Good Morning Gators: Elam runs 4.39; Recruiting recap; Keyontae starts
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Florida’s Kaiir Elam solidified himself as one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft class with his showing Sunday at the 2022 NFL Combine.
Elam’s performance was highlighted by his 40-yard dash time, recording an official time of 4.39 seconds. That ranked in the top 10 at his position at the Combine, with only seven other corners running a faster 40 time.
He is projected as a late first-round or second-round pick by various NFL Draft experts, but Elam’s elite production at the position now coupled with verified speed should boost his draft stock.
Elam — who frequently played one-on-one man coverage in college — said at the Combine that he embraces being on an island.
“I feel like playing on an island is something that nobody in the whole entire world would experience unless you’re out there. There’s nothing that anybody can possibly do to get that same exact feeling and that excitement,” Elam said. “For me, I feel like a challenge really motivates me and turns my game up to another level.
“So, I feel like being out there — I really get excited being on an island by myself because I feel like I’m better than everybody I play against, and I’m looking to dominate you because I know the work I put in. Not being cocky or arrogant, but I know the work I put in to really excel and go out there and dominate.”
Elam was joined at the NFL Combine by Florida teammates Dameon Pierce, Zachary Carter and Jeremiah Moon. For a full recap of the Gators’ testing results, click here.
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In other Florida football news
- With camp approaching, Gators Online will preview Florida’s offense, defense and special teams over the next two weeks. Up next: the offensive line position.
- Projecting the Florida Gators special teams depth chart for spring camp. The early projection will be updated after a few practices.
UF recruiting roundup
- Five-star Notre Dame commit Keon Keeley, the headliner of Saturday’s visitors, relishes his first meeting with Billy Napier’s staff.
- Napier’s staff rolled out the red carpet for the family of top-100 DL Derrick LeBlanc, who will be announcing his commitment July 23.
- The Gators knocked it out of the park Saturday with four-star OL Payton Kirkland, who also revealed he will make his decision on July 23.
- After earning a UF offer last month, four-star DL Zavion Hardy was in Gainesville on Saturday and has a strong bond with the new staff.
- Following his trip to UF on Saturday, four-star EDGE Isaiah Nixon has the Gators in his top five and plans to return for official visit.
- The Gators improved their standing with No. 1 athlete Samuel M’Pemba, one of several IMG Academy recruits visiting Saturday.
- IMG Academy interior lineman Knijeah Harris also visited Saturday and spent time with Florida’s new offensive line coaches.
- After visiting Saturday, four-star athlete Robert Stafford has Florida in his top five and feels like a major priority for the new staff.
- Kenton Kirkland, a coveted 2023 defensive back from Jacksonville, has the Gators in his top group following visit to Gainesville.
- Georgia safety Jalon Kilgore took his first visit to Gainesville on Saturday and was taken aback by Billy Napier’s approach.
- On3 Consensus four-star defensive lineman John Walker visited Florida on Saturday for the second time in five weeks.
- Florida emerged as realistic contender for All-American WR Hykeem Williams, who is now favoring UF over other in-state schools.
- 2023 DL Kamran James strengthened his relationship with new UF defensive line coach Sean Spencer during his Friday visit.
- On300 safety Jaramiah Anglin, who is being recruited by Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, will be visiting UF next month.
- 2024 DB Brayshon Williams‘ first visit to UF was a success, landing an offer from the Gators and setting a return trip to Gainesville.
- After receiving a Florida offer last week, On300 EDGE AJ Hoffler is checking out the Swamp this month to meet the new staff.
Gators sports roundup
- Keyontae Johnson was one of seven Gators recognized on Senior Day and made a ceremonial start Saturday in a special moment for him and his family.
- Florida’s rally fell short in a 71-63 loss to No. 7 Kentucky, which swept the season series and dropped UF to .500 in conference play for the season.
- The Gators finished tied for fifth in SEC standings, matching them up with Texas A&M in the SEC Tournament. The game will air Thursday at noon on SEC Network.
- Brandon Sproat tossed 6.1 scoreless innings Saturday at Miami as UF even series, and the Gators won Sunday’s rubber match with an 11-3 victory.
- Sproat’s two starts last week also earned him SEC Pitcher of the Week honors.
Let’s keep talking
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Gators Twitter updates
Before the Florida football players left for spring break, they were rewarded with new Jordan’s for their work in the offseason program:
Video of Keytonae Johnson’s Senior Day ceremony as well as him being introduced in the starting lineup and taking Billy Donovan Court one last time:
The Gators rolled out some vintage gear for Saturday’s visitors, with Derrick LeBlanc and Payton Kirkland competing for who could take the best recruiting visit picture of all-time:
