 before a pair of difficult conference matchups against No. 17 Ole Miss and No. 7 Texas A&M. Florida will look to notch its first conference win at home against Tennessee next week.
SEC Media Days 2021: Highlights, Comments and Reaction from Monday
Jul 19, 2021
LSU head coach Ed Orgeron is interviewed during an NFL Pro Day at LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Wednesday, March 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Monday marked the start of the 2021 SEC media days from the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Alabama.
After last year's event was conducted virtually due because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year will mark the first in-person media days for coaches and players from every program in the SEC to discuss their expectations for the upcoming season since 2019.
LSU head coach Ed Orgeron was the main attraction on Day 1, but SEC commissioner Greg Sankey kicked things off with some notable information about how the schedule will be handled in the event of potential coronavirus issues for teams.
Addressing reporters, Sankey said the schedule this season will not allow for games to be rescheduled, so teams with COVID-19 outbreaks that prevent them from playing will have to forfeit/
"We have not built in the kind of time we did last year, particularly at the end of the season, to accommodate [postponements]," he said. "And unless we're going to do that, our teams are going to have to be fully prepared to play their games as scheduled."
Sankey also made it known he would like to see more teams in the conference get more players vaccinated, as only six of the 14 members are currently at the 80 percent threshold.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is making it clear. The year of rescheduling games is over. If one team can't play due to COVID then it's going to be a forfeit. He is imploring his member schools to get up to the 80 percent vaccination level. So far only 6 of 14 have done so.
There were a total of 139 games across college football that were canceled or postponed last season because of COVID-19 issues, including 15 involving SEC teams.
Another topic that Sankey touched on was the adoption of a name, image and likeness policy that allows players to earn money while still maintaining their college eligibility.
Sankey did agree with the temporary rule adopted by the NCAA for the time being, but added he would like to see a national standard adopted.
Greg Sankey on NIL: "The NCAA rules can no longer resolve key issues. We need a federal solution. ... Congressional action is necessary if we're gonna provide every student a clear, consistent and fair opportunity to benefit from their name, image and likeness."
One area that the SEC—and FBS football, in general—has received scrutiny for is the lack of diversity among head coaches.
ESPN's Ivan Maisel noted in December that 13 of 130 FBS programs had a Black head coach. There are currently zero in the SEC after Derek Mason was fired by Vanderbilt in November.
Sankey announced Monday that the conference is working to build diversity among its coaches to give "historically underrepresented groups” more opportunities going forward.
The SEC is kicking off an effort to build diversity among football coaches. The league will now be involved to make sure "historically underrepresented groups” are considered in the hiring process, commish Greg Sankey said. There are zero HCs from those groups now.
Florida stunned the Bulldogs 44-28 in November en route to winning the division and earning a spot in the SEC title game for the first time since 2016.
Gators defensive lineman Zach Carter echoed his head coach about the team being underestimated heading into the season.
Florida DL Zach Carter says the team sees what people have been saying about the Gators this offseason.
"I think it's a good thing that we have that chip on our shoulder this year, and we want people to be surprised this year." pic.twitter.com/MoQXjZx6ug
One of the marquee matchups for the Gators this season will be a home game against Alabama on Sept. 18. This will be the first regular-season meeting between the two teams since 2014.
UF’s Dan Mullen on hosting Alabama for 1st time in 10 years: “I’d like to do away with permanent cross over games (between East & West division teams), so you get these type of games more often"
The Crimson Tide have dominated the rivalry with seven consecutive wins since 2009. Florida's last win was on Dec. 6, 2008, in the SEC Championship Game when Tim Tebow was still with the program.
Another team on Florida's schedule this season will be LSU at Tiger Stadium on Oct. 16. The Tigers are looking to rebound in 2021 after a disappointing 5-5 record last year.
The biggest issue for LSU in 2020 was the defense that allowed 34.9 points per game. Bo Pelini was fired as defensive coordinator and replaced by Daronte Jones, who spent the past five seasons working as an assistant in the NFL.
Orgeron explained what he wants to see improve on his defense this season with Jones coaching the group:
We have to eliminate explosive plays. Too many explosive plays, too many missed assignments. Too many receivers running down the field free, and we played a lot of man and a lot of combination of man, stuff like that. Some of it was simple. Some of it was too complicated.
The always-colorful LSU head coach had a unique response when asked what he was interviewing assistant coaches during the offseason.
Ed Orgeron said he imagined he was an LSU Football player while interviewing assistant coaches this offseason.
"I wanted to see how well they could communicate to our players."
One of the key players for the Tigers who will be instrumental in their success is cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. The junior star is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2022 NFL draft, but he's got a huge role to play on the outside for LSU's defense.
Even though cornerback is his primary position, Stingley didn't close the door on possibly getting involved in the offense if the coaches want to take advantage of his skill set.
Derek Stingley Jr. is asked if he'll play wide receiver at #LSU this year.
"That depends on whether Coach O thinks I should be or not."
Stingley has been LSU's primary punt returner over the past two seasons. He averaged 16.2 yards per return on six attempts in 2020.
