By Franz Beard
A few thoughts to jump start your Monday morning:
AUDITION WEEK HAS BEGUN
“Well, the first days are the hardest days, don’t you worry anymore; ‘Cause when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door” – From “Uncle John’s Band” by the Grateful Dead, lyrics by Robert Hunter
In the case of the Florida Gators, the first days are indeed the hardest days. Think of what started on Sunday and runs through Thursday night’s Gasparilla Bowl game with UCF (7-5) as audition week. At least that’s what it will be for players who intend to be on Florida’s football roster next fall. They’ll take this entire process that began with player interviews on Sunday very, very seriously. This is a no-nonsense type who has a very business-like approach to his job of restoring Florida football to a championship level.
Those who have transferring on their minds, will find out in a hurry that this is a coach with a don’t let the screen door hit you on the way out approach. Judging from what folks back in Lafayette have to say about him, Billy Napier isn’t the type to beg anyone to stay. Those who intend to be Gators next fall should remember that old adage that the first impression lasts the longest.
“We'll begin individual meetings,” Napier said Wednesday at his early signing day press conference. “I'm going to meet with each individual player starting Sunday.”
Then he will observe and take copious notes. Those intending to stay need to make a very good impression on the practice field and play very hard if they get in the game.
Seven Gators have entered the transfer portal with two – Gerald Mincey (Tennessee) and Khris Bogle (Michigan State) – already committed. Of the remaining five (quarterback Emory Jones, wide receiver Jacob Copeland, linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, linebacker Lloyd Summerall III and defensive end Dante Zanders) there are rumblings that Summerall is hedging a bit. That would make sense since Bogle is transferring and Brenton Cox Jr., who is planning to return, has to show he’s capable of staying healthy. There is playing time potentially there for Summerall if he elects to return.
One observer who was at most of Florida’s practices during the season, says he expects there will be another 10-15 who put their names in the transfer portal after the bowl game. With just the players currently in the portal and adding in the nine who were signed last Wednesday, there are approximately 70 on scholarship. The NCAA has given a special waiver that allows a school to replace up to seven who enter the transfer portal after December 15 without counting against the 85 roster limit. That gives Napier some flexibility on how to rebuild the roster if he loses a dozen or so players after the bowl game.
Maybe one of the safest calculations is that Napier will sign another 7-9 high school/junior college kids in February and will add as many as 12-14 transfers. Think of the transfer portal as the new norm for college football. The coaches who understand it and know how to use it best are going to be the ones who succeed in the years to come.
ANOTHER UGLY WIN FOR UF, BUT AT LEAST IT WAS A WIN
The gang that can’t shoot straight had a better game than they’ve had recently against South Florida Saturday, but the Gators (8-3) still only shot 39 percent overall and 30.8 percent from the 3-point line. They also turned the ball over 17 times and had only 12 assists.
Ugly? You got it, but the defense, rebounding and an 18-point margin from the 3-point line were enough to give the Gators a 66-55 win in the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise. Florida held the Bulls to just 2-11 shooting from the 3-point line, and while Florida’s 30.8 percent is nothing to write home about, going the eight made threes helped pull this one out. The Gators outrebounded the Bulls 45-27.
“I liked the way we rebounded,” Mike White said. “We have to value the ball better. We have to adjust better to changing defenses, or even though it was all man, they changed what they were doing, and we have to find a way to make some shots. That’s on myself and our staff as much as anyone. A lot of this is trial and error and we need to change something that we’re doing in practice. We need to continue searching because we are better shooters than this – we are. I believe they’ll go down and maybe it’s trying something different.”
The Gators have only one more non-conference game before the SEC schedule kicks in on December 29 against Ole Miss. The Gators face Stony Brook (7-4) Wednesday in a 1 p.m. game at the O-Dome.
