Category: Florida

Video: Gators kicker Eddy Pineiro boots 81-yard field goal in practice

Eddy Pineiro #15 of the Florida Gators reacts after kicking a 54-yard field goal during the second half of the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)

In one tweet, Florida Gators kicker Eddy Pineiro simultaneously went viral and stripped himself of any excuses for ever missing a field goal.

The former soccer star posted a video from Tuesday’s practice of him belting an 81-yard field goal — 17 yards longer than the NFL record, 14 past the NCAA’s historic mark. Granted, it was an uncontested kick, but it happened with pads on, wind blowing and … oh yeah, 81 yards (!) between him and his target.

If any of this sounds vaguely familiar, that’s because Pineiro posted a video of him connecting from 77 yards in December 2015.

For any skeptics out there, Gators coach Jim McElwain said Pineiro’s 81-yard boot was “a real deal.”

“It’s actually something he did back during spring ball,” McElwain said, via SEC Country. “I don’t know why it took so long to get out here, but it was real. All right? So there wasn’t any doctoring up the yard marker or whatever.”

McElwain said he’s more concerned with what Pineiro does on game days, but that’s also a strength of the Miami Sunset High product. He made 21 of 25 field-goal attempts and all three of his tries from 50-plus yards last season, earning second-team All-SEC honors in the process.

The redshirt junior started his collegiate career as a soccer player at ASA Community College. Once he settled on football, he committed to the University of Alabama but decommitted after several months and signed with UF a day later.

Florida’s Bryan Cox, Jr. to sign free-agent deal with Philadelphia Eagles

Bryan Cox #94 and Jarrad Davis #40 of the Florida Gators try to recover a fumble as Sam Loy of the Vanderbilt Commodores rolls on the turf after dropping a snap during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

BRYAN COX, JR.
FLORIDA
6-foot-3, 265 pounds, DE

Bryan Cox, Jr. is set to sign a free-agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday after going unpicked in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Bio:

Cox, the son of three-time Pro Bowler, former Dolphin and Super Bowl champion (New England Patriots, 2001) Bryan Cox Sr., had an up-and-down career with the Gators. Cox started for the first time as a redshirt sophomore in 2014, then had hip surgery after the season. Hand and ankle injuries limited him to 11 games (five starts) last year. Over 43 career games, the Fort Lauderdale-St. Thomas Aquinas product recorded 98 tackles, 10 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Scouting report:

Strong and quick off the line, Cox has experience playing standing up and with a hand down. He embraces physical play, finishes his tackles and seems to have inherited his father’s relentless style. He does not possess great lateral quickness, and his average athleticism could limit when and where he’s able to play at the next level. NFL.com notes his ultimate calling might be that of an “interior rusher on third downs.”

NFL Combine results:

40-yard-dash: 4.89 seconds
20-yard shuffle: 4.46 seconds
3-cone-drill: 7.36 seconds
Vertical jump: 26.5 inches
Standing long jump: 9 feet, 1 inch
225-pound bench press: 16 reps

Quote of note:

“You can tell his dad is a coach. He understands the business aspect of playing sports. He’s mature and he’s a student of the game.” — UF Defensive Line Coach Chris Rumph

Career highlights:

Florida’s Joey Ivie selected by Dallas Cowboys in 7th round of 2017 NFL Draft

Blake Sims #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes away from Joey Ivie #91 of the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 20, 2014 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

JOEY IVIE
FLORIDA
6-foot-3, 301 pounds, DT

Joey Ivie was the 10th pick in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft (No. 228 overall) by the Dallas Cowboys.

Bio:

Football won’t be what Ivie remembers most about his college career. In April 2015, he rushed home to Dade City after his younger sister, Jordan, was in a serious car accident. She died in his arms at the hospital. Ivie’s younger brother, Andrew, signed with the Gators to play alongside him but had to give up the sport for medical reasons. On the field, Ivie made 16 starts over four seasons, tallying 80 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

Scouting report:

Ivie maximizes his natural tools with a strong motor and great energy. He spots the ball quickly, uses quick hands to fend off blockers and is an active pass rusher. But he lacks lower body strength and can get pushed off his spots by double teams and combo blocks. He does not possess a lot of power or explosiveness for his position and finishing plays was an issue — he missed eight of 74 tackle attempts over the past three seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.

