Eleven Gators Selected to Coaches’ Preseason All-SEC Team
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 | Football
Ivey and Dawson lead the way as first team selections; Callaway selected as WR and RS
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gators had 11 players named to the Coaches' Preseason All-SEC Team, as the Southeastern Conference announced on Wednesday. The 11 players selected fill 12 spots, with Florida boasting two first team selections, placing four on the second team and having six named to the third team. Junior Antonio Callaway was selected as both a wide receiver and a return specialist.
Offensive lineman Martez Ivey and defensive back Duke Dawson both were voted to the first team, while wide receiver Callaway, defensive linemen Cece Jefferson and Jabari Zuniga and punter Johnny Townsend were selected to the second team. Tight end DeAndre Goolsby, offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor, all-purpose back Brandon Powell, defensive back Chauncey Gardner, place kicker Eddy Pineiro and return specialist Callaway round out the third team.
Ivey returns plenty of experience to the offensive line this season, after playing in all 13 games last season with 12 starts. He earned Second Team All-SEC accolades by the league's Coaches and the AP, while garnering Third Team All-SEC honors by Athlon sports.
Dawson, a second-team Pro Football Focus All-SEC as a junior, played in 12 games last season and started seven at nickel corner. The Cross City, Fla. native recorded one interception, returning it for a touchdown and he tallied a team-high seven pass breakups. Overall, Dawson totaled 24 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and one forced fumble last fall.
Callaway, a third team All-SEC wide receiver selection in 2016, eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for his career last season, becoming the third fastest UF player to make the mark, needing only 17 games. The Miami, Fla. native led the team with 721 receiving yards and was third in scoring, recording 30 points on the year. As a return specialist, he averaged 8.4 yards per punt return, collecting 218 yards on 26 returns. Callaway also was featured on three kick returns, one of which he returned for a touchdown. With that score, he became the first player in school history to score a rushing, receiving, passing, punt return and kickoff return touchdown.
Jefferson garnered the nod after playing in 12 games during the 2016 season. During that time, Jefferson notched six starts and totaled 30 tackles, 6.5 of which were for a loss. The Glen St. Mary, Fla. native also recorded 1.5 sacks for a total loss of 13 yards during his sophomore campaign. He logged five quarterback hurries on the season as well.
Zuniga played in all 13 contests last season, garnering three starts as a redshirt freshman. The Marietta, Ga. native tallied 25 tackles on the year, including 8.5 tackles-for-loss. Zuniga led the Gator squad with five sacks, while also posting 11 quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. For these efforts, Zuniga earned Coaches' Second Team All-SEC honors.
Townsend earned first team All-America honors by CBS Sports and second team All-America accolades by Fox Sports last season. He ranked first in the nation with a 47.9-yard average on 64 punts. After recording 29 punts of 50+ yards and 27 punts inside the 20-yard line, ESPN and Gridiron Now tabbed him as a First Team All-SEC performer.
Goolsby played in all 13 games last season, garnering 10 starts. The Derby, Kan. native recorded 342 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 38 catches last season. He ranked tied for first on the Gators in TD receptions and third in total catches.
Taylor held his own as the only Florida freshman on the offensive line, garnering Freshman All-America honors after playing in all 13 games with 12 starts. The Cocoa, Fla. native was selected to the Freshman All-SEC Team last season and earned a spot on the ESPN All-SEC Bowl Team.
Powell finished fourth on the team in All-Purpose yards last season, totaling 444 on the year. He appeared in all 13 games during the 2016 campaign, posting 11 starts. The Deerfield Beach, Fla. native recorded 387 receiving yards on 45 catches with two touchdown receptions, putting him second on the Gators.
Gardner had a big impact for the Gators as a freshman, appearing in all 13 games. He totaled 32 tackles, three pass breakups and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Two of his three interceptions came against Iowa in the Outback Bowl, where he earned MVP for his defensive performance. He became one of only four Gator defensive backs to earn a Bowl MVP award and became only the second true freshman to do so. Gardner was named to ESPN's, Sports Illustrated's and the AP's All-Bowl Team for his performance.
Pineiro garnered second team All-SEC honors by Pro Football Focus and Athlon Sports last season. He finished his sophomore campaign with 21 made field goals out of his 25 attempts. The Miami, Fla. native made 11 field goals of 40-plus yards and booted two 54-yard field goals in 2016, tying for sixth-longest in the history of UF Football. He finished tied for third in the nation with 1.85 field goals per game and finished first on the Gators in points scored with 95.
UF begins its season on Sept. 2 against Michigan in the AdvoCare Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
2016 COACHES' PRESEASON ALL-SEC TEAM
*indicates a tie
FIRST TEAM
Offense
TE Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
OL Braden Smith, Auburn
MARTEZ IVEY, FLORIDA
Jonah Williams, Alabama
Ross Pierschbacher, Alabama
C Fran Ragnow, Arkansas
WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Calvin Ridley, Alabama
QB Jalen Hurts, Alabama
RB Derrius Guice, LSU
Nick Chubb, Georgia
AP Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Defense
DL Da'Shawn Hand, Alabama
Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss
Trenton Thompson, Georgia
LB Arden Key, LSU
Skai Moore, South Carolina
Roquan Smith, Georgia
DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
Armani Watts, Texas A&M
DUKE DAWSON, FLORIDA
Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
Special Teams
PK Daniel Carlson, Auburn
P JK Scott, Alabama
RS Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
SECOND TEAM
Offense
TE Isaac Nauta, Georgia
OL Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State
K.J. Malone, LSU
Koda Martin, Texas A&M
Paul Adams, Missouri*
Greg Little, Ole Miss
Isaiah Wynn, Georgia*
C Will Clapp, LSU
WR J'Mon Moore, Missouri
ANTONIO CALLWAY, FLORIDA
QB Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State
RB Kamryn Pettway, Auburn
Bo Scarbrough
AP Derrius Guice, LSU
Defense
DL CECE JEFFERSON, FLORIDA
Marlon Davidson, Auburn
JABARI ZUNIGA, FLORIDA
Denzil Ware, Kentucky*
Dontavius Russell, Auburn*
LB Jordan Jones, Kentucky
Rashaan Evans, Alabama
Tre' Williams, Auburn
DB Donte Jackson, LSU
Dominick Sanders, Georgia
Carlton Davis, Auburn
Tray Matthews, Auburn
Special Teams
PK Gary Wunderlich, Ole Miss
P JOHNNY TOWNSEND, FLORIDA
RS Evan Berry, Tennessee
THIRD TEAM
Offense
TE C.J. Conrad, Kentucky*
DEANDRE GOOLSBY, FLORIDA*
OL Jashon Robertson, Tennessee
JAWAAN TAYLOR, FLORIDA
Zack Bailey, South Carolina
Hjalte Froholdt, Arkansas
C Bradley Bozeman, Alabama
WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina
Jauan Jennings, Tennessee
QB Austin Allen, Arkansas
RB Ralph Webb, Vanderbilt
Benny Snell, Kentucky
AP BRANDON POWELL, FLORIDA*
Deebo Samuel, South Carolina*
Kerryon Johnson, Auburn*
Trevon Diggs, Alabama*
Defense
DL Terry Beckner, Jr., Missouri
Jonathan Ledbetter, Georgia
Christian LaCouture, LSU
Marcell Frazier, Missouri
LB Oren Burks, Vanderbilt
Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama
Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
DB Anthony Averett, Alabama
Mike Edwards, Kentucky
CHAUNCEY GARDNER, FLORIDA
Ryan Pulley, Arkansas
Special Teams
PK Austin MacGinnis, Kentucky*
EDDY PINEIRO, FLORIDA*
P Trevor Daniel, Tennessee
RS ANTONIO CALLAWAY, FLORIDA
Offensive lineman Martez Ivey and defensive back Duke Dawson both were voted to the first team, while wide receiver Callaway, defensive linemen Cece Jefferson and Jabari Zuniga and punter Johnny Townsend were selected to the second team. Tight end DeAndre Goolsby, offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor, all-purpose back Brandon Powell, defensive back Chauncey Gardner, place kicker Eddy Pineiro and return specialist Callaway round out the third team.
Ivey returns plenty of experience to the offensive line this season, after playing in all 13 games last season with 12 starts. He earned Second Team All-SEC accolades by the league's Coaches and the AP, while garnering Third Team All-SEC honors by Athlon sports.
Dawson, a second-team Pro Football Focus All-SEC as a junior, played in 12 games last season and started seven at nickel corner. The Cross City, Fla. native recorded one interception, returning it for a touchdown and he tallied a team-high seven pass breakups. Overall, Dawson totaled 24 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and one forced fumble last fall.
Callaway, a third team All-SEC wide receiver selection in 2016, eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for his career last season, becoming the third fastest UF player to make the mark, needing only 17 games. The Miami, Fla. native led the team with 721 receiving yards and was third in scoring, recording 30 points on the year. As a return specialist, he averaged 8.4 yards per punt return, collecting 218 yards on 26 returns. Callaway also was featured on three kick returns, one of which he returned for a touchdown. With that score, he became the first player in school history to score a rushing, receiving, passing, punt return and kickoff return touchdown.
Jefferson garnered the nod after playing in 12 games during the 2016 season. During that time, Jefferson notched six starts and totaled 30 tackles, 6.5 of which were for a loss. The Glen St. Mary, Fla. native also recorded 1.5 sacks for a total loss of 13 yards during his sophomore campaign. He logged five quarterback hurries on the season as well.
Zuniga played in all 13 contests last season, garnering three starts as a redshirt freshman. The Marietta, Ga. native tallied 25 tackles on the year, including 8.5 tackles-for-loss. Zuniga led the Gator squad with five sacks, while also posting 11 quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. For these efforts, Zuniga earned Coaches' Second Team All-SEC honors.
Townsend earned first team All-America honors by CBS Sports and second team All-America accolades by Fox Sports last season. He ranked first in the nation with a 47.9-yard average on 64 punts. After recording 29 punts of 50+ yards and 27 punts inside the 20-yard line, ESPN and Gridiron Now tabbed him as a First Team All-SEC performer.
