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Florida Gators News: Former NFL player praises Napier, Ben Shelton wins

By Benjamin Henderson

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Ben Shelton of the United States celebrates match point during the third round singles match against Alexei Popyrin of Australia during day six of the 2023 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 21: Ben Shelton of the United States celebrates match point during the third round singles match against Alexei Popyrin of Australia during day six of the 2023 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) /
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Over the weekend the Florida Gators had a number of recruits on campus as part of their Junior Day. There were pictures in Gator gear and the typical tour of the facilities, but some of the most important interactions during these events are the conversations with the coaches and the players.

This is an area where Billy Napier seems to shine and former NFL running back Aveion Cason took notice when touring Florida with his son Jared.

Aveion played in the NFL from 2001 to 2008 and is credited with 56 appearances in the league, so he does have an idea of what high level football is supposed to look like. His son Jared attends Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg. Jared is an unrated wide receiver by 247, but his Hudl film showcases some nice hands and a willing to be physical when blocking.

Florida Gators miss out on Pringle

Speaking of recruiting, the top rated offensive tackle in the class of 2024 announced that he would be staying home and committed to South Carolina.

Kam Pringle is 6-6, 295 pounds out of Dorchester, SC. Florida offered Pringle back in June of 2021, but just never got any meaningful momentum to convince him to be a Gator. According to 247, he never stepped foot on campus in Gainesville for a visit despite the renewed efforts of Napier’s staff.

The dream continues for Ben Shelton

We told you Ben Shelton was going to make you care about tennis again and the former star of the Florida Gators isn’t disappointing. Last night he defeated fellow American J.J. Wolf in five sets to advance to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

He is now the first American man in 20 years, since Andy Roddrick, to reach the quarterfinals of any grand slam tournament before turning 21 years old.

Shelton’s run has a great chance to continue as his quarterfinal opponent will be 35th ranked Tommy Paul, also an American.

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