NFL Combine results:

40-yard-dash: 5.14 seconds (at UF Pro Day)
20-yard shuffle: 4.72 seconds (at UF Pro Day)
3-cone-drill: 8.09 seconds (at UF Pro Day)
Vertical jump: 29.5 inches (at UF Pro Day)
Standing long jump: 8 feet, 9 inches (at UF Pro Day)
225-pound bench press: 23 reps (at UF Pro Day)

Quote of note:

“There’s some boom or bust to his game that will make it difficult to stick as an every-down option. Ivie has some pass-rushing ability, but stashing a developmental pass-rusher can be difficult. He’ll at least get a shot to make a roster, and he’ll have to continue on the same progression curve he showed at Florida.” — Pro Football Focus

Career highlights:

Florida’s Caleb Brantley selected by Cleveland Browns in 6th round of 2017 NFL Draft

Caleb Brantley #57 of the Florida Gators celebrates a defensive stop during the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 12, 2015 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

CALEB BRANTLEY
FLORIDA
6-foot-3, 307 pounds, DT

Caleb Brantley was the first pick in the sixth round (No. 185 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.

Bio:

Brantley, an All-State first-teamer out of Crescent City in 2012, declared for the draft after an All-SEC second-team effort as a redshirt junior. The compact, powerful tackle tallied 20 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks over the last two seasons, despite being shuffled in and out of a deep defensive line rotation. Brantley was arrested and charged with misdemeanor simple battery less than a week before the draft for allegedly striking a woman and knocking her unconscious during a dispute at a Gainesville bar, ESPN reported.

Scouting report:

Brantley has the quickness to play the three-technique and the power to line up at nose tackle. His initial burst can help him slip past blockers, and he’s also comfortable bull-rushing through them. He isn’t big for an NFL defensive tackle, and it’s hard to tell if his frame could handle extra weight without wiping out some of his quickness. His on-field discipline was already a question mark (10 offsides penalties over the last two seasons), and his off-field trouble raised an unsettling red flag.

NFL Combine results:

40-yard-dash: 5.14 seconds
20-yard shuffle: 4.62 seconds
3-cone-drill: 7.66 seconds
Vertical jump: 27 inches
Standing long jump: 8 feet, 9 inches
225-pound bench press: 21 reps

Quote of note:

“Brantley has the talent and traits that should appeal to both two-gap and one-gap defenses. While we haven’t seen Brantley play in even half of Florida’s defensive snaps in a single year, the talent is there to become an early starter and a defensive force up front.” — NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein

Career highlights:

Florida’s David Sharpe selected by Oakland Raiders in 4th round of 2017 NFL Draft

Offensive lineman David Sharpe of Florida stretches prior to workouts at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

DAVID SHARPE
FLORIDA
6-foot-6, 343 pounds, OT

David Sharpe was the 23rd pick in the fourth round (No. 129 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

Bio:

A colossal individual, Sharpe packed plenty of activity into his three seasons with the Gators. He cracked the offensive-line reserve rotation as a true freshman, then he took over the starting left-tackle gig on back-to-back SEC East title teams. His size alone is imposing, and his athletic record is already impressive. He was a two-sport star at Jacksonville’s Providence School and ranked by ESPN as Florida’s 33rd-best basketball player in the 2014 class.

Scouting report:

Sharpe’s massive frame is well constructed with length up top and a thick lower base that helps him fight off bull-rush attempts. He flashes active hands in pass protection and knows where to position them. If he strikes first, he can overwhelm opponents and push them out of the play. But mobility is an issue, as he struggles moving laterally and rarely reaches the second level. His limited agility could necessitate a move to guard.

NFL Combine results:

40-yard-dash: 5.44 seconds
20-yard shuffle: 4.78 seconds
3-cone-drill: 7.87 seconds
Vertical jump: 20.5 inches
Standing long jump: 8 feet, 1 inch
225-pound bench press: 19 reps

Quote of note:

“Some teams will see that size and will automatically have him on their board. We aren’t going to just draft the size. Our system requires more movement and if he can’t get to certain blocks, then his size won’t matter for us.” — AFC national scout

Career highlights:

Florida’s Alex Anzalone selected by New Orleans Saints in 2017 NFL Draft

Alex Anzalone #34 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

ALEX ANZALONE
FLORIDA
6-foot-3, 241 pounds, LB

Alex Anzalone was the 12th pick in the third round (76th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.

