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USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Four Gators undergo post-spring surgeries
Four Gators undergo post-spring surgeries With spring practices and the Orange and Blue Game all wrapped up, four Florida Gators football players underwent surgery, according to Swamp247. Starting center Jake Slaughter is the most prominent name on the list. He and fellow starting offensive lineman Knijeah Harris underwent arthroscopic procedures — Harris on his left ankle and Slaughter on his right shoulder. Slaughter was among the best centers in all of college football a year ago and is a likely preseason All-American. His return timeline is unknown, however. Arthroscopy is generally less invasive than what's thought of as traditional surgery, according to the National Institute of Health, but each procedure requires a different amount of rest to recover fully, especially before being cleared to play in tackle football. The Cleveland Clinic sets Slaughter's recovery time at weeks to months, depending on the severity of the situation. Harris is on a similar timeline, although he should be ready to return to practice after two months or so. Receiver Aidan Mizell is having a knee debridement procedure done and receiving platelet-rich plasma injections in both knees. He should be ready in 3-6 weeks. Finally, running back Treyaun Webb had some surgical material removed from his tibia, which was fractured and repaired in November. Webb went down as the No. 2 on the depth chart behind only Montrell Johnson Jr., but he'll likely return at No. 3 behind Jadan Baugh and Ja'Kobi Jackson. Both ran for more than 500 yards and scored seven touchdowns, as Johnson also dealt with injuries. Baugh remains on the same timeline to return and should be good for Florida's season opener on Aug. 30 against Long Island. That would be a good game for him to test his legs, but there are still a few months to go in his recovery before being officially cleared. 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.
USA Today
22-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Swamp247 mock draft projects seven Florida Gators to be selected in 2025 NFL draft
Swamp247 mock draft projects seven Florida Gators to be selected in 2025 NFL draft The 2025 NFL draft is just a couple days away and anticipation is high across Gator Nation to see which former Florida football players will have their names called on the grand stage. Swamp247 released its Gators-only mock draft ahead of the big event, projecting seven players from the Orange and Blue to be selected during the three-day draft. Florida's draft class features a mix of veterans and underclassmen, including a few surprises in the middle rounds. Swamp247's Zach Goodall gave a breakdown for each Florida football player he projected to be selected in this year's NFL draft. Below is a look at who Goodall thinks will be picked, as well as the team and in which round. Florida Gators picked in Swamp247's 2025 NFL mock draft CB Jason Marshall Jr.: Round 3 (87) - Green Bay Packers "Marshall arguably may not have lived up to his five-star billing as a recruit over four seasons at Florida, but recognition from elite high school rankings have often benefited prospects in their pursuit of a pro career," Goodall said. "And that is not to say Marshall's career was disappointing. "When healthy – his senior season ended after seven starts due to a shoulder injury – Marshall proved to be a quality coverage defender, with a sub-50 completion percentage allowed in coverage, per Pro Football Focus, 47.4 percent over 137 targets. His 2024 82.1 single coverage grade from the outlet ranked in the 99th percentile. "Although Marshall intercepted only two passes in 45 games with UF, he defended 27. He added one forced fumble, and of his 98 total tackles, 7.5 were for a loss. "Marshall does not possess elite long speed, but he improved his 40-yard dash time in each run this offseason, peaking with a 4.43-second result at Florida's Pro Day, to pair with strong jumps at the NFL Combine (37.5-inch vertical; 125-inch broad), which attest to his explosiveness. "Green Bay enters the draft with a need at cornerback as starter Jaire Alexander has been the subject of trade talks this offseason; additionally, the Packers lost three players at the position in free agency last month. "Marshall took a pre-draft visit to Green Bay and met virtually with the Packers in recent weeks." DT Cam Jackson: Round 4 (111) - Carolina Panthers "A Reese's Senior Bowl standout, Cam Jackson is widely viewed as Florida's top prospect in this draft, at least from the outside looking in. The towering, 6-foot-6, 328-pound nose tackle recently earned a third-to-fourth round draft grade from The Athletic," Goodall stated. "Jackson's stout presence against the run should lead to his selection in the middle rounds and an early-down defensive role for the team that takes him. He produced 20-plus defensive stops – PFF's stat for tackles that constitute a failed play for the offense – in each of his seasons with the Gators, more than half of his total tackles each year. He logged 18 stops during his 2022 starting campaign at Memphis. "While Jackson was not a prolific pass rusher in college, he was productive in that department for a nose tackle, tallying four sacks and generating 40 quarterback pressures, per PFF. His showing at the Senior Bowl could lead pro teams to believe they can unlock further contributions in that department. "Carolina signed a pair of defensive linemen to multi-year free agent deals in Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton, to play alongside Pro Bowl defensive end Derrick Brown, but hosted Jackson on a 30 visit after making each move. "The Panthers ranked last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per attempt (5.2) and per game (179.2) in 2024. Their signings should shore up the front, but adding Jackson or another run-stopper to Carolina's new-look defensive line rotation through the draft would not be an overreaction to those struggles." RB Montrell Johnson Jr.: Round 4 (123) - Pittsburgh Steelers "Montrell Johnson Jr. has not earned the same level of recognition as the running backs at the top of this class, namely Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, although his career production stacks up with most of the group's standout prospects (outside of Jeanty's gaudy numbers)," Goodall wrote. "What most of those backs have that Johnson does not are high-volume seasons in which they tore up opposing defenses. Johnson consistently operated within a committee over his four years in college, three with Florida and one with Louisiana, and accordingly never topped 841 rushing yards in a single campaign, although he scored double-digit touchdowns twice. "Johnson was consistently efficient, averaging 5.2 yards per carry or more each season, including a career-best 5.9 in 2024. He generated 3.27 yards after contact and forced 119 missed tackles over 49 total appearances. "Johnson also proved dependable as a checkdown option on passing downs, hauling in 61 catches over 83 career targets (73.5 percent) for 6.7 yards per reception in his career. "While he logged 569 career rushing attempts, Johnson's sub-150 carries per season – he reached 20-plus attempts in just two games– could appeal to teams looking for running backs with significant tread left on their tires, given the position's typically shorter shelf life in the NFL. "So could his NFL Combine performance, where Johnson ran a 4.41-second 40 with a 1.55-second 10-yard split, and jumped 35.5 inches vertical and 123 inches broad, strong marks in each category for a running back prospect. "Pittsburgh has bigger priorities to address on offense – its current projected starting quarterback is Mason Rudolph – and only two top-100 picks to fill its most pressing needs. "But running back is on the Steelers' list after former starter Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. Johnson's physical playing style makes him a logical replacement for Pittsburgh's 240-pound former bellcow." WR Chimere Dike: Round 4 (128) - Washington Commanders "Chimere Dike was a relatively unknown draft prospect ahead of the NFL Combine despite his serviceable redshirt senior season at UF, falling outside of the top-500 overall on NFL Mock Draft Database's consensus board in mid-February," Goodall started. "His 4.34-second 40-yard dash, 1.51-second 10-yard split, 38.5-inch vertical and 128-inch broad jumps – all elite marks for a receiver – put him on the map. "After four years of inconsistent production at Wisconsin, where he recorded single-season career-highs of 47 receptions and six touchdowns in 2023, Dike posted personal records of 783 yards and 18.6 yards per reception with Florida in 2024, operating roughly 60 percent of the time in the slot and 40 percent outside. His 64.6 percent catch rate was also a career-high. "Dike was an explosive punt returner for the Gators, too, averaging 13.6 yards per attempt with three 30-plus yard returns. "While Dike was a five-year college player who will turn 23 in the back half of his rookie season, his testing results and flashy year at Florida suggest there remains potential to be untapped in his game. "Washington's passing offense exploded in 2024 with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels behind center, although Terry McLaurin did the heavy lifting at receiver with 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns, as the Commanders' next-leading wideout caught 45 passes for 506 yards and