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  • A sneak peek into the 2023 Gators offense

    A sneak peek into the 2023 Gators offense

    Photo by James Gilbert | Getty Images

    Gators football will make its season debut on August 31 against the Utah Utes. The departure of former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, who proceeded to be the fourth overall pick in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, left the Gators at a wit’s end to find their next QB1.

    In March 2023, quarterback Graham Mertz decided to transfer and join the Gators after spending four seasons with Wisconsin. The commitment of Mertz to Gator fans was a concern considering his record at Wisconsin with 19 touchdowns and ten interceptions.

    However, Florida head coach Billy Napier announced on August 11 that Mertz would be the starting quarterback for the 2023 season.

    Here is what to expect offensively for the Gators:

    Now that the season is underway, the run-first offense is expected to stay the same. Napier ran the ball 55 percent of the time last season, and with the same process this season, running backs Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson will see the ball a lot.

    Running the ball more effectively should make Mertz’s job easier to move the ball and make it difficult for the players in the box on the defensive side who are getting run on by the running backs. This would allow for fewer defensive backs on the field, as the other team would most likely add more players at the line of scrimmage.

    Running the ball more means that Mertz will be passing the ball quickly, which is why the offensive lineman are needed to protect him and allow him to find a passing range to make complete passes. The Gators have a solid OL, especially with new talented freshmen, as they will have time to grow into Florida’s offensive scheme.

    One freshman offensive lineman that stands out is Knijeah Harris, as he was named on the preseason True Freshman All-American Team by 247 Sports. Harris started at Florida as an early enrollee, and the work he has put in during the spring and summer with Rob Sale has transformed his body. Learning the offensive schemes as a freshman can be tricky, but Harris’s ability and experience playing multiple positions makes him a pivotal player on the offensive line.

    While Florida has a solid team, their agenda this season will be different without the flash of Anthony Richardson and some of the notable plays he made last season. This season Napier and Mertz are focusing more on a structure that will move the ball with short passes to Etienne, Johnson, Ricky Pearsall, or Andy Jean.

    Quick shots would allow Florida to score against teams that can score high numbers, such as Tennessee and Georgia. If Florida’s offense does what it’s supposed to do and makes quick drives, then they could run the clock on the other teams, giving the Gators a better chance at winning.

  • Three Takeaways from Gators Volleyball Exhibition Vs Stetson

    Three Takeaways from Gators Volleyball Exhibition Vs Stetson

    Photo by Brian Fox | ChompTalk

    The Florida Gators Volleyball team was back in action Sunday. The team hosted an exhibition match as they welcomed their fanbase back for another season. The 2023 Gators put their talents on display as they would go on to win all four sets of the scrimmage.

    Although Florida lost some key contributors from the team a year ago, there were still elite playmakers all over the court. As Coach Mary Wise enters year 33 as the Gators head coach, she will have plenty of talent to work with. Wise will have an impressive freshman class, veteran program players, and transfers to round out her roster this season.

    There will numerous storylines to follow this year as the season goes on. However, here are my three biggest takeaways from yesterday’s exhibition match.

    AC FITZPATRICK

    If Gator Volleyball fans weren’t familiar with this name, they were after they left the O’Dome yesterday. AC Fitzpatrick is a senior outside hitter who transferred to Florida from Penn State before last season. After only seeing action in 13 matches a year ago, Fitzpatrick will look to have a much larger workload this fall.

    She has a very aggressive swing from the outside and an impressive topspin serve to pair with it. Given the limited role that Fitzpatrick had last year, she will be a breakout performer in 2023. Gator fans should not be surprised at all if she ends up leading the team in kills this year. Moreover, AC Fitzpatrick might have flat out been the best player on the court yesterday.

    FRESHMAN CLASS

    The freshman class will give Coach Wise some depth to work with. Kennedy Martin is a freshman outside, and weakside hitter. With a 6’6 frame, Martin was collecting kills and blocks with ease for the Gators. Her height and athleticism will create problems for opposing teams in 2023.

    Madi Gravlee is another freshman outside hitter for Florida. Gravlee also has impressive size standing at 6’4. She is the daughter of former Gator Volleyball player, Julie Stanhope. After tallying a number of kills for the team yesterday, Madi Gravlee will look to carry out her families legacy in Gainesville throughout her career.

    Florida fans could very well see these two players for a number of years to come. With Martin and Gravlee both having immense raw talent, Gator Nation is most likely looking at the future outside hitters for the squad in these two players.

    ELLI McKISSOCK LEADERSHIP ROLE

    One of my biggest takeaways from the exhibition match didn’t occur while play was in action. Elli McKissock is a senior libero for the Gators. In what will be her final season for the Orange and Blue, McKissock seems to be the vocal and emotional leader of this team.

    During every timeout, she would address the entire team while they were sitting on the bench. McKissock was engaged with each and every teammate and was making sure everyone was on the same page at all times. Also, in the huddles between points, you could see her leading many of the conversations being had between points.

