ChompTalk.com

Chomping at the bit for Florida Athletics

recent posts

about

Blogger. English major. Ballroom dancer. Gymnastics enthusiast. Walking, talking pop culture database.
  • WGYM Liveblog: Arkansas at Florida

    WGYM Liveblog: Arkansas at Florida

    As many announcers across the country will say this weekend, “Let’s get ready to tumble!” It’s time for the home opener for your Florida Gator Gymnastics team! Tonight, the Gators face the Arkansas Razorbacks, the first of seven SEC opponents they’ll face this year. Though Florida was ranked higher than Arkansas in the preseason poll, this is the first week of competition for both teams, so it’s time to prove if the rankings were justified.

    Key players to watch at Florida include lots of familiar names, as most of the team this year is the same as last year: Trinity Thomas, Alyssa Baumann, Amelia Hundley, Rachel Gowey, Megan Skaggs, and Savannah Schoenherr. All can put up huge scores on multiple events for the Gators. Arkansas’s heavy hitters include all-arounders Jessica Yamzon and Kennedy Hambrick, as well as senior Sarah Shaffer and junior Sophia Carter, who both do technically beautiful work on their respective apparatuses.

    https://twitter.com/mycluttereddesk/status/1215780997847027718?s=20

    6:45pm: Hey guys! Check out the ChompTalk Insta story if you wanna see warmups – these floor routines look soo fun! Let’s talk about lineups.

    Thomas in AA is expected, but Skaggs only being on bars is very much not. She featured heavily in beam last season and guested in vault and floor as well. Schoenherr’s floor must still not be ready, and Foberg must not be ready for competition yet since she’s not in the bars lineup. Freshman Payton Richards is in three events tonight though, which is awesome! Looking forward to seeing her kill it tonight. I’m surprised she’s in bars and not floor, but as always, I’m willing to go along with Jenny’s experiments and see how things go before I judge anything too harshly.

    https://twitter.com/samisadancer/status/1215781494351900672?s=20

    https://twitter.com/Chazelena/status/1215781543131734017?s=20

    6:50pm: Intros happening now. I’ve been told Elswick is out tonight for Arkansas due to potential injury, she’s been spotted in a boot. Another interesting point about lineups tonight: Thomas is anchoring beam, over Gowey and Baumann. We’ll see if she deserves it, but honestly, I can’t imagine her not owning that spot.

    6:57pm: I can’t sit here tonight with her right in front of me and not talk about her – 2012 Olympian and one the youngest NCAA head coaches in history Jordyn freakin Wieber is here, and she is owning every minute of this. She looks like an absolute pro in this atmosphere, I’m kind of obsessed.

    7:01pm: Here we gooooooooooooooo!

    Alexander, VT: Yurchenko full, huge and floaty, step back on the landing.

    Yamzon, UB: good first handstand, Tkachev a little low. Bail comes a little close to coach Chris Brooks but she’s clear. FTDLO dismount, stuck! That’ll be a great start for Arkansas.

    7:03pm: Reed, VT: Y1.5, only a small hop! Swam a little to keep it that way, but her feet stayed put. Way better than she warmed up, she was bounding out of them just like at O&B

    Carter, UB: good first handstand, blind change is solid. Jaeger a little close, not very extended. Bail is good, a little piked in the hips but not hugely. Good last handstand, a little leg break in her full pirouette, just a double back dismount with a steadying step.

    7:05pm: Baumann, VT: Y1.5, underpowered it trying too hard not to overdo it, and she sat.

    Gillings, UB: Good first handstands, Jaeger and missed her hands, falls. Brooks helps her back up, toe on handstand is good. Bail a little crooked. Last handstand was short. Double tuck dismount, step back. That’s gonna step their momentum in its tracks.

    7:08pm: Schoenherr, VT: Y1.5, super clean in the air, little stutter step on the landing – maybe two? Good reset after Baumann’s fall.

    Hambrick, UB: Good first handstand. Jaeger to overshoot is good, great air. Short on last handstand. Full in stuck! A good reset for the Gymbacks as well.

    7:09: Thomas, VT: Y1.5, hop forward. Not the landing she was looking for, but beautiful in the air, super floaty

    Lovett, UB: Great first handstand, Ray is nice. Bail is good, Brooks is really getting close to them spotting tonight. Full pirouette to double tuck, good!

    7:11pm: Richards, VT: This is huge! A freshman anchoring vault here is unheard of. Y1.5, super clean, lots of power, hop forward, about the same size as Trin’s I think?

    Laird, UB: A little shy first handstand, Tkachev is good. Bail is good, no Brooks necessary. DLO dismount, stutter step back.

    Overall a good rotation for both teams, but I definitely give Florida the edge even with Baumann’s fall.

    7:13pm: Looks like we’re getting exhibitions tonight!

    Hundley, VT: just an FTY, but a good one, small slide back.

    Gianfagna, UB: Short first handstand, Tkachev is huge but flexed feet. Pikes her swing into her bail, but the bail itself is okay. Shy on the last handstand too. Sticks her full in! Good for her.

    AFTER ONE: UF 49.125, ARK 48.625

    Reed leads vault after one (I’m actually legitimately surprised! Good for her for cleaning that up!) with a 9.875, and Hambrick and Lovett lead bars with twin 9.825s. Very likely the Gators will overtake that number, though.

    Looks like former LSU Tiger Lexie Priessman may make a visit to the O-Dome to see her former training buddy and current best friend Amelia Hundley compete! Cute!

    https://twitter.com/Chazelena/status/1215788824850247681?s=20

    https://twitter.com/samisadancer/status/1215790231695319040?s=20

    I agree with most of this. It’s better to have more power than less, but it’d be even better if they had better control over that power. We have time though.

    7:21pm: Second rotation let’s go!

    Yamzon, VT: FTY, not much height but good distance, step back.

    Richards, UB: great first handstand! Maloney to bail is aggressive, I’m worried she might overpower it at some point, but tonight it’s great! good last handstand, DLO slide back. This girl is rocking everyone’s world tonight, what a gem.

    7:23pm: Gianfagna, VT: FTY, kinda low, big hop off to the side. Must’ve been angled off her block.

    Gowey, UB: Good first handstand! Ray is clean, a little small for her. Pak is good, but maybe some flexed toes?? That’s unlike her. Plants that DLO like she’s got glue on her feet though! Good finish!

    7:24pm: Hickey, VT: FTY, slide back.

    Hundley, UB: good first handstand, really went for it. Maloney to pak is good. Van Leeuwen good, not as aggressive as some I’ve seen from her. Slings her full in out a little further than usual but sticks it! Yes girl!

