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OL Payton Kirkland Enjoys ‘Surreal’ Official Visit With Florida Gators

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OL Payton Kirkland Enjoys ‘Surreal’ Official Visit With Florida Gators


Picture: Payton Kirkland; Credit score: Zach Goodall

It’s kind of completely different for gamers once they take their official visits to applications, together with to the Florida Gators as Dr. Phillips HS (Orlando, Fla.) offensive lineman Payton Kirkland realized following his three-day affair with this system, in a position to absorb all that Florida has to supply earlier than making his ultimate resolution on the place to go on July 23.

Kirkland and fellow 2023 recruiting class, classmate LB Malik Bryant will probably be asserting their dedication on the identical day. The occasion will give everybody in attendance an thought of what went into their selections whereas celebrating their commitments on the identical time.

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Previous to that, although, are official visits with varied applications. He is already made an official go to with Oklahoma, with Michigan State and Miami nonetheless on the horizon. A brand new college that hasn’t been talked about a lot, although, Texas A&M is probably getting into the combo as Kirkland continues his recruitment ahead.

“The offensive line coach has an incredible relationship with my offensive line coach at my college as a result of they have been right here at Florida collectively,” Kirkland mentioned on Sunday, shortly following his go to to Florida when requested concerning the Aggies probably getting into the fray.

Kirkland is referring to, after all, Texas A&M offensive line coach Steve Addazio, who coached at Florida from 2005-10 in varied roles, together with OL coach and TE coach. His present OL coach at Dr. Phillips, Adam Sitter, was a high quality management coach at Florida alongside Addazio at the moment.

Nonetheless, this go to was all about Florida, in the end, and it gave Kirkland a possibility to indicate his Mother, Veronica, the college in-depth. The expertise was completely different, capable of see the coaches of their pure habitat as a part of the “surreal” expertise, Kirkland shared.

“It is simply seeing coaches of their pure habitats moderately than them being at college in your face and watching apply and with the ability to sit down and have a troublesome dialog,” Kirkland mentioned. “This course of is a troublesome course of and difficult conversations should be had. And that is one thing that loads of youngsters slip up on is having these powerful conversations.”

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At 6-foot-6, 345 kilos, Kirkland tasks as a sort out on the subsequent degree, particularly a left sort out. Florida, nonetheless, sees him as extra than simply that, realizing that he has the power to play all 5 positions alongside the offensive line. One factor’s for sure, Kirkland mentioned, the Gators have a plan for him.

“They see me coming in and being an affect, really as a left sort out,” he mentioned. “They see me, no matter grade, they really feel like I am a really gifted participant, and I’ve made myself useful of with the ability to play all 5 positions on the offensive line. So, if there is a senior forward of me at left sort out, they will put me at guard, subsequent 12 months they will bump me as much as sort out.”

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Kirkland is not essentially undervalued, nonetheless, coming in because the No. 23 offensive sort out within the nation, in response to On3 consensus and the No. 279 total participant within the nation. That is not too dangerous, however the logic is sound, making himself as useful as doable will solely add to what groups can see him being and doing inside their program.

Florida having a plan for Kirkland is “superb,” he added. It is one thing that has caught out to him as he continues ahead with the method.

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“Quite a lot of guys, they’ve uncommittable gives, this, that and the third. , no matter what the rating says, instructing and movie would not lie. So, it is loads of guys who’re extremely ranked that do not have the instructing and so they haven’t got the assets that I do,” Kirkland defined.

“So, you already know, I really feel I’ve a step forward of all people in my class when it comes all the way down to a psychological side, the bodily side and basic points.”

That’s a part of the rationale why Kirkland has ye to be denied a spot. He has the traits that translate to the following half degree, one thing that not each recruit might need, no matter their present “rating.”

Particularly, in relation to Florida, the workers being real has been one of many issues which have stood out. Regardless of when he involves this system, having already visited a number of instances on unofficial visits over the previous few months, they’re constant, nothing that head coach Billy Napier has completed every part that he mentioned he’ll do since he arrived on campus.

“It is the truth that every part stays the identical. The message stays the identical, the folks keep the identical, and the attitudes keep the identical. The coaches, they’re fairly open with the gamers, they’re fairly open with the recruits as properly, you already know, nothing adjustments right here.”

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There’s nonetheless a lot to do between now and July 23. Kirkland will return house in spite of everything of his visits this month and sit down along with his Mother to determine what is perhaps greatest for him shifting ahead. Florida is squarely within the combine, however make no mistake, no crew that is at the moment on his radar has been eradicated, nor will probably be at this second.

“I already know what it’s in Florida, you already know, it is only a matter of determining the place I wish to go.”

Keep tuned to AllGators for steady protection of Florida Gators soccer, basketball and recruiting. Observe alongside on social media at @SI_AllGators on Twitter and Florida Gators on Sports activities Illustrated on Fb.

 

   

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Recreational pot for Florida is on the ballot this fall—let’s talk about it

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Recreational pot for Florida is on the ballot this fall—let’s talk about it


Carlos Hermida (R) at the WMNF studio in Tampa, Florida on July 5, 2024.

In four months, Florida voters have the opportunity to vote yes or no on an initiative to legalize marijuana for adults 21 years old and older.

Amendment 3 would also allow individuals to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, with up to five grams in the form of concentrate (see full text of the ballot amendment below).

Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of, federal law. Establishes possession limits for personal use. Allows consistent legislation. Defines terms. Provides effective date.

