Tag: Friday Night Lights

Class of 2026 4-star coming around on Florida after visit

Changes on the coaching staff soured four-star offensive tackle Micah Smith on Florida at first, but now he’s coming around to the Orange and Blue.

Florida’s coaching staff changes initially hurt the team’s chances with four-star Vero Beach High offensive tackle [autotag]Micah Smith[/autotag]. However, some quality time with the new guys during a visit to The Swamp has flipped Smith’s opinion, according to On3’s Keith Niebuhr.

“It changed today,” Smith said. “I really like Coach Napier. Two coaches left (the program). Those were my best coaches at Florida. They left and (Florida) kind of fell on my board. But meeting (offensive line coach Jonathan Decoster) today was really nice.”

A member of the class of 2026, Smith still has plenty of time to get comfortable with the staff. He was in town for a Friday Night Lights 7-on-7 tournament at Florida, which is how most rising juniors get on campus. If all goes well, he’ll be back in Gainesville this time next year for an official visit.

The Gators should get him back on campus in about 10 weeks when the Miami Hurricanes come to town to open the regular season.

O-line coach Jon Decoster’s experience

It didn’t take long for Decoster to win over Smith. Coming from the NFL is an immediate green flag for any coach when a recruit is looking to learn more about them. There’s a level of expertise there that’s gong to impress any high school athlete, and there doesn’t appear to be any sort of style clash between the two.

“He’s going to recruit me with the way he coaches,” Smith said of Decoster. “I really like the way he coaches. And the technique. He took me in his room. His technique, it was amazing. Just the stuff that he coached and the players actually did it. That really impressed me.”

Of course, Florida has two offensive line coaches on staff. Rob Sale is also developing a relationship with Smith now that contact limitations have been lifted on the class of 2026.

Recruiting Summary

Smith is a four-star recruit everywhere but the On300 rankings, where he holds three-star status and is ranked outside of the top 200 nationally.

However, both major composite rankings have him listed as a four-star talent. The 247Sports composite has him at No. 90 nationally and No. 10 among offensive tackles, while the On3 industry ranking puts him at Nos. 102 and 10, respectively.

The On3 recruiting prediction machine indicates that its a Sunshine State Big 4 race for Smith, with UCF in the lead. The Knights own 20.9% odds to land Smith, followed by the Miami Hurricanes (18.3%) and Gators (15.7%). Florida State is less of a threat in fourth place with 8.9% odds.

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Florida football releases details on new Friday Night Lights format

This year’s Friday Night Lights event in the Swamp will be a bit different than those before.

Florida football is getting set to host its annual Friday Night Lights event this weekend, but there will be a different wrinkle to the evening’s activities this year.

Traditionally, the Orange and Blue have hosted a traditional-style camp for players to attend. This time around, the Gators will welcome 19 different high schools stretching in South Georgia into the Swamp for a 7-on-7 tournament between the teams.

19 schools participating in FNL

– Tallahassee (Florida) Rickards

– Kingston (Georgia) Camden County

– Zephyrhills (Florida)

– Pompano Beach (Florida) Monarch

– St. Augustine (Florida)

– Vero Beach (Florida)

– Jacksonville (Florida) Bertram Trail

– Orlando (Florida) Jones

– Miami (Florida) Norland

– Miami (Florida) Booker T. Washington

– Haines City (Florida)

– Quitman (Georgia) Brooks County

– Ocala (Florida) Vanguard

– Daytona Beach (Florida) Mainland

– Hollywood (Florida) Miramar

– Valdosta (Georgia)

– Panama City (Florida) Bay

– Lake Worth (Florida) Santaluces Community

– Lake Wales (Florida)

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Nebraska vs. Illinois: Stream and broadcast info for Friday

The Nebraska Cornhuskers play the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers play the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

Nebraska heads into a rare Friday night game against the University of Illinois, and the Huskers are looking to get back into the win column. The Huskers lost to the Wolverines last Saturday by a score of 45-7. They now hold a record of 2-3 on the season. Illinois is 2-3 as well after a 44-19 loss at Purdue last week. These two teams are also the only Big Ten West teams that remain winless in the conference.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Friday, October 6
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
  • TV Channel: FS1
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)

Watch: Incredible Friday night lightning at a Connecticut football game

Intense thunderstorms are causing games in Connecticut to be delayed.

Friday night lights for one high school football game in Connecticut was more of a light show, complete with quiet a performance from nature.

Lightning was on the agenda for Friday’s meeting between Rockville (Vernon) at Granby (Granby). The game is supposed to be the season opener for both teams but a severe thunderstorm complete with lightning has caused an understandable delay.

