Gator Nation Sports Page: Thursday, April 9

Written by James Brown, Gatorsfirst.com Co-Founder

We at gatorsfirst.com work hard to bring our readers the latest in sports news from around the Gator Nation. We check all the news sites, regional and national, and do all the research for you, because we understand you're busy and don't want to be internet geeks like us. So look for the Gator Nation Sports Page, and stay current on the latest Gators sports news and sports opinions.

I've got to use this space to share an interview with my brother-in-law, who plays for Humboldt State. This reminds me that going to that HSU vs. UCSD tilt in January kept my college basketball attendance streak alive at 22 years or more. Of course, for 19 of those years, it was probably 20 Gator games/year...but still, it's a streak.

And since I'm in the video sharing mood, here's a link to BullGator's video of the week, involving Ben Troupe. BullGator has been a friend of gatorsfirst.com for a while now; check him out for Tampa-centric sports stuff.

Bianchi also reminded me about the whole 'Florida girl on the cover of the Girls of the Big Ten Playboy issue' thing.

Football

Submissions for the student-designed 2009 Florida football T-shirt contest are due April 13.

Spring Practice report day nine. The Orange and Blue Game will not be on ESPN this year. I can see how more Tebow could be terrible for ratings. Go ahead and try to be the fastest Gator on campus.

Bruce Feldman lists Florida as No. 1 in his list of teams with the best shot at the title. Teams he should have left off: Boise State (no explanation needed), Oklahoma (they'd have to win a bowl game), Notre Dame (ditto).

A positive spin from Steve Addazio about all the OL injuries. More positive injury news.

Our friends at Gatortailgating.com have a piece on getting your girl excited about tailgating. She left off a key in the text, but picture one says it all: Jello shots. They also have a guide to building a tailgating vehicle.

Position previews: OL, WR.

Tim Tebow speaks out against people selling his autograph.

It's good to be Chris Rainey.

A blog on Sam Robey—Urban says he might crack the starting five for the O-line... inside a Pouncey sandwich?

Get to know DT Jaye Howard.

A blog on Aaron Hernandez.

A Q&A with walk-on RB Christopher Scott.

K Jonathan Phillips got an extra year of eligibility.

Another headline involving these words: "Spikes, Tebow, complacency."

Brandon Spikes is on the Lott Trophy Watch List.  And he wants a third championship.  The alligator's take on the third title thing.

2009 will mark the implementation of a text messaging system in the Swamp.

Total Sports Domination

Freshman Gator baseball player Preston Tucker went 3-for-4 with a Gator record (and tied an SEC record) 11 RBI (two grand slams and a three-run shot) against UCF, on the heels of going 4-for-4 with another homer and 4 RBI in Tuesday night's win.

A walk-off homer led No. 1 Lady Gator softball over No. 21 FSU.

Two track and field athletes took home weekly SEC awards, as Genevieve LaCaze won the women's award, while Kemal Mesic took home the men's award.

Men's golf finished 13th at the US Collegiate Championship while women's golf finished fifth in the tourney they hosted.

Slight changes in University of Florida Gator Network broadcasts for the channel lineup in Gainesville/Ocala.

Recruiting

DeShawn Painter wants out of his letter of intent. Another blog on this subject.  A rundown of Florida's scholarship players for next year considers the scenario of Painter leaving and calls Calathes' return "50-50 at best."

Check out this recruiting breakdown of UF, FSU and UCF basketball. It didn't mention the Painter thing.

Top defensive end prospect Lynden Trail says the Gators are No. 1 in his recruitment.

The Gators picked up a commitment from athlete Gideon Ajagbe.

Professional Gators

The latest Gators in the NBA update.

Mike Bianchi writes a piece on Percy Harvin that I couldn't disagree with more. I debated not even sending him the traffic, as it's such a bad opinion I can't possibly think he's doing anything other than stirring things up.

Any thoughts?

You can view the original article here.