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Once it was over, Graham Mertz took time to reflect after his first college football season as a starter. It hadn't gone how he wanted - after a record-setting starting debut in which he threw five touchdown passes, challenges started to pile up for the sophomore. He contracted COVID-19, testing positive the day after the Illinois game as part of an outbreak that derailed the University of Wisconsin's season for nearly three weeks. He struggled as his timing and accuracy were sporadic over the final six games of the year and UW finished 4-3. Mertz said as he evaluated the season, he looked inward first, asking himself how he needed to get better in each aspect of his game. He also took stock of how he needed to improve his approach off the field. "I took a couple of days just to kind of take that approach. 'How can I be the best Graham during the season?'" Mertz said Friday. When Mertz did begin studying tape, he broke his play down into particular elements and spent days watching each snap with an eye on that component. From his drop-backs to his understanding of scheme and recognition of defenses, Mertz took note of the strides he needed to make. He didn't specify when it happened, but Mertz also sustained a shoulder injury and had to get a cortisone shot one week. He rejected the idea that it was an explanation for his struggles. "I'm not one to sit here and make excuses for how I played, and having a little banged up shoulder doesn't justify losing three games (in a row) and playing like that," he said. "So I'm not going to sit here and make that an excuse, because it's not." - Wisconsin State Journal

(DS#19 QB) rSr/2025

QB Graham Mertz, Florida
News Source: Wisconsin State Journal
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04/03/21 - *Marco Wilson, rJr/2021, Florida, 6-0, 191 (DS#16 CB) + More +

Cornerback Marco Wilson arrived to Florida's Pro Day all but forgotten. Oh sure, some plays near the end of Wilson's college career will live in infamy for many Gators fans who won't forgive one of the most costly penalties in program history. The 22-year-old has the malicious direct messages and social media screeds directed at him to prove it. But Wednesday was about the future. Representatives from 31 of 32 NFL teams came primarily to watch Wilson's high-profile former teammates - namely Kyle Pitts, Kyle Trask and Kadarius Toney - strut their stuff and state their cases four weeks prior to the April 29-May 1 draft. Many of the intelligentsia on hand left Florida's indoor practice facility aware Wilson might have a bright future himself at the professional level.

Wilson put on a show the 58 NFL decision-makers on hand could not ignore. The Fort Lauderdale native said he never doubted he was capable. But Wilson surprised even himself by rising to the occasion as he did while alleviating questions about the quality of his play and his character. "I'm just proud of putting everything together," Wilson said. "I knew I was going to excel in every drill. I did all these numbers in training, so I wasn't surprised at all. I just have to make sure that I can hit all these numbers in one day." - Sun Sentinel

(DS#16 CB) rJr/2021

CB *Marco Wilson, Florida
News Source: Sun Sentinel
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04/03/21 - *Kyle Pitts, Jr/2021, Florida, 6-6, 245 (DS#1 TE) + More +

Kyle Pitts' All-American brick was put in Thursday ahead of his John Mackey Award ceremony. A day after solidifying himself as a top-10 pick, Kyle Pitts was cemented as a Florida football legend. The unanimous first team All-American received his brick outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Thursday, UF's first addition since Vernon Hargreaves III in 2015. Florida players named first team All-Americans are honored with a brick in their name, located on the Gator Walk entrance in front of The Swamp. Inside the stadium at Touchdown Terrace, Pitts was also presented Thursday night with the John Mackey Award during a private event. This comes on the heels of Pitts' dominant performance Wednesday at Florida's Pro Day. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds and posted the longest wingspan for an NFL receiver or tight end in the last 20 years. - Gainesville Sun

(DS#1 TE) Jr/2021

TE *Kyle Pitts, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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03/30/21 - Graham Mertz, rSr/2025, Florida, 6-3, 212 (DS#19 QB) + More +