    This type of senior leadership will be vital for the Gators coming down the stretch. The more chemistry that Florida can create inside their locker room and on the court, the more beneficial it will be for the team.

    The Gators will play their first official game of the season on Friday, August 25th. Coach Mary Wise and her squad will travel to Tampa for the Road 2 Tampa Invitational to battle Penn State at 8:00 p.m.

  • SOC: Gators Shutout Terrapins to Move to 2-0

    SOC: Gators Shutout Terrapins to Move to 2-0

    Photo by Brian Fox | ChompTalk

    GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Freshman Lena Bailey’s first collegiate goal late in the first-half proved to be the game-winner for the Gators against the Maryland Terrapins.

    https://twitter.com/ChompTalkBrian/status/1693397105711177877

    The Gators improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2019 with a 1-0 win at home. The defense was the catalyst Sunday for the Gators, with center back Daviana Vaka controlling most of the backline. The Terrapins only recorded six total shots.

    Goalkeeper Alexa Goldberg recorded her second clean-sheet of the year, with three saves. She had a goal-line save in the 88th minute to seal the win and the shutout.

    The game was fairly even in the first half, with possession about 50/50.

    Bailey made a nice move to turn around her defender inside the box, and sent a powerful shot to the far-post past the keeper.

    Freshman forward Megan Hinnenkamp had a few good runs and three shots but was unable to find the back of the net. Hinnenkamp and Bailey should be a great duo up top that will give defenses a fit.

    The Gators will look to carry their momentum into their next match against rival University of Miami. The game will take place in Coral Gables on August 24 at 6 p.m.

  • Gators RB Cam Carroll Out For Season

    Gators RB Cam Carroll Out For Season

    Photo by David Rosenblum | Getty Images

    Florida Gators running back Cam Carroll will miss the 2023 season, head coach Billy Napier announced Saturday.

    Carroll suffered a torn ligament in his knee during a scrimmage earlier this week.

    Carroll is a sixth year senior who transferred to Florida from Tulane. From 2019-21, Carroll appeared in 35 games, rushing for 1,621 yards and 24 touchdowns. Over that time-frame, he averaged 5.3 yards per carry.

    The Flowood, MS, native appeared in just one game in 2022 before suffering a season ending leg injury.

    Carroll was expected to provide depth to a loaded running back room that features Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson and four-star incoming freshman Treyaun Webb.

  • SOC: Gators Open 2023 With Win Over ECU

    SOC: Gators Open 2023 With Win Over ECU

    Photo by Brian Fox | ChompTalk

    GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Gators women’s soccer team began their 2023 campaign with a 2-0 victory over the East Carolina University Pirates.

    The Gators’ defense shined in the win, allowing only six total shots and no shots on target. Goalkeeper Alexa Goldberg recorded her first clean sheet of the season. The Gators controlled the ball for most of the first half, but were unable to find the net.

    In the 49th minute, Madeline Pirrello scored the first Gator goal of the year, with a left-footed volley on a cross from Lauren McCloskey.

    https://twitter.com/GatorsSoccer/status/1692331265054372226

    Megan Hinnenkamp was awarded a penalty kick in the 83rd minute with the Gators holding onto a 1-0 lead. Oakley Rasmussen took the PK and sent the Pirates’ keeper the wrong way, scoring her first collegiate goal.

    https://twitter.com/GatorsSoccer/status/1692339546250420326

    The Gators will continue their season opening home-stand on August 20 against the Maryland Terrapins. The game is set to kick-off at 6 p.m. at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

  • Florida Volleyball Ranked No. 11 in AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll

    Florida Volleyball Ranked No. 11 in AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll

    Photo by Brian Fox | ChompTalk

    As the 2023 American Volleyball Coaches Association preseason poll was announced Tuesday, the Gators found themselves in a familiar spot. This year marked the 32nd consecutive season that Florida will start the season ranked in the top-15.

    UF had an impressive run in 2022. The team finished 15-3 in SEC conference play, leading to a 25-6 record in the regular season. Florida would later go on to bring home their 25th SEC championship in program history.

    Although the squad came up short of their overall goal in the NCAA tournament, there is room for optimism heading into 2023. The Gators will bring back a talented core group of players that will propel them throughout this season. Sophomore setter, Alexis Stucky, will return as the team’s leader in assists from a year ago. Sofia Victoria is back for her senior year at outside hitter. Victoria had more kills last year than anyone who is returning to the Gators roster in 2023. Florida also had an impressive recruiting haul which will feature a Freshman class that will come in hungry for playing time.

    The team will matchup with elite competition throughout the entirety of their schedule in 2023. As the the coaches poll currently stands, the Gators are set to face five top-15 opponents during this season’s campaign. Florida will waste no time matching up with their fierce competition as they start their season on the road at the Road 2 Tampa Bay invitational to battle No. 8 ranked Penn State on August 25th at 8:00 p.m.

