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Three Questions About the Florida Gators Specialists Entering 2022

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Three Questions About the Florida Gators Specialists Entering 2022


Picture: Jeremy Crawshaw; Credit score: Alex Shepherd 

With spring soccer squarely within the rearview mirror, and never a lot occurring within the realm of school sports activities, AllGators has determined to take a stab at going over numerous place teams for the Florida Gators and the three urgent questions for every room.

After masking all main positions on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, we spherical out the sequence by taking a deep dive into the specialists unit for the 2022 model of this system.

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Present process immense turnover following a season to neglect in 2021 from the unit as a complete, the proclaimed “game-changers” led by coordinator Chris Sofa shall be an intriguing group to observe within the early going of the Billy Napier regime.

AllGators’ three questions by place sequence

Who will assume place kicking duties?

The departure of Evan McPherson following the 2020 season left a big gap within the Gators specialists unit that was evident a season in the past.

Using the likes of Chris Howard and Jace Christmann in rotation, Florida mixed to make simply 67% of its 15 discipline purpose makes an attempt on the yr and noticed the variety of missed further factors McPherson had in his whole collegiate profession surpassed between the 2.

The inconsistency and lack of leg energy took its toll on the Gators’ season, particularly by means of a missed further level towards Alabama that will finally be a difference-maker between Florida dropping in regulation versus having an try to steal an enormous victory over the Crimson Tide in time beyond regulation.

Now, with each Howard and Christmann each leaving UF, a brand new face is ready to imagine the position of placekicker heading into the longer term.

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Whereas there is not an abundance of choices, two have set themselves as much as battle for the beginning spot for the autumn.

First, and certain the one who has the higher hand on account of his placement on scholarship, is true freshman kicker Trey Smack.

His competitors is former most well-liked walk-on Adam Mihalek, who confirmed vital promise through the alternative he acquired within the staff’s spring sport. Knocking by means of a number of long-range kicks from 52 and 49 yards out, Mihalek displayed fascinating accuracy and pop off his foot within the place kicking division.

Nevertheless, he struggled on his kickoff makes an attempt, displaying that he’s restricted to simply place kicking if the Gators wish to make the most of him, giving Smack the higher hand if he can do each successfully.

Will the return sport’s productiveness re-emerge underneath new management?

A much-maligned facet of an already poorly performing staff final season was the lackluster return unit Florida trotted out onto the sector a season in the past.

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Characterised by mishaps alongside the purpose line, unsolicited return makes an attempt and, frankly, the improper personnel in spots to return kicks, the group was a detriment to Florida’s success.

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Entrusting working again Malik Davis and extensive receivers Xzavier Henderson to return kicks, with an occasional look from extensive receiver Ja’Markis Weston, Florida totaled simply over 13 yards per return on common and didn’t report a rating.

Davis recorded the staff’s longest return of simply 33 yards.

Likewise, Henderson was the first handler of punt return duties. In 23 makes an attempt, he compiled simply seven yards per try with a protracted of simply 33.

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Throughout the board, the return unit left a lot to be desired in 2022.

As they give the impression of being to introduce new faces into the fold in an try to discover a spark, particularly the likes of Demarkcus Bowman and the person who was recruited closely to be a return sport specialist in Fenley Graham, the Gators hope they will discover a spark much-needed spark within the third part of the sport.

Will Sofa get extra manufacturing out of the sport changers than former particular groups coordinator Greg Knox was in a position to? Or are the Gators in for one more yr of mediocrity at greatest within the return sport?

Can punter Jeremy Crawshaw present consistency?

The drastic turnover and hope for enchancment are the robust storylines for the particular groups unit heading into 2022. Nevertheless, the Gators do have the luxurious of continuity in one of many main areas within the type of punter Jeremy Crawshaw.

Exhibiting flashes of elite leg power to bomb balls downfield at factors final season, Crawshaw has the potential to be a weapon for the Gators.

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However, can he be that every time he steps on the sector?

A season in the past, the Australian native was a vibrant spot for Florida’s particular groups unit. Averaging 44.1 yards per punt on 52 makes an attempt, his capacity to ship opposing groups on their heels was evident at factors.

Nevertheless, simply as he would get off 60-plus-yard bombs — his career-high coming towards Vanderbilt with a 69-yarder — the Sydney product struggled with mis-hits.

The volatility of his sport was encapsulated in Florida’s upsetting loss to Missouri in time beyond regulation on the street, the place he paired a 67-yard punt and a 54-yard punt with an 11-yarder, a 29-yarder and a 31-yarder.

His increase or bust nature shall be an space the brand new Florida workers seems to drastically enhance this offseason to make sure they get performances matching the numbers of the previous extra typically.

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Using an offense that may lean towards a power-rushing sport that’s designed to put on down opponents and wind down the sport clock, Florida will hope they will depend on their punter — though sparingly — to flip the sector when their dashing assault will get stymied persistently.

If they will, your entire unit, offense and protection, will reap the advantages of Crawshaw’s work.

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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Florida

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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