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Florida Gators Freshman Linebacker Myles Graham will Blaze His Own Trail

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Florida Gators Freshman Linebacker Myles Graham will Blaze His Own Trail


Recently, the term nepotism in sports climbed back into the consciousness with the Los Angeles Lakers’ drafting LeBron James’ son, Bronny. Yet, people forget the actual offspring of athletes that carve their own path. 

Florida Gators freshman linebacker Myles Graham intends to blaze his own trail. The son of a former Gator standout, the younger Graham wants to chase his own destiny. While extremely thankful for his lineage, Myles Graham wants to compete as a Gator under his own terms.

Escaping the Shadow

Graham’s father, Earnest, played five seasons in Gainesville, totaling 3,085 rushing yards and thirty-three touchdowns on the ground. The elder Graham excelled as Gator, before enjoying an eight-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

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In life, few players enjoy the ability to play high school, college, and professional football within a three-hour drive. Earnest Graham played with a hard-charging, unrelenting style that fought for every yard and wore down opposing defenses. Currently, he ranks fourth in rushing yards and touchdowns. Plus, he stands sixth yards from scrimmage. Now, he patiently waits for his son to step into The Swamp.

New Path

Unlike his father, Myles Graham competes on the defensive side of the ball. As a linebacker, the younger Graham chooses to stop running backs and hopefully make splash plays in the passing game. After spurning other offers, everyone anticipated his commitment to the University of Florida. 

However, he will need to earn his spot and playing time. Legacy players see the field in The Swamp, if they can actually play. The name on the helmet supersedes the one on the jersey. Plus, the elder Graham, a former head football coach, understands the work needed to not only see the field but consistently play at a high level. Using his speed and nose for the ball will endear him to both coaches and the fanbase. 

Roadblock

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As mentioned, no one on the Gators’ staff will hand Myles Graham a starting job. In fact, other talented linebackers stand in the way between him and a starting spot. More importantly, he missed the remainder of spring practice with back surgery. 

The injury predates his time at Florida, so taking care of it now sounds like the better idea, instead of waiting. Now, Graham will need to not only recover but get up to speed quickly, if he wants to see the field for any amount of time this season.

Overview

Myles Graham will start his Gators journey with a fight. Other linebackers and potential subpackages along with surgery recovery prevent him from ascending to the starting spot. Yet, with a father in his corner that understands the process and the long game, patience and preparation will make him a far better player. Granted, he stands the chance to emerge from his father’s immense shadow and be Myles Graham, not just Earnest’s son.



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FTBOA Partners With Florida Coast Equipment

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FTBOA Partners With Florida Coast Equipment


Florida Coast Equipment has entered into a partnership agreement with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association making Kubota the exclusive tractor, mower, utility vehicle, and construction equipment sponsor of the Florida Thoroughbred industry, starting in 2026.

The long-term agreement, announced Dec. 23, places Florida Coast Equipment and the Kubota brand front and center to Florida’s Thoroughbred industry, a $3.2 billion industry with more than 90,000 Thoroughbreds and 33,500 jobs.

The Florida Coast Equipment name will now be prominently displayed throughout the FTBOA headquarters, events, and communications, including an advertising package on FTBOA.com, Wire to Wire, and the Florida Horse Farm and Services Directory.

“This partnership goes beyond sponsorship. Florida Coast Equipment is proud to serve as the local dealer of choice for Florida’s Thoroughbred community—working alongside breeders and owners every day with the equipment, service, and support they rely on,” said Florida Coast Equipment online sales manger Timothy Morris Jr. “Both the FTBOA and Florida Coast Equipment are deeply rooted in Florida agriculture and share a commitment to long-term relationships, stewardship, and doing things the right way. That shared mindset is what makes this partnership a natural fit and positions it for lasting impact across the industry.”

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“When it comes to horsepower, nobody knows it better than Florida’s Thoroughbred industry, and the team at Florida Coast Equipment and Kubota,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “This partnership unites two pillars of Florida agriculture, and we couldn’t ask for a better fit.”

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This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.





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Preview: December 23 vs. Florida | Carolina Hurricanes

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Preview: December 23 vs. Florida | Carolina Hurricanes


RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers square off for the second time in five days on Tuesday, going head-to-head at Lenovo Center.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 23

Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. ET

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Watch: FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network App | Learn More

Listen: 99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes App

Canes Record: 22-10-3 (47 Points, 1st – Metropolitan Division)

Canes Last Game: 6-4 Loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, Dec. 20

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Panthers Record: 19-14-2 (40 Points, T-5th – Atlantic Division)

Panthers Last Game: 6-2 Loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, Dec. 20



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Florida football finalizes hire of Joe Craddock as quarterbacks coach

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Florida football finalizes hire of Joe Craddock as quarterbacks coach


Florida football will be hiring Joe Craddock as its next quarterbacks coach, according to a report by Swamp247.

The move adds a veteran offensive mind with extensive play-calling and quarterback-development experience under Jon Sumrall’s first staff with the Gators.

Craddock comes to Gainesville after spending the past two seasons with Tulane, where he served as the Green Wave’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Prior to that, he held the same role at Troy.

At Troy, Craddock’s offenses consistently ranked near the top of the Sun Belt across multiple statistical categories, combining downfield passing efficiency with a balanced run game.

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Before his time at Troy and Tulane, Craddock built a resume that includes offensive coordinator stops at UAB, Arkansas and SMU, along with earlier developmental roles at Clemson.

Craddock’s coaching career began after a playing stint at Middle Tennessee, followed by professional experience overseas before transitioning into coaching at the high school level and quickly rising through the college ranks.

With the Orange and Blue, Craddock is expected to work closely with the Gators’ signal-callers as the program looks to establish consistency and development at the position under Sumrall.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.





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