Gator Tales Podcast

Spring football may not be quite the same in 2021 as it’s been in the past, but it beats the alternative of 2020, when it was canceled entirely. So while fans don’t get to be there live to see the reps or root for the orange team and the blue team in April in The Swamp, critical development is still happening, especially at the most important position on the field. On this week’s show, host Adam Schick gets to know quarterback Emory Jones and find out what has kept him going all this time waiting for his turn to shine (1:46). Then, Adam convenes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter to discuss Mike White’s goals in Nashville, the first full scrimmage of spring football, Sully’s record-breaking week and sports/pop culture happenings that we just don’t “get” in the PAT (17:24). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Don’t look now, but the calendar just turned to March, which means for the first time in over 700 days, we are counting down to the return of the NCAA Tournament after COVID yanked it away at the last minute in 2020. And while it is almost certain to include the Gators, seeds are still up for grabs, which is why these last few games start to carry that additional pressure. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter to discuss the final stretch for Mike White’s team, the emergence of Tre Mann, the buzz at the halfway point of spring football, the fan friendliness of the new Florida Ballpark, a blistering run for gymnastics and wishful thinking rule changes in the PAT (1:54). Then, we’ll catch up with recent “Gator Great” Kevarrius Hayes to reflect on his memories of UF, the challenges of international travel and his hopeful path to the NBA (29:49). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit Flori

The final week in the shortest month of the year featured the fullest slate of action yet in this COVID-altered athletic season, with everything from baseball to swimming to golf and much more. On this week’s show, host Adam Schick fires up the roundtable with FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter to discuss a solid rebound for men’s basketball, early takeaways from spring football, a tough opening weekend for baseball and dream reboots in the PAT (1:34). Then, basketball’s resident big man Colin Castleton stops by to talk about his journey from the Sunshine State to Michigan, what brought him back home, the challenges of being 6’11 and more (24:36). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Despite all that is abnormal about the world we currently live in, there is something comforting about the return of college baseball in mid-February – right on schedule. The Gators enter the year with all kinds of juicy storylines, from the opening of the spectacular Florida Ballpark to the unanimous praise as the preseason top team in the nation. On today’s show, baseball broadcaster Jeff Cardozo does a deep dive into the upcoming season and the weight of those lofty expectations with head coach Kevin O’Sullivan (1:38). Then, host Adam Schick chats with FloridaGators.com senior writer Chriss Harry about the return to the court for hoops and how they intend to get back on the right side of the ledger following another long layoff and frustrating finish (21:00). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

We learned early in this 2020-21 athletic season to expect the unexpected and be ready for anything, and this week provided more curveballs for men’s basketball, as both of their games were called off due to COVID-19 protocols. Having said that, this week will see the start of literal curveballs on the southwest side of campus, as softball opens their season this week and baseball is soon to follow. On today’s show, host Adam Schick goes deep with softball head coach Tim Walton about how he and his staff have prepared for the odd nuances of this season, how they worked with last year’s seniors to determine who wanted their extra year of eligibility and much more (1:44). Then, Adam checks in with recent “Gator Great” Egor Koulechov about his enduring memories from UF and where his basketball adventures have taken him since he left campus (30:00). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

This past week marked a big step for the men’s basketball program, reentering the top 25 for the first time in 14 months following an upset of West Virginia in Morgantown. But success often makes the hunter the hunted, and Florida’s first outing following that national recognition was spoiled by underdog South Carolina.  On today’s show, host Adam Schick chats with FloridaGators.com senior writer Chris Harry about the eventful week in hoops (1:42), the retirement of legendary soccer coach Becky Burleigh (10:22) and memories from the 14 Super Bowls he covered in the PAT (17:07).  Then, transfer Osayi Osifo shares his remarkable journey from a prep rugby star in South Africa to a college basketball player in Gainesville (25:06).  Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

After shocking the college basketball world with their shorthanded domination of Tennessee, the men’s basketball squad continued its momentum with strong performances against Georgia and Tennessee, quickly becoming one of the hottest teams in the league. On today’s show, we’ll convene FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter to discuss the streaking Gators, the 2021 football schedule, more coaching carousel news and what should and shouldn’t be considered when it comes to hall of fame criteria in the PAT (1:40). Then, versatile transfer Anthony Duruji joins us to talk about getting his first bite of basketball in the Big Apple, transitioning to the SEC and much more (28:06). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

