Tag: Player profile

Daquan Newkirk provides SEC experience for the front 7

Newkirk has seen action in 30 SEC games over the last three years, and he should be a plug-and-play starter at defensive tackle.

Name: Daquan Newkirk

Number: 44

Position: Defensive Tackle

Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 308 pounds

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

High School: The First Academy

Previous School: Auburn

Twitter: @Daquan_Newkirk

2020 statistics:

TOT SOLO AST SACK FF
28 8 20 1.5 0

Overview:

An Orlando native, Newkirk began his college career at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where he played during the 2017 season. His efforts that year made him a four-star JUCO prospect and the No. 14 overall JUCO player, per the 247Sports Composite. He finished the season with 48 tackles (nine of them for loss)

He was heavily recruited by Auburn, with whom he eventually signed. His first season with the Tigers in 2018, he appeared in eight games but with limited production, finishing with seven total tackles. He saw more action as a redshirt sophomore in 2019, but despite playing in 12 games his tackle total dropped to five.

His most productive season, by far, came in 2020, when he appeared in 10 games and totaled 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In 30 career games with the Tigers, Newkirk totaled 40 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

He entered the transfer portal after the shortened 2020 season, and he landed with a Gators team in need of help on the interior of the defensive line heading into 2021. Alongside fellow transfer Antonio Valentino from Penn State, he’s expected to be a plug-and-play starter at defensive tackle this season.

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Antonio Valentino looks to be an anchor for the defensive line in 2021

Valentino fills one of the biggest roster holes and should start at defensive tackle this season.

Name: Antonio Valentino

Number: 55

Position: Defensive Tackle

Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 312 pounds

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

High School: Westerville-North

Previous School: Penn State

Twitter: @_groovy55

2020 statistics:

TOT SOLO SACK FF PD
14 5 3.5 1 1

Overview:

Originally a three-star recruit from Columbus, Ohio, Valentino didn’t get an offer from the hometown Ohio State Buckeyes. Instead, he committed to his most high-profile offer and joined OSU’s Big Ten rival, Penn State. With the Nittany Lions, he was a rotational defensive lineman (and later a starter).

He’s appeared in 40 games, making 10 starts, and totaled 51 tackles (12.5 for loss) and six sacks. He redshirted his first year in 2016 but appeared in six games the following year. He appeared in every game in 2018 as a redshirt sophomore, and he has seen starting action the last two seasons.

With his 3.5 sacks in a shortened 2020 season, he was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention. Following the season, he elected to enter the transfer portal as a graduate, and he landed with a UF team that desperately needs help on the interior of the defensive line.

Along with fellow graduate transfer Daquan Newkirk from Auburn, Valentino is expected to be a starter at defensive tackle in his final season of eligibility in 2021.

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Tre’Vez Johnson is set up to be a starter after impressive freshman season

Johnson enters the 2021 season as the likely starter at STAR after appearing in every game as a true freshman.

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Name: Tre’Vez Johnson

Number: 16

Position: Defensive Back

Class: Sophomore

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 196 lbs

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

High School: Bartram Trail

2020 statistics:

TOT SOLO AST FR INT PD
15 12 3 0 1 2

Overview:

A three-star recruit in the class of 2020 from Jacksonville, Johnson wasn’t necessarily expected to see a major role with the Gators as a true freshman. However, with Florida’s struggles on defense, it turned to young talent in the secondary and Johnson stepped up.

He appeared in all 12 games in 2020, mostly appearing at the STAR position, Florida’s version of the nickel corner which also doubles as a run-stopping linebacker/safety hybrid position, as well as safety. He totaled 15 tackles on the season, notched an interception in UF’s win over Kentucky and broke up two passes.

Heading into his sophomore year, Johnson is the projected starter at the STAR position, where he will also compete with true freshman cornerback Jason Marshall and transfers Elijah Blades and Jadarrius Perkins for playing time. Johnson could also see action at safety.

Florida will need to see more production from him in 2021, but they like the talented Johnson demonstrated in his ample action as a true freshman despite not being a highly touted recruit.

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Simi Fehoko’s time to shine in Cowboys’ offense might be right around corner

Drafted as a big-play threat on Day 3, the time may not be too far off when Fehoko is filling a need within a potent Dallas offense. | From @BenGrimaldi

The Dallas Cowboys drafted WR Simi Fehoko in the fifth round out if Stanford to improve their overall depth at the position. Fehoko was the only offensive skill player the team drafted this year as they looked to improve upon one of the worst defensive performances in franchise history.

Fehoko is a big, strong prospect, who also has the speed to run away from defenders. After being a First-Team All-Pac 12 receiver during his junior season, Fehoko decided to forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the draft. He’ll hope to provide big-play ability to the Cowboys’ offense.

Our profile countdown to the regular season continues with No. 81, WR Simi Fehoko.

Gervon Dexter aims to build off promising freshman season in 2021

Dexter played in all 12 games as a true freshman, and he should play an even bigger role in the rotation in 2021.