SEC Basketball
Saturday’s scores: FLORIDA (8-3) 66, South Florida (4-6) 55; No. 6 Alabama (9-2) 65, Jacksonville State (5-6) 59; No. 13 Auburn (10-1) 74; Saint Louis (8-4) 70; No. 19 LSU 66; Louisiana Tech (8-3) 57; No. 21 Kentucky (8-2) 98; North Carolina (8-3) 69; Hofstra (7-5) 89, No. 24 Arkansas (9-2) 81; Vanderbilt (6-4) 77, Austin Peay (4-6) 51; Missouri (6-5) 83, Utah (7-4) 75; Clemson (8-4) 70, South Carolina (8-3) 56; Ole Miss (8-3) 76, Dayton (7-5) 68; George Mason (6-5) 80, Georgia (4-6) 67l Texas A&M (8-2) 83, Oregon State (1-10) 73; No. 18 Tennessee (8-2) at Memphis (6-4), Postponed COVID
Monday’s game: Western Carolina (6-5) at Georgia (4-5)
Tuesday’s games: Samford (9-2) at Ole Miss (7-3); Northwestern State (3-9) at Texas A&M (8-2); Davidson (8-2) at No. 6 Alabama (9-2); Elon (3-9) at No. 24 Arkansas (9-2); Winthrop (6-5) at Mississippi State (8-3);
Wednesday’s games: Stony Brook (7-4) at FLORIDA (8-3); Army (6-4) at South Carolina (8-3); Murray State (10-1) at No. 13 Auburn (10-1); Louisville (7-4) at No. 21 Kentucky (8-2); No. 8 Arizona (11-0) at No. 18 Tennessee (8-2); East Tennessee State (7-5) at Georgia (4-6); Lipscomb (5-7) at No. 19 LSU (11-0); Illinois (8-3) at Missouri (6-5); Vanderbilt (6-4) at Hawaii (4-3)
OVER, UNDER, AROUND AND THROUGH THE SEC
Alabama (12-1): Former 4-star offensive lineman Pierce Quick, who played in one game (3 snaps) in 2021, has transferred to Georgia Tech … Only two other Alabama players remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Friday, December 31, vs. Cincinnati (13-0) in the Cotton Bowl, CFP semifinal
Arkansas (8-4): Defensive end Tre Williams, who is the team sack leader (6) was arrested for DWI … Currently there are seven Razorbacks in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, January 1, vs. Penn State (7-5) in the Outback Bowl
Auburn (6-6): There is no turning back for Bo Nix. Auburn’s former starting QB is transferring to Oregon to play for Dan Lanning … Auburn’s new offensive coordinator is former Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis, who is the quarterbacks coach of the Seattle Seahawks … Former 4-star safety Ahmari Harvey, who didn’t play in a game in 2021, is the seventh Auburn player to enter the transfer portal. Harvey played prep football at Tallahassee Florida State University School.
Next game: Tuesday, December 28, vs. Houston (11-2) in the Birmingham Bowl
Georgia (12-1): ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay has three Bulldogs going in the first round in April: defensive tackle Jordan Davis, linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive end Travon Walker.
Next game: Friday, December 31, vs. Michigan (12-1) in the Orange Bowl, CFP semifinal
Kentucky (9-3): Mark Stoops’ new contract, extended until 2028, will pay him $6,350,000 next year and will escalate to $7,600,000 in his final season. The contract is loaded with incentives that could increase the money every year … Eight Wildcats remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, January 1, vs. Iowa (10-3) in the Citrus Bowl
LSU (6-6): Brian Kelly tried to lure Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken but since Monken said no, he’s targeted Cincinnati OC Mike Denbrock, who worked for Kelly at Grand Valley State and for seven years at Notre Dame ... With Max Johnson transferring to Texas A&M, five Tigers remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Tuesday, January 4, vs. Kansas State (7-5) in the Texas Bowl
Mississippi State (7-5): Left tackle Charles Cross, who made some All-America teams, will opt out of the Liberty Bowl game with Texas Tech to prepare for the NFL Draft … Currently there is only one Bulldog in the transfer portal.
Next game: Tuesday, December 28, vs. Texas Tech (6-6) in the Liberty Bowl
Missouri (6-6): Currently there are seven Tigers in the transfer portal.
Next game: Wednesday vs. Army (8-4) in the Armed Forces Bowl
Ole Miss (10-2): Left tackle Nick Broeker says he won’t make any decision about returning to Ole Miss or leaving for the NFL until after the Sugar Bowl game with Baylor … Former Southern Cal linebacker Danny Lockhart Jr. is transferring to Ole Miss ... Five Rebels remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, January 1, vs. Baylor (11-2) in the Sugar Bowl
South Carolina (6-6): South Carolina, which signed 4-star QB Braden Davis on Wednesday, got another 4-star QB when Tanner Bailey (6-1, 195, Gordo, AL) flipped from Oregon over the weekend ... Currently nine South Carolina players are in the transfer portal.
