GatorLinks: Fontana's pro debut, Bullard's academic status, Speights signs, plus more
Friday, July 6, 2012 | Baseball, Men's Basketball, Football, Scott Carter
Former Gators shortstop Nolan Fontana had a memorable professional debut on Thursday.
In a span of less than three weeks eight Florida baseball players have gone from trying to win a College World Series in Omaha to signing professional contracts and joining a new team.
Of the nine Gators taken in June's MLB amateur draft, only outfielder Preston Tucker remains unsigned. Tucker is reportedly close to inking a deal that could reunite him with his former UF teammate, shortstop Nolan Fontana, in Houston's organization.
Speaking of Fontana, he'll lead off today's version of GatorLinks:
--Fontana made his professional debut on Thursday for the Class-A Lexington Legends one worth noting, reaching base six times in Lexington's 10-8 loss to the Hagerstown Suns. Click here for more from MinorLeagueBaseball.com.
--I've had a lot of questions lately about Fan Day. I finally have an answer. Click here to find out when UF's annual Football/Volleyball Verizon Fan Day is scheduled.
--Former Gators lefty Steven Rodriguez became the eighth player to sign when he reached a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rodriguez reportedly signed for $610,800 writes TrueBlue.com.
--UF teammates Greg Larson and Brian Johnson are now teammates with the Class-A Lowell Spinners in Boston's organization. Johnson has not made his professional debut but Larson has. Click here to check out Larson's two outings thus far.
--OF Daniel Pigott has started his professional career with the Billings Mustangs in the Reds organization. Click here to check out Pigott's first three games in the minors.
--The Gainesville Sun is reporting that five-star defensive end Jonathan Bullard is close to being cleared to enroll at UF.
Photo: Former Gators center Marreese Speights has resigned with Memphis (Memphis Commercial-Appeal).
--Former Gators infielder Mark Ellis is finally feeling normal again and is glad to be back on field after a serious health scare writes the Los Angeles Times.
--Former UF football coach Doug Dickey and fullback John L. Williams to be inducted into Georgia/Florida Hall of Fame. Click here for more details from GatorZone.com.
--Former Gators center Marreese Speights to remain with the Grizzlies writes the Memphis Commercial-Appeal.