three scores. Dyami Brown emerged in the playoffs with 14 grabs for 229 yards and a touchdown, but left for Jacksonville in free agency. "The Commanders would likely benefit from drafting multiple receivers this week; Dike's speed and inside-out positional flexibility make him a sensible candidate to replace Brown, who also split time between the outside and slot, in Washington's passing offense." LB Shemar James: Round 5 (176) - Baltimore Ravens "Shemar James capitalized on three seasons of significant playing time to enter the 2025 NFL Draft as an underclassman, with 166 total tackles including 11.5 for loss, five sacks and 60 defensive stops, one interception, two forced fumbles and four defended passes on his résumé," Goodall wrote. "Yet James' undersized frame at 6-foot-1 ⅜, 222 pounds with 31.5-inch arms, could cause concern for teams eyeing him in the draft, especially since his missed tackle rate increased yearly at UF, peaking at 17.3 percent in 2024, per PFF. James was also inconsistent in coverage, allowing a career completion percentage of 76.5 over 85 targets. "James showed promise as a coverage defender at the Senior Bowl, and being that he is 20 years old, there are likely teams that believe they can sharpen his skill set in this department. "However, James' average NFL Combine showing for a linebacker could foreshadow limited developmental upside: while his 1.56-second 10-yard dash demonstrated short-area explosiveness, his long speed fell off in the 40-yard dash as finished at 4.69 seconds. His 32-inch vertical jump fell below average for his position. "The Ravens have churned elite production out of undersized linebackers in recent seasons, however, with Roquan Smith (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) and Patrick Queen (6-foot, 232 pounds) each earning Pro Bowl – and in Smith's case, All-Pro – recognition in the last two years. It is worth noting James deemed Queen his favorite NFL linebacker at the Combine. "James would fit in Baltimore's multiple-front defense primarily as a weak-side linebacker, likely beginning his career as a backup to and in a rotation with Trenton Simpson." WR Elijhah Badger: Round 6 (194) - Jacksonville Jaguars "Like Dike, Elijhah Badger transferred to Florida for his final season of college football and tallied new career-bests, averaging 20.7 yards per reception and dropping zero passes. Badger also produced a positive contested catch rate of 68.8 percent with the Gators, easily the best mark throughout his time in college, and an impressive one given his average 6-foot-1 ⅜, 200-pound frame," Goodall said. "Although his number of targets (61) dropped dramatically compared to his previous two seasons with Arizona State (99 and 100), his 806 receiving yards were 57 removed from tying his single-season high. "Also like Dike, though, Badger's best all-around season in college came over two years ago, when he recorded 70 catches for 866 yards and seven touchdowns. He will turn 24 before his rookie regular season begins, a potential concern to teams regarding his developmental upside. "Badger's 4.43-second 40 and 1.53-second 10-split could do him some favors to compensate for his age, although his 35.5-inch vertical jump was an average result. "Badger would join a receiver room in need of reinforcements in Jacksonville, with 2024 Pro Bowl rookie Brian Thomas Jr. being the team's clear-cut top option in the passing game, without proven options around him, aside from Gabe Davis, who is coming off a disappointing first year with the club after scoring 27 touchdowns in four years with Buffalo. "The Jaguars are another team that could select two receivers if Davis is not in their long-term plans. Badger would fit as a depth option on the outside and special teamer." P Jeremy Crawshaw: Round 6 (208) - Denver Broncos "We won't go too in-depth on a punter projection, but sending Jeremy Crawshaw's powerful leg 5,000 feet above sea level on Sundays was too fun an idea to pass up," Goodall said. "It helps Denver is expected to address its punter position around the draft after losing former starter Riley Dixon to Tampa Bay in free agency. The Broncos signed journeyman punter Matt Haack to a one-year contract in a corresponding move, a short-term deal that would not likely deter the club from pursuing a younger leg in the later rounds or undrafted free agency. "A four-year starter for Florida, Crawshaw graded out as one of the top 13 punters in the FBS each of the last three seasons, finishing his career with the fourth-highest punting grade in the country in 2024 (87.5). Crawshaw booted at least two 60-plus-yard punts yearly since 2021, with a long of 69; he pinned 76 kicks inside the 20-yard line and logged just 16 touchbacks." 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.