Next game: Thursday, December 30, vs. North Carolina (6-6) in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Tennessee (7-5): Navy (yes, that’s his real name) Shuler, a freshman quarterback at Appalachian State, is transferring to Tennessee. A 3-star prospect out of high school, Shuler had offers from 13 schools including Duke and Wake Forest. He’s the son of former UT quarterback Heath Shuler (1991-93) … Currently there are only three Tennessee players in the transfer portal.
Next game: Thursday, December 30, vs. Purdue (8-4) in the Music City Bowl
Texas A&M (8-4): In an obvious slap at Tennessee (he’s from Powell, Tennessee), 5-star defensive tackle Walter Nolen responded to rumors that he chose the Aggies because they offered him a big NIL deal, by stating, “If I was looking for NIL money, I would have come to UT.” … There are currently three Aggies in the transfer portal.
Next game: Thursday, December 31, vs. Wake Forest (10-3) in the Gator Bowl
Vanderbilt (2-10): Former 4-star linebacker Kane Patterson is transferring from Clemson to Vandy. His younger brother Langston signed with Vanderbilt for the 2022 recruiting class … Former 3-star edge rusher Alex Williams is in the transfer portal. He has three years of remaining eligibility. Williams brings to seven the number of Commodores in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, August 27, at Hawaii
ONE FINAL PITHY THOUGHT: Iowa offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum made some money from NIL deals this season but he’s not letting the money spoil him. Unlike some of the college football players who are raking in big bucks, Linderbaum is showing that just because you have a lot of money at your disposal doesn’t mean you have to spend it all on yourself. Over the weekend, he wrote a $30,000 check to the Iowa Children’s Hospital.
I don’t have a problem with kids making some money on name, image and likeness. After all, why should the schools make money on the kids without sharing some of it? It does make me happy when someone like Linderbaum understands that he can use the money he makes from his talent and abilities to help those who can’t help themselves. It’s Christmas. I’m hoping a lot more kids who have profited off NIL this year elect to help those less fortunate but I’m not counting on it. I am willing to be surprised, however.
A few thoughts to jump start your Monday morning:
AUDITION WEEK HAS BEGUN
“Well, the first days are the hardest days, don’t you worry anymore; ‘Cause when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door” – From “Uncle John’s Band” by the Grateful Dead, lyrics by Robert Hunter
In the case of the Florida Gators, the first days are indeed the hardest days. Think of what started on Sunday and runs through Thursday night’s Gasparilla Bowl game with UCF (7-5) as audition week. At least that’s what it will be for players who intend to be on Florida’s football roster next fall. They’ll take this entire process that began with player interviews on Sunday very, very seriously. This is a no-nonsense type who has a very business-like approach to his job of restoring Florida football to a championship level.
Those who have transferring on their minds, will find out in a hurry that this is a coach with a don’t let the screen door hit you on the way out approach. Judging from what folks back in Lafayette have to say about him, Billy Napier isn’t the type to beg anyone to stay. Those who intend to be Gators next fall should remember that old adage that the first impression lasts the longest.
“We'll begin individual meetings,” Napier said Wednesday at his early signing day press conference. “I'm going to meet with each individual player starting Sunday.”
Then he will observe and take copious notes. Those intending to stay need to make a very good impression on the practice field and play very hard if they get in the game.
Seven Gators have entered the transfer portal with two – Gerald Mincey (Tennessee) and Khris Bogle (Michigan State) – already committed. Of the remaining five (quarterback Emory Jones, wide receiver Jacob Copeland, linebacker Mohamoud Diabate, linebacker Lloyd Summerall III and defensive end Dante Zanders) there are rumblings that Summerall is hedging a bit. That would make sense since Bogle is transferring and Brenton Cox Jr., who is planning to return, has to show he’s capable of staying healthy. There is playing time potentially there for Summerall if he elects to return.
One observer who was at most of Florida’s practices during the season, says he expects there will be another 10-15 who put their names in the transfer portal after the bowl game. With just the players currently in the portal and adding in the nine who were signed last Wednesday, there are approximately 70 on scholarship. The NCAA has given a special waiver that allows a school to replace up to seven who enter the transfer portal after December 15 without counting against the 85 roster limit. That gives Napier some flexibility on how to rebuild the roster if he loses a dozen or so players after the bowl game.