Redshirt freshman Graham Mertz struggled to find consistent rhythm after a record-setting performance in his starting debut. Mertz completed just under 57% of his passes, threw four touchdowns and five interceptions the rest of the season after completing 20 of 21 passes against Illinois, tying a program record with five touchdowns. Cutting down on turnovers - Mertz also lost two fumbles last season - is the first step, but doing so will be the result of establishing better timing in the pocket. A majority of Mertz's interceptions last seasons were due to holding the ball too long or trying to throw a pass too late and the window of opportunity closing. Coach Paul Chryst's track record of coaching quarterbacks at UW includes the heights of Russell Wilson's stellar season in 2011 and a through line of consistent, smart play. Spring practices are the time to meld that coaching with Mertz's talent so the quarterback can take a big step forward this fall. - Wisconsin State Journal

(DS#19 QB) rSr/2025

QB Graham Mertz, Florida
News Source: Wisconsin State Journal
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03/30/21 - Richard Gouraige, rSr/2023, Florida, 6-5, 306 (DS#18 OT) + More +

Florida offensive lineman Richard Gouraige received plenty of praise this spring from coach Dan Mullen. This offseason, Florida coach Dan Mullen had the responsibility of replacing starters at the two most important positions on his football team - quarterback and the player protecting his blind side. Both spots appear to be in good hands coming out of spring ball. Mullen acknowledged Emory Jones as QB1 following the final scrimmage, while calling Richard Gouraige one of two offensive linemen he feels most comfortable with. His position coach, John Hevesy, had no reservations about moving Gouraige to left tackle as a redshirt junior to take over for Stone Forsythe. "I feel very comfortable," Hevesy said of Gouraige. "He's done a great job so far, a very knowledgeable kid. Just very meticulous about his work ethic in everything he does."

The position switch was a welcomed change for Gouraige, who started 17 games at left guard the past two seasons. Gouraige said he enjoyed playing in the trenches and had to put his "big boy pants on" against SEC defensive tackles, but sliding outside has always been the goal and plan for him. "Playing left tackle is what I came here for," said Gouraige, a consensus top-100 overall recruit as an offensive tackle. "I like being on that island and going against the best edge rushers in the game. "There's nothing better than playing in the SEC and competing with guys like that. I just love playing tackle. It just feels more natural for me. I still have minor tweaks to fix up." - Gainesville Sun

(DS#18 OT) rSr/2023

OT Richard Gouraige, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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03/18/21 - Daquan Newkirk, rSr/2022, Florida, 6-3, 328 (DS#44 DT) + More +

UF defensive line coach David Turner raved last week about grad transfer defensive tackles Daquan Newkirk and Antonio Shelton, calling them "vital" additions to the team. Turner said they have meshed well with the rest of the players and served as role models to Florida's younger D-linemen. "I think they bring a sense of maturity and they show the younger guys how to work," Mullen said of Newkirk and Shelton. "Both of those guys have brought an unbelievable attitude within the team and with their work ethic, how they show up, how they prepare...I think those guys will make major impacts for us this year.

"You're bringing in transfers that are going to help, need based to bring them in. Not just bring in anybody. Those were, that was a need position. And the mindset of what we wanted out of those guys was that maturity, that leadership, that attitude and that's what they bring to the table." Mullen stressed that he only brings in transfers who can make an immediate impact and address depth issues, which the Gators had at defensive tackle with the departure of seniors Kyree Campbell, Tedarrell Slaton and Marlon Dunlap. - Gainesville Sun

(DS#44 DT) rSr/2022

DT Daquan Newkirk, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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03/15/21 - *Kaiir Elam, Jr/2022, Florida, 6-2, 192 (DS#5 CB) + More +

Kaiir Elam was the lone bright spot in a Florida secondary that struggled last year. The Gators finished 100th nationally in passing defense, but Elam had a strong sophomore season. He was named to the All-SEC Coaches' Football First Team after finishing with 39 tackles, two interceptions and 11 pass deflections in 12 starts. "Not good enough," Elam said of his 2020 campaign. "I feel like I left some plays out there on the field. I'm just happy I can play this season, just to get better and keep elevating my game." Elam said he hasn't set any personal goals for himself like last year, other than being a leader on defense.