    7:26pm: Rogers, VT: FTY, pikes down pretty early and doesn’t go very far, but only a slight side step on her landing.

    Schoenherr, UB: First handstand almost looked too arched and almost short? Jaeger is great. Bail rail straight, good. A little shy last handstand. Nails her double front half out and sticks it! Crowd is going crazy in here.

    7:28pm: Shaffer, VT: Yhalf, maybe a small shuffle but that was easily their best vault so far. Great dynamics and a strong landing.

    Thomas, UB: Perfect first handstand. Great maloney to uprise, pak is good (little leg sep??), van Leeuwen too. DLO, swims for it and stays put!

    7:30pm: Hambrick, VT: FTY, maybe a small shuffle? I hate our angle on vault 😦

    Skaggs, UB: Great first handstand. Tkachev to pak is a BEAUTY. Good last handstand. DLO slide back on the landing. That’ll be a great score, would’ve been better if she’d stuck.

    7:32pm: Exhibitions again!

    Clapper, UB: Good first handstand, blind change is good. piked Jaeger is a little close. Next handstand not so good. Bail is okay. full in, small hop. Good experience for her but probably true she’s not ready for lineup. 9.85 is a little generous there, imo, but it doesn’t count anyway so it’s fine, right?

    AFTER TWO: UF 98.475, ARK 97.150

    Thomas will take the bars crown at 9.925, and Reed’s 9.875 on vault will hold.

    As expected, Florida has a large lead, but how that’s shaking out is turning out to be really interesting. Really looking forward to what Arkansas brings on floor with Wieber at the helm, and to see how Florida handles beam this season.

    7:39pm: Hundley, BB: Pretty mount sequence. Front aerial to sissone, good. Bhs loso for her series, leaps are good. Full turn, a little bobble but keeps it small. Roundoff 1.5 dismount stuck! Great start!

    7:41pm: Yamzon, FX: Double back to open, good. Giving all the sass and hitting all her musicality in this section. Double pike, a little low in the chest but fine. Giving a little finger A in her choreograph there. Doing the worm on her back! Audible gasp from the crowd, haha. Front lay to front full to finish, good control. A good start for the Razorbacks as well!

    7:43pm: Richards, BB: Let’s see if our freshman phenom can go three for three. Full turn is good. Bhs loso loso, yas! Switch to split, good positions in the air. Side aerial back full, she was a little off on her takeoff but got it around, little hop. Good for her!

    7:45pm: Gianfagna, FX: Double pike, good start. 1.5 to front lay, good control out of it. Hitting all her marks in the music, good. Dance elements are all spot on. Double tuck, really crunched chest on the landing but pops it up to cover. Another hit!

    7:47pm: Clapper, BB: Bhs loso loso, wobbles in there but handles them like a pro. Forward roll, nice. Switch to split, good. Jason Mraz for her beam music again this year, love it. Side aerial back full, little hop back. Still pushing through with useable scores, but still waiting for the big guns to come out.

    7:48pm: Hickey, FX: Bringing the drama on this one! Double pike to open, gorgeous position in the air. Lovely straddle elements right in front of the judges. 1.5 to front lay, a little crossy in the 1.5 but handles it fine. Her Shushunova to some floor choreo is fun! Double tuck to finish is solid too. Their tumbling looks so much more energized this year, honestly. Chalk it up to that Wieber conditioning, man.

    7:50pm: Baumann, BB: Switch to split, gorgeous as always. Bhs loso, good. Switch half, nice. Full turn, perfection. Side aerial, locks those arms into place. They don’t call her the ice queen for nothing. Roundoff 1.5 stuck!! Why is this woman not anchoring? She deserves better than the scores the 4 slot will stick her with.

    7:51pm: Hambrick, FX: Double tuck to open, big lunge back. Front handspring to Rudi to straight layout to stag jump, a little bouncey but covers with dance. Side aerial to the floor for some fun choreo, love that! Double pike, great finish! She was serving it to the judges too, showing off just a little. Love the confidence.

    7:53pm: Gowey, BB: Switch to split, gorgeous. Bhs loso loso, a little hesitant in the last layout but she handles it. Professional. Front aerial to sissone, lovely. Full turn, great. Gainer full stuck!

    Lovett, FX: DLO to lead off! I didn’t know she had that! Front lay to front full, little jump out of it. A little short in her second split position in her dance series. Double tuck, lands completely upright, gorgeous! Wow!

    7:57pm: Thomas, BB: Switch to split leap, that’s fun. Keeping the elite skills in there. Beyonce for her beam music, I love. One arm bhs to loso series, dead on. Korbut is lovely. Side aerial to back full, stuck! I like that they’re keeping her dismount simple this year. Flashing 10 hands but no one is getting into in the crowd, whoops.

    7:59pm: Carter, FX: Double tuck to open, well controlled and upright. Sorry, distracted in the middle because one judge gave Thomas a 10, oops. Her dance has been gorgeous throughout though. Double pike to finish was gorgeous. I love the ticking time theme for this for her, kudos to Wieber.

    8:01pm: Another exhibition!

    Skaggs, BB: Wolf turn a little wobbly, but fine. Dance elements dead on. Acro series great. Switch side, nice. Side aerial to back full, slide back. Still wondering how she didn’t make the lineup, but we’re just that deep I guess.

    AFTER THREE: UF 147.950, ARK 146.150

    Thomas leads beam with an almost unbeatable 9.975 (the 9th of her career so far!!) while Carter leads floor with a 9.875, a score the Gators will certainly hope to beat.

    https://twitter.com/samisadancer/status/1215802403192070145?s=20

    8:10pm: Yamzon, BB: Cat leap to switch side, good. Triple series, looked a little off in the middle but made the correction before the third flip. Catelyn Orel serving me baby Wieber vibes with her high red heels standing at the end of the beam, Jo has clearly taught her well. Gainer full looked stuck from here but I have people standing in my way.

    8:11pm: SJS, FX: Just the double pike tonight, no arabian. Here comes the sass. 1.5 to front lay to stag, good control out of it. Great positions in her dance series, crowd gasps when she drops to her stomach on the floor. Double back to finish, a little tight bringing it around but pops up. That’s huge for her, what a way to start!

    8:13pm: Gianfagna, BB: bhs loso right off the top, good. full turn, solid. Front toss, small check but keeps it small. Switch to back tuck, wow! Good for her. Beat to split half, good. Roundoff 1.5, hop forward.

