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Draft Scout College Football Player News: Florida

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09/06/21 - Graham Mertz, rSr/2025, Florida + More +

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz wants to make sure he doesn't let his struggles in a season-opening loss impact the rest of his year. Mertz threw two interceptions in the final 2 1/2 minutes as the 12th-ranked Badgers failed to convert numerous scoring opportunities and fell 16-10 to No. 19 Penn State. He spent the rest of his weekend breaking down game film and is ready to move forward, starting with Saturday night's game against Eastern Michigan (1-0). "There's a lot of games ahead and we know what we're going to do with them," Mertz said Monday. "Take advantage of every rep in practice and every game we get, and have fun doing it. For us, nothing's changed. We're still rolling." Wisconsin could be rolling several spots down the AP Top 25 after its loss, but the Badgers still can compete for a Big Ten Conference title if they bounce back. They just need to avoid repeating the mistakes that caused them to lose a contest in which they controlled possession for over 42 minutes and ran 95 plays from scrimmage, their highest single-game total since at least 1990. Mertz accepted responsibility after the game and vowed to get better. Coaches and teammates say they like the way he's responded. - AP College Football

rSr/2025

QB Graham Mertz, Florida
News Source: AP College Football
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09/01/21 - Tyrone Truesdell, rSr/2022, Florida + More +

More than two weeks after entering the transfer portal, former Auburn defensive tackle Tyrone Truesdell has found a new home at Florida. He's the third graduate transfer UF landed at the position this offseason and fills a "recruiting gap" with former Tigers teammate Daquan Newkirk and Antonio Valentino (Penn State), both of whom transferred in the spring. Following the departure of three senior defensive tackles, including Packers rookie T.J. Slaton, the Gators had no upperclassmen returning prior to the additions of Newkirk, Valentino and now Truesdell, who has immediate eligibility.

"I think you're looking at your depth and that was a position really, to me, it was a little bit of a recruiting gap in the middle that we've had from my first and second year here. Then you have some injuries and some guys not able to perform," Mullen said of adding Truesdell. "It was somebody that we looked at immediately at the start of training camp and it's just something that you look at the depth chart, where you're at, the needs, and you got a guy that started a lot of games in this league. "The opportunity for him to come in, I know it's kind of a late start, but being a veteran guy that's started in the league I think he's going to adapt really quick." Truesdell, a three-star recruit in the Class of 2017, entered the portal Aug. 11 prior to his fifth season at Auburn, including the last two years as a starter. - Gainesville Sun

rSr/2022

DT Tyrone Truesdell, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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08/30/21 - Tyrone Truesdell, rSr/2022, Florida + More +

Former Auburn defensive tackle Tyrone Truesdell has resurfaced at another SEC program ahead of the start of the 2021 season. Truesdell, who was set to be a super senior at Auburn this season but departed the program before the start of fall camp, was officially added to Florida's roster Monday morning. Truesdell will have one year of eligibility with the Gators after joining the team as a graduate transfer.

The 6-foot-2, 326-pounder was a four-year contributor and two-year starter for Auburn along the defensive line, and he was expected to be a major piece of the Tigers' defensive front this season under new defensive coordinator Derek Mason after he opted to take advantage of the NCAA's free year of eligibility and return to Auburn for a fifth season. After going through spring practices and summer workouts, however, Truesdell was not practicing with the team during the opening week of fall camp, and head coach Bryan Harsin later confirmed that Truesdell was no longer with the program. He is the second member of Auburn's 2020 starting defensive line to transfer to Florida, joining fellow defensive tackle Daquan Newkirk, who joined the Gators as a grad transfer in the spring. - Birmingham News

rSr/2022

DT Tyrone Truesdell, Florida
News Source: Birmingham News
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08/21/21 - Kingsley Eguakun, rJr/2024, Florida + More +

With the season opener two weeks away, Florida's offensive line appears to have settled on its starting five for 2021. It will consist of four familiar faces and a newcomer to the group: Kingsley Eguakun. The Gators lost their starting center and left tackle from last year, but Richard Gouragie took over for Stone Forsythe in the spring and solidified his spot opposite right tackle Jean Delance. However, Brett Heggie's replacement at center was still to be determined as UF entered preseason camp earlier this month. The job was expected to go to right guard Stewart Reese, who switched to center in the spring, or left guard Ethan White, who was the first-team center last fall before his injury in camp.

Instead, Reese and White have stayed at guard with Eguakun (pronounced "EGG-woo-kahn") emerging as the starting center. "Kingsley's really been a guy that's embraced it," UF coach Dan Mullen said. "Really, to me, his approach since last spring is, 'I'm here to be the starting center.' He's really approached it with that kind of attitude and mindset, and it shows. With the mental aspect that goes with it, the leadership, he's embraced everything that comes with being the center and wanting to go be the starter." Florida offensive line coach John Hevesy credited Eguakun's growth and maturation for his progress at the position. He redshirted as a freshman after appearing in two games, but showed flashes during his first year on campus and was selected by coaches to the student-athlete leadership council. - Gainesville Sun

rJr/2024

C Kingsley Eguakun, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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08/18/21 - Zachary Carter, rSr/2022, Florida + More +

Heading into his final season of collegiate football, Florida defensive lineman Zachary Carter is locked in. That was the message Wednesday from Florida defensive line coach David Turner, who repeatedly praised his redshirt senior defensive lineman for the work he's put in dating back to last season. Turner highlighted his consistency, work ethic and dedication to developing his teammates as areas where Carter excels, as the Gators approach the end of the first week of preseason camp.

"Zach has proven to be a playmaker. Zach's a dependable guy. Zach's consistent. He's consistent in his practice habits. That's what we always talk about, which makes him a consistent player. Zach, obviously he has talent. Zach's starting to understand the game more, understanding offenses more, understanding what people are trying to do," Turner said. "So all of that makes him a more effective player in terms of dissecting plays, how to watch tape, how to study film. Those things make him a better player when he gets out there on Saturday. But the biggest thing with Zach is his consistency. He's smart. He can play all three positions across the board and he works at it. The game's important to him." The game doesn't end when he leaves the field. With a far greater understanding of the sport, Carter has honed in on his film study and explored every avenue possible to elevate his game. - Gainesville Sun

rSr/2022

DT Zachary Carter, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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08/13/21 - Justin Shorter, rSr/2023, Florida + More +

After a breakout season for the Florida offense in 2020 things are back to being a little bit of an unknown. Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Kyle Trask is gone as are his top three pass catchers from a year ago - Kyle Pitts, Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes. The three combined for 2,343 yards and 31 touchdowns through the air. Expected to step up in their absence are redshirt juniors Justin Shorter and Jacob Copeland, among others. "I would say that we're not really replacing them. I would say we're just bringing a new crop of wideouts in that are well-trained. I'd say our group is young, but we're all hungry," Shorter said. "Everyone is out there putting in the extra work to really be that big group. We're really putting in that work and we're all just pushing, trying to be great."

Shorter, a Penn State transfer, had 25 receptions for the Gators last year for 258 yards and three touchdowns. The 6-foot-5 receiver will likely play on the outside this season as he and the other pass catchers continue to work on their chemistry with new starting quarterback Emory Jones. "Everything is about timing and our big thing was we all got reps with Emory and Anthony (Richardson) and all the quarterbacks," Shorter said. "Every single day we have been out there on the field throwing and trying to get our timing down." - Gainesville Sun

rSr/2023

WR Justin Shorter, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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08/11/21 - Tyrone Truesdell, rSr/2022, Florida + More +

Auburn defensive tackle Tyrone Truesdell is no longer with the team, Coach Bryan Harsin didn't elaborate Tuesday on reasons for Truesdell's absence from preseason camp. But he said, "as of right now, he is not part of this football team, and that's where we stand at this point." Asked if there's a chance Truesdell could rejoin the Tigers, Harsin said: "He's not on our team." Truesdell is a two-year starter at defensive tackle. He had 22 tackles last season, including 2.5 tackles for loss. Auburn lost defensive linemen Big Kat Bryant (UCF) and Daquan Newkirk (Florida) to the transfer portal. The Tigers added transfers Marcus Harris from Kansas, Tony Fair from UAB and Eku Leota from Northwestern. - AP College Football

rSr/2022

DT Tyrone Truesdell, Florida
News Source: AP College Football
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08/09/21 - Dameon Pierce, Sr/2022, Florida + More +

Florida Gators running back Dameon Pierce laughs as he answers a question from the media during a press conference Thursday morning at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. In 2020 Gator fans enjoyed one of the most prolific offenses in Florida football history led by Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Kyle Trask and first-round NFL draft picks Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney. The Gators finished the season with a nation-leading 388.4 yards passing per game. The running game, however, averaged 120.5 yard per game and finished 12th in the SEC ahead of Vanderbilt and Mississippi State.

With Trask gone as well as his top three pass catchers from last season, things are expected to look a little different this year. Senior Dameon Pierce returns to lead what should be a strong stable of running backs in 2021 - a position group head coach Dan Mullen says is his least concerning unit. Pierce admitted it was frustrating at times last season as the Gators primarily moved the ball through the air. He said he used that time to improve his pass protection and route running. "We had a generational quarterback here at Florida and maybe one of the greatest tight ends in the history of college football," Pierce said. Despite Florida's lack of a running game Pierce finished with 503 yards on 106 carries and four touchdowns. He also caught 17 balls for 156 yards and a score. - Gainesville Sun

Sr/2022

RB Dameon Pierce, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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07/30/21 - Graham Mertz, rSr/2025, Florida + More +

Graham Mertz posted All-American numbers in his first college start. Leading Wisconsin against Illinois in the 2020 opener, Mertz completed his first 17 passes before a drop by tailback Garrett Groshek ended his streak, and he went on to finish 20 of 21 for 248 yards and five touchdowns. His completion rate of 95.2% was a program record and he tied the mark for most touchdown passes in a game. Mertz's numbers over the final six games were less than stellar as he completed 98 of 172 attempts (57.0%) for an average of 165.0 yards per game, with four touchdowns and five interceptions. There were mitigating circumstances to help explain the dramatic difference in the numbers. Mertz tested positive for COVID-19 the day after the opener, wide receivers Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor were both sidelined by injuries and the running game without Jonathan Taylor was plodding.

Mertz volunteered in April that a shoulder injury he suffered required weekly cortisone shots during the season. Yet all that matters as Mertz prepares for camp as the No. 1 quarterback is that he must play better than he did last season when UW finished 3-3 in the Big Ten and 4-3 overall. "I'm not one to sit here and make excuses," he said. "Having a little banged up shoulder doesn't justify losing three games and playing like that..."You go back and look at the stats, you look at the record. It's sub-par. It's not good. That's not how I want to play ball and that's not how we play ball here. "I took that personally and I'm working to make sure that never happens again." - Journal Sentinel

rSr/2025

QB Graham Mertz, Florida
News Source: Journal Sentinel
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07/30/21 - Graham Mertz, rSr/2025, Florida + More +

University of Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz has been the program's leading face in drawing sponsorships for his name, image and likeness (NIL), and he added one of the top names in sports memorabilia to his portfolio Wednesday. Mertz, along with Miami quarterback D'Eriq King and Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral, announced exclusive deals with Panini America to sell signed memorabilia. A release from Panini said the company will organize public signings for Mertz and have signed products available for purchase on its website. Mertz is wearing a vintage Brett Favre Packers T-shirt in the video announcing the partnership - UW athletes can't wear or use school logos in NIL activities without licensing them. - Wisconsin State Journal

rSr/2025

QB Graham Mertz, Florida
News Source: Wisconsin State Journal
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07/30/21 - Justin Shorter, rSr/2023, Florida + More +

A year removed from losing four receivers to the NFL, Florida has to replace the tandem of Trevon Grimes and Kadarius Toney, a first-round pick. Toney's jersey and position now belong to Jacob Copeland, the lone returning starter. He moved to the slot in the spring and was awarded No. 1 this offseason by Mullen. Justin Shorter also has a new number (4) and will fill the void left by Grimes outside. The Gators have several options for their third and fourth receiver spots, with sophomores such as Xzavier Henderson and Ja'Quavion Fraziars competing against upperclassmen Jordan Pouncey and Rick Wells. - Gainesville Sun

rSr/2023

WR Justin Shorter, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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07/26/21 - Zachary Carter, rSr/2022, Florida + More +

Florida was picked to finish second in the SEC Eastern Division in the media's annual preseason football poll. Florida received 784 points, including seven first-place votes, while Georgia was selected as the division favorite with a total of 923 points and 124 first-place votes. Kentucky was third with 624 points. Points were awarded on a 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale. Last season the Gators defeated the Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field 44-28 en route to an 8-2 record in conference play and a trip to the SEC Championship Game. Alabama was picked to win the SEC behind 84 first place votes. The Tide were also picked to win the Western Division with 932 total points, followed by Texas A&M with 760 and LSU with 633. Alabama received 130 first-place votes in the SEC West. - Gainesville Sun

rSr/2022

DT Zachary Carter, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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07/20/21 - Brenton Cox Jr., rSr/2023, Florida + More +

Florida expected an instant impact when Cox took the field after transferring from Georgia. He delivered, with eight tackles, a sack and a pass breakup in last year's opener against Ole Miss. After that, meh. The former five-star recruit had some spectacular moments, but he often faded into the defensive woodwork. That's a problem in Todd Grantham's high-pressure scheme, which needs the BUCK position outside linebacker to be a disruptive menace. Consistent play is largely a focus issue, though that didn't completely explain Cox's problem. It turned out his chronically sore left foot had a crack in the fifth metatarsal. Doctors put a screw in it after the season. Cox was spotted on campus in June in a walking boot and getting around with the aid of a scooter. That sparked reports Cox would miss much of the season due to a "scooter accident," but Cox is expected to be ready by the opening game. He flashed star potential on one good foot. It will be interesting to see what Cox can do on two of them. - Gainesville Sun

rSr/2023

DE Brenton Cox Jr., Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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07/01/21 - *Kaiir Elam, Jr/2022, Florida + More +

Kaiir Elam's on-field play, coupled with his online following, could create more NIL opportunities for him than any Florida player this fall. Elam, whose IG has 21.1K followers, is projected as a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Businesses and companies will come calling for an endorsement from a player of that caliber. Elam also has his father, former NFL safety Abram Elam, to help brand himself. - Gainesville Sun

Jr/2022

CB *Kaiir Elam, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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07/01/21 - Trey Dean III, Sr/2023, Florida + More +

No one on the roster rocks sweatbands, sleeves and other Gator gear with more style and swag than Trey Dean III. In fact, the senior safety has developed his own clothing line, TD3, and launched a website to sell merchandise. Dean has more than 40K combined followers on Instagram (29.4K) and Twitter (11.2K) to promote his new apparel and more. - Gainesville Sun

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