He also has a corner's mentality to not give up any receptions, and playing more press coverage this fall could help him meet that high bar. "Hopefully," Elam said when asked if he will. "I feel like that's what I'm best at, just playing press man. But obviously I would like to make more plays on the ball and force more turnovers, but everything goes back to just my main goal is to help my team win. "So not allowing a receiver to catch a ball. Leading the younger guys and other corners to keep getting better each and every day. Just being a better teammate and a leader to help my team win. Really that's my only goal this year." - Gainesville Sun

(DS#5 CB) Jr/2022

CB *Kaiir Elam, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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03/14/21 - Zachary Carter, rSr/2022, Florida, 6-4, 282 (DS#10 DT) + More +

Florida defensive line coach David Turner had his football prayers answered this offseason. Defensive end Zachary Carter returned for his senior season, a smart decision according to Turner. "I told Zach I thought he had a chance if he came back to really establish himself as one of the better D-linemen," Turner said. "He knew, I think deep down, he knew he wasn't quite ready to make the jump." Turner's starting defensive tackles were, as seniors Kyree Campbell and Tedarrell Slaton moved on to the NFL instead of returning to school for their extra year of eligibility. That left the Gators with a major void inside, which was filled by the addition of grad transfers Daquan Newkirk (Auburn) and Antonio Shelton (Penn State).

"It was vital for us because we knew we needed, hopefully, a couple of older guys that fit in," Turner said. "We were fortunate to get two really good guys, not just players, but really good people. I did my homework. In this business everybody kind of knows everybody and you make phone calls. You want to make sure you're getting a guy that's going to be really good in your room. "And during the process, it's like recruiting all over again. You want to find out, No. 1, why they're leaving. No. 2, what are their goals? And No. 3, would it be a fit for you? Both of those guys checked all three boxes, and, I'm glad to have them. They've been really good for the younger guys and I think they've meshed really good with our group of guys." - Gainesville Sun

(DS#10 DT) rSr/2022

DT Zachary Carter, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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03/11/21 - Cam Carroll, rSr/2025, Florida, 6-0, 224 (DS#56 RB) + More +

The last time we saw Cameron Carroll, he was running around the right end for a meaningless 65-yard touchdown with seven seconds left in Tulane's 38-27 loss to Nevada in the Idaho Potato Bowl. He was not going to turn down free points. "Honestly, it caught me by surprise," he said after one of Tulane's early spring football practices. "I didn't expect it, but our O-line executed and the wide receivers executed. It felt great. You never give up running." His career-long carry was one of an American Athletic Conference-leading 12 rushing touchdowns and likely was a preview of many more to come.

Carroll, a sturdily built, 6-foot-0, 225-pound power back with speed, proved he could do it all in a breakout redshirt sophomore season. He rushed for 741 yards on 122 carries (6.1 average), more than doubling his total of 364 yards in 2019, and even caught a 32-yard touchdown pass against Southern Miss. "He really made a vault from two years ago to last year, and we want that same type of improvement this year," coach Willie Fritz said. "He's got all the tools. He's smart, he's tough, he's got great movement, great size and he's got excellent hands." - New Orleans Times Picayune

(DS#56 RB) rSr/2025

RB Cam Carroll, Florida
News Source: New Orleans Times Picayune
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03/09/21 - Dameon Pierce, Sr/2022, Florida, 5-10, 224 (DS#10 RB) + More +

Dameon Pierce is taking on more of a leadership role this year in Florida's deep running back room. Helping out the younger players at the position and splitting more carries with them hasn't been a challenge for him. It's coming to grips with his seniority. "Finally admitting that I'm old," Pierce quipped when asked what's the biggest change in his role. Pierce is one of just five returning starters for the Gators on offense after starting 10 of their 12 games last season, leading the team in rushing with 503 yards and four touchdowns. UF also brings back redshirt senior Malik Davis (310 yards) and redshirt sophomore Nay'Quan Wright (213 yards, two scores) from 2020. The trio of backs combined for more than 1,000 yards rushing and 752 yards in the passing game, with Davis leading the way (31 catches for 377 yards) followed by Wright (19 catches for 219 yards) and Pierce (17 catches for 156 yards, one TD). - Times Union