    After the invitational concludes, the road doesn’t get any easier for the Gators. On August 29th, Florida will travel to Stanford, California, to take on the No. 3 ranked Cardinal. Then, they will return home to Gainesville where the Golden Gophers of Minnesota will be waiting for them on September 3rd. Other ranked opponents the team will see in 2023 include No. 2 Wisconsin, No. 11 Kentucky and No. 25 Arkansas.

    After another successful season last year, the conference looks at Florida as one of the strongest teams in the SEC once again this fall. The Gators were picked to finish second in the preseason SEC coaches poll while receiving two first place votes. Division foe, Kentucky, was selected as the favorite to bring home the SEC crown this year over Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and Arkansas who round out the top 5 selections.

    Led by Head Coach, Mary Wise, the Florida volleyball program has become prestigious over the years. The team will look look to build on last year’s success in order to take them to new heights in 2023. The Gators first glimpse of action will be Sunday, August 20th, as they host a scrimmage against Stetson at 2:30 p.m. at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida.

  • #GatorMade: Anthony Richardson Named Starting QB for Indianapolis

    #GatorMade: Anthony Richardson Named Starting QB for Indianapolis

    Photo by Bryan Bennett | Getty Images

    Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced Anthony Richardson as the team’s starting quarterback for the regular season Tuesday.

    Prior to the announcement, Richardson was splitting first team repetitions with veteran Gardner Minshew.

    Richardson was the fourth overall selection by the Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft and started the first preseason game against Buffalo Saturday. The former Gators QB finished the game 7-12 for 67 yards and an interception. He also carried the ball twice for seven yards. Richardson’s QB rating was just 39.2 in his debut.

    Interestingly enough, Minshew was 6-6 for 72 yards and a 116.7 passer rating against the Bills’ second defensive unit. The wily veteran led the Colts on a 12 play, 88 yard drive that ended with a rushing touchdown by Jake Funk.

    Indianapolis will face Chicago on 8/19 before completing preseason action at Philadelphia on 8/24 in anticipation for the regular season opener against Jacksonville on 9/10.

  • FB: Gators Unveil Black Alternate Uniform

    FB: Gators Unveil Black Alternate Uniform

    Photo via @GatorsFB | Twitter

    Florida football has unveiled their new black alternate uniform on social media. The new threads will be donned for the annual “Saluting Those Who Serve” contest against Arkansas on November 4.

    Florida head coach Billy Napier told the media shortly after his hiring that black uniforms would be coming as a way to honor military veterans and Gainesville area first responders.

    Additionally, Florida will be inviting service members to address the team following practice the week leading up to the match-up, as Graham Hall of 247Sports reported.

    Fans can purchase the new black alternate jerseys at distributors across Gainesville (including the UF Bookstore) and through Fanatics HERE.

    Florida opens the season in Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Utes on August 31.

    Let us know what you think of the new black uniform from the Florida football program.

  • Gators Land Commitment From 4-Star CB Wardell Mack

    Gators Land Commitment From 4-Star CB Wardell Mack

    Photo by Christopher Nee | 247Sports

    Florida football received a surprise commitment Monday as 4-star defensive back Wardell Mack announced his pledge to the program.

    Mack had received 247Sports crystal balls to both Texas and LSU since the beginning of July.

    Mack visited Gainesville June 16 but followed that trip with an official visit to Austin, Texas.

    A native of Marrero, LA, Mack is rated the nation’s No. 13 cornerback and the No. 115 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Notably, On3 has Mack rated as the No. 3 CB in the 2024 class and Rivals ranks him No. 6 at his position.

    Mack is listed at 6’1 and 170 lbs at John Ehret High and plays on both sides of the ball (receiver, quarterback, cornerback).

    Florida offered Mack in March with DB coach Corey Raymond handling his recruitment.

    The Gators beat out Texas, LSU, and Florida State, among other programs.

    The Gators’ 2024 class now features twenty-two commits and ranks third in the country. The class also features five star CB Xavier Filsaime (McKinney, TX).

  • Gators Name Graham Mertz Starting QB

    Gators Name Graham Mertz Starting QB

    Photo by James Gilbert | Getty Images

    Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier announced Graham Mertz as his starting quarterback Friday evening. Napier announced the decision just one day after the team’s first scrimmage.

    Mertz is a fifth-year redshirt junior who transferred to Florida after four years with Wisconsin. While with the Badgers, the Overland Park, KS native threw 38 touchdowns and 26 interceptions across 34 games.

    In 2022, Mertz tossed 19 scores and ten interceptions while completing 57% of his passing attempts.

    Mertz entered the transfer portal following the tumultuous season that saw head coach Paul Chryst fired mid-season.

    Mertz was in a quarterback battle with Jack Miller, a former Ohio State transfer who started the Las Vegas Bowl last year, and Max Brown, the first high school QB brought in by Napier.

    Florida will travel to Salt Lake City to take on Utah in its season opener on August 31.