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UCF 2018 Pro Day

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The UCF Knights 2018 Pro Day was a must-see after the 2017 season the proclaimed National Champions had. The NFL had representation for all 32 teams in attendance of UCF’s Pro Day March 29th. Many sources said that most of the teams’ interest were to evaluate cornerback Mike Hughes and linebacker Shaquem Griffin, but don’t be fooled–although those two were the draw-in, UCF had much talent to display from the 2017 football class, as well as many returning veterans such as Jeff Godfrey, Jordan McCray, Chris Martin, Cal Bloom, Justin Tukes, TJ Mutcherson, Drico Johnson and Tarik Cook.

Starting with the offense, Jeff Godfrey returned to do some drills and perform as the quarterback for the day, showing that he can still throw and giving the receivers and tight ends tokens for the routes. Trequon Smith showed this past season that he is a play-making wide receiver who can also block. Smith continued to show his catching ability and clean routes on pro day.

Tight end Jordan Aikens, who was a big target for the Knights the past two seasons, continued to show scouts that he can be a big target and more of a receiving tight end at the next level. Scouts also like Aikens’ ability to catch in traffic, making him valuable in big plays.

Jordan Franks stirred up some conversation with his speed. Franks initially played wide receiver for the Knights before transitioning to tight end with coach Frost. Franks mentioned playing a lot of different positions, showing versatility, which can draw teams in, especially as a special teams factor.

Returning tight end Cal Bloom showed that he can be a big target for teams as well, showing efficiency in routes, yet also displaying a lot