Bio:

Anzalone, a favorite in any Thor lookalike contests, became a regular in the training room and on the injury report during his four years with the Gators. His freshman and would-have-been junior years were both ended by right shoulder injuries, and his redshirt junior season was ended five games early due to a broken left arm. But the former two-way high school star out of Wyomissing, Pa., impressed when he played, compiling 53 tackles (four for loss) and three sacks in eight games last season.

Scouting report:

On the field, Anzalone looks an awful lot like a three-down NFL linebacker. He’s a big, fluid, explosive athlete who can chase down rushers, blitz the quarterback and cover running backs or tight ends. He should be a plug-and-play option in any system with the ability to play inside or outside. Durability is the primary concern here, and one that could see him selected significantly lower than his ability says he should go. His awareness also needs work, as he’s prone to being victimized by play fakes and misdirections.

NFL Combine results:

40-yard-dash: 4.63 seconds
20-yard shuffle: 4.25 seconds
3-cone-drill: 6.88 seconds
Vertical jump: 30.5 inches
Standing long jump: 9 feet, 8 inches
225-pound bench press: 16 reps

Quote of note:

“You saw at (Senior Bowl) practice how gifted he is athletically. He just has to prove he can stay on the field.” — NFC Personnel Director

Career highlights:

Florida’s Jalen ‘Teez’ Tabor selected by Detroit Lions in 2nd round of 2017 NFL Draft

GAINESVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 15: Teez Tabor #31 of the Florida Gators rushes for a touchdown after making an interception during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

JALEN “TEEZ” TABOR
FLORIDA
6-foot, 199 pounds, CB

Teez Tabor was the 21st pick in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

Bio:

Tabor, Washington, D.C.’s Mr. Football in 2013, tied for the 14th-most interceptions over the last two seasons (eight) and ranked third during that time span with three interception returns for touchdowns. In three seasons with the Gators, he recorded 33 pass breakups — sixth most in program history. Tabor, who went by Jalen his first two seasons, was a two-time All-SEC first-teamer and a third-team All-American in 2016.

Scouting report:

Tabor’s game film is among the best in this cornerback class. He has prototypical size for the position, the quickness to mimic receivers’ patterns and a knack for making things happen when the ball is in the air. But there are worries he can’t handle the NFL’s top speedsters after some anemic showings in the 40 (4.62 at the combine; 4.75 at his pro day, per NFL.com). He was also suspended at Florida for refusing to take a drug test and fighting with a teammate.

NFL Combine results:

40-yard-dash: 4.62 seconds
20-yard shuffle: 4.22 seconds (at UF Pro Day)
3-cone-drill: 6.99 seconds (at UF Pro Day)
Vertical jump: 31 inches
Standing long jump: 10 feet
225-pound bench press: nine reps

Quote of note:

“I don’t think he’s a lockdown cornerback. He’s a good football player and can cover in our league, but he’s also going to be a pain in the ass for whoever takes him.” — AFC Southeast area scout

Career highlights:

Florida’s Quincy Wilson goes to Indianapolis Colts in second round of 2017 NFL Draft

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock, left, talks with defensive back Quincy Wilson (6) during Florida’s NFL Pro Day in Gainesville, Fla., Tuesday, March 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

QUINCY WILSON
FLORIDA
6-foot-1, 211 pounds, CB

Quincy Wilson was the 14th pick in the second round (No. 46 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.

Bio:

Wilson arrived in Gainesville as an Under Armour All-American out of Fort Lauderdale’s University School, but he was often overshadowed in the Gators’ star-studded secondary. He declared for the draft after an All-SEC second-team effort as a junior, during which he recorded 33 tackles, three interceptions and six pass break-ups. His father, Chad Wilson, was an All-Big East defensive back at Miami, and his younger brother, Marco, is a four-star defensive back signed to Florida.

Scouting report:

Wilson boasts the size, physicality and competitiveness of an NFL corner. He uses press coverage to harass receivers and mask some athletic and speed shortcomings. His coverage isn’t always clean, but it’s effective: He allowed an NFL passer rating of only 29.9 on throws against him last season, according to Pro Football Focus. His future might be at safety, where NFL.com wrote “his instincts, ball skills and willingness to tackle will all serve him well.”

