GSN Interview: Tyler Murphy Is Ready To Lead
Tyler Murphy is a 6′2 190 lb. dual threat quarterback out of Wethersfield, Connecticut. Murphy was previously committed to Temple until Florida came in with an offer providing him with an exciting opportunity to come play for one of the top programs in the nation. Though Murphy was not rated very high, with the proper training and work put in this young man has the potential and upside to become something great. Look for him to make an impact on the team in the coming years. He very well could easily be the quarterback that brings back the two QB rotation that we first saw under Meyer with Leak/Tebow. This underrated prospect has a good arm and quick feet. Florida’s strength and conditioning program should produce something great. Murphy talked with GSN about his plans and aspirations while at Florida:
GSN: What do you expect to accomplish at UF?
Tyler Murphy: I expect to grow as a person, get a good education and really develop as a football player.
GSN: What was your impression of UF after your visit
Murphy: The weather, I always wanted to get away from the cold.
GSN: What are your personal goals while playing ball for the Gators?
Murphy: Personal goals are to become a great leader and win games.
GSN: What position do you think you will be playing at UF?
Murphy: Quarterback.
GSN: Have you always planned on attending the University of Florida?
Murphy: No, I was committed to Temple because that was the school that best fit me until Florida came and offered me.
GSN: What do you plan on doing during the off-season to better yourself as a passer?
Murphy: Work on mainly my foot work and body positioning.
GSN: What about Florida made you want to go there instead of Temple?
Murphy: More opportunities, bigger program, and people behind the program.
GSN: How would you describe the coaching staff at Florida?
Murphy: Great guys who take pride in their coaching. I think coach Loeffler has one of the best brains of the game and I’m excited to learn from him.
GSN: How does it feel to be apart of one of the greatest recruiting classes ever?
Murphy: I don’t really follow recruiting much but from my understanding we have some really talented guys coming in so it feels good to be apart of something special.
GSN: How excited are you to run out of the tunnel in front of 90,000 fans in the Swamp?
Murphy: That’s probably one of the things I’m really excited to witness and be apart of, is the games environment. Thinking about it creates chills down my back.
GSN: So you love playing your xbox 360, how is it going to feel when you see your self on NCAA football 2011? Will you play your self all-time? Even in front of Brantley?
Murphy: Haha, I’ll probably see how I am,but I like to play with unranked teams for some reason. So I won’t be playing myself much.
I was really impressed with his highlight video. Check it out:
By: Kurt Posner & Brandon Surber
Top 10 Things on Urban Meyer’s To-Do-List While On Leave
We know nothing. We may still know nothing well into August regarding Urban Meyer's return to college football.
In fact, we're betting Meyer paid attention to the Brett Favre saga and will take us on a magical mystery tour with his new found freedom over the next six months...or not.
So what's Urban's agenda this spring and summer? We have ten sure-fire ideas for him that will surely keep him busy.
And keep Gator Nation riveted.
Tebow Turns His Focus to Football
It is all work from now on for the Gator Great, Tim Tebow, as he is in Memphis to train for the NFL. Tebow has lately reached the headlines of the news between his recent pro-life Superbowl ads, his Senior Bowl performance, and his closing prayer at the National Prayer Meeting in Washington last week.
Jimmy Sexton, Tebow’s agent, reports that the Heisman winning quarterback will be in Memphis, Tennessee to train with the former NFL quarterback Zeke Bratkowski and Marc Trestman, the former quarterback coach who assisted Tebow at the Senior Bowl a few weeks back. Tebow is reportedly working hard on his mechanics and throwing motion which faced all kinds of scrutiny from the NFL scouts and recently the Jacksonville offensive lineman, Uche Nwaneri.
Tebow’s agent reports that, “It’s going to be nothing but football between now and the Combine.” The former Gator standout has no more arrangements with the media until the time between now and the NFL combine on February 24th draws to a close. Tim Tebow is looking forward to bettering himself to become an elite NFL quarterback with his trainers and coaches before it is time to standout in front of the NFL scouts. But before then, Tim Tebow will be hidden in the shadows to prepare for the combine.
(Information collected by Gatorsports.com)
By: Justin Rectenwald
2010 Super Bowl Commercials
Full Lineup of 2010 Super Bowl Commercials
Tim Tebow: Focus on Family
Bud Light: Lighthouse
Snickers: Betty White
Hyuandai: New Car
Boost Mobile: Super Bowl Shuffle
Doritos: Dog Gets Revenge
Universal: Robin Hood
Doritos: Play Nice
...
MySportsPress posted 4 hours ago from mysportspress.com
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Super Bowl Commercials
Trying to come up with a title for this post was hard, seeing that every internet media blog has taken some variation of “Monday Morning Fill-in-a-term” even though they have no idea what sport reference this is making. ANYWAYS, as a whole I was upset with how unfunny the ...
corpthug posted 4 hours ago from corporatethuggin.com
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Steve Addazio named nation’s top recruiter
Though he received plenty of flack throughout the 2009 season for his play calling and some other perceived miscues, Florida Gators offensive coordinator and interim head coach Steve Addazio has been universally praised by the team’s coaching staff and players for his heart, passion, leadership and character. Also propping up Addazio recently are the newest Gators recruits, who are likely not surprised to learn that he has been named ESPN’s college football recruiter of the year.