    8:14pm: Gowey, FX: So much drama to start this routine, I’m obsessed. She plays this slightly creepy elegant vibe so well. Front lay to Rudi is good, not the best I’ve seen her do. Positions good through dance series. Double tuck to finish, good! This 2-pass routine trend definitely benefits her, no more stamina problems here.

    8:17pm: Lovett, BB: Lovely so far, missed exact elements. Front aerial to loso, oooh that’s fun. Switch half, aaaand she’s off. Gets back up, full turn is fine. Just the dismount now, gainer pike with a hop.

    8:19pm: Hundley, FX: Whip double back to open, chest up and good control on the landing. She’s having so much fun with this classic rock medley. Double pike, just a little low but covers well. Dance series is great, another scream from the crowd when she drops to the floor. Like they didn’t just see it? I’m dying. Combo pass is great, you can tell she’s stoked. The crowd LOVED it – and the girls are doing a kickline on the floor now, that’s amazing.

    8:20pm: Gillings, BB: Bhs loso loso, really slow through it and breaks at the hips, but stays on. Front aerial, big bobble and doesn’t connect it to anything. Little short in her switch leap, at least from my perspective. Side aerial back full, hoppy on the landing. Not her best.

    8:22pm: Reed, FX: Already bringing the sass from the first beat of the music. DLO is a BEAUTY, good control in her landing. Dance series is good, good amplitude. Here comes the drumline section. Front lay to Rudi, nice. Giving us serious drumline dancer vibes. Double pike, lands with her chest up, that was awesome! The best I’ve seen her do that double pike, I think.

    8:24pm: Hambrick, BB: She’s working through her struggles here really well, she’s bobbled several times but she stayed on through the whole thing and stuck her gainer full!

    8:26pm: Thomas, FX: I get almost a Matrix-y vibe from her routine this year, very futuristic and dramatic. DLO is perfection as always. Front full to front lay to stag, good. Great extension through her dance elements. One single worm flow to her oversplit, crowd loves it. Double pike, this team is seriously on fire tonight.

    8:28pm: Carter, BB: Bobbles at the end of her series because people are booing that Trin got ANOTHER 9.975. She is having a LOT of trouble here, low front leg on her switch to sheep. Side aerial back full, cross step. She was off that entire routine and SOMEHOW managed not to fall. Good for her, but that will be a disappointing overall rotation for Arkansas.

    8:29pm: Baumann, FX: This whole routine is basically themed around her being the ice queen. Thank you, gymternet! Just the double back tonight, no DLO, and she almost overpowers it – covers well with a lunge. Combo pass is great, dance right out of it. Showcasing her flexibility and extension in here, love. Double pike to finish, keeps it controlled. Not as big as Trin’s, so I don’t think it’ll go 10 even with the score bump. But it was a good one.

    8:32pm: Exhibitions for the last rotation!

    Laird, BB: Side aerial to another side aerial for her series, that’s cool! Great extension through to a split on the beam. Love her choreo here. This needs to go in the lineup ASAP, Arkansas. Dance series had a little bobble. Cartwheel to gainer full stuck.

    Taylor, FX: Love that she’s getting the chance to show this! Full in to open! Yes! Showing off her power in tumbling and choreo. Combo pass through to stag is good. First straddle position was a little low but second was better. Double pike, chest a little low. Great first outing for her, her team is literally tackling her right now, awww.

    FINAL SCORE: UF 197.350, ARK 194.400

    Vault will go to Reed at 9.875. Bars, beam, and floor to Thomas at 9.925, 9.975, and 9.975 respectively, and the AA is hers as well at 39.7.

    Overall, I think the Gators showed real promise tonight. They’re on the right track, especially on beam and floor, on the road to nationals. Bars was a fluke, I think, rattled after vault. Vault needs some work, as it did last year. We’ll have to see how it all goes. Thanks for joining me! I’ll have a recap for anyone who wants it tomorrow!

  • WBB: Gators dominate Auburn for first road SEC win

    WBB: Gators dominate Auburn for first road SEC win

    Final: Florida 83, Auburn 63

    Photo by Kristen Oliff / ChompTalk.com

    The Florida Gators are 2-1 in SEC play for the first time since the 2015-16 season thanks to a balanced effort from its top players on Thursday.

    The Gators were led by five players finishing with double figures as they walloped Auburn 83-63 on the road.

    Freshman Lavender Briggs led all scorers with 19, her fourteenth straight contest in double figures, while Kiki Smith (15), Nina Rickards (13), Kristina Moore (12), and Ariel Johnson (10) all played major roles in the win.

    The Gators finished the first quarter with a 21-12 lead thanks to shooting 8-12 from the floor and 4-5 from three point range. Rickards came out firing, hitting 3-4 from the floor (2-3 3FG) and compiling 8 points in the first.

    Florida again knocked down eight shots in the second quarter and built the lead to nine at 42-31 by halftime.

    The Gators opened the second half by scoring the first thirteen points, including five from Smith. Armed with a 24 point advantage, Florida was able to coast to victory.

    For the game, the Gators shot a whopping 62% from the field and 59% from deep with five different players knocking down shots from beyond the three point line (including Brylee Bartram, 2-3).

    Individual Stats:

    • Lavender Briggs: 19 points (7-10 FG, 3-5 3FG)
    • Kiki Smith: 15 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds
    • Nina Rickards: 13 points (4-6 FG, 3-4 3FG), 3 rebounds, 3 assists
    • Kristina Moore: 12 points (5-6 FG, 1-1 3FG)
    • Ariel Johnson: 10 points, 4 rebounds

    Team Stats:

    • FG% : 62
    • 3FG% : 59
    • FT% : 82
    • Reb+/- : +1
    • Assists: 13
    • TO: 17
    • Bench Points: 16

    What’s Next:

    The Gators return home on Sunday to face No. 14 Kentucky at 12:00 PM. The game will be aired live on ESPNU.

    The Wildcats are 12-2 on the season and are leading Alabama by double digits in the fourth quarter.*

    *At time of publishing

  • WGYM: Gators Gear Up for 2020 Season

    WGYM: Gators Gear Up for 2020 Season

    Photo by Brian Fox / ChompTalk.com

    Get excited, ladies and gents – gymnastics season is finally here! Taking the first week of the season as extra training time, as many teams do, the Gators finally open their season at home this Friday against conference-mate Arkansas. The theme for the Gators this year is #NOW, which seems appropriate given what happened last year. They don’t want to leave anything to chance or to the future – they’re leaving it all on the floor, taking what they can and giving nothing back.

    The team is almost identical this year in terms of composition, but the atmosphere is tangibly different. The fire in these athletes is visible, in their quest for improvement and upgrades, in their attention to detail, and in their fight for every tenth even when they’ve made a mistake. The road to redemption won’t be easy, and competition will be fierce, but the Gators are ready for battle, event after event.

    VAULT

    Vault last year was not what Florida had hoped for. Despite having the potential for a full lineup of 10.0 start value vaults, those vaults were not at a 10-worthy caliber, and the team fought landing error after landing error throughout the season. This year, the Gators aim to change that tune, working on their landing errors and power off the table for some promising results.

    Our Lineup Guess:

    Trinity Thomas: After winning SEC Freshman of the Year, among many other awards, Thomas is back for her sophomore season fresh off a great elite season culminating in an invitation to trials for the World Championships. Though she showed a downgraded vault at Orange & Blue, she and head coach Jenny Rowland assured us that she would be back to her full-strength Yurchenko 1.5. Provided she can drill her landings, she should be one of the top scorers here for the Gators.

    Savannah Schoenherr: At the end of the 2019 season, Schoenherr had one of the best Y1.5 landings on the team, qualifying to nationals as an individual for vault. Expect no different in 2020, as she continues to improve her dynamics and hone her air awareness to stick her vault and score high.

    Alyssa Baumann: The AA run that was hinted at last season is now a reality – Baumann’s Y1.5 is competition ready. The Y1.5 she showed at Orange & Blue could easily slot into Florida’s lineup, with only a slight knee bend in the last half twist and a small hop on the landing. As she improves, she could be capable of moving into the later half of the lineup.

    Nya Reed: Known for her power, Reed’s Y1.5 gets huge height and distance, but sometimes, it’s to her detriment. She loses her air awareness and takes big bounds on her landings. If she can control it, she’ll earn huge scores for the Gators, but if not, she could lose her lineup slot, as there are lots of quality FTYs that could score just as well with better landings.

    Payton Richards: The powerhouse freshman shows great progress on vault, and though her landing was a little off-kilter at O&B, she’s got what it takes to make the corrections and come up with big scores.

    On the Bubble:

    Sierra Alexander: Without a sixth 10.0 start, the Gators will need a solid Yurchenko full to fill out their lineup, and Alexander seems like the right choice, at least for the first few weeks. With her senior leadership and stellar dynamics, she’s a great option for the leadoff spot in this lineup.

    Megan Skaggs: Skaggs has one of the prettiest fulls on the squad, with gorgeous form in the air and frequently hit landings. She could totally sneak into the top six on vault if anyone isn’t up to snuff.

    Amelia Hundley: Hundley has also shown her ability to sub in on vault in the past and turn up a decent score. Though she’s no longer training the Y1.5 as she did last season, her full is better for it.

    BARS

    In 2019, the Gators showed their chops on bars all season, consistently ranking in the top three in the country on the event. They’ll need a new leadoff to replace Alicia Boren, but otherwise, expect them to keep up the good work.

    Our Lineup Guess:

    Megan Skaggs: With flawless lines and aggressive attack on her releases, there’s no doubt that Skaggs will highlight, if not anchor, this lineup. Expect strong scores from her throughout the season, maybe even a 10.0 if she’s lucky.

    Trinity Thomas: Like Skaggs, Thomas could easily anchor this lineup. Her technique is beautiful and she swings with graceful ease – a 10.0 could also be in her future.

    Savannah Schoenherr: With a personal best of 9.925 in just her first season, Schoenherr is another lock for this lineup, especially if she can keep sticking her difficult double front half out dismount as she did at O&B.

    Rachel Gowey: Watching Gowey is like taking a technique clinic – from start to finish, each release and handstand shows off her body position and toe point, and her easy swing helps her make it looks effortless.

    Amelia Hundley: After three years of hitting every single bar routine she’s competed, it would be a crime to take Hundley out of this lineup. She’s exactly the kind of consistent, reliable performer to take the leadoff slot this year.

    On the Bubble:

    Alyssa Baumann: Showing progress on bars at Orange & Blue, Baumann has been working toward competing in the all-around for a long time. For the home opener, at least, it’s our theory that she’ll be in that sixth slot, but with all the competition, it’s hard to say whether she’ll stay there or not.

    Jazmyn Foberg: Foberg wasn’t ready for hard landings at O&B last month, but if she’s ready now, she’s a strong choice for the sixth lineup berth. Her power and unique combinations on bars give her an advantage over some of her teammates, which could grant her the nod.

    Leah Clapper: Though her form may need some more perfecting, Clapper showcased a smooth routine at O&B featuring an effortless piked Jaeger release. If Baumann and Foberg aren’t ready, she could definitely slide into the lineup in these early weeks.

    BEAM

    Beam has given the Gators some grief in the past, including becoming the primary stumbling block at regionals last year. Florida cannot allow the mistakes of the past to haunt them, so this year will be about moving on and pressing forward. Many of the returning gymnasts have made some minor tweaks to their routines, so maybe this will give them the edge they need to make beam a strength again.

    Our Lineup Guess:

    Alyssa Baumann: They don’t call her the ice queen for nothing. Baumann’s beam is a force to be reckoned with, from the gorgeous technique in her acro skills to her meticulously choreographed hand and wrist movements. The 10.0 is still hanging out there for her, and you bet she’s hungry for it.

    Rachel Gowey: A beam queen in her own right, Gowey might be the only Gator who hasn’t changed her routine this year. Her confidence and ownership of the apparatus radiates during her routines, so expect huge numbers from her this year as well.

    Trinity Thomas: With a new mount and a new acro element this year, Thomas continues to up her game and push the envelope. She’s another lineup lock, along with the previous two.

    Megan Skaggs: Another incredible technician, Skaggs was a staple in the beam lineup last season and likely will be again this year. She may have had a few bobbles at Orange & Blue, but like a pro, she controlled them and didn’t let them throw her off.

    Amelia Hundley: Hundley is the consistency queen, having only missed 5 total routines across all four events throughout her career. She’ll make a great leadoff for this beam squad.

    On the Bubble:

    Leah Clapper: The most likely choice for the sixth slot, Clapper subbed in frequently last season and proved her mettle, fighting to stay on even when she faltered. O&B was no exception, as she had a break in her acro series, but she fought and stayed on – an important quality to have in a beamer.

    Payton Richards: The lone freshman has potential here on beam, too. At O&B, she didn’t have her full routine choreographed, but both sections she performed were solid, including her triple acro series. If she’s finished it, her beam could definitely end up in the lineup.

    Sydney Johnson-Scharpf: The attack and precision she has on beam is impressive, but Johnson-Scharpf has a few more bumps to smooth out before she’s ready for competition. Still, if she’s gotten that under control, she’d definitely be an asset to this squad.

    FLOOR

    Floor is always a hit for the Gators, but it tripped them up more than once last season, including at the SEC Championships, where it essentially cost them the title to LSU. This year, they’ll need to be more consistent, and that largely comes with experience. If the coaches can find their best lineup more quickly and not switch gymnasts in and out as much, that may help in the long run.

    Our Lineup Guess:

    Trinity Thomas: With powerful, floaty tumbling and a performance quality that will leave you mesmerized, Thomas is the total package. With Boren graduated, she is the rightful anchor of this lineup.

    Alyssa Baumann: More likely, though, is that Baumann will be the final performer on the floor. That was the MO last season, and the small score bump she received for going last after so many stellar routines definitely paid off more than a few times. Her routine is nothing to sneeze at, either, and her double layout looks better than ever.

    Nya Reed: The sass queen is back, folks, and this year she has drumline music. Reed rocks the O-Dome every time she steps out, with her huge double layout and equally huge personality. She’ll be a staple in this lineup again this year, no doubt.

    Amelia Hundley: Hundley has had no problem bringing the house down in years past, but this year, her routine is a real showstopper. Featuring a classic rock medley you’ll want to sing along to, her infectious energy and clean tumbling are sure to put up good numbers.

    On the Bubble

    Payton Richards: The only thing holding this freshman back from being a lineup lock is her confidence. If she learns to own the floor and play to the crowd, she’ll be a shoo-in for a spot on the floor squad, because she absolutely has the tumbling goods to keep up with her teammates.

    Megan Skaggs: To be completely honest, the sixth spot in the lineup could go to one of four or five athletes. Skaggs is our pick because of her cleanliness in technique and the way she draws you in, giving a mysterious drama to her performance.

    Savannah Schoenherr: Schoenherr had a bad night at O&B, flubbing her tumbling including sitting her front double full. But she’s fully capable of getting it together and delivering a solid score – she just needs more time. If she breaks through, expect it to be later on in the season.

    Sierra Alexander: She hasn’t competed floor yet in her college career, but she’s been on the bubble for so long, it might be time for Alexander to break through. She’s a senior this year, and she has an awesome routine that features stepping in her choreography and a fabulous double layout to match. It’s time.

    OVERALL

    Obviously, the team is absolutely stacked this year, with a plethora of options available for head coach Jenny Rowland to play around with. Each lineup will have its stalwarts, but there are one or two spots in each one that could be switched around a lot throughout the season. To have this much talent on the team is a blessing, but the team will have to be 100% on top of their game if things are going to change as much as we expect. By postseason, if Florida is able to settle into a set six on every event, I think that will help them “be normal,” as Rowland likes to say, knowing what to expect in each meet and getting set in a routine. If they can do that, the Gators should be in great shape to once again contend for the national title.

  • 3-Star APB Brashard Smith commits to Gators’ 2021 class

    3-Star APB Brashard Smith commits to Gators’ 2021 class

    Gators Continue To Gain Traction In South Florida

    Photo by Andrew Ivins / 247Sports

    Miami Palmetto High School wide receiver, Brashard Smith pledged his commitment to the Florida Gators on Wednesday afternoon. Smith became the eighth commitment to the Gators’ fourth-ranked class for the 2021 recruiting cycle. At 5’8.5″ and 177 pounds, Smith is expected to be utilized as an all-purpose back in Dan Mullen’s offense.

    Although he may not have great size, Smith boasts speed and athleticism with a 4.34-second shuttle and a 29.5″ vertical leap. The three-star prospect sits outside of the top 300 at number 332 but has received a lot of interest from some of the nation’s top programs. Smith chose the Gators over 28 other teams, including Alabama, LSU, and Miami. Gators’ quarterbacks coach, Brian Johnson is credited with gaining the commitment.

    Securing the Miami native is another step in the right direction for a program that is working diligently to reclaim recruiting supremacy within the state. Smith is the third player from Miami to choose the Gators this month, as Xzavier Henderson (Colombus High) and Lorenzo Lingard — yes, he’s technically from Orange City, but he is transferring from Miami — also announced they would be joining the ranks.

  • SB: Danielle Romanello has entered NCAA transfer portal

    SB: Danielle Romanello has entered NCAA transfer portal

    Photo by Anthony Peña / Getty Images

    Softball America has reported that Florida outfielder Danielle Romanello has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

    Romanello, whose lifelong dream was to play at UF (according to a Tampa Bay Times article in 2018), never became a mainstay in the Florida lineup despite inconsistent play from her teammates.

    As a freshman in 2018, Romanello appeared in 34 games and was even named the SEC Freshman of the Week in April after leading Florida to a win over Alabama.

    In 2019, the sophomore appeared in 45 games and hit .186 to go along with a .304 on-base percentage.

    The St. Petersburg native slugged four homers and drove in 10 RBI in her second season donning the Orange and Blue.

    Florida’s official website doesn’t list Romanello on the team’s roster.

    The Gators open the season at the USF – Rawlings Invitational on February 7 against Iowa State.

  • MBB: Nembhard leads Gators past South Carolina

    MBB: Nembhard leads Gators past South Carolina

    Final: Florida 81, South Carolina 68

    Photo by Michael Reaves / Getty Images


    Florida and South Carolina met on Tuesday in the Gators’ first road conference tilt of the season.

    The Gators defeated USC 81-68 to improve to 10-4 overall and 2-0 in conference play.

    Andrew Nembhard keyed the victory, finishing with a double-double and a game high 21 points for Florida.

    How it happened:

    Florida and South Carolina played a fast paced game out of the gates, heading into the under-16 media timeout with a  12-12 score.

    The two teams proceeded to trade buckets with Carolina leading for a majority of the game in the opening ten minutes. 

    Florida took the lead on a three-pointer by Scottie Lewis with 9:45 to play in the opening period. The Gators led by as much as seven at 40-33, but South Carolina finished the half on a quick 4-0 run to close the gap to three at the intermission.

    Florida extended their lead to seven before a time out by South Carolina with 16:24 left in the game.  The Gamecocks closed the gap to two before the under 16 time out, but Florida continued to pressure defensively and pushed the lead back up to five with 12 minutes remaining.

    With a few scares coming from the Gamecocks tonight the Gators managed to push through and pick up an impressive second win in SEC play.

    Quick Stats:

    Blackshear: 11 points, 5 rebounds

    Johnson: 19 points, 8 rebounds

    Nembhard: 21 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists

    Locke: 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

    Lewis: 15 points, 9 rebounds

    Fast Stats:

    FG%: 47%

    3FG%: 38%

    Rebounds +/-: +12

    TO: 11

    Up Next:

    Florida will continue their road trip this weekend as they take on Mizzouri on Saturday in Columbia with tipoff scheduled for 1:00 PM ET. 

  • MBB: Scottie Lewis named SEC Freshman on the Week

    MBB: Scottie Lewis named SEC Freshman on the Week

    Photo by Michael Reaves / Getty Images

    Scottie Lewis was named SEC Men’s Basketball Freshman of the Week, the conference announced on Monday.

    The Hazlet, NJ native recorded his first career double-double, posting 15 points and 10 rebounds in the double-overtime win over Alabama on Saturday.

    Lewis is averaging 8.7 points and 4.7 rebounds on the season and has started the last nine games for the Gators.

    This is the first SEC honor for the former five-star recruit.

    Florida will face South Carolina on Tuesday with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. The game is slated to air on ESPNU.

  • BSB: Florida’s All-Decade Team

    BSB: Florida’s All-Decade Team

    Photo by J. Meric / Getty Images
    With the decade coming to an end, we reflect on the Florida Gators and their baseball program.

    In this decade, Florida has been one of the most successful baseball programs in the country.

    During the 2010s, the Gators compiled a 455-209 record with a 68.5 winning percentage. They also went to the College World Series seven times and won the program’s first National Championship in 2017.

    With Kevin O’Sullivan at the helm, the Florida Gators baseball program has become a national powerhouse. A big reason for Florida’s success is the players O’Sullivan has recruited and kept at the University of Florida.

    There has been many great players that have worn the Orange and Blue and many of Florida’s top players came from this decade. The following is the Florida Gators All-Decade Baseball team.

    Also check out the following UF All-Decade Teams:

    Starting Pitchers: (5)

    1. RHP Brady Singer

    In the 2015 MLB Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays drafted Brady Singer with the 56th overall pick. Many believed Singer would sign with the Blue Jays and never pitch an inning at the University of Florida. However, he surprised many as he picked the Gators over starting his professional career.
    During his time at Florida, Singer became one of the greatest Gators pitchers in program history. He also played a major role in the Florida Gators national championship run in 2017.
    For his collegiate career, Singer posted a 23-10 record with a 3.22 ERA and 281 strikeouts (7th in program history).
    Singer was drafted once again in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals who took him in the first round. Singer is now the Kansas City Royals #2 prospect and the 52nd ranked prospect in the MiLB.

    2. RHP Alex Faedo

    Another superstar pitcher from the 2017 National Championship team was their ace, Alex Faedo. The 6’5” 220 pound right-handed pitcher had a fantastic collegiate career at the University of Florida.
    During his collegiate career, Faedo compiled a 28-6 record with a 2.80 ERA and 349 strikeouts (3rd in program history). Faedo saved his best season for last as he had a 9-2 record with a 2.26 ERA, 157 strikeouts and .210 opponent batting average. He was a 2017 Gold Spikes Award Semifinalist and was the College World Series Most Outstanding Player.
    In the 2017 MLB Draft, the Detroit Tigers selected Alex Faedo in the first round. Faedo is currently in Double-A with the Tigers and is their ninth ranked prospect.
    Photo by Cliff Welch / Getty Images

    3. RHP Logan Shore

    Out of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, the Florida Gators signed RHP Logan Shore to their 2013 recruiting class. Shore was the 146th ranked high school prospect but proved to be much better during his time at Florida.
    In his college career, Shore posted a 30-11 record and a 2.41 ERA (3rd in program history). Shore’s junior season was special as he had a 12-1 record with a 2.31 ERA and held opponents to just a .215 batting average. He was the 2016 SEC Pitcher of the Year and was also a finalist for the Gold Spikes Award. He was also a 2016 First-Team All-American by every major media outlet.
    In the 2016 MLB Draft, Shore was chosen in the second round (No.46 overall) by the Oakland A’s. Shore is currently a Double-A pitcher in the Detroit Tigers farm system and finished the 2019 season with a 4-7 record and 3.43 ERA.

    4. LHP A.J. Puk

    A.J. Puk was another terrific pitcher to come out of the University of Florida this decade.
    Coming out of high school, Puk was a top pitching prospect. On Perfect Game, Puk was the 23rd ranked prospect and the fifth ranked left-handed pitcher in the country.
    In his collegiate career, Puk finished with a 16-9 record with a 3.39 ERA and 251 strikeouts (8th in program history). Puk was known for his power fastball which can top out near 100 mph.
    Puk also owns two records at Florida, hits per 9 (6.63) and strikeouts per 9 (11.64).
    In the 2016 MLB Draft, Puk was taken sixth overall by the Oakland A’s. Puk was called up to the MLB late last season and made their postseason roster. He’s currently the #2 ranked prospect in the A’s system and the 42nd ranked prospect in the MiLB.

    5. RHP Jackson Kowar

    Another great pitcher from the 2017 National Championship team was Jackson Kowar. The North Carolina native was a huge get for Florida has many believed he would end up at Clemson instead of Florida. Coming out of high school, Kowar was the 107th ranked prospect in the Class of 2015.
    During his career at Florida, Kowar had a 25-6 record with a 3.53 ERA and 243 strikeouts (10th in program history).
    Kowar was named All-SEC Second-Team in the 2018 season.
    In the 2018 MLB Draft, Kowar was drafted 33rd overall by the Kansas City Royals. Kowar is currently in Double-A with the Kansas City Royals and is their fifth ranked prospect.

    Relief Pitcher: (1)

    1. RHP Michael Byrne

    Coming out of high school, Michael Byrne was one of the least talked about prospects in his class. However, Byrne might be a top five player the Florida Gators signed in their 2015 recruiting class.
    In his collegiate career, Byrne was mostly the closer and probably the best closer in program history. At Florida, Byrne posted a 1.88 ERA with 172 strikeouts and 35 saves (program record).
    Byrne’s 2017 season was particularly spectacular as he was a key piece in Florida’s 2017 National Championship. Byrne had a 1.67 ERA, 93 strikeouts and 19 saves (program record).
    In the 2018 MLB Draft, Byrne was taken in the 14th round by the Cincinnati Reds. Byrne is currently in Class A Advanced with the Reds.