And while fans will be disappointed at the delayed start to the game, they are certainly getting quite a different show. Talented photojournalist Jessica Hill, who is covering the game for the Hartford Courant, took this short video showing just a vibrant and sustained flash of lightning.

 

Hill has also done work for the Associated Press among several other prestigious outlets.

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It is an intriguing game between these two teams, who were among the top football programs in the Pequot-Uncas conference a year ago. Granby finished an impressive 8-3 and were second in the conference.

Rockville finished third in the conference at 9-3.

 

Kentucky HS football team gets one last game thanks to their community

A Friday night feel-good story out of Bellevue (Ky.)

The Bellevue (Ky.) varsity football team thought their 2022 season was over. Due to injuries, the Tigers had been forced to cancel the remainder of their schedule, despite having three more games to play. However, after their community came together, Bellevue’s players will get to suit up one for one more game this evening.

After learning of the season being canceled, police chief John McClain helped organize a flag football game between the team and volunteers from around town. McClain says it’s about more than the team, according to WLWT.

“I wanted to think of something that gives them, you know, a high net, let him go out one last game, at least with the fans, the band, the cheerleaders, because in Bellevue, it affects more than just a football team … it affected the whole community.”

The local squad will consist of police officers, city administrators, firefighters and others from the community. And the school band, cheerleaders, will also get to perform one more time this year.

Admission is free.

More high school football stories

Friday Night Notes: Notre Dame finds Love

Matchup of the week: Central vs. Columbus

Friday Night Lights: Future Tigers shine across the board

It’s time for this week’s edition of Friday Night Lights. The Clemson Insider tracked the weekly individual performances of Clemson’s verbal commitments from the 2023 class. Here are the results from Week 6: Christopher Vizzina Vizzina, a 6-foot-4, …

It’s time for this week’s edition of Friday Night Lights.

The Clemson Insider tracked the weekly individual performances of Clemson’s verbal commitments from the 2023 class. Here are the results from Week 6:

Christopher Vizzina

Vizzina, a 6-foot-4, 207-pound quarterback from Alabama’s Briarwood Christain Schoool, completed 9 of 15 passes for 85 yards with two touchdowns in his team’s 34-14 win over Oak Mountain.

Clemson’s five-star quarterback commit also finished with 140 yards on 20 carries with three rushing touchdowns.

Noble Johnson

Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound wide receiver from Texas’ Rockwall High School, hauled in three catches for 31 yards in his team’s 56-21 win over Rockwall-Heath.

Markus Dixon

Dixon, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound tight end from Pennsylavinna’s Archbishop Wood High School, told The Clemson Insider that he caught a 50-yard touchdown pass against The Haverford School in a 35-11 loss.

Olsen Patt Henry

Henry, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end from Florida’s First Baptist Academy, caught three passes for 52 yards in his team’s 56-42 win over Bishop Verot.

Branden Strozier

Strozier, a 6-foot-2 175-pound cornerback from Georgia’s St. Francis High School, recorded two tackles and an interception in a 26-7 win over Christian Heritage.

Clemson’s four-star cornerback commit also made an impact on the offensive side of the football. Strozier told The Clemson Insider that he also caught four passes for 80 yards and a touchdown reception.

Avieon Terrell

Terrell, a 6-foot, 170-pound cornerback from Georgia’s Westlake High School, made an impact on the offensive side of the ball and caught two passes for 60 yards in his team’s 23-20 win over Collins Hill.

Defensive stats for Terrell weren’t available as of Monday morning.

Robert Billings

Billings, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound safety from Georgia’s Milton High School, recorded seven tackles (one assist) and an interception in his team’s 21-7 loss against North Cobb.

Peter Woods

Woods, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive lineman from Alabama’s Thompson High School, recorded seven total tackles (one for loss and two quarterback hurries in his team’s 17-14 win over Clay-Chalkville.

AJ Hoffler

Hoffler, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound defensive end from Georgia’s Woodward Academy, told The Clemson Insider that he recorded two tackles and a sack in his team’s 41-0 win over Alcovy.

David Ojiegbe

Ojiegbe, a 6-foot-4. 240-pound defensive end from Washington D.C.’s St. John’s College High School recorded a fumble recovery in his team’s 41-24 win over Central.

Defensive stats for Ojiegbe weren’t available as of Monday morning.

Dee Crayton

Crayton, a 6-foot-2, 216-pound linebacker from Georgia’s Denmark High School, recorded a game-winning interception during his team’s 28-25 win over Dacula.

Jamal Anderson

Anderson, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound linebacker from Georgia’s Mill Creek High School, recorded six total tackles and hauled in one pass for 13 yards on the offensive side of the football.

Notes: Sumner (Riverview, Fla.) four-star safety Kylen Webb and McDonough (Ga.) Eagle’s Landing Christian four-star offensive tackle Zechariah Owens are both currently out with injuries.