The amendment—which can only pass if at least 60% of voters vote “yes”—arrives eight years after Florida voters approved the use of medical marijuana in the state.

Supporters of the bill include Smart & Safe Florida and billboard-dominating lawyer John Morgan, citing potential tax revenue and safety for purchasers who won’t have to buy weed from un-regulated sources.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, for his part, has vowed to fight the passage of Amendment 3, and said, “we cannot have every town smelling like marijuana.”

Three guests joined The Skinny to discuss Amendment 3 and more.

  • Carlos Hermida Founder of Chillum Mushroom & Hemp
  • Christopher Cano Board of Directors at NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws)
  • Pete Sessa Co-Founder of Cannadelic and the Florida Cannabis Coalition

Check out audio from the show via wmnf.org. Listen via podcast services like Apple Music, TuneIn, and Spotify.





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Florida Gators Offense set to Shine in 2024

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Florida Gators Offense set to Shine in 2024


Regardless of what happens to the Florida Gators during the 2024 season, you cannot blame scheme design at all. In a world of copycat offenses, Billy Napier decided to take an existing offense in the spread and tweak the finer details. As a result, Florida can affect every level and layer of defense. 

With that, and the numerous personnel shifts, Napier goes deep in his bag to keep the defense guessing. To a distant eye, the defense looks like just a quarterback-friendly scheme that only suits the passer. Yet, the Gators effectively ran the ball under Napier. Now, what can you expect in 2024 from the Florida offense?

Urgency

Make no mistake, the heat of the Florida sun combined with the warmness of the coaching seat exists in earnest for Billy Napier. Florida fans, alums, and administration demand excellence from a program that should always compete for great bowl games and more.

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With hundreds of quality recruits in Florida, the Gators cannot afford another poor showing on the field after three-straight seven-loss seasons. Actually, Billy Napier cannot afford another. Not only are the wolves at the door, but they’ve managed to pick the lock and make themselves at home in the living room. With that, expect to see Florida take more chances this season. 

Granted, before this, Napier didn’t exude any conservative play-calling tendencies. Envision the scene in Rocky III. After intense training, Rocky wants to stop for the day, mentioning the word tomorrow. Apollo Creed’s response is “There is no tomorrow.” Basically, for Billy Napier, every game will either cement his status or weaken it.

Secret Weapon

When reviewing Florida on offense, you can immediately tell that Billy Napier loves 12 personnel. Basically, 12 personnel feature one running back and two tight ends. Now, add in shotgun and playmakers that can catch. 

More importantly, the players that may not draw the defense’s attention could end up hurting them the most. For example, redshirt sophomore tight end Arlis Boardingham will continue to beat defenses while not receiving an overabundance of targets.

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Boardingham, a converted wideout, continues to find his way into the position. For the moment, he presents an explosive receiver-like to the offense, in lieu of crushing in-line blocking. Instead, Boardingham traces routes underneath with the ability to stick the foot in the ground and head downfield.  While the receivers will see the most targets, look for him to sneak out and wreak havoc in the open field.

Beneficiary

Perhaps no one will reap the rewards more than running back Montrell Johnson. Despite leading the team in yards and carries, Johnson will enjoy more touches since Trevor Etienne bolted for Athens and the University of Georgia. 

He should post the first thousand-yard season for the Gators since Kelvin Taylor in 2015. Along with the use of 12 personnel, Florida will throw multiple looks at the defense, with the intention of creating space for the run game. With Johnson’s decisiveness as a running back, he should eclipse the thousand-yard mark with a few games to spare.

Graham Mertz returns as quarterback, and he had his best season under Napier and the Gators after four yeas at Wisconsin. Last year’s prized recruit DJ Lagway should find his way on the field as well, but Napier, Mertz, and the Gators should conduct an efficient, effective offense this fall.

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Ohio tourist bitten by shark at Florida beach while playing football in knee-deep water

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Ohio tourist bitten by shark at Florida beach while playing football in knee-deep water


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An Ohio tourist was bitten at a Florida beach while playing football in knee-deep water on the Fourth of July, officials said.

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Authorities said that the 21-year-old from Ohio was playing football in knee-deep water at New Smyrna Beach when the shark bit him on his right foot.

Police said that the attack happened at 4 p.m. on Thursday – the Fourth of July.

The man suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

SHARK ATTACKS 4 PEOPLE AT TEXAS BEACH ON FOURTH OF JULY: POLICE

General view of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, during spring break Saturday, March 16, 2024. (Larry Paci for Fox News Digital)

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The Fourth of July shark attack came after four people were injured at a beach in Texas the same day.

The South Padre Island Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area confirmed to Fox News Digital that four people were injured during the encounter with the ocean predator on South Padre Island in the state’s southern coast.

SHARK WATCH: TRIATHLETE DRAGGED UNDERWATER DURING SHARK BLITZ: ‘YOU DON’T HAVE AN ARM… WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING?’

Police said that the attacks happened at approximately 11 a.m. local time along Beach Access 14, near Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill.

Tiger Shark, Bahamas

Tiger Shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island, Atlantic Ocean   (Photo by Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

The shark encounter with the 21-year-old comes after Florida was recently named the shark capital of the world.

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The Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File found the most unprovoked shark attacks in the world in the Sunshine State, specifically in Volusia County, where there have been 351 attacks since 1882. 

Fox News Digital’s Ashlyn Messier contributed to this report.



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