GAINESVILLE, Fla. — I have purposely remained untethered to the online world for the past several days. How else can anyone get anything done as 2023 evolves into 2024?
There were holiday gatherings to attend. Gifts to open. Cheese and crackers to munch.
Oh, and a couple of epic movies to watch that I had not seen: "Oppenheimer" and "Killers of the Flower Moon."
They lasted more than six hours combined, so plan to hunker down if you have not seen them. I enjoyed both but give the edge to
Martin Scorsese's latest classic based on the Osage murders of the 1920s.
Of course, I stayed abreast with the Gators as head coach
Billy Napier continued offseason housecleaning and the transfer portal maintained its steady speed.
Perhaps you took a break, too. Or maybe you are one of those who feel naked when not attached to your smartphone.
Regardless, the news never stops. And remember, it's only 246 days until the Gators host Miami at The Swamp in the 2024 season opener.
Here are some of the latest headlines covering items of interest to Gators fans:
MAKING THE READ
— Former UF defensive lineman
Chris McClellan, who
entered the transfer portal earlier this month,
is headed to Missouri. McClellan appeared in 25 games for the Gators the past two seasons and follows in the footsteps of former Gators
Ty'Ron Hopper and
Tre'Vez Johnson, who both landed with the Tigers the past two seasons after entering the transfer portal.
— While the University Athletic Association has not officially announced the hire of
Craig Fitzgerald as director of football performance, the news has already made the rounds in the New York Giants' locker room. Fitzgerald has spent the past four seasons with the Giants and
will be missed by the players writes
Pat Leonard of the
New York Daily News. Fitzgerald is set to replace
Mark Hocke as head of Florida's strength and conditioning program. Napier announced at his National Signing Day press conference Dec. 20 that Hocke is being reassigned to a different role in the organization.
Editor's note: The UAA officially announced Fitzgerald's hire on Saturday morning.
— The latest Gator
set to enter the transfer portal is starting offensive lineman
Micah Mazzccua writes
Edgar Thompson of the
Orlando Sentinel. Mazzccua started 11 games in his only season at Florida after transferring from Baylor. Mazzccua participated in Senior Day as he contemplated his NFL Draft stock, and now appears headed to his third school in three seasons.
— Running back
Trevor Etienne announced he was transferring to Georgia on Christmas Eve and
the Bulldogs were asked about the former UF standout as they prepared for the Orange Bowl writes
Matt Baker of the
Tampa Bay Times.
— Florida is set to hire
Jake Sankal of the Washington Commanders to lead their nutrition department
according to this report from
Zach Abolverdi of
On3.com.
— WATCH: Hall of Fame quarterback
Kurt Warner discusses former Gators running back Fred Taylor being a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
— Former Gators cornerback
Marco Wilson, famous for his ill-advised shoe toss in college, received a second chance in the NFL writes
Doug Kyed of the
Boston Herald when the
Patriots claimed him off waivers this week after Arizona cut Wilson.
— Former Georgia coach
Mark Richt, who had little success against Gators coach
Steve Spurrier,
will be awarded the Spurrier Legend Award in Gainesville in February writes
Mike Griffin of
DawgNation.com.
— Gators defensive back
Jaydon Hill, who was fourth on the team with 39 tackles, has entered the transfer portal. Hill has a final season of eligibility remaining.
— Former Gators CB
Jalen Kimber has announced he is transferring to Louisville writes
Jody Demling of
247Sports.com.
— The question of whether of former Gators QB
Jalen Kitna would get a second shot at college football has been answered. Kitna, dismissed by UF for disturbing off-the-field legal issues, has enrolled at UAB. Kitna told
ESPN.com that he is "grateful for the opportunity" to continue his career at the school now coached by former NFL QB
Trent Dilfer.
TOPICAL TWEETS
Incoming Gators quarterback
DJ Lagway has arrived in Orlando to play in the Under Armour All-American Game ...
Incoming Gators linebacker
Myles Graham is also at the UA Game and addressed the departure of linebackers coach
Jay Bateman to Texas A&M the day after National Signing Day ...
New Gators defensive line coach
Gerald Chatman has arrived in town and checking out the facilities ...