Stockbridge (Ga.) three-star cornerback Shelton Lewis was out of action Friday.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Friday Night Lights: Future Tigers shine in Week 4

It’s time for this week’s edition of Friday Night Lights. The Clemson Insider tracked the weekly individual performances of Clemson’s 20 verbal commitments from the 2023 class. Here are the results from Week 4: Christopher Vizzina Vizzina – a …

It’s time for this week’s edition of Friday Night Lights.

The Clemson Insider tracked the weekly individual performances of Clemson’s 20 verbal commitments from the 2023 class. Here are the results from Week 4:

Christopher Vizzina

Vizzina — a 6-foot-4, 207-pound quarterback from Alabama’s Briarwood Christian School — stood out in a losing effort Thursday night.

According to Clemson’s five-star quarterback commit, he finished 23-of-29 passing with 277 yards and four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing). Vizzina also added 78 yards on the ground in a 35-34 loss at Pelham — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney’s alma mater.

Branden Strozier

Clemson’s four-star cornerback commit out of Alpharetta (Ga.) St. Francis High School recorded nine tackles, and a pass breakup with two receptions for 22 yards in a 35-28 win over Fellowship Christian on Thursday night.

Noble Johnson

The four-star wide receiver commit out of Rockwall (Texas) recorded four receptions for 41 yards in a 19-11 loss at the hands of Prosper (Texas) High School.

Ronan Hanafin

The four-star wide receiver commit of Cambridge (MA.) Buckingham Browne & Nichols School had a bye week, which allowed him to be in attendance for Clemson’s 35-12 win over Furman on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Olsen Patt Henry

The four-star tight end commit helped lead Naples (Fla.) First Baptist Academy to a 28-27 win over Sarasota (Fla.) Cardinal Mooney in a nonconference game Friday night.

Markus Dixon

In the three-star tight end commit’s first game of the season, Warminster (Pa.) Archbishop Wood fell at the hands of Malvern (Pa.) Prep School, 21-3.

Harris Sewell

The four-star offensive lineman out of Permian (Odessa, TX.) helped his team to a 13-12 victory over Tascoa (Amarillo, TX.) nonconference game on Friday night.

Ian Reed

The four-star offensive lineman out of Vandegrift (Austin, TX.) helped his team to a 45-0 win over Midway (Waco, TX.) in a neutral nonconference game on Friday night.

Stephiylan Green

The four-star defensive lineman out of Rome (Georgia) helped his team to a 30-28 win over Pebblebrook (Mableton, Ga.) in a nonconference game Friday night.

Vic Burley

The four-star defensive lineman out of Warner Robins (Georgia) and his team fell in a 25-0 loss to Valdosta (Georgia) in a home nonconference game Friday night.

A.J. Hoffler

Hoffler —a 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive end from Georgia’s Woodward Academy — stood out in his team’s 28-21 win over Marist (Atlanta, Ga.) on Friday night.

According to the four-star Clemson commit, he recorded three sacks and five tackles (one for loss) in the win.

Peter Woods

Woods — a 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive lineman from Alabama’s Thompson High School — stood out in his team’s 35-14 win over Hoover (Ala.) Spain Park on Friday night.

The five-star Clemson commit recorded five total tackles (two for loss) in the win.

David Ojiegbe

The four-star defensive end out of Washington (D.C.) St. John’s College High School helped his team to a 42-14 win over Spokane (WA.) Gonzaga Prep on Saturday.

Stats pending

Dee Crayton

Crayton — a 6-foot-2, 216-pound linebacker from Georgia’s Denmark High School — stood out in his team’s 25-21 win over Harrison (Kennesaw, Ga.) Friday night.

According to the four-star linebacker commit, he recorded double-digit tackles, a pick-six, a rushing touchdown and a fumble recovery in the win.

Avieon Terrell

The four-star cornerback out of Westlake (Atlanta, Ga.) helped his team to a 52-7 win over Decatur (Ga.) Southwest DeKalb in a nonconference game Friday night.

Shelton Lewis

The three-star cornerback out of Stockbridge (Georgia) recorded a 48-yard touchdown reception, one total tackle and a pass defended in his team’s 47-0 win over Luella (Georgia) in a region game Friday night.

Rob Billings

According to his head coach, the four-star safety out of Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton High, recorded six tackles, two assists, two pass breakups and, a blocked kick in his team’s 14-7 win over Roswell (Georgia) Friday night.

He also had an interception that was called back due to a penalty.

Notes: Hoschton (Ga.) Mill Creek four-star linebacker Jamal Anderson’s team had a bye. While McDonough (Ga.) Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy four-star offensive lineman Zechariah Owens and Riverview (Fla.) Sumner High four-star safety Kylen Webb didn’t play due to injury.

