Former Gators defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson had an interception in Detroit's win over Tampa Bay on Sunday. (File photo)
Carter's Corner: Former Gators Boost Lions, UF newcomers, Scovel Honored
Monday, January 22, 2024 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two Bits is already taken, so let's call this Three Tidbits.
While we're at it, let's make it a new quick-hit way to keep you informed on some of the latest items of interest involving Gators.
No time to waste. Attention spans are here and gone in a flash.
The first installment:
While we're at it, let's make it a new quick-hit way to keep you informed on some of the latest items of interest involving Gators.
No time to waste. Attention spans are here and gone in a flash.
The first installment:
- Linebacker Alex Anzalone was a fourth-year junior and defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson a true freshman in 2016 when they were teammates at Florida. They are now teammates with the NFL's Detroit Lions and are one win away from playing in the Super Bowl after Detroit's 31-23 victory Sunday over the Tampa Bay Bucs. Anzalone and Gardner-Johnson both made an impact as the Lions advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 32 years. Anzalone finished with six tackles and Gardner-Johnson had an interception on Tampa Bay's opening drive. Both players started their professional careers in New Orleans and were teammates for two seasons (2019-20) with the Saints. Anzalone joined the Lions in 2021 and Gardner-Johnson, after spending last season in Philadelphia, joined the Lions this season. Gardner-Johnson made headlines last week when, on social media, he praised the Bucs receivers and opined they would be better with a more talented quarterback. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield fired back, saying Gardner-Johnson probably doesn't watch a lot of film. Following Sunday's game, Gardner-Johnson replied to a video clip of his interception and then tossed the ball to Mayfield after the play was over. "Watch more film than you think!!!" he posted. In their final game as teammates at Florida, Anzalone missed Florida's 30-3 win over Iowa in the 2017 Outback Bowl due to a season-ending shoulder injury suffered earlier at Arkansas. Meanwhile, Gardner-Johnson iced the game in the fourth quarter with a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown. Keep an eye on them when the Lions face the 49ers for a spot in the Super Bowl.
Watch more film then you think !!! https://t.co/LWLgPaePWX
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) January 22, 2024
- The Gators added three players in recent days. Or perhaps added two and re-added one is more accurate. First, fifth-year senior linebacker Mannie Nunnery, who announced earlier this month that he was entering the transfer portal, has informed the program he has withdrawn from the transfer portal and is coming back. Nunnery made three starts last season and finished with 28 tackles after transferring from Houston. Next, the Gators boosted their 2024 recruiting class with a pair of additional signings: defensive lineman D'Antre Robinson and Alabama transfer cornerback Jameer Grimsley. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Robinson played at Jones High in Orlando, where former UF running back Elijah Williams is head coach. He signed with Texas in December but was released from his NLI to sign with Florida. Grimsley is another Florida native who started his career at Bloomingdale High in the Tampa area before transferring to Tampa Catholic. A 6-foot-3, 185-pound cornerback, Grimsley signed with Alabama in December but was granted his release after Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban announced his retirement.
"They are getting a hard working player that wants Florida to be great again."
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) January 20, 2024
Welcome to The Swamp, @FleezyT12! #2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/rOXScOp6dP
Dreams to Reality.
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) January 22, 2024
Welcome to The Swamp, @jamroc_ !#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/Xqh5qXpOHs
- Former Gators women's basketball standout Mary "Roonie" Scovel has been named to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. The induction ceremony is April 27 at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tenn. Scovel played for the Gators from 1980-84 and later embarked on a lengthy coaching career. She retired in 2020 after 25 seasons as the women's head coach at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, where she led the program to six NJCAA Championships. Scovel is part of a Hall of Fame class that includes former UConn star Maya Moore.
CONGRATULATIONS to the WBHOF Class of 2024 Hall of Famers. Join us April 27th in Knoxville, TN to celebrate this class, the "Trailblazers of the Game" @cheyneyuniv, and the "For The Love of the Game" award recipients (Afghan Athlete Resettlement Program). pic.twitter.com/sxT6UD5XYg
— WBHOF (@WBHOF) December 1, 2023
Players Mentioned
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