Addazio has been complimented for having a strong hand in keeping Florida’s near-unanimous No. 1-ranked 2010 recruiting class together through a change of heart by head coach Urban Meyer. He also hit the road hard over the past year, personally visiting and gaining commitments from a number of key recruits.
Rivals, a college football recruiting service that was the sole party not to rank the Gators’ 2010 class as the best in the nation, also recognized Addazio this week by naming him one of their top 25 recruiters for 2010.
Said Rivals, “Addazio had his hand in recruiting two five-star defensive tackles from the Northeast in Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley. That he signed them from Pennsylvania and New York, respectively, made his feat more impressive. Addazio also helped Florida sign three four-star players in offensive tackles Ian Silberman and Chaz Green and safety Jonathan Dowling.”
Photo Credit: Dave Martin/Associated Press
Tim Tebow’s Fantasy Stock Rising In Spite Of Focus On The Family
The day after the Super Bowl may as well be doomsday for every NFL fan. For all we care, the world is over. Another 7 months till we can even think about watching an NFL game. However, if you are a true NFL fan, you have your sights set much closer; on the NFL draft in April. This is the time ...
Sports Page Network posted 6 hours ago from RealFantasy.sportspagenetwork.com
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Breaking Down the Florida Gators’ 2010 Recruiting Class – Part 1
Now that we know who has signed with Florida, we can start to analyze them with a fine-toothed comb throughout the spring and summer and project what they will do once they suit up for the Gators. In four neat parts, I’ll give my early thoughts about each of the signees and how they may contribute in 2010.Gideon Ajagbe
LB – 6'2", 197 lbs. – Coconut Grove, FL – Ransom Everglades
Ajagbe is fairly small for a linebacker in terms of bulk, but so was a former Gator by the name of Earl Everett when he came to Gainesville. His athletic ability is what drew Florida to him. The coaching staff wants him to get up in the 230-pound range and hopes he won’t lose any speed in doing so. Expect Ajagbe to redshirt while he gets accustomed to Florida’s conditioning regimen.
Neiron Ball
DE – 6'4", 210 lbs. – Jackson, GA – Jackson
Ball is in much of the same boat as Ajagbe in that his speed and overall ability led the Gators to him, but he will need to put on some weight to play his position at the next level. Due to Ball’s acceleration, he can end up being a pass-rush specialist for the Gators, but may also do well as a blitzing outside linebacker. He’s another good candidate to redshirt although being enrolled early may have helped him get an edge.
Mack Brown
RB – 5'11", 185 lbs. – Lithonia, GA – Martin Luther King
Brown was one of the one’s Florida fans were most worried about when Signing Day came around. Many weren’t sure if he’d actually end up a Gator. In the end, he was true to what he had been saying throughout most of his recruitment and signed with Florida. Brown could be considered a speed back, but he seems to love contact as well. With some added bulk, Brown could do some damage between the tackles. Looking at the depth chart at running back, you would think he’s in line for a redshirt, but Brown may be too talented to keep off the field in 2010.
Trey Burton
QB – 6'2", 203 lbs. – Venice, FL – Venice
Burton may win the award for best recruiter of the class. The minute he pledged to attend Florida, he became one of the most vocal members of the 2010 recruiting class. Burton is a dual-threat quarterback who will fit in well to an offense which allows the QB to run a good amount of the time. With Jordan Reed moving to tight end (whether it’s just part time or not), expect Burton to be right in the mix to back up starting quarterback John Brantley.
Gerald Christian
TE – 6'3", 220 lbs. – West Palm Beach, FL – Dwyer
Ladies and gentlemen, the Florida Gators’ 2010 starting tight end. Okay that’s probably a little premature to declare, but don’t be surprised. Tight end is the thinnest position on the team right now and there’s no reason to think Christian won’t be given a chance to claim the top spot. He enrolled early, has good speed for someone his size, and comes in as one of the nation’s best high school tight ends. Expect Christian to see the field a lot during the upcoming season.
Robert Clark
ATH – 5'9", 170 lbs. – West Palm Beach, FL – Dwyer
Clark could be in line to be the next Brandon James. He can play on either side of the ball – although we heard a lot about cornerback toward the end of the recruiting cycle – but Clark’s strongest point is in the return game. After seeing the impact James had on the Florida program over his four years as a Gator, prospects may no longer shy away from being recruited as returners first. Clark could realistically be the fastest member of the 2010 class. If he is as dynamic in the return game as expected, he should see the field immediately.