As cliché as it is to say, games aren’t played on paper, and the men’s basketball squad gave Tennessee a shocking reminder that anything can happen on a given night in the O’Dome. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter to discuss that remarkable upset, the latest on the transfer portal and coaching carousel for football, the SEC’s ambitious plan for the baseball season, Urban Meyer’s ascension to the ranks of the NFL and candidates for a hypothetical “president of the sports world” in the PAT (1:43). Then, standout transfer point guard Tyree Appleby joins us to detail his path from the Horizon League all the way to the SEC (28:05). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Reaching a milestone presents an opportunity for reflection, and while we won’t go all the way back to our beginnings in 2015 to mark our 250th episode, we will use it to take a big picture view of how the Gators and college athletics in general have gotten through the challenging times of COVID. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Adam Schick, athletic director Scott Stricklin discusses how college football completed a season despite unprecedented challenges (1:35), CFP reform (5:41), the state of the football program (12:34), guiding basketball through the Keyontae Johnson scare (17:32), the opening of the new baseball stadium (21:58), the progress on the new football facility (23:50) and his latest pop culture picks and recommendations (31:55). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

As 2021 gets into full swing, Gator Nation is shifting its focus from football to basketball, with Mike White’s team getting rolling in the SEC following the temporary pause in the season. But because of this odd pandemic year, there was still some 2020 business that needed to be conducted, specifically the awarding of the Heisman. On today’s show, host Adam Schick convenes FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry to discuss Kyle Trask’s Heisman finish, the state of the football program following the Cotton Bowl, the first trio of SEC games for basketball and the ongoing debate about Ohio State’s inclusion in the CFP and what it means for the future of the sport in the PAT (1:43). Then, gymnastics coach Jenny Rowland stops by to discuss the expectations facing the preseason #1 team in the nation as they begin their unique 2021 journey this weekend (28:23). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

On the final episode of our five-part series about the 2008 football national champions, host Adam Schick charts the up-and-down course of the BCS Championship Game with the players and coaches who battled it out against Oklahoma in Miami.. "Miami Made" features head coach Urban Meyer, offensive coordinator Dan Mullen, linebacker Brandon Spikes, kick returner Brandon James, running back Jeff Demps, wide receiver David Nelson, safety Ahmad Black, athletic director Jeremy Foley, "The Voice of the Gators" Mick Hubert and Steve Spurrier. Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, and while Florida gave Alabama all they could handle in Atlanta, the Crimson Tide proved a bit too tough in the SEC Championship. So while Florida won’t get to paint any new numbers inside The Swamp, they took a step closer to getting to the top of the mountain and will now test themselves against another of college football’s best programs in the Cotton Bowl. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry to break down the action in Atlanta, the opportunity ahead against Oklahoma, the final Heisman resume for Kyle Trask, the NCAA’s recruiting sanctions against the football program, the latest on Keyontae Johnson and fixing the CFP in the PAT (1:47). Then, we’ll dip into our Gator Greats vault and check-in with one of the heroes the last time Florida played Oklahoma, wide receiver and two-time national champion David Nelson (33:44). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear a

As easy as it can be to get caught up in the stakes of games and start to lose perspective, life can sometimes provide a stark reminder of the things that truly matter. All of Gator Nation had that shared experience last Saturday, as the terrifying situation involving basketball star Keyontae Johnson sent shockwaves through the world of sports. On this week’s show, host Adam Schick discusses the latest developments in the weeklong saga and how the basketball program is handling the challenging situation with FloridaGators.com senior writer Chris Harry (1:49). Then, fellow senior writer Scott Carter breaks down football’s surprising loss to LSU, the pending showdown with Alabama and the new blood coming into the program on the early National Signing Day (9:28). Plus, linebacker James Houston IV stops by to reflect on a season unlike any other, the legacy behind his name and more (32:39). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTa

Even though it’s seemed like something of a formality since Florida defeated Georgia nearly a month ago, the Gators were able to officially book their tickets for Atlanta over the weekend, as their victory over Tennessee locked them into a date with Alabama for the SEC Championship. On today’s show, host Adam Schick chats with FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry about the significance of the division crown, the regular season finale against LSU, a hot start for Florida basketball and obscure sports they have covered in the PAT (1:39). Then, punter and economics whiz Jacob Finn stops by to discuss life as a specialist, how he tries to help his teammates be more savvy with their money and some of the shenanigans that go on behind the scenes in the special teams meeting room (25:22). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Instead of feasting on the Seminoles for a post-Thanksgiving snack, 2020 served up a helping of Wildcats this past Saturday in “The Swamp,” with the Gators staying on the path to Atlanta after a 34-10 win. On today’s show, host Adam Schick discusses Florida’s latest victory and the return of Kyle Pitts with FloridaGators.com senior writer Scott Carter (1:27). Then, junior running back Dameon Pierce stops by to chat about his Georgia roots, how Coach Mullen’s offense has made him a dual-threat and the running backs on his personal Mount Rushmore (25:32). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

While the week of Thanksgiving traditionally includes a large serving of the Sunshine Showdown, in this year of unexpected changes, Florida will instead battle Kentucky while fans across the country look to find safe ways to celebrate the holidays with their families. On today’s show, host Adam Schick is joined by FloridaGators.com senior writer Scott Carter to assess Florida’s performance against Vanderbilt, the impact it had on the Heisman conversation, what to expect against Kentucky and the best game shows in the PAT (1:30). Then, wide receiver Justin Shorter stops by for a wide-ranging conversation about his northern roots, what brought him to Gainesville, his praise for Kyle Trask and much more (29:51). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

While most of the SEC was sidelined over the weekend, Kyle Trask and the Gators took center stage on Saturday night against Arkansas and Feleipe Franks, and once the dust settled in The Swamp, the Gators rolled 63-35 and vaulted Trask into the upper echelon of the Heisman race. On today’s show, host Adam Schick gets to know sophomore cornerback Kaiir Elam and finds out what it’s like going up against what is possibly the nation’s best offense every day in practice (1:52). Then, Adam welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry for a roundtable discussion about Trask’s rising star, the state of the Gator defense, the impending start of Florida basketball and history’s most underrated players in the PAT (19:52). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

When you look at the way 2020 has played out on the gridiron, almost everything has changed relative to expectations, from the schedule, to the opponents, to the number of people in the stands and much more. But one element that stayed constant both before and after COVID upended our world was Florida’s need and desire to beat Georgia and rise to the top of the SEC East. That happened this past weekend in Jacksonville, putting the Gators in the driver’s seat for Atlanta and beyond in year three under Dan Mullen. On this week’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes senior receiver Tre Grimes to discuss the triumph over the Bulldogs and the match-up against Arkansas and his former roommate Felipe Franks (1:55). Then, FloridaGators.com senior writer Scott Carter stops by to take a deep dive into where Florida stands at this juncture and the challenges awaiting them as the new top dog in the division (18:52) Finally, with the first ever November Masters upon us, we’ll catch up with former Florida golfer and PGA Tour

After an unprecedented three-week layoff, the Gators returned to the field and “The Swamp” to take on Missouri last weekend, with fireworks of all kinds taking place over the course of the night. On today’s show, host Adam Schick is joined by FloridaGators.com senior writer Scott Carter to discuss Florida’s performance against Missouri, the altercation that grabbed headlines and what it all means for Florida/Georgia in Jacksonville (1:21). Then, Adam spends some time with redshirt freshman running back Nay’Quan Wright and learns how he came mere centimeters from death on his path to becoming a Gator (29:59). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

After an unexpected two-week hiatus, Florida returns to action this weekend to take on Missouri in The Swamp. And while we know we’ll see the Gators in throwback jerseys and helmets, we know much less about what to expect on the field. On this week’s show, host Adam Schick chats with offensive lineman Stewart Reese about how the team has handled the COVID disruption and how a Florida kid ended up at Mississippi State… and then back in the Sunshine State (1:36). Then, FloridaGators.com senior writer Scott Carter joins Adam to assess where the Gators stand entering a grueling, seven-week sprint to the finish line (24:22). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.