Orgeron told SportsTalk with Bobby Hebert and Kristian Garic (h/t Crissy Ford of LSU Tigers Wire) in June that "we’d like to use" Stingley for a few snaps on offense, but left the final decision up to his star defender if he's comfortable with it.
As for what he expects from LSU in 2021, Stingley wants to see the team develop its chemistry as the season goes along.
Derek Stingley Jr. is here. Asked what he's looking forward to:
"I'm looking forward to the team as a group as a whole and seeing what real chemistry looks like."
One reason LSU struggled last season could have been an inability to develop chemistry with so many new players in prominent roles.
After winning the College Football Playoff Championship in 2019, the Tigers tied an NCAA record with 14 players selected in the NFL draft. Joe Burrow, K'Lavon Chaisson, Justin Jefferson, Patrick Queen and Clyde Edwards-Helaire were all first-round picks in 2020.
Among the new head coaches in the SEC this year is Shane Beamer at South Carolina. The son of former Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer is getting his first opportunity to lead a program after spending the past 17 seasons as an assistant coach.
Based on his opening statement Monday, Beamer is very excited to get things started this season.
Shane Beamer over 12 minutes in his opening statement, topics ranging from position-by-position previews to an overall endorsement for the future of South Carolina.
"The best days of South Carolina football are right in front of us."
Shane Beamer impressive in his Media Days debut. He's name-checking B-list SEC Network talent. He mentioned his wife working Media Days as a @HailState intern. He mentioned Alabama courting his father. He's poised, confident and comfortable.
Beamer knows South Carolina very well from his time as an assistant under Steve Spurrier from 2007-10. He seemed to be utilizing his time at the microphone to recruit at least one player in particular.
Shane Beamer: "We are going to pass to the tight end. We WANT the premier tight ends in America."
The Gamecocks are in the running for Oscar Delp, a 4-star recruit and No. 3 tight end in the 2022 class by 247Sports composite rankings. There is heavy competition for the Georgia native, including from the Bulldogs, Crimson Tide, Gators and Michigan.
Beamer's exuberant personality hasn't won South Carolina any games yet, but he appears ready to handle the difficult task of coaching in the SEC.
South Carolina has finished under .500 in each of the past two seasons. Its .200 winning percentage in 2020 (2-8) was the seventh-worst single-season mark in program history.
Tuesday's SEC media days session will feature representatives from Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Dan Mullen, Florida Agree to 3-Year Contract Extension; Includes $7.6M Annual Salary
Jun 1, 2021
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Dan Mullen of the Florida Gators speaks to Richard Gouraige #76 of the Florida Gators during the first half at of a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores Vanderbilt Stadium on November 21, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Florida agreed to a three-year extension with head football coach Dan Mullen on Tuesday, according to the Orlando Sentinel's Edgar Thompson.
Under the new contract, Mullen will receive $7.6 million annually beginning in 2022. His deal will carry through the 2027 season.
That will make him the fifth-highest paid coach in FBS and third-highest in the SEC, per USA Today. Within the conference, he trails Alabama's Nick Saban ($9.3 million) and LSU's Ed Orgeron ($8.9 million).
"Dan has done a tremendous job in his three seasons at Florida, and we are fortunate to have someone with his obvious talents and head coaching experience leading our football program," athletic director Scott Stricklin said of the move. "I look forward to working alongside him to support his vision for Gators football and our student-athletes for many years."
The Gators finished 8-4 in 2020, their worst mark since Mullen arrived prior to the 2018 season. The year culminated in a 55-20 drubbing at the hands of Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
Florida's record was somewhat deceiving, though, considering its three regular-season losses came by a combined 12 points. The team might've gone 9-3 as well were it not for Marco Wilson's throwing the cleat of LSU's Kole Taylor.
The NCAA announced in December that the Gators were guilty of recruiting violations, with Mullen failing to "promote an atmosphere of compliance."
The NCAA said Mullen and one of his assistants made improper in-person contact with a prospective recruit while meeting with his high school coach, a Level II violation. The coaching staff committed a Level III violation when it made impermissible contact with 127 high schoolers whose teams had stopped on campus and toured the Gators facilities prior to a tournament.
Since Urban Meyer delivered national titles in 2006 and 2008, Florida has experienced plenty of false dawns while attempting to replicate the success the program enjoyed under Steve Spurrier from 1990 to 2001.
Mullen's extension wasn't a surprise because he appears to be a safer long-term option than Will Muschamp, Jim McElwain and Ron Zook were.
Watch Tim Tebow Surprise Cora Belle Edison with Video Message for 105th Birthday
Apr 21, 2021
Former Florida football player Tim Tebow speaks to fans after he was inducted in the Ring of Honor at Florida Field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Ex-collegiate and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, who won the 2007 Heisman Trophy and a pair of national championships during his time at the University of Florida, wished 105-year-old Cora Belle Edison a happy birthday this week.
In the video, Tebow covered a number of topics, including their shared religious faith, five-sibling families (he is the youngest of five; Edison has five children) and their desire to help people (Edison was a nurse). He also said he wished to meet Edison and give her a hug.