USA Today
18-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida football puts third-string QB on scholarship
Florida football puts third-string QB on scholarship Florida quarterback Aidan Warner is now on scholarship, according to Swamp247. A Yale transfer who joined the Gators as a walk-on during the 2024 offseason, Warner served as Florida's third-string quarterback a season ago. After Graham Mertz went down with a torn ACL, he moved into the backup role behind the true freshman DJ Lagway. An injury to Lagway during the Georgia game thrust Warner into the spotlight, but things didn't go so well in his first start against Texas. Warner threw two interceptions against the Longhorns and completed 12 of 25 pass attempts for 132 yards. The Gators lost that game, 49-17, and Lagway returned the following week. Warner's only other appearances came in garbage time against Florida State, FCS Samford and Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl. His only score of the year was a rushing touchdown against Samford. He ended the season with 228 yards and three interceptions on 21-of-50 passing. "I kind of got thrown in there, but that's the opportunity we ask for," Warner said after Florida's spring game. "That's the opportunity I want, so every day just coming back competing, trying to get better and step up when they need me." Lagway's shoulder problems have lingered through the spring, opening the door for Warner to start in the Orange and Blue Game. He showed off the improvements made over his first offseason training with the Gators and helped the Blue Team take the win with 157 yards passing and two touchdowns with no turnovers. "DJ being out, not throwing the ball gave me the opportunity to throw the ball every practice and take a lot of those first-team reps, throwing with those guys, like Vernell (Brown) and J-Mike (Sturdivant)," he said. "It's an opportunity that I'm super grateful for because, like you said, last year, it didn't go exactly how I would want it to, but this is an opportunity to get back on my feet and compete and get better." Warner grew up a Gators fan and always dreamed of playing in The Swamp. He jumped on the opportunity to join the program after entering the transfer portal because of that childhood dream. Warner noted at the end of his spring game presser that he was "technically still a walk-on," and now his tuition is being paid for by the program. 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.
USA Today
14-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida basketball point guard Kajus Kublickas will enter the NCAA transfer portal
Florida basketball point guard Kajus Kublickas will enter the NCAA transfer portal The Florida basketball program saw its first departure to the NCAA transfer portal on Monday. According to Swamp247's sources, sophomore point guard Kajus Kublickas will seek greener pastures elsewhere after winning a national championship with the Gators. The 6-foot-2-inch native of Lithuania came to Gainesville as an unranked prospect and has spent his entire collegiate career thus far parked at the end of Todd Golden's bench. He has played in 15 games over the past two seasons, amassing a total of 11 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and a steal in 60 total minutes played. Nine of Kublickas' appearances came last season while six came this year. He only made two shots from the field in seven attempts — one a missed 3-pointer — while going 7-for-8 from the charity stripe for an 87.5% clip. Kajus Kublickas' international experience Kublickas played for Zalgiris II — the reserve team for the professional Lithuanian basketball club Žalgiris Kaunas — during the 2022-23 campaign, where he averaged 9.1 points and 3.3 assists in 37 games and helped the team to a second-league championship. Before that, he helped his country earn a 5-2 record and fifth-place finish at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket, averaging 11.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists. The young guard also competed at the FIBA U20 European Championships in 2023 on behalf of Lithuania, averaging 6.3 points and a team-leading 3.1 assists in an eighth-place finish, and at the 2022 U18 European Champions in 2022, posting 8.3 points and a team-high 4.4 assists in a seventh-place finish. 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.
USA Today
11-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Orange and Blue Game 2025: Florida football's spring scrimmage will not be televised
Orange and Blue Game 2025: Florida football's spring scrimmage will not be televised The Florida football program will not be broadcasting this year's Orange and Blue game on television, according to a report from Swamp247, keeping in line with a current trend among Southeastern Conference schools amid questions all across the nation surrounding the future of both spring exhibitions and practices. There are major concerns that the coverage could encourage transfer portal tampering from outside of the team — an issue cited by coaches and corroborated by scouting reports. So far, the only SEC school to announce a television broadcast for its spring game is the Texas A&M Aggies, who play their scrimmage on Saturday, April 19. About the Orange and Blue Game The 2025 edition of Florida's final intrasquad scrimmage of the spring will take place inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, April 12, with the kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET. The game will not be televised but will be open to the public. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. ET and all non-reserved parking on campus, including Lots 114 and the Stephen C. O'Connell Center garage, will be available for general parking on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission for the game is free. The university will honor the 2024-25 national champion men's basketball team during an extended 30-minute halftime event at approximately 2 p.m. ET. 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