(DS#10 RB) Sr/2022

RB Dameon Pierce, Florida
News Source: Times Union
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03/09/21 - Stewart Reese, rSr/2022, Florida, 6-5, 350 (DS#53 OG) + More +

Florida offensive line coach John Hevesy is working with his unit and liking what he is seeing. Florida must spend this spring replacing starters at the two most important offensive line positions: center and left tackle. But a pair of departing seniors sounds a lot better than losing four of five starting linemen. That would have happened to the Gators if not for the extra year of eligibility granted to all fall sports athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That allowed seniors Stewart Reese and Jean Delance to come back for one more season, which UF coach Dan Mullen called "huge" for the O-line. "It's valuable to have those two back for me," position coach and running game coordinator John Hevesy said. "For (Reese) obviously to get his master's degree and also obviously just get back in shape after the layover he had from leaving Mississippi State to come here and then with COVID. … It's really beneficial for him this offseason to get himself in great shape to play. - Gainesville Sun

(DS#53 OG) rSr/2022

OG Stewart Reese, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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02/22/21 - Keon Zipperer, rSr/2025, Florida, 6-1, 242 (DS#10 FB) + More +

Jacob Copeland and Justin Shorter are next in line for the Gators at wide receiver, but who will step up at tight end with Kyle Pitts declaring early for the NFL? Seniority at the position belongs to Kemore Gamble, but junior Keon Zipperer has a chance to become a weapon on offense and double his numbers from the past two years (14 catches for 176 yards and three touchdowns). He produced last season with Pitts out, making three receptions for 47 yards and two scores (all career-highs) against Arkansas. - Gainesville Sun

(DS#10 FB) rSr/2025

FB Keon Zipperer, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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02/19/21 - Zachary Carter, rSr/2022, Florida, 6-4, 282 (DS#10 DT) + More +

Florida defensive end Zachary Carter made the decision to return for his redshirt senior season. Fielding questions from the media Thursday night following Florida's first spring practice, Zachary Carter handled himself like a pro at the podium. He could have turned pro after leading the Gators in sacks (5.0) and tackles for loss (9.5) last year, but also considered his other future profession. "I think I'll do good on that side of the camera," Carter told reporters after revealing that he's majoring in journalism at UF. "I really want to get my degree."

Graduation was one of the main reasons he decided to come back to school for his redshirt senior season. Despite his NFL aspirations and potential, Carter is mindful of his post-playing career. "I just know that this football stuff, it doesn't last forever," he said. "I'm excited that I could possibly have a future in the NFL, but everybody says it stands for "Not For Long." "So it's just good to have that degree. I think more guys should have that attitude towards football and school, but everybody's in a different situation. But that was a big thing for me." - Gainesville Sun

(DS#10 DT) rSr/2022

DT Zachary Carter, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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01/29/21 - Kyle Trask, rSr/2021, Florida, 6-5, 236 (DS#7 QB) + More +

Florida's Kyle Trask was named the winner of the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, SPORTyler and the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce announced on Thursday night. Trask threw for 4,283 yards (No. 2 in the FBS) and 43 touchdowns (No. 1 in the FBS). He also accounted for 46 total touchdowns, which was second only to Tim Tebow's 55 in 2007 on UF's single-season record list. After his historic season for the Gators, Trask joins the company of other notable winners of the award such as Baker Mayfield (2017), Kyler Murray (2018) and J.K. Dobbins (2019). - Gainesville Sun

(DS#7 QB) rSr/2021

QB Kyle Trask, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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01/16/21 - Jace Christmann, rSr/2022, Florida, 6-0, 200 (DS#34 K) + More +

Kicker Jace Christmann has decided to play for Dan Mullen...again. After committing to Mullen as a recruit and playing two years under him at Mississippi State, Christmann announced Friday he's joining the Florida program as a graduate transfer. He will replace UF starter Evan McPherson, who declared for the NFL draft earlier this month, on the roster. Christmann leaves MSU as the school's all-time leader in scoring (219), owns the record for consecutive PATs made (95) and tied for the best field-goal percentage in school history (80 percent). - Gainesville Sun

(DS#34 K) rSr/2022

K Jace Christmann, Florida
News Source: Gainesville Sun
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