    Catcher: (1)

    1. Mike Zunino

    Coming out of high school, Mike Zunino was a top 100 prospect in the country.
    Once he got to Florida, Zunino made an immediate impact and became one of the top players in program history.
    During his Florida career, Zunino had a .327 batting average, 47 home runs (5th in program history), 175 RBIs (7th in program history) and had a 1.013 OPS.
    In his junior season, Zunino was the first Gator to win the Dick Howser Trophy and the Johnny Bench Award.
    In the 2012 MLB Draft, Zunino was drafted third overall by the Seattle Mariners. Zunino is currently with the Tampa Bay Rays and is entering his eighth season in the MLB.

    Infielders: (4)

    1. Pete Alonso

    Not only is Pete Alonso is one of the best Gators but he’s also one of the best players in the MLB.
    Alonso is coming off a historic season as he won N.L. Rookie of the Year and broke the rookie home run record with 51.
    At Florida, Alonso was a three-year starter and one of the top first basemen in the country. In his college career, Alonso hit .316 with 23 home runs, 124 RBIs and had a .924 OPS.
    In his junior season, Alonso broke out with a .374 batting average, 14 home runs, 60 RBIs and a 1.128 OPS.
    Following his junior season, Alonso was named a First-Team All-American and a Dick Howser Award finalist.
    Alonso was drafted 64th overall in the second round by the New York Mets in the 2016 MLB Draft.
    Photo by Joel Auerbach / Getty Images

    2. Jonathan India

    Jonathan India was a part of the 2017 National Championship team and also had one of the best seasons by a Gator this decade.
    Coming out of high school, India was a Perfect Game All-American. He was the 70th ranked high school prospect in the country.
    At Florida, India was also one of the most consistent players on their roster. In his three seasons at Florida, India batted .310 with 31 home runs, 126 RBIs and a .941 OPS.
    India had a junior season to remember as he batted .350 with 21 home runs, 51 RBIs, 15 stolen bases and a 1.214 OPS.
    India was the 2018 SEC Player of the Year. India was also a First-Team All-American and Gold Spikes Award Semifinalist.
    In the 2018 MLB Draft, India was drafted fifth overall by the Cincinnati Reds. He’s currently is the 93rd ranked prospect in the MiLB.

    3. Dalton Guthrie

    While he might not have been a star, Dalton Guthrie was a key contributor in all three years he was at Florida.
    Coming out of high school, Guthrie was the 82nd ranked prospect in the country.
    In his three years at Florida, Guthrie compiled a .289 batting average with 37 home runs and 71 RBIs. Guthrie was also one of the top defensive shortstop in the SEC and country.
    In his junior season, Guthrie was the leadoff hitter and best defensive player on Florida’s National Championship team. Guthrie was named to the 2017 SEC All-Defensive Team.
    In the 2016 MLB Draft, Guthrie was drafted in the sixth round (173rd overall) by the Philadelphia Phillies.

    4. Richie Martin

    Richie Martin is another top defensive shortstop that has come out of the University of Florida in this decade.
    Coming out of high school, Martin was the 131st ranked prospect and the ninth ranked middle infielder in the country.
    In his three years at Florida, Martin hit .284 with 27 doubles, 81 RBIs and 45 stolen bases.
    In his junior season, Martin batted .291 with 11 doubles, four triples, six home runs, 36 RBIs and 20 stolen bases and was a 2015 Brooks Wallace Award Finalist (best shortstop).
    In the 2015 MLB Draft, Martin was drafted 20th overall by the Oakland A’s. Martin is currently on the Baltimore Orioles’ MLB roster.

    Outfielders: (3)

    1. Preston Tucker

    Before becoming a MLB player, Preston Tucker had an illustrious career at the University of Florida.
    Coming out of high school, Tucker was the 345th ranked prospect in the country. Tucker would spend four terrific years at the University of Florida and batted over .300 every season.
    He was also a four-year starter while playing for the Gators. In his career at Florida, Tucker batted .329 with 57 home runs, 258 RBIs and a .985 OPS. He ranks near the top of many program records at Florida.
    He’s #1 in at-bats (1,035), doubles (70), RBIs (258), total bases (596). He’s also #2 in home runs with 57 only behind Matt LaPorta.
    Tucker was drafted in the seventh round by the Houston Astros in the 2012 MLB Draft. He’s currently playing with the Kia Tigers in KBO League in Japan.

    2. Harrison Bader

    Harrison Bader is another current MLB player that makes the Florida Gators All-Decade team.
    Coming out of high school, Bader was the 500th ranked prospect and the 147th ranked outfielder in the country.
    Bader had a solid career at Florida.
    In his UF career, Bader batted .313 with 20 home runs, 112 RBIs, 36 stolen bases and a .858 OPS.
    His junior season was fantastic as he batted .297 with 17 home runs, 66 RBIs, posted a .959 OPS and a 1.000 fielding percentage. Bader was voted Second-Team All-American by Perfect Game.
    In the 2015 MLB Draft, Bader was the 100th overall pick (third round) by the St. Louis Cardinals. He’s currently the starting centerfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals.
    Photo by Bobby McDuffie / Getty Images

    3. Nelson Maldonado

    Last but definitely not least on the Florida Gators All-Decade Team is Nelson Maldonado.
    The four-year starter had a great collegiate career at the University of Florida and topped it off with a stellar senior season.
    Coming out of high school, Maldonado was the 500th ranked prospect and the 56th ranked outfielder in the country.
    In his four years at Florida, Maldonado batted .292 with 40 doubles, 31 home runs, 149 RBIs and a .845 OPS.
    Maldonado was always one of Florida’s most important hitters in their lineup. On the 2017 National Championship team, Maldonado led the team in hitting as he batted .299.
    As a senior, Maldonado hit .343 with ten home runs, 43 RBIs and had a .983 OPS. He was all on the 2019 All-SEC First-Team.
    In the 2019 MLB Draft, Maldonado was the drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 21st round.
    __________

    With the success that the Florida baseball program has endured over the course of the entire decade, it’s extremely difficult to name an All-Decade Team.

    What names do you feel we may have missed or omitted?  Comment on this post or get engaged on Facebook and Twitter.
  • WBB: Gators defeat Vanderbilt for first SEC win

    WBB: Gators defeat Vanderbilt for first SEC win

    Final: Florida 68, Vanderbilt 60

    Photo by Kristen Oliff / ChompTalk.com

    For the first time since 2014, the Gators opened their home SEC schedule with a victory. On Sunday, Florida topped Vanderbilt 68-60 to improve to 10-5 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

    Led by four scorers reaching double figures, the Gators reached .500 in SEC action for the first time under head coach Cameron Newbauer.

    The Commodores (11-4, 1-1) led after one period of play, largely thanks to opening the game with a 7-2 advantage.

