A Third Generation Gator And UF Communications Major Makes His First Trip To The Florida Press Box

Bennett Solomon's Letter

Bennett Solomon is a sophomore journalism major at the University of Florida, following in the footsteps of his father Aaron Solomon and grandfather George Solomon. He has some big shoes to fill. His father is the coordinating producer of ESPN’s Around the Horn. His grandfather was the distinguished sports editor of the Washington Post. On Saturday, Bennett covered his first Florida football game and sat in the press box. He wrote this letter to his grandfather George.

Earlier this season for the Alabama game, three generations from the Solomon Family, all Florida journalism products, gathered in front of the statues at Steve Spurrier Field. That's George, former sports editor of the Washington Post; Grandson Bennett, a UF Student; and Aaron, ESPN Coordinating Producer for Around The Horn. (Solomon Family Photo)

Dear Pop,

Buddy Martin, your former UF journalism classmate, wanted me to write you a letter from up here from the press box:

It’s about an hour until kickoff and there’s a light drizzle. I see the Century Tower through the rain. But I’m really happy to be here. This press box is massive and I just hope I find myself back up here in the future. I know I will.

The Swamp. This is what SEC football is all about. I’m amazed at how easy Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson make warmup throws look from the 45-yard line. Unfortunately, who knows if they’ll make the same throws during the game.

It’s Samford, so let’s hope so. It’s cool, there’s a slight fog. This reminds me of the LSU game last year … not great vibes. We’re about ten minutes ‘til kickoff. The stands are beginning to fill up, but are nowhere close to being full. The Gators are about to come out of the tunnel, and hopefully play well. But the environment isn’t the same as Alabama or any SEC game. Yes, the fans still cheer and are loud, but you can tell that some of the fans don’t care as much anymore, because this can almost be considered a failed season. And after all, the opponent isn’t SEC caliber. It’s that tiny school from Birmingham, Samford.

Bennett Solomon on his first assignment with GatorBait Sr. Columnist Franz Beard. (below)

The Gators come out of the tunnel enthusiastically anyway, because they have a lot to prove in these last three weeks of the season.

Two assistant coaches have already been fired and there is trouble in the air. There are rumors flying around about Dan Mullen’s future.

Florida went on to win the game, 70-52, but now that the game is over, there’s mixed emotions.

The Gators gave up 52 points to an FCS school, with 42 of those points coming in the first half – the most ever yielded by a Florida team. At one point they were trailing by double digits in what should’ve been a gimme game. But the UF offense played exceptionally well. Jones broke Tim Tebow’s school record for total yards in a single game. He had 464 passing yards and 86 rushing yards. He accounted for seven total touchdowns on the day and probably shouldn’t have needed to be in the game late in the fourth quarter, but the Gators were hanging on for the win. Kemore Gamble had a career high day, with six pass receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

I’m not really sure how to feel about this game. The offense failed to score on only about two or three drives but the defense looked lost in the first half. I guess the good news is that the Gators only need one more win to be bowl eligible, but now they play tougher teams – Missouri on the road and an improving FSU.

Aside from the game, I had an awesome time in the press box. Seeing the other reporters putting their heart and soul into their coverage was a really cool thing, and hopefully I’ll be there more in the future. Just like you did, Pop Pop.

See you soon.

Love, Bennett

Dear Grandpa George: Looks like you've got another writer in the Solomon family. -- Buddy