Michael DiRocco

  (3:58 PM)

Hello everyone, let's get started right away.

Joe (Tampa)

I know some of the gators top targets won't announce for a while so any opinion of who will announce the gators as his school of choice first?

Michael DiRocco

  (4:00 PM)

Joe -- Probably not the answer you want, but I really have no idea. That's so hard to tell. There may be some guys who weren't planning on announcing but then visit and get so caught up they announce. Or some could announce at Friday Night Lights in July. Or during UF's camp. So many options.

Kyle (Miami)

What are the odds of rutgers guard carter being eligible immediately?

Michael DiRocco

  (4:02 PM)

Kyle -- He's petitioning the NCAA for immediate eligibility in the wake of Rutgers coach Mike Rice getting fired. From the people I've spoken with, they seem to believe that the NCAA will grant his request. The NCAA would look like a bunch of tyrants (and insensitive jerks) if they didn't after what those kids went through at Rutgers.

Corey Green (Titusville, Florida)

Who is going to have a breakout year for Florida, and can they fight for a national title this year?

Michael DiRocco

  (4:03 PM)

Corey -- I think you should keep your eyes on several players: CB Brian Poole, RB Matt Jones, and DE/LB Ronald Powell. Jones is pretty much the only one on offense, and the staff has been raving about how great he was in the spring. As for competing for a national title, it all depends on how well the passing game develops. If the WRs step up and there are 3-4 consistent players there, then UF can compete. If not, then I don't believe they can. You have to be able to throw the ball to win.

Mike (Atlanta)

With Muschamp's coaching philosophy do you think he will ever loosen up the reigns and let a qb throw it around or will he always stick to the run game

Michael DiRocco

  (4:05 PM)

Mike -- I think he'd be fine with a QB throwing it around -- if he had some WRs who he thought would catch it and make plays. They don't have any right now, unless the freshmen develop quickly. That might be asking too much. He knows you have to be able to throw the ball to win. He just wants a power running game to be the basis of the offense, but if UF had playmakers on the edge, he'd probably be OK with UF throwing 25-30 passes a game.

Mike (Atlanta)

Seeing how many players were drafted and also how many were picked up as free agents do you think last years team was underrated talent wise?

Michael DiRocco

  (4:07 PM)

Mike -- I don't know if it was under-rated, because you can't win 11 games with an SEC schedule and not have talent. Plus, five of the draftees played defense, which was the team's strength. What I think is that the number of draftees proved that the cupboard was not as bare as some Urban Meyer detractors would have you believe.

Marlon (Birmingham, AL)

Do you think Mack Brown can be a factor at running back this year? This is his fourth year at Florida, and it seems to be now or never for him in 2013.

Michael DiRocco

  (4:10 PM)

Marlon -- Muschamp said he had an impressive spring and secured the top spot behind Matt Jones. I can see him getting 100-plus carries this year.

Marlon (Birmingham, AL)

Which player on offense and defense has shown the biggest improvement this spring?

Michael DiRocco

  (4:12 PM)

Marlon -- Offensively, it's Matt Jones. He had a great spring and the coaches are convinced he's headed for a huge season. Defensively, it's probably Dante Fowler. He's lost some weight, gotten stronger, and should be one of the Gators' best pass rushers.

CP (CLW)

How many years of eligibility does Carter have left? What chances do you think he actually has to play this year with his petition to the NCAA?

Michael DiRocco

  (4:13 PM)

CP -- Carter has two, even if he has to sit out the 2013-14 season of the transfer (unlikely).

Marlon (Birmingham, AL)

Will Trey Burton receive an increased work load in 2013? I know Florida's a bit iffy at tight end, but Burton hasn't shown me anything against quality competition during his time in Gainesville.

Michael DiRocco

  (4:14 PM)

Marlon -- Burton will be used mainly as a slot receiver. Brent Pease was pretty funny in an interview about how there's no way Trey Burton could play tight end. I don't see his workload increasing from last year. He'll still run the wildcat and catch some passes.

Marlon (Birmingham, AL)

If Muschamp loses to Georgia three years in a row, will there be grumbling in Gainesville? Why has Muschamp's teams struggled against the Bulldogs? Even Zook's teams had success (including Georgia's 2002 team that was the best they've had since Hershel Walker left).

Michael DiRocco

  (4:18 PM)

Marlon -- Absolutely there will be grumbling -- and there should be. As for why he's lost both, last year's was easy -- six turnovers. But the year before, UF had the lead in that game but the defense failed late. Plus, John Brantley still wasn't 100 percent and that limited the offense. In reality, UF could have -- and should have -- won both games. As for Zooker, I think he was the beneficiary of Georgia having the losing streak in their heads. Georgia expected to lose, and anytime something went wrong they dropped their heads.

