Last week, the Tebow show moved it’s cameras to Indy and the NFL scouting combine. Tebow did fairly well at the combine, despite not throwing because of his throwing motion and mechanics being under reconstruction. Tebow posted a 4.72 40-yard dash(4th among quarterbacks, and beating Colt McCoy’s 4.79), a vertical jump of 38.5 inches(tying the record for quarterbacks set by Josh McCown, and beating Michael Vick’s score by ½ an inch), a broad jump of 9ft. 7in., and a 3-cone drill of 6.66 seconds. And even though Tim did well by combine standards for a quarterback, the criticism of him all together never stopped to breathe. His athletic ability even raised thoughts of playing another position in the NFL such as tight end or fullback. It seems to me that the NFL analysts, reporters, and writers are never going to give any kind of chance to Tim because he is not the prototypical NFL quarterback(immobile and a pure passer). Timmy is still set to premier his new throwing motion and footwork at the Gator’s Pro Day on Saint Patrick’s Day in Gainesville. Which will be open to the public.

Other former Gators showing off their skills at the combine did not overly impress. Joe Haden posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.57. We all know he is faster than that. But that’s not stopping the media from claiming that Florida’s 40 board is absolutely bogus. He will have a chance to redeem himself at the pro day, hopefully posting a 4.4 or better. Haden threw down a 10ft. 5in. broad jump, a 35 inch vertical leap, and bench pressed 18 reps of 225lbs. Riley Cooper also ran at the combine, showing a 4.52 40. He, however, did not participate in other drills. Former Gator safety Major Wright ran the fastest of Gator 40’s at this year’s combine, posting a 4.48. Third among participating safeties. Brandon Spikes, and Carlos Dunlap participated as well, Dunlap being most impressive out of the two. Dunlap posted a vertical leap of 31.5inches, two and ½ inches better than Spikes. And a broad jump of 9ft. 3in., 1 inch better than Spikes. Dunlap also ran a 40 time of 4.71, and threw up 225lbs 21 times. Spikes did not participate in those drills. After all of this, I expect the pro day to be a media circus. With Joe Haden trying to improve his 40 time, Tim Tebow 2.0 premiering, and other Gators trying to improve on things they were unhappy with at the combine. I personally will be attending the pro day. And I will tell you all how I think things went for our beloved Gators.

Now, to basketball. With the back to back losses to Georgia in Athens, and Vanderbilt at home, Billy Donavon’s Gators are in trouble of not making the tournament. The game against Vanderbilt marked the first time this year that the Gators have lost after leading at the 5 minute mark. Which was on senior day for Dan Werner, who contributed 8 points on 3-6 shooting. In my opinion, with the win over Tennessee, the Gators clinched a spot in the dance. But with the recent heartbreakers, they will have to be impressive this Sunday against Kentucky, and get at least a win in the SEC tournament to be considered in the NCAA tourney. This unpredictable team could very well go into Rupp Arena and upset the Wildcats. But they will have to bring their A+ game, and have some luck as well. I would look for a close loss this Sunday. The Gators should be playing a mid to low-tier team in the first round of the SEC tournament. A team like Alabama, or Auburn. Should the Gators lose in the first round to one of those type teams, they do not deserve a spot in the tourney, in my opinion. But we have seen that they can get inspired when truly needed, and I think that the Gators will earn a spot in the big dance. Should they not, they will have missed the tournament for 3 years straight. A first under Billy Donavon. The game against Kentucky will air on Sunday, March 7th at noon on CBS.

Until next time, be well Gator Nation.

p.s. I know its a little late, but I just ordered my UF Football Vault and I am so excited. Any of you have it? and if so, what do you think??

Former Florida Gator defensive end Carlos Dunlap plead no contest on his DUI case today. I’m sure you remember Carlos was arrested on December 1, 2009 just days before the SEC Championship Game… resulting in a suspension that severely hurt the Gators chances at beating Alabama. Anyway – we’re over that, right? Dunlap got pretty much the same treatment all celebrity athletes get in a DUI case, probation.

Dunlap was placed on probation for a year with his driver’s license suspended for six months. He must pay about $1,000 which includes $442 in court costs, a $500 fine, and $50 cost of prosecution. Dunlap was also given 50 hours of community service with permission to pay for 25 and work the other 25.