Name: Gervon Dexter

Number: 9

Position: Defensive Tackle

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 308 lbs

Hometown: Lake Wales, Florida

High School: Lake Wales

Twitter: @GervonDexter

2020 statistics:

TOT SOLO SACK INT
19 5 0 1

Overview:

A five-star recruit on the 247Sports Composite and the No. 12 overall player in the country, Dexter was the highest-rated prospect in Florida’s 2020 class. He was expected to be a major impact player, even as a true freshman, and that was mostly the case.

He appeared in 12 games during the 2020 season and even started two of them. He finished the year with 19 total tackles (five solo) and he notched an interception in the season-opening win over Ole Miss to give the Gators their first takeaway of the year. He also had a tackle for loss in that game.

Florida lost three interior defensive linemen after the 2020 season, and though it added experienced transfers in Antonio Valentino and Daquan Newkirk, Dexter should see a lot more playing time in 2021. That pair of veteran transfers is likely to be the interior starting duo, but Dexter should be a primary part of that rotation, as well.

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Florida baseball’s Josh Rivera looks for more consistency in 2022

Rivera was excellent in 2020, but his “COVID” freshman season in 2021 was a bit inconsistent.

Name: Josh Rivera

Number: 24

Position: Infield

Class: Freshman (second-year)

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 205 lbs

Hometown: Avon Park, Florida

High School: IMG Academy

Twitter: @joshrivera24

2021 statistics:

G PA R H HR RBI BB K BA OBP SLG
54 210 30 48 5 26 18 52 .253 .324 .389

Overview:

Rivera started his career at Avon Park High School before finishing up at the sports-specialized IMG Academy in Bradenton. The No. 53 overall player in the country, Rivera was a preseason First Team All-American going into his senior season. Drafted by the San Diego Padres out of high school in the 22nd round, he decided to sign with coach Kevin O’Sullivan and the Gators instead.

Rivera saw starting action in 16 games at shortstop as a true freshman in 2020 before the season was canceled due to COVID-19. He batted .298, finished tied for third on the team with 17 hits and hit two home runs.

The expectations were high for Rivera heading into his “COVID” freshman season in 2021, and though he started 52 of the 54 games he appeared in at shortstop and second base, he wasn’t as consistent at the plate as he was in 2020. His average dropped to .253, and he struck out 52 times on the season, third on the team behind Jud Fabian and Kirby McMullen.

He did have some positive moments, being named the SEC Co-Newcomer of the Week after stringing together five hits in an upset victory over Vanderbilt in a weekend series. He also went 4-of-5 in a run-rule win over Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament.

Though he wasn’t particularly consistent in 2021, Rivera will be one of the players the team relies on in 2022 after losing a good chunk of talent this offseason.

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Nathan Hickey set up to be a leader after huge 2021 season

Hickey was one of Florida’s top players in 2021, and he should be poised for a dominant 2022 season.

Name: Nathan Hickey

Number: 11

Position: Catcher/Infielder

Class: Freshman (COVID-19)

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 205 lbs

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

High School: Providence School

2021 statistics:

G PA R H HR RBI BB K BA OBP SLG
60 278 40 71 9 50 42 40 .317 .435 .522

Overview:

A high school First Team All-American at Providence in Jacksonville, Nathan Hickey was the No. 15 catcher and No. 162 player overall in the class of 2019, according to Perfect Game. He committed to coach Kevin O’Sullivan and the Gators, where he saw immediate action.

Hickey started 13 of 17 games before the season was canceled, and he appeared in 15 of them. He was second on the team in batting average (.311) and home runs (four). Though COVID-19 ended the season before Hickey could really hit his stride, he entered his “COVID” freshman season in 2021 expected to be one of the best players in the lineup.

He mostly lived up to that, making the Newcomer All-SEC Team and the SEC All-Tournament Team. He started all 60 games (one of just two players to do so) and his .317 batting average led the team. With nine home runs and 50 RBI, he was one of the most productive players in all of the SEC.

Defensively, he struggled at catcher throughout the season, but a decision during the SEC Tournament to move him to third base paid off, as he looked much better at that position. With younger catcher Mac Guscette able to take up that mantle, Hickey could very likely enter the 2022 season as the starter at third base, once again.

A guy who should almost certainly be an early-round pick next year, Hickey should be one of the best players on the team, if not the conference.

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Brandon Sproat could be a mainstay of Florida’s rotation next season

Sproat has the chance to take over as a weekend starter in 2022.

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Name: Brandon Sproat

Number: 8

Position: Right-Handed Pitcher

Class: Freshman (COVID-19)

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 205 lbs

Hometown: Pace, Florida

High School: Pace

Twitter: @BrandonSproat

2021 statistics:

G GS W-L IP H R BB K ERA WHIP
16 2 2-1 21.2 29 19 15 18 6.65 2.03

Overview:

One of the better high school baseball prospects in the country, it was unclear if Sproat would make it to campus. The Pace, Florida, native was ranked the No. 149 player in the country in the class of 2019, and he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB draft.

But he elected to pass on the pros, instead making good on his commitment to the Gators and joining coach Kevin O’Sullivan’s team. He saw limited action as a true freshman in 2020, totaling just six innings across four games before the season was canceled.