    The Gators took their first lead with 4:12 remaining in the second quarter after Ariel Johnson knocked down a trey. Florida wouldn’t trail for the remainder of the contest.

    That isn’t to say the win came easy. With the Gators leading 55-49 in the fourth quarter, Vandy went on a quick 5-0 run to get to within one with 4:57 to play. Florida immediately followed with an 8-0 stretch that put the game out of reach.

    Florida capitalized on 15 offensive boards that contributed to twelve second chance points.

    Individual Stats:

    • Lavender Briggs: 19 points
    • Kiki Smith: 17 points, 50% FG
    • Zada Williams: 10 points, 11 rebounds
    • Ariel Johnson: 10 points, 8 rebounds

    Team Stats:

    • FG% : 40
    • 3FG% : 27
    • FT% : 70
    • Reb+/- : +7
    • Assists: 9
    • TO: 13
    • Bench Points: 16

    What’s Next:

    Florida will travel to Auburn to face the Tigers on Thursday. The Tigers are 0-1* in the SEC after losing to Vanderbilt in the conference opener on Thursday.

    Auburn is 6-6 overall with losses to Middle Tennessee and Drake in non-conference play.

    *At time of publication, Auburn is currently playing No. 20 Arkansas and trailing by double digits in the first half.

  • FB: Florida’s All-Decade Team

    FB: Florida’s All-Decade Team

    Photo by Mark LoMoglio / Getty Images

    With the conclusion of 2019, many of us here in the sports media have put together various lists touting the best players from the past decade. Chomp Talk has decided to follow suit with several lists of our own, across all Gators sports. So, for nostalgia’s sake, let’s look back on the players that made the past decade more enjoyable.

    Check out our selections for the other All-Decade Teams at UF:

    Quarterback: Kyle Trask (2016-Present)

    This was an interesting position because the quarterback position has been both polarizing and mercurial over the last decade. Will Grier (2015) had a very good collegiate career but his time at Florida — as promising as it was — came to an early end following a PED/coaching scandal. Feleipe Franks (2016-19) posted the best numbers of any quarterback since Tim Tebow and exemplified team leadership, but the fan base was heavily divided when it came to supporting him. This leaves Kyle Trask, a redshirt junior out of Manvell, Texas who hadn’t started a game since his freshman year in high school. Trask came off of the bench in week three of the 2019 season and led the Gators to a second consecutive New Year’s Six bowl game. In the process, he showed that he has the tools to become one of the nation’s top passers while remaining calm and steady in the pocket.

    Running Back: Jeff Demps (2008-11) / Chris Rainey (2007-11)

    It might be cheating to choose two players for a single position but the one-two punch of Demps and Rainey was something that kept defensive coordinators up at night. Demps was a world-class sprinter with elite speed and Rainey was a stout and agile running back that was just as fast as his counterpart. The two were a big part of Florida’s last national championship and continued to shred defenses for the next few years following.

    Tight End: Kyle Pitts (2018-Present)

    Choosing a tight end would have been a difficult task had it not been for the emergence of Kyle Pitts as a matchup nightmare in Dan Mullen’s offense. Without Pitts, most of the tight end play over the last ten years has been mostly blah. I expect that to be a thing of the past, knowing how Mullen likes to use his tight ends.

    Wide Receiver: Antonio Callaway (2015-17)

    I have to admit, I am naming Callaway a little begrudgingly. He is clearly the most talented receiver to grace the Gators’ sideline in the past decade. However, his off the field issues and “me first” mentality have been a problem well into his professional career. Even still, I can’t deny the absolute beauty of seeing him take the game-winning reception to the house versus Tennessee in 2015. Let’s hope he finally figures things out and becomes as great as he can be.

    Photo by Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

    Offensive Lineman: Mike Pouncey (2007-10)

    As one half of the greatest duo to throw a block for the Orange & Blue, Mike Pouncey is the recipient of the All-Decade offensive line designation. Mike chose to stay with the Gators for one more year following his brother’s departure for the NFL. Both have gone on to have terrific careers playing on Sundays.

    Safety: Ahmad Black (2007-10)

    Black had many highlights during his time in Gainesville and was known for laying some big hits on opposing receivers. However, it is his interception of Sam Bradford’s pass late in the fourth quarter of the BCS National Championship, along with his dominance in the 2010 season that propelled him into this spot.

    Cornerback: Vernon Hargreaves (2013-15)

    This may have been the most difficult position to choose and when you’re considered DBU, selecting just one defensive back to take the All-Decade title should be a tough task. Vernon Hargreaves was a bright spot on an already elite defensive unit during his Florida career, shutting down passing lanes and being an ever-present threat to take the ball away from the offense. To be fair, this spot could have gone to at least three different players, including Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (2106-18) but in the end, Hargreaves was just consistently superb throughout his career.

    Linebacker: David Reese II (2016-19)

    David Reese battled injury throughout his career at Florida and still managed to be a consistent leader on the defensive side of the ball. Reese finished his sophomore season as only the second Florida defender to surpass 100 tackles in a season since Ahmad Black did so in 2010.

    I would like to give an honorable mention to Neiron Ball (2010-14). Gator Nation lost a great part of the Florida Gators’ family when he passed away in 2019. Ball was always an exemplary teammate and truly bled Orange & Blue.

    Defensive Tackle: Adam Shuler (2018-19)

    Though his time at Florida was short — just two seasons — Adam was a steady and disruptive force on the interior of the line. When he was not in the game, the rest of the pass rush and the run defense suffered. It is because of his impact on the field, if not on the stat line, that I am putting Adam in this position.

    Defensive End: CeCe Jefferson (2015-18)

    The tandem of Jefferson and Jachai Polite was a terror for opposing quarterbacks and either one of them could have taken this honor. In the end, I chose CeCe Jefferson because of the sheer volume of production. During his time as a Gator, Jefferson recorded 124 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks.

    Photo by David Rosenblum / Getty Images

    Kicker: Eddy Piñeiro (2016-17)

    Eddy stormed onto the scene when he was seen kicking 70-yard field goals in a YouTube video. During his short career at Florida, he had an 88.4% (38-for-43) field goal conversion rate, ranking first in UF history. What else is there to say?

    Punter: Johnny Townsend (2013-17)

    Johnny Townsend became Florida’s all-time leading punter during his career. His 11,090 yards and 240 total punts set records in Gainesville while his career punting average of 46.2 yards ranks first in SEC history. Townsend is fifth in the conference record books for career punting yards.

    We hope you’ve enjoyed this list and would love to hear your thoughts. As with any list of this type, it is a subjective opinion but it is one that is based on merit. So who made your All-Decade list?