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Chomping at Bits: Florida’s Randy Russell diagnosed with career-ending heart condition; Marcell Harris declares for NFL Draft

Heartbreaking news for one of the newest Gators.

NCAA FOOTBALL: NOV 12 South Carolina at Florida Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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Safety signee Randy Russell’s career ends after pre-participation physical: Medical staff found an abnormality in the freshman’s cardiac workup, sadly ending the early enrollee’s playing career. Russell is tragically the second Gator to recently have football taken away from him due to a heart condition, as freshman wide receiver James Robinson received the same prognosis in December. (Florida Gators; Robbie Andreu, Gainesville Sun)

Florida released a statement from the UAA and head coach Dan Mullen:

For his part, Russell posted a poignant and eloquent message of his own - which is well worth the read.

Marcell Harris announces decision to go pro: The senior safety missed the 2017 season, and posted a letter to Gator Nation announcing his decision. He joins Eddy Pineiro, Taven Bryan, and Antonio Callaway as Gators choosing to forgo a final season of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft. (Robbie Andreu, Gainesville Sun; Brian Stultz, SEC Country)

Thoughts from the Gators’ win over Mississippi State: Observations from Florida’s 71-54 victory. (Chris Harry, Florida Gators)

Profile of Gorjak Gak: On the sophomore’s path to Florida and aspirations. (Chris Tyler, ESPN)

UF could finish with solid wide receiver class: The Gators are still after some top targets. Also noted is that, due to recruits’ schedule changes, Florida will likely not host any official visitors this weekend. (Zach Abolverdi, SEC Country)

Jordan Smith leaving Florida football: The freshman is following in the footsteps of Kadeem Telfort, who was also reported to be leaving UF. The two were the only Gators out of the nine in the credit card fraud scheme not offered pretrial interventions. (Robbie Andreu, Gainesville Sun; Ryan Young, SEC Country)

Five recruits most likely to commit to Gators: With percentages of prediction confidence. (Zach Abolverdi, SEC Country)

UF women’s basketball edged by Kentucky: There were eight lead changes and three tied scores in the Wildcats’ 56-53 win. (Kathy Cafazzo, Florida Gators)

2018 college baseball season preview: The defending national champion Gators chase a title repeat. (Jeff Dahn, Perfect Game)

Gator gymnastics opens at home with top-ten match-up: The No. 7 Gators host No. 1 LSU tonight at 6:45 p.m. (Mary Howard, Florida Gators)

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