Adrian Coxson
WR – 6'2", 194 lbs. – Baltimore, MD – City College High
Coxson was one of the last recruits to join the class, but his commitment wasn’t much of a surprise. Some see him as a throw-in at the end of the cycle, but that’s not the case at all. He’s a very talented receiver with the size to make an immediately impact. With the entire receiving corps getting an overhaul in 2010, the freshmen will be given an opportunity to fight for playing time. However, Coxson is one of four true receivers in the class (not to mention some athletes who could become full-time receivers) so he may be in line for a redshirt. Fall practice will determine which ones play immediately and which ones we’ll have to wait until 2011 to see.
Come back tomorrow for the next part.
Atlanta Hawks’ Al Horford: “I tried to act tough.”
Atlanta Hawks forward/center Al Horford is in the middle of the third season of what will hopefully be a lengthy NBA career. Averaging career highs in minutes, field goal percentage, free throw percentage and points per game, he was recently selected as a reserve for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game for the first time in his professional career. OGGOA caught up with the two-time National Champion, two-time NCAA Finals Most Valuable Player and member of the 2008 NBA All-Rookie Team while he was on his way to prepare for a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Horford spoke with us about a variety of topics including his professional success, memories of Florida and advice for younger Gators who are trying to propel the team back into March Madness.
ADAM SILVERSTEIN: The biggest thing going for you right now has to be your selection to your first NBA All-Star Game. How did it feel to earn that honor in only your third season in the league?
AL HORFORD: “It’s a real honor to be nominated to that game. The coaches really have a lot of weight into that decision, and I felt really special that they picked me over a lot of other guys.”
AS: The NBA has been utilizing you to help grow its product abroad. Do you feel any extra pressure in this regard?
AH: “Not really. I think if anything, it’s good. It’s something that, even when I played at Florida, I wanted to put myself in the position to be able to come and play in the NBA. It just feels a good to be a part of the league and a good team.”
Read the rest of our exclusive interview with Al Horford after the jump!
AS: A lot of players dominate in college and then regress in the pros against better competition. Not only have you maintained your production, in many ways you have improved. How have you been able to accomplish that?
AH: “When I got to Florida, I did a lot of work to get better as a player with Coach [Billy] Donovan and Coach [Anthony] Grant, when he was there. And I just progressively got better every year like some of my other teammates who were with me. I think the key with the NBA is I’m still staying hungry, I feel like I can get a lot better still. I’m still working on my game. I have not reached my full potential yet. I think that’s why I’m able to improve every year.”
AS: You played high school basketball in Michigan. What was it about the University of Florida that made you decide to play there?
AH: “To be honest, it was taking that official visit and seeing Gainesville and the campus for myself. I was really sold as soon as I came in – the nice campus and the buildings and the palm trees and everything. I fell in love with that. I never told Coach that. I tried to act tough on my visit, but I knew that I wanted to go there as soon as I saw all of that. I really liked it. To top it off, I got to hang out with Corey Brewer and Taurean Green for my official visit, and I had met Joakim [Noah] – I played with him early in the summer – so I had a chance to spend some time with him, I knew he was going there. It made my decision a lot easier.”
AS: How often do you get a chance to speak with Coach Donovan?
AH: “I talk to him probably once a month. Lately, we’ve been texting a lot more. I always keep up with the Gators – basketball and football.”
AS: Have you been able to watch a lot of Gators basketball this season? From what you have seen, what do they need to work on to be a tournament-caliber team?
AH: “I’ve been able to watch quite a bit. They’ve been on TV more up here. I feel like they’re heading in the right direction now. They are still growing and learning, but I think the bigs really have to pick their game up consistently in order for them to have any chance of making the tournament.”
AS: If you were in Gainesville on Coach Donovan’s staff and had the chance to work with Alex Tyus and Vernon Macklin, how would you coach them up?
AH: “I would tell them to go out there and just play hard and do the things that Coach is telling them to do. Coach is experienced, he’s been there, and he’s looking out for their best interests. [They should not] worry so much about their individual numbers and stuff, just go out there do the things to impact winning – defending, rebounding, blocking shots. From all that, I think that will generate offense for them. That is something that every player looks for. Me and Joakim looked for that when we were there. We followed what Coach had to tell us. We believed in him, and I think that made the biggest difference for our team.”
AS: Finally, how did you end up in Ciara’s “Never Ever” music video last year? Is there anything your fans need to know about that?
AH: [Laughing] “Man, that was crazy. She came to one of my games last year, and I guess she saw me on the court. She got a hold of my agent and sent the information over that she would for like me to participate in her next video. My agent talked to me about it, and as soon as he brought it up, I was like ‘Yeah!’ You always want to be a part of a music video – that was always my thing. So I was so excited, I was like ‘Yeah, I’ll do it!’ I guess she went to the game and saw me and thought that I’d be a good look for the video.” Ciara’s “Never Ever” Music Video (skip to 4:29).
Horford will appear in his first NBA All-Star Game on Sun., Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. on TNT.
Head Coach Mike Holloway Met with the Media on Monday
University of Florida head coach<b> Mike Holloway </b>addressed the media Monday morning as part of the Gators' All-Sports Media Day.