Associated Press Sports Writer

Mark Long

Mark Long is a sports writer covering the Florida Gators, the Jacksonville Jaguars and various other events for The Associated Press

Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones looks for a receiver during the second half of the preseason opener against the Chiefs. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)

Mac Jones finds ‘great joy in competition’ as he vies for a backup role with hometown Jaguars

August 17, 2024 at 3:04 a.m.

Jones and C.J. Beathard are expected to split the exhibition. Jones completed 9 of 11 passes for 98 yards against the Chiefs; Beathard connected on 7 of 14 for 125...

Coach Billy Napier works with his players Tuesday to get ready for an Aug. 31 opener vs. Miami. .(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

College Sports |
GATORS PODCAST: Decisions ahead with Miami season opener on the horizon (Ep. 235)

August 15, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.

In the coming week, Billy Napier and his staff will have to put together the pieces to position the Gators to beat the 'Canes.

Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange snatches a reception during a recent practice. (John Raoux/AP)

Jaguars seeks more production from 2023 draft class, including Brenton Strange and Tank Bigsby

August 9, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Strange and Jacksonville’s fellow second-year pros will get a chance to show their progress when the Jaguars host defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City in a preseason game Saturday night.

Tailback was a position already locked up, but top rusher Montrell Johnson is sidelined by a minor knee injury. His timeline is TBD a little more than three weeks before a season-opening visit from Miami.

College Sports |
GATORS PODCAST: Montrell Johnson’s status and other fall camp chatter (Ep. 234)

August 8, 2024 at 3:00 a.m.

Tailback was a position already locked up, but top rusher Montrell Johnson is sidelined by a minor knee injury. His timeline is TBD a little more than three weeks before...

Coach Billy Napier works with quarterbacks D.J. Lagway (2) and Graham Mertz (15) during the first fall practice Wednesday. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

College Sports |
GATORS PODCAST: Fresh faces at Media Day as Gators open fall camp (Ep. 233)

August 1, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar weigh in on how all of UF's moves might translate to the field.

Jaguars linebacker Josh Hines-Allen, who set a team record with 17.5 sacks last season, checks his gloves before practice gets underway. (John Raoux/AP)

Jaguars pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen building legacy while embracing maternal roots with name change

August 1, 2024 at 8:43 p.m.

Hines-Allen spent much of the offseason working out in Arizona and then attended Von Miller’s pass-rushing summit in Las Vegas in late June. He’s now trying to catch up as...

UF coach Billy Napier has to turn around his program after a disappointing 5-7 finish last season. (AP file)

College Sports |
GATORS PODCAST: Low outside expectations as camp opens (Ep. 232)

July 25, 2024 at 4:28 p.m.

When preseason voting took place last week, Florida was projected to finish in 12th place in the 16-team SEC.

UF coach Billy Napier speaks during SEC Media Days on Wednesday in Dallas. (Jeffrey McWhorter/AP)

College Sports |
GATORS PODCAST: SEC Media Days recap, impact of Ben Sasse’s resignation (Ep. 231)

July 19, 2024 at 4:21 p.m.

During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar returned from a hiatus, ready for the start of fall camp at month’s end.

Freshman QB DJ Lagway is already paying off in Gainesville. He's credited with luring elite receiver Joshua Moore to the program.

College Sports |
GATORS PODCAST: A good week for Billy Napier, rich get richer, Swamp gets short changed (Ep. 230)

June 27, 2024 at 6:59 p.m.

Freshman QB DJ Lagway is already paying off in Gainesville. He's credited with luring elite receiver Joshua Moore to the program.

Florida first baseman Jac Caglianone set a school record with his 75th home run for the Gators on Wednesday. (Mike Buscher/AP)

College Sports |
GATORS PODCAST: Cags’ place in Gators lore, top moments as sports calendar concludes (Ep. 229)

June 21, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Now that the sports season has concluded with the baseball's team elimination from the College World Series, what are the top-5 highs and lows out of Gainesville?

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