Goolsby played in all 13 games last season, garnering 10 starts. The Derby, Kan. native recorded 342 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 38 catches last season. He ranked tied for first on the Gators in TD receptions and third in total catches.
Taylor held his own as the only Florida freshman on the offensive line, garnering Freshman All-America honors after playing in all 13 games with 12 starts. The Cocoa, Fla. native was selected to the Freshman All-SEC Team last season and earned a spot on the ESPN All-SEC Bowl Team.
Powell finished fourth on the team in All-Purpose yards last season, totaling 444 on the year. He appeared in all 13 games during the 2016 campaign, posting 11 starts. The Deerfield Beach, Fla. native recorded 387 receiving yards on 45 catches with two touchdown receptions, putting him second on the Gators.
Gardner had a big impact for the Gators as a freshman, appearing in all 13 games. He totaled 32 tackles, three pass breakups and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Two of his three interceptions came against Iowa in the Outback Bowl, where he earned MVP for his defensive performance. He became one of only four Gator defensive backs to earn a Bowl MVP award and became only the second true freshman to do so. Gardner was named to ESPN's, Sports Illustrated's and the AP's All-Bowl Team for his performance.
Pineiro garnered second team All-SEC honors by Pro Football Focus and Athlon Sports last season. He finished his sophomore campaign with 21 made field goals out of his 25 attempts. The Miami, Fla. native made 11 field goals of 40-plus yards and booted two 54-yard field goals in 2016, tying for sixth-longest in the history of UF Football. He finished tied for third in the nation with 1.85 field goals per game and finished first on the Gators in points scored with 95.
UF begins its season on Sept. 2 against Michigan in the AdvoCare Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
2016 COACHES' PRESEASON ALL-SEC TEAM
*indicates a tie
FIRST TEAM
Offense
TE Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
OL Braden Smith, Auburn
MARTEZ IVEY, FLORIDA
Jonah Williams, Alabama
Ross Pierschbacher, Alabama
C Fran Ragnow, Arkansas
WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Calvin Ridley, Alabama
QB Jalen Hurts, Alabama
RB Derrius Guice, LSU
Nick Chubb, Georgia
AP Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Defense
DL Da'Shawn Hand, Alabama
Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss
Trenton Thompson, Georgia
LB Arden Key, LSU
Skai Moore, South Carolina
Roquan Smith, Georgia
DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
Armani Watts, Texas A&M
DUKE DAWSON, FLORIDA
Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
Special Teams
PK Daniel Carlson, Auburn
P JK Scott, Alabama
RS Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
SECOND TEAM
Offense
TE Isaac Nauta, Georgia
OL Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State
K.J. Malone, LSU
Koda Martin, Texas A&M
Paul Adams, Missouri*
Greg Little, Ole Miss
Isaiah Wynn, Georgia*
C Will Clapp, LSU
WR J'Mon Moore, Missouri
ANTONIO CALLWAY, FLORIDA
QB Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State
RB Kamryn Pettway, Auburn
Bo Scarbrough
AP Derrius Guice, LSU
Defense
DL CECE JEFFERSON, FLORIDA
Marlon Davidson, Auburn
JABARI ZUNIGA, FLORIDA
Denzil Ware, Kentucky*
Dontavius Russell, Auburn*
LB Jordan Jones, Kentucky
Rashaan Evans, Alabama
Tre' Williams, Auburn
DB Donte Jackson, LSU
Dominick Sanders, Georgia
Carlton Davis, Auburn
Tray Matthews, Auburn
Special Teams
PK Gary Wunderlich, Ole Miss
P JOHNNY TOWNSEND, FLORIDA
RS Evan Berry, Tennessee
THIRD TEAM
Offense
TE C.J. Conrad, Kentucky*
DEANDRE GOOLSBY, FLORIDA*
OL Jashon Robertson, Tennessee
JAWAAN TAYLOR, FLORIDA
Zack Bailey, South Carolina
Hjalte Froholdt, Arkansas
C Bradley Bozeman, Alabama
WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina
Jauan Jennings, Tennessee
QB Austin Allen, Arkansas
RB Ralph Webb, Vanderbilt
Benny Snell, Kentucky
AP BRANDON POWELL, FLORIDA*
Deebo Samuel, South Carolina*
Kerryon Johnson, Auburn*
Trevon Diggs, Alabama*
Defense
DL Terry Beckner, Jr., Missouri
Jonathan Ledbetter, Georgia
Christian LaCouture, LSU
Marcell Frazier, Missouri
LB Oren Burks, Vanderbilt
Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama
Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
DB Anthony Averett, Alabama
Mike Edwards, Kentucky
CHAUNCEY GARDNER, FLORIDA
Ryan Pulley, Arkansas
Special Teams
PK Austin MacGinnis, Kentucky*
EDDY PINEIRO, FLORIDA*
P Trevor Daniel, Tennessee
RS ANTONIO CALLAWAY, FLORIDA
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