Webb (wrist) is not cleared to play for three more weeks. According to Webb, he’ll likely return mid-season for Week 5.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

‘Friday Night Lights’ coach Gary Gaines dies at 73

The legendary Texas high school football coach has died after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Gary Gaines and his Texas high school football team provided the inspiration for the iconic “Friday Night Lights.” The coach died Monday at the age of 73 in Lubbock, Texas, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

“Following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, it is with great sadness that the family of Coach Gary Gaines announces his peaceful passing this afternoon. Memorial plans will be announced in the coming days. Thank you for remembering our family in your thoughts and prayers,” his family said in a statement.

Gaines spent three decades coaching, notably at Odessa Permian from 1986-1989. Gaines went 47-6-1 during that stretch and led the team to a perfect season that ended with a state title in 1989.

The 1988 season was the subject of Buzz Bissinger’s book, “Friday Night Lights,” which was eventually made into a movie and then a television show on NBC.

While best known for his four-year stint at Permian, he also coached at Abilene Christian, which expressed condolences.

“The ACU football community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Texas coaching legend Gary Gaines, who spent five years at the helm of the Wildcat program. We are sending our condolences to the Gaines family,” the team wrote.

Colleagues spoke glowingly of Gaines to the Odessa American:

“He was one of the greatest men I ever knew,” said Ronny Flowers, the founder of Athletic Supply. He’s in a better place now, no question about it.”

“I was there when he was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Hall of Fame,” former Odessa coach Ron King said. “I just can’t find the words to pay respects. It’s a big loss for the coaching profession. There are a lot of coaches he took under his wing and mentored.”

“He had a lot of young coaches; he was a difference maker, like when you are coaching kids, you are trying to make a difference. I think Coach Gaines did that.”

Gators the first Power Five program to offer this 2024 OL

The Gators couldn’t let 2024 interior offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon leave town without an offer after he wowed everyone at Friday Night Lights.

Florida’s recruiting staff was busy at Friday Night Lights. Several players left town with a scholarship offer in hand and one of them was interior offensive lineman [autotag]Elyjah Thurmon[/autotag], a relatively unknown prospect out of the Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Georgia.

Until the Gators offered, Thurmon had only received offers to play at a Group of Five schools. Troy, UT Chattanooga and USF are among his recent offers, but Florida’s interest should propel him onto a few more Power Five recruiting boards.

This was Thurmon’s second time visiting UF, and leaving with an offer in hand has him high on the orange and blue, according to Swamp247.

“The atmosphere and everything and competition was great,” Thurmon said. “Walking out with the offer that I got, everything was great. I met after the camp and they told me I had an offer back in the locker room. We spoke for a bit about my performance and that I had my first power five offer. I had already been there before back in the early part of June when I stopped by for the first time. It was good competition then. Going back, the competition got a little bit better and I was able to show what I can do.”

With a year left in his recruitment, Thurmon is in no hurry to make a decision. His hard work paid off in the form of an offer from UF and more options could pop up in the coming year. The good news is that Florida’s educational rankings are a big draw for Thurmon and should help keep them at the top of his list.

Neither 247Sports nor On3 have a ranking for Thurmon just yet, but that could change now that the Gators have shown interest. At 6-foot-5-inches tall and 250-pounds, he certainly has the physical potential to play on the line in the SEC.

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Gators getting familiar with this QB in the class of 2025

After two stops by the Swamp in two months, quarterback Tramell Jones is looking to further his relationship with the Florida Gators.

The Florida Gators got a good look at quarterback [autotag]Tramell Jones[/autotag], a member of the class of 2025, at the team’s Friday Night Lights camp, according to Gators Online.

Jones first stopped by Gainesville in June and picked up an offer, but this was another chance for him to get on campus and with the coaching staff. It’s still very early in the recruiting process for him, but Jones already has offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland and Pittsburgh. Ohio State, Miami and USC are also showing interest.

Head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and offensive analyst [autotag]Ryan O’Hara[/autotag] spent plenty of time with him and made it clear that he was a priority target.

“That was the first time I’ve ever been on the field at The Swamp before, and it’s just amazing,” Jones said. “Plus, coach Napier is just a great guy outside of football and a great human being.”

Jones appears more than willing to help build that bridge with the Florida staff. He has a high interest in attending UF and is hoping to get back on campus for another visit; however, he doesn’t have any dates planned just yet.

The On3 consensus does not yet have rankings for the class of 2025, but he threw for 1,253 yards as a freshman with a 14:5 touchdown to interception ratio. He completed just over half of his 160 attempts and should build on that performance this season.

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