It was an impressive six innings, though, as he struck out eight batters with an ERA of just 1.50. Entering the 2021 season, Sproat was expected to play a major role in Florida’s bullpen. Though he made 16 appearances as a “COVID” freshman, he only saw 21.2 innings across the whole season, making just two starts.

Though his 2-1 record was solid, his bloated 6.65 ERA was not (though it sat below 4.0 before Sproat allowed seven runs in 2/3 innings in the season finale against South Alabama). He allowed almost as many walks as strikeouts.

He didn’t see much action once SEC play started, but that will likely change in 2022. With Tommy Mace likely heading to the professional ranks, that leaves an open spot in UF’s weekend rotation. It could be reclaimed by Jack Leftwich, but if he remains in the closer role that seemed to suit him, Sproat is a primary candidate to take over.

He’ll have the opportunity to work on his game quite a bit this summer. He’s a part of the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League, and he was also selected to join the 2021 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, alongside O’Sullivan, who will serve as the pitching coach.

Whether he’s a weekend starter at the beginning of the season or not, he will see a lot more action both out of the bullpen and in midweek games. The Gators will need him to be much sharper than he was in 2021.

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Hunter Barco could be Florida’s ace in 2022

Barco had an all-around solid season in 2021, but he may need to be much more than solid in 2022 if he takes over the Friday starter role. If Tommy Mace departs, Barco will likely be the Gators’ top pitcher in 2022.

Name: Hunter Barco

Number: 12

Position: Left-Handed Pitcher

Class: Junior (COVID-19)

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 210 lbs

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

High School: The Bolles School

Twitter: @hunter_barco

2021 statistics:

G GS W-L IP H R BB K ERA WHIP
16 16 10-3 83 77 43 26 94 4.01 1.24

Overview:

Many didn’t expect Barco to end up at UF. He was considered by some to be a first-round talent coming out of high school in the 2019 MLB draft, but he slid to the Milwaukee Brewers in the 24th round, and he turned down a multi-million dollar signing bonus that didn’t meet his requirements. He enrolled in Gainesville instead.

He had an electric true freshman season despite it being shortened due to COVID-19. He made four starts and one appearance in relief, notching a 2-0 record and a 1.40 ERA. Heading into the 2021 season, he was expected to be the Sunday pitcher, behind Tommy Mace and Jack Leftwich.

His first start of the season in the opening series to Miami was rough, as he allowed six earned runs in 3 1/3 innings, and he took the loss. Barco eventually worked an ERA that was bloated to start the season down to 4.01 with some very solid games in SEC play. He ended up with a 10-3 record, and his best performance came against eventual CWS finalist Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament when he pitched a complete game in a 13-1, run-rule victory.

But Barco’s occasional blowups like he suffered against the Hurricanes persisted, even as he eventually solidified himself as the Day 2 starter. Heading into his “COVID” sophomore season in 2022, he’ll have to improve a lot. Assuming Mace departs for the minor leagues, Barco is the leading candidate to be UF’s ace next season.

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Garrett Milchin should play a bigger role if he stays healthy in 2022

Milchin’s unlikely return to the field in 2021 was one of the best stories in all of college baseball, and it’s not done being written yet.

Name: Garrett Milchin

Number: 3

Position: RHP

Class: Redshirt Junior (COVID-19)

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 215 pounds

Hometown: Windermere, Florida

High School: The First Academy

2021 statistics:

G GS W-L IP H R BB K ERA WHIP
6 6 2-1 21.2 24 14 3 20 4.98 1.25

Overview:

The No. 11 right-handed pitcher in the nation in the class of 2016, Milchin was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 39th round of the MLB draft out of high school, but he stuck with his commitment to Florida. He saw 19 appearances as a true freshman on the 2017 national title team, coming out of the bullpen in SEC play and starting a pair of midweek games.

In his first career start against Florida State, he threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings en route to a win, and he finished the season with a 3.29 ERA and a 4-2 record. He saw action in the lineup with 26 plate appearances, and though he only batted .182, he hit a home run.

During Milchin’s relief appearance against TCU in the College World Series, he motioned to the dugout to pull himself from the game. An MRI the next day revealed a tear to his ulnar collateral ligament, and he required Tommy John surgery.

The lengthy recovery cost him the 2018 season, but he was set to return in 2019. Then, injury struck again. Milchin re-tore his UCL, requiring another  Tommy John surgery, which held him out of the entire season again. He was still recovering during 2020 and didn’t see any appearances before the season was canceled.

Milchin’s unlikely return to the field came on Feb. 23, 2021, nearly four years removed from his last appearance in a real baseball game. He started UF’s midweek game against UNF, allowing one run in two innings.

He became Florida’s primary midweek starter, and all six of his appearances in 2021 were midweek starts. He managed a 2-1 record and totaled 20 strikeouts compared to three walks. His 4.98 ERA could have been better, but it was an encouraging return to the bump for Milchin. He didn’t see any plate appearances on the season.

Milchin has the option to return to Florida for a rare sixth year of eligibility, and it would be a nice boost for the Gators if he did. At the very least, he’d likely retain his midweek starter role and could push for a spot in the weekend rotation.

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