The CBS affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi, did a story on Edison's desire to meet Tebow on April 13.
Edison's caretaker, Gilda Crawford, offered these comments to Anna Farish of WJTV: "She watched every game he played, OK, that's what I'm talking about. I say if he knew that he had a 105-year-old person that was loving him like that, he would be happy. He would."
Edison added: "Tim Tebow, yeah, I like him. He's handsome."
Tebow did reach out and was clearly happy to provide birthday wishes to one of his biggest fans.
These days, the 33-year-old is an ESPN college football analyst. His professional sports days are over after stints as an NFL quarterback (2010-13, 2015) and minor league baseball outfielder (2016-21). Tebow is also the founder and chairman of the Tim Tebow Foundation.
Dan Mullen on Kyle Pitts: Only Way to Defend a Unicorn Is with Another Unicorn
Mar 31, 2021
Florida tight end Kyle Pitts (84) breaks free from a Missouri defender as he runs a pass pattern during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. Pitts was selected to The Associated Press All-America first-team offense, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida head coach Dan Mullen has one piece of advice for NFL teams that will be tasked with defending Gators star Kyle Pitts: good luck.
"He's an elite tight end, and he's an elite wide receiver," Mullen told reporters of Pitts at Florida's pro day. "He's a unicorn, and the only way you can defend a unicorn is with another unicorn."
Pitts showed off his speed Wednesday, running an unofficial 4.44-second 40-yard dash. Since 2000, that would be good enough for sixth among tight ends at the NFL Scouting Combine, per Stathead.
The 6'6" pass-catcher finished with 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2020. He was simply unguardable at times, especially in the red zone. He's too tall for many defensive backs and too fast for most linebackers, presenting a clear dilemma for defensive coordinators.
Per Stathead, 19 tight ends have been top-10 picks in the NFL draft. It's a pretty safe bet Pitts will be the 20th.
Arik Gilbert Announces Transfer to Florida from LSU; Former 5-Star Recruit
Jan 31, 2021
LSU tight end Arik Gilbert (2) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Arik Gilbert is headed from the SEC West to the SEC East.
On Sunday, the tight end announced he was transferring from LSU to Florida, saying, "This is the best situation for me and I'm excited to join the family."
Gilbert was a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 tight end in the class of 2020, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
He played during his freshman season for a disappointing LSU team that went 5-5 and finished with 35 catches for 368 yards and two touchdowns. His best game came during an October loss to the Missouri Tigers when he posted six catches for 97 yards and one touchdown.
The decision to transfer to Florida is notable because of how much success tight end Kyle Pitts enjoyed in head coach Dan Mullen's offense last year.
Pitts finished with 43 catches for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns in just eight games and was a threat to score almost every time he touched the ball. He may be a top-15 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, leaving space for someone like Gilbert to step in and be a key contributor right away.
Gilbert entered the transfer portal on Jan. 5, which was approximately one month after he elected to opt out of the remainder of the season.
This is a massive loss for the Tigers, who have taken a step back since winning the national title during the 2019 campaign. They self-imposed a 2020 postseason ban in December due to NCAA infractions and will now be without one of their most talented playmakers who figured to be a key part of their future not that long ago.
5-Star CB Prospect Sam McCall Decommits from Florida
Jan 1, 2021
Florida head coach Dan Mullen is having a rough few days.
On Wednesday, the Gators lost 55-20 to Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl Classic. On Friday, 5-star recruit Sam McCall decommitted from the program.
At the time, 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong highlighted how the Lakeland, Florida, native could help the Gators in a variety of ways:
"New Florida commit Sam McCall is a really good football player that impacts the game in all three facets on the prep level. At corner I like the balance, body control, the way he accelerates, the tackling ability, change of direction and certainly the ball skills. He is smooth wide receiver, can make big plays downfield, goes up and gets the football, has elusiveness after the catch, and again that burst allows him to separate and pull away. He’s fun to watch in the return game, a house call could always be in order from McCall."
As a junior at Lake Gibson High School, McCall had 18 tackles and four interceptions on defense to go along with 34 rushing yards and 52 receptions for 903 yards and 10 touchdowns, per AllGators'Zach Goodall.
McCall could decide to stick with Florida. But should he pledge his future to another school, it will be the second successive recruiting cycle in which Mullen lost a blue-chip cornerback. Clinton Burton Jr., the No. 13 corner in 247Sports' composite rankings for 2021,spurned the Gatorsto sign with Boston College. They did, however, sign 5-star cornerbackJason Marshall.
The timing of McCall's decision isn't ideal on the heels of Florida's shellacking. Oklahoma had 684 yards of total offense and forced Kyle Trask to endure his worst performance (16-of-28 for 158 yards and three interceptions) of the season.
The game underscored Mullen's need to strengthen the defense. The team allowed 428 yards and 30.8 points per game in 2020. Those numbers aren't good enough if the Gators want to overtake Alabama in the SEC or reach the College Football Playoff.