Maybe one of the safest calculations is that Napier will sign another 7-9 high school/junior college kids in February and will add as many as 12-14 transfers. Think of the transfer portal as the new norm for college football. The coaches who understand it and know how to use it best are going to be the ones who succeed in the years to come.
ANOTHER UGLY WIN FOR UF, BUT AT LEAST IT WAS A WIN
The gang that can’t shoot straight had a better game than they’ve had recently against South Florida Saturday, but the Gators (8-3) still only shot 39 percent overall and 30.8 percent from the 3-point line. They also turned the ball over 17 times and had only 12 assists.
Ugly? You got it, but the defense, rebounding and an 18-point margin from the 3-point line were enough to give the Gators a 66-55 win in the Orange Bowl Classic in Sunrise. Florida held the Bulls to just 2-11 shooting from the 3-point line, and while Florida’s 30.8 percent is nothing to write home about, going the eight made threes helped pull this one out. The Gators outrebounded the Bulls 45-27.
“I liked the way we rebounded,” Mike White said. “We have to value the ball better. We have to adjust better to changing defenses, or even though it was all man, they changed what they were doing, and we have to find a way to make some shots. That’s on myself and our staff as much as anyone. A lot of this is trial and error and we need to change something that we’re doing in practice. We need to continue searching because we are better shooters than this – we are. I believe they’ll go down and maybe it’s trying something different.”
The Gators have only one more non-conference game before the SEC schedule kicks in on December 29 against Ole Miss. The Gators face Stony Brook (7-4) Wednesday in a 1 p.m. game at the O-Dome.
SEC Basketball
Saturday’s scores: FLORIDA (8-3) 66, South Florida (4-6) 55; No. 6 Alabama (9-2) 65, Jacksonville State (5-6) 59; No. 13 Auburn (10-1) 74; Saint Louis (8-4) 70; No. 19 LSU 66; Louisiana Tech (8-3) 57; No. 21 Kentucky (8-2) 98; North Carolina (8-3) 69; Hofstra (7-5) 89, No. 24 Arkansas (9-2) 81; Vanderbilt (6-4) 77, Austin Peay (4-6) 51; Missouri (6-5) 83, Utah (7-4) 75; Clemson (8-4) 70, South Carolina (8-3) 56; Ole Miss (8-3) 76, Dayton (7-5) 68; George Mason (6-5) 80, Georgia (4-6) 67l Texas A&M (8-2) 83, Oregon State (1-10) 73; No. 18 Tennessee (8-2) at Memphis (6-4), Postponed COVID
Monday’s game: Western Carolina (6-5) at Georgia (4-5)
Tuesday’s games: Samford (9-2) at Ole Miss (7-3); Northwestern State (3-9) at Texas A&M (8-2); Davidson (8-2) at No. 6 Alabama (9-2); Elon (3-9) at No. 24 Arkansas (9-2); Winthrop (6-5) at Mississippi State (8-3);
Wednesday’s games: Stony Brook (7-4) at FLORIDA (8-3); Army (6-4) at South Carolina (8-3); Murray State (10-1) at No. 13 Auburn (10-1); Louisville (7-4) at No. 21 Kentucky (8-2); No. 8 Arizona (11-0) at No. 18 Tennessee (8-2); East Tennessee State (7-5) at Georgia (4-6); Lipscomb (5-7) at No. 19 LSU (11-0); Illinois (8-3) at Missouri (6-5); Vanderbilt (6-4) at Hawaii (4-3)
OVER, UNDER, AROUND AND THROUGH THE SEC
Alabama (12-1): Former 4-star offensive lineman Pierce Quick, who played in one game (3 snaps) in 2021, has transferred to Georgia Tech … Only two other Alabama players remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Friday, December 31, vs. Cincinnati (13-0) in the Cotton Bowl, CFP semifinal
Arkansas (8-4): Defensive end Tre Williams, who is the team sack leader (6) was arrested for DWI … Currently there are seven Razorbacks in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, January 1, vs. Penn State (7-5) in the Outback Bowl
Auburn (6-6): There is no turning back for Bo Nix. Auburn’s former starting QB is transferring to Oregon to play for Dan Lanning … Auburn’s new offensive coordinator is former Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis, who is the quarterbacks coach of the Seattle Seahawks … Former 4-star safety Ahmari Harvey, who didn’t play in a game in 2021, is the seventh Auburn player to enter the transfer portal. Harvey played prep football at Tallahassee Florida State University School.
Next game: Tuesday, December 28, vs. Houston (11-2) in the Birmingham Bowl
Georgia (12-1): ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay has three Bulldogs going in the first round in April: defensive tackle Jordan Davis, linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive end Travon Walker.
Next game: Friday, December 31, vs. Michigan (12-1) in the Orange Bowl, CFP semifinal
Kentucky (9-3): Mark Stoops’ new contract, extended until 2028, will pay him $6,350,000 next year and will escalate to $7,600,000 in his final season. The contract is loaded with incentives that could increase the money every year … Eight Wildcats remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, January 1, vs. Iowa (10-3) in the Citrus Bowl
LSU (6-6): Brian Kelly tried to lure Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken but since Monken said no, he’s targeted Cincinnati OC Mike Denbrock, who worked for Kelly at Grand Valley State and for seven years at Notre Dame ... With Max Johnson transferring to Texas A&M, five Tigers remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Tuesday, January 4, vs. Kansas State (7-5) in the Texas Bowl
Mississippi State (7-5): Left tackle Charles Cross, who made some All-America teams, will opt out of the Liberty Bowl game with Texas Tech to prepare for the NFL Draft … Currently there is only one Bulldog in the transfer portal.
Next game: Tuesday, December 28, vs. Texas Tech (6-6) in the Liberty Bowl
Missouri (6-6): Currently there are seven Tigers in the transfer portal.
Next game: Wednesday vs. Army (8-4) in the Armed Forces Bowl
Ole Miss (10-2): Left tackle Nick Broeker says he won’t make any decision about returning to Ole Miss or leaving for the NFL until after the Sugar Bowl game with Baylor … Former Southern Cal linebacker Danny Lockhart Jr. is transferring to Ole Miss ... Five Rebels remain in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, January 1, vs. Baylor (11-2) in the Sugar Bowl
South Carolina (6-6): South Carolina, which signed 4-star QB Braden Davis on Wednesday, got another 4-star QB when Tanner Bailey (6-1, 195, Gordo, AL) flipped from Oregon over the weekend ... Currently nine South Carolina players are in the transfer portal.
Next game: Thursday, December 30, vs. North Carolina (6-6) in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Tennessee (7-5): Navy (yes, that’s his real name) Shuler, a freshman quarterback at Appalachian State, is transferring to Tennessee. A 3-star prospect out of high school, Shuler had offers from 13 schools including Duke and Wake Forest. He’s the son of former UT quarterback Heath Shuler (1991-93) … Currently there are only three Tennessee players in the transfer portal.
Next game: Thursday, December 30, vs. Purdue (8-4) in the Music City Bowl
Texas A&M (8-4): In an obvious slap at Tennessee (he’s from Powell, Tennessee), 5-star defensive tackle Walter Nolen responded to rumors that he chose the Aggies because they offered him a big NIL deal, by stating, “If I was looking for NIL money, I would have come to UT.” … There are currently three Aggies in the transfer portal.
Next game: Thursday, December 31, vs. Wake Forest (10-3) in the Gator Bowl
Vanderbilt (2-10): Former 4-star linebacker Kane Patterson is transferring from Clemson to Vandy. His younger brother Langston signed with Vanderbilt for the 2022 recruiting class … Former 3-star edge rusher Alex Williams is in the transfer portal. He has three years of remaining eligibility. Williams brings to seven the number of Commodores in the transfer portal.
Next game: Saturday, August 27, at Hawaii
ONE FINAL PITHY THOUGHT: Iowa offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum made some money from NIL deals this season but he’s not letting the money spoil him. Unlike some of the college football players who are raking in big bucks, Linderbaum is showing that just because you have a lot of money at your disposal doesn’t mean you have to spend it all on yourself. Over the weekend, he wrote a $30,000 check to the Iowa Children’s Hospital.
I don’t have a problem with kids making some money on name, image and likeness. After all, why should the schools make money on the kids without sharing some of it? It does make me happy when someone like Linderbaum understands that he can use the money he makes from his talent and abilities to help those who can’t help themselves. It’s Christmas. I’m hoping a lot more kids who have profited off NIL this year elect to help those less fortunate but I’m not counting on it. I am willing to be surprised, however.
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