NFL Combine results:

40-yard-dash: 4.54 seconds
20-yard shuffle: 4.02 seconds
3-cone-drill: 6.86 seconds
Vertical jump: 32 inches
Standing long jump: 9 feet, 10 inches
225-pound bench press: 14 reps

Quote of note:

“Wilson is a gambler and that’s more than likely to see big plays, both good and bad, on his NFL highlight reel. … He has a chance to be a Day 1 starter in the NFL.” — Pro Football Focus.

 Highlights:

Florida’s Marcus Maye selected by New York Jets in 2nd round of 2017 NFL Draft

Running back Derrick Henry #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball against defensive back Marcus Maye #20 of the Florida Gators in the fourth quarter during the SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome on December 5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

MARCUS MAYE
FLORIDA
6-foot, 210 pounds, S

Marcus Maye was the seventh pick in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft (39th overall) by the New York Jets.

Bio:

Maye’s five-year stay in Gainesville saw him rise from four-star recruit out of Melbourne-Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy to first-team All-American. However, that honor came back in 2015, when he recorded 82 tackles, five forced fumbles, two interceptions and six pass breakups. His senior season ended prematurely when a broken arm cost him the campaign’s final four contests and drill work at the NFL Combine. He registered eight interceptions and 17 pass breakups over his Gators career.

Scouting report:

Maye passes both the eye and film tests with a good build, sound instincts and the ability to read both quarterbacks and receivers. He has sideline-to-sideline speed and the physicality to shed blockers and bring down ball carriers. He’s a reliable presence coaches can feel comfortable putting as their last line of defense (one missed tackle last season, per Pro Football Focus). But he can get in trouble trying to track both the ball and his man down field. He also allowed 10 touchdowns on passes thrown his way at Florida, according to NFL.com.

NFL Combine results:

40-yard-dash: 4.47 seconds (at UF Pro Day)
20-yard shuffle: 4.18 seconds (at UF Pro Day)
3-cone-drill: 7.07 seconds (at UF Pro Day)
Vertical jump: 33.5 inches (at UF Pro Day)
Standing long jump: 9 feet, 10 inches (at UF Pro Day)
225-pound bench press: DNP (shoulder)

Quote of note:

“Maye is an interchangeable safety with good size and outstanding football instincts. … Maye projects as a potential top 50 pick who should quickly develop into a starter within a year or two.” — ESPN Insider

Career highlights:

Florida’s Jarrad Davis selected by Detroit Lions in 1st round of 2017 NFL Draft

Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers avoids a sack by linebacker Jarrad Davis #40 of the Florida Gators in the third quarter at Memorial Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

JARRAD DAVIS
FLORIDA
6-foot-1, 238 pounds, LB

Jarrad Davis was the 21st pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

Bio:

Davis, a native of Kingsland, Ga., made an immediate impact for the Gators and garnered special-teams MVP honors as a freshman. During his four-year career, he registered 205 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Making those numbers more impressive was the fact he managed them while also missing time for knee surgery and a high-ankle sprain. The second-team All-SEC selection was a late-bloomer in high school, not becoming a full-time starter until his senior year at Camden County.

Linebacker Jarrad Davis runs through a drill during Florida’s NFL Pro Day in Gainesville, Fla., Tuesday, March 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Scouting report:

Davis is a chiseled physical specimen who wowed at the Gators’ pro day after his ankle injury didn’t allow him to do drills at the NFL combine. He is an explosive, nimble athlete with the character, work ethic and leadership to become a coach’s favorite. However, his physical gifts are ahead of his mental game, as his instincts, patience and technique could all use polishing.

[Florida LB Jarrad Davis in mix for Dolphins at No. 22?]

NFL Combine results:

40-yard-dash: 4.56 seconds (at UF Pro Day)
20-yard shuffle: 4.29 seconds (at UF Pro Day
3-cone-drill: 7.39 seconds (at UF Pro Day)
Vertical jump: 38.5 inches (at UF Pro Day)
Standing long jump: 10 feet, 9 inches (at UF Pro Day)
225-pound bench press: 23 reps (at UF Pro Day)

Quote of note:

“I think from a talent standpoint, Jarrad Davis is a first-round player. From an intangibles standpoint, he’s top five in the class. I mean, he’s a player that loves the game. You can see the passion and just energy he has for the game when you study him on tape.” — ESPN’s Todd McShay