He has the NFL Draft coming up in April and I’m sure he’s glad this is all behind him. People tend to forget quickly once you return to action ont he field. He played great in the Sugar Bowl, including two sacks. Dunlap is project as a mid first round pick. Whoever drafts him will get a hell of a player – they just have to due their research and make sure his drinking isn’t a problem.

Carlos Dunlap finished 2009 with nine sacks and 19.5 for his career. I thought if he stayed all four years he could challenge Alex Brown for UF’s all time record – he is that good. “This took a lot of thought and prayer between me and my family, and we decided that this was the best direction for me to take,” Dunlap said. “I’ve loved having the chance to play at Florida for Coach [Urban] Meyer, and playing for Coach Charlie Strong. I wouldn’t be the person or the player I am today without them and the other coaches who have helped me along the way.”

Carlos became a bit of a problem when he was busted for DUI following the FSU game – one week prior to the SEC Championship Game. I’m not sure how Meyer really feels about him going… and if he would welcome him back to the team in 2010 anyway. But here’s what Meyer had to say: “Carlos has all of the physical tools to be successful at the next level,” said Meyer. “I believe if he continues to grow and mature he will have a very long career in the NFL. He provided matchup problems for opposing teams and was a big part of our success during the last several years. We wish him the best of luck.”

I expect Carlos Dunlap to be a Top 15 pick and one of the first DE’s taken.

Maurkice Pouncey on the other hand will probably be a second or third round pick. Maurkice Pouncey tallied 40 career starts over his three seasons and was the winner of the 2009 Rimington Trophy, presented to the best center in the nation. The problem is guards/centers don’t really go high in the draft – you may see one go in the first round.

“This is one of the biggest decisions I have ever made in my life,” Maurkice Pouncey said. “I am glad that my brother and I made the decision to be Gators. God gave us the knowledge, strength and ability to be great players, but it is now time for my brother and me to part ways.”

But really, there’s nothing left for Maurkice to prove at the college level.

We already know seniors Tim Tebow and Brandon Spikes will be in the NFL Draft and should be picked on the first day. Tebow is a draft enigma that we’ll get into at a later date. But for now, let’s talk about some of the juniors that could come out.

Carlos Dunlap
Joe Haden
Jermaine Cunningham
Aaron Hernandez
Mike Pouncey
Maurkice Pouncey

The Pouncey Twins’ mother did say that they’ll be coming back to Florida for a senior season, but I’m not sure I’d believe her. If they both have grades in the first or second round then the smart move will be to enter the Draft. There’s really not much at the Guard and Center position they can do at this point to improve their draft status. From what I’ve been seeing though is that Maurkice is rated a lot higher than Mike – but I can’t see one leaving without the other.

Dunlap and Haden are pretty much locks for first round picks – possibly even in the Top 10. They’re as good as gone in my opinion following the Sugar Bowl. You have to strike while the iron is hot.

Aaron Hernandez is also likely headed to the NFL. He had a tremendous season and is either the top rated or second best rated tight end in the country. He’s a great pass catcher and a solid blocker. Probably will go in the second round.

Jermaine Cunningham is a very good defensive end – he just doesn’t get the pub that guys like Dunlap and Harvey got in the past. He’s a little undersized, but some mock drafts have him rated in the late second round. I’m not sure if he would benefit from coming out this year – he could return for his senior season next year and just dominate – being the focal point for once.

What do you think of the juniors that may leave for the NFL? Is it a good move? Who should go and who should stay?

Coach Urban Meyer announced that Carlos Dunlap will be suspended for the SEC Championship Game on Saturday – the biggest game of the year. Last year, the Gators were without WR Percy Harvin for the SECCG, but that was due to an injury. It’s not that same as losing Dunlap because of an arrest. Dunlap is a critical component to the defense’s success this year. Without him, they won’t be as effective. Dunlap let his teammates and the entire Gator Nation down.

Florida’s defensive coordinator, Charlie Strong, will have his work cut out for him in trying to scheme up something to stop Alabama’s strong rushing attack. You can’t replace Dunlap with one guy. I expect the Gators to use a rotation of players to keep guys fresh. We will see a lot of Justin Trattou and possibly Brandon Spikes on the line. We’ll also need to use more blitz packages to keep the pressure on QB McElroy.

What do you think of the Carlos Dunlap situation? Are you in agreeance with the suspension?