Florida coach Dan Mullen addresses the team after the first practice of preseason camp on Friday. (Photo: Alana Healey/UAA Communications)
Carter's Corner: Mullen Presser, Ball's Fight, Gators updates
Monday, July 29, 2019 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On a quiet Sunday in the office following a few days away, it really hit me.
The official ambassador of the Gators was catching up on some work down the hallway and I stopped in to say hello. Following our greeting, he quickly turned the conversation to NFL training camps as ESPN flashed clips on the screen.
He soon veered to the Gators and spoke like a coach impressed by what he saw of Florida's receivers during a visit to practice. That's when my mind lit up with the realization that college football is truly back and a little earlier than usual.
The Gators return to the field Monday morning for their fourth practice of preseason camp as the five-day acclimation period nears a close. After practicing in shells (helmets and shoulder pads) for the second consecutive day, the Gators will practice in full pads for the first time on Tuesday in preparation for the Aug. 24 season opener against Miami.
Gators coach Dan Mullen has a press conference scheduled at 10:15 this morning that you can watch on YouTube here:
Before moving on to the current team, I have included a heartbreaking item on former Gators linebacker Neiron Ball and his fight to regain some use of his motor skills. As I've stated here before, Ball is one of my favorite Gators in recent years. He was always approachable, a pleasure to deal with and had a smile that instantly made you feel like a friend. He needs any help he can get in his current predicament.
Meanwhile, here is a look at some items of interest to Gators fans from around the internet:
+ While details of Ball's condition have been scarce, his family released a statement on Sunday afternoon that detailed the severity of his situation. Ball suffered a ruptured blood vessel in his brain on Sept. 16 and was taken to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. He remains unable to communicate other than with his eyes and due to financial difficulties and questions regarding insurance coverage, Ball is in immediate need of specialized care in hopes of regaining some independence. There is a GoFundMe page set up to assist Ball for anyone interested in helping.
+ The Gators took a field trip to church on Sunday morning as head coach Dan Mullen sought an opportunity to bond and connect with the community writes Cleveland Tinker of the Gainesville Sun.
+ Cornerback Marco Wilson is healthy and ready to prove it writes Edgar Thompson of The Orlando Sentinel.
+ Redshirt freshman quarterback Emory Jones tries to carve out a role on the team writes Matt Baker of TampaBay.com.
+ If you want a glance at the tone in Miami, here is a Q&A with Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz via David Hale of ESPN.com.
+ Tight end Lucas Krull made sure his spring didn't go to waste despite an injury writes Graham Hall of the Gainesville Sun.
+ How much will inexperience actually matter for Florida's offensive line? That is the question posed by Will Sammon of TheAthletic.com.
+ Gators linebacker Lacedrick Brunson is appreciative of finally getting recognized writes Thomas Goldkamp of Swamp247.com.
+ Florida's offensive line is bolstered by return of Noah Banks writes Nick de la Torre of GatorCountry.com.
TWITTER TALK
The official ambassador of the Gators was catching up on some work down the hallway and I stopped in to say hello. Following our greeting, he quickly turned the conversation to NFL training camps as ESPN flashed clips on the screen.
He soon veered to the Gators and spoke like a coach impressed by what he saw of Florida's receivers during a visit to practice. That's when my mind lit up with the realization that college football is truly back and a little earlier than usual.
The Gators return to the field Monday morning for their fourth practice of preseason camp as the five-day acclimation period nears a close. After practicing in shells (helmets and shoulder pads) for the second consecutive day, the Gators will practice in full pads for the first time on Tuesday in preparation for the Aug. 24 season opener against Miami.
Gators coach Dan Mullen has a press conference scheduled at 10:15 this morning that you can watch on YouTube here:
Before moving on to the current team, I have included a heartbreaking item on former Gators linebacker Neiron Ball and his fight to regain some use of his motor skills. As I've stated here before, Ball is one of my favorite Gators in recent years. He was always approachable, a pleasure to deal with and had a smile that instantly made you feel like a friend. He needs any help he can get in his current predicament.
Meanwhile, here is a look at some items of interest to Gators fans from around the internet:
+ While details of Ball's condition have been scarce, his family released a statement on Sunday afternoon that detailed the severity of his situation. Ball suffered a ruptured blood vessel in his brain on Sept. 16 and was taken to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. He remains unable to communicate other than with his eyes and due to financial difficulties and questions regarding insurance coverage, Ball is in immediate need of specialized care in hopes of regaining some independence. There is a GoFundMe page set up to assist Ball for anyone interested in helping.
I wanted to pass along this Facebook post detailing the current healthcare situation of former #Gators linebacker Neiron Ball. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/nm3S00lS6k
— Bailiegh Carlton (@BailieghCarlton) July 28, 2019
+ The Gators took a field trip to church on Sunday morning as head coach Dan Mullen sought an opportunity to bond and connect with the community writes Cleveland Tinker of the Gainesville Sun.
+ Cornerback Marco Wilson is healthy and ready to prove it writes Edgar Thompson of The Orlando Sentinel.
+ Redshirt freshman quarterback Emory Jones tries to carve out a role on the team writes Matt Baker of TampaBay.com.
+ If you want a glance at the tone in Miami, here is a Q&A with Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz via David Hale of ESPN.com.
+ Tight end Lucas Krull made sure his spring didn't go to waste despite an injury writes Graham Hall of the Gainesville Sun.
+ How much will inexperience actually matter for Florida's offensive line? That is the question posed by Will Sammon of TheAthletic.com.
+ Gators linebacker Lacedrick Brunson is appreciative of finally getting recognized writes Thomas Goldkamp of Swamp247.com.
+ Florida's offensive line is bolstered by return of Noah Banks writes Nick de la Torre of GatorCountry.com.
TWITTER TALK
"@CoachSavage is here to make us better, as there is a purpose behind everything that he does." -- @18franks on this past off-season #GatorsCamp pic.twitter.com/7tvu4sob5D
— GatorVision (@GatorVisionTV) July 28, 2019
Players Mentioned
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