Marlon (Birmingham, AL)

What are the odds Florida and Ohio State meet in the BCS Championship game this year? As a reporter, what would that be like covering that? Wouldn't be ironic they'd be in Glendale, AZ again and if Florida won 41-14 again, but with Urban Meyer coaching the Buckeyes.

Michael DiRocco

  (4:22 PM)

Marlon -- I don't think it'll happen. I'm not sold on Ohio State, mainly because I don't like Braxton Miller. Plus, Ohio State played mad last year because they were ineligible for a bowl. What's their motivation this year? Plus, I still think UF is a year away from being a national championship contender. I'm just not a believer in the WRs. If it happened, though, it'd be awesome to cover. The storylines would be tremendous. Plus, it's Arizona and Phoenix is great -- and the media hotel is at a fantastic resort.

CP (CLW)

With Tebow getting the absolute shaft from the Jets, what chance do you give your Pats in picking him up to ride the bench behind TB. Only slight chance I see is bc of McDaniels but mainly so Bill could possibly get him on the field when the Pats on curb stomping the Jets both times they play them this year.

Mike DiRocco

  (4:26 PM)

CP -- I think New England is one of the few teams that would take a chance on Tebow. I can see Josh McDaniels lobbying for it. Two problems: I know they LOVE Ryan Mallett and there's no way Tebow beats him out for No. 2. Plus, it's hard to take Brady off the field for any reason. Unless it's at the goal line, but even then he's pretty good at QB sneaks. If Tebow is willing to play some other positions, then things get more interesting and I can see Belichick having some fun with Tebow.

Mike (Atlanta)

Who do you think ends up with more touches at RB this year Brown, Taylor, or Lane?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:26 PM)

Mike -- Brown, probably. Taylor is still trying to learn the offense and get better in pass protection.

Mike (Atlanta)

Do you think Townsend could enter the mix for the kicking spot this Summer?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:27 PM)

Mike -- Possibly, but I really think Hardin will end up winning the job eventually.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

How likely is it that Eli Carter is granted immediate eligibility given the circumstances at Rutgers?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:28 PM)

Tony -- The people I've spoken with believe the NCAA will approve his waiver request because of the mess at Rutgers. I expect him to be on the floor next year.

Marlon (Birmingham, AL)

I'm surprised Sharif Floyd fell to the 24th overall pick when there was talk of him being in the top 3-5. What are your thoughts on this and how he'll fit in with the Vikings?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:30 PM)

Marlon -- I don't buy the character issues that Mike Mayock talked about. I just think it was a case of the media (me included) getting too caught up in the draft analysts' projections. What happened is typical: A guy shoots up the board in January and February, stagnates, and then falls. The fact that Sheldon Richardson went before Floyd may have to do with being a better fit and the one knock on Floyd is he has short arms. I think he'll be a very good player for the Vikings, someone who can anchor against the run but can also provide some rush up the middle.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Which WRs are at the top of the Gators/Mike DiRocco's wish list?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:33 PM)

Tony -- I know the Gators are targeting Ermon Lane and Johnnie Dixon pretty heavily. I like them both. They fit in with UF's philosophy on WRs. They're both big kids (Lane is 6-2 and Dixon is 5-11) and they can run.

Aaron (Leesburg, VA)

Where do the Gators stand with D.C. area prospects Da'Shawn Hand and Jalen Tabor?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:36 PM)

Aaron -- From what our RecruitingNation experts think, Hand's favorites are Michigan and Va Tech while Tabor is probably and Alabama lean.

Marlon (Birmingham, AL)

Hey Mike. Which drafted former Gator player, in your opinion, will have the biggest impact in the NFL in 2013? Which undrafted former Gator has the best chance of making a team in 2013?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:38 PM)

Marlon -- I think Elam, Bostic and Jenkins have a chance to make the biggest impact. Bostic and Elam will step into starting spots and Jenkins can get a lot of playing time in Miami. Floyd will eventually be a very good NFL player but I think he's in a situation where they can ease him into the lineup and not depend on him too much. He's got some good players on that line around him so he doens't have to be a big-time player this year.

Jeff (Tampa, FL)

How many running backs will the Gators take in 2014? And who is most likely to join Cook in Gainesville?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:41 PM)

Jeff -- UF would like to sign two. As of right now, I think it could be Tony James (Gainesville High School). He's not a big back, but he is one of the fastest guys in the state. I think he'd be a nice balance to the power backs they already have.

Aaron (Leesburg, VA)

How do you think Jelani will fair with the Redskins?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:42 PM)

Aaron -- Not very well, because Miami drafted him. But I think he'll be okay in their system. He's a coverage linebacker, which is a huge need for teams in that division since they have to deal with Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski every year.

Kris (Minneapolis, MN)

As an follower of the SEC, do you think my Vikings selected the wrong Tennessee WR to help out Christian Ponder and take the team to the level offensively?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:45 PM)

Kris -- I like Patterson better than Hunter, but he's got to work on his route running and eliminate the concentration lapses. I don't think he'll be a factor this season, but he eventually can develop into a No. 1 receiver.

Phillip (A stadium near you)

Michael,now that the BIG 10 announced they are going to a nine game schedule,do you see the SEC going to a nine game schedule any time soon?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:47 PM)

Phillip -- I think it's a scenario the league will consider, but the problem will be coming up with a format that everyone can at least deal with. Right now it's 6-1-1, six division opponents, one permanent other division opponent, and one rotating other division opponent. That's what has to be figured out. Plus, schools are wondering the financial impact of losing a home game every other year. They've got get answers to those issues before they'll agree to nine games.

Mike (Atlanta)

Will Anzalone redshirt this year or can he crack the LB rotation?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:47 PM)

Mike -- I think the plan for him is to play this year. UF doesn't have a lot of quality depth at LB and he can help.

Mike (Atlanta)

Who will be the primary punt returner this year?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:47 PM)

Mike -- Marcus Roberson.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Do you think the Gators can lure Tyler Luatua away from the West Coast? And how much will second year TEs Kent Taylor and Colin Thompson contribute in 2013?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:50 PM)

Tony -- I think Luatua ends up at SC. As for Taylor and Thompson, they were inconsistent in the spring and the staff wasn't happy with the tight ends as a whole. If they don't improve, then I don't see much work for either one of them.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Just to follow up, what do you think Carter will bring to Florida backcourt, that it would lack otherwise? Will his presence elevate their FF/title hopes in your opinon?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:51 PM)

Tony -- I think he's a lot like Rosario -- a scorer who isn't that great of a shooter. He's also got to cut down on his turnovers, again, like Rosario. But I think he can fill the same role Rosario did off the bench.

CP (CLW)

Your thoughts on going to 9 SEC games? I can see arguments for both sides but I would rather keep the in state battle with FSU then risk losing that game bc there is no way we go to 9 and keep that game as well.

Mike DiRocco

  (4:52 PM)

CP -- As a football fan, I'd love it. As a writer, I'd love it even more. Not much to get out of playing Western Carolina. But as I said in an earlier response, whether the league goes to nine games depends on how they solve the format problem and can ease school's minds about losing a home game every other year.

Jason (Durham, NC)

Do you think any of the WR's that enroll in August will have a chance to make an impact this year, and if so, who?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:54 PM)

Jason -- Of the ones that enroll in August, Alvin Bailey and Ahmad Fulwood probably have the best chance. Bailey was a playmaker in high school. Fulwood has great hands and can go up and get the ball, but he's had some injury issues. But I honestly don't think either one of them will be anything more than a 15-20 catch guy at best.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

How do you think that Matt Elam will do with the Ravens & Shariff Floyd will do with the Vikings?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:56 PM)

Chris -- Elam should step into a starting spot right away. He fills the role Bernard Pollard had, but he also can cover slot receivers one-on-one if needed. Floyd will eventually be a very good NFL player but I think he's in a situation where they can ease him into the lineup and not depend on him too much. He's got some good players on that line around him so he doesn't have to be a big-time player this year.

Marlon (Birmingham, AL)

How does the impact of Eli Carter impact Braxton Ogbueze and Dillion Graham? Do you think one will transfer? Neither guy played a lot last year, and assuming Carter is immediately eligible, this will shrink the playing time more.

Mike DiRocco

  (4:57 PM)

Marlon -- UF announced today that Ogbueze was transferring. I don't see Graham being anything more than a bench guy.

Kasey Hill (Monteverde)

Will I lead the Gators to a national title as a freshmen PG?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:58 PM)

Kasey -- I dunno. How good are you?

Keenan (Atlanta, GA)

Do you think Butch Jones will turn the Volunteer program around? If so, how long do you think the reclaimation project take?

Mike DiRocco

  (4:59 PM)

Keenan -- OK, we'll close with a non-UF question. I think Jones has shown he's a pretty good recruiter. But he's got a lot of work to do because the Vols' talent level is not even close to GA, Fla or even SC right now. Gonna take two more years before they're competitive in the division.

Jeff (Tampa, FL)

WOW! Why is Ogbueze leaving Gainesville after one season?

Mike DiRocco

  (5:00 PM)

Jeff -- Because he would be behind Wilbekin and Hill next year, and there's not a lot of playing time for a No. 3 point guard. Probably the right move for him.

Mike DiRocco

  (5:01 PM)

OK everyone, that's it for this week. We'll be back at it again next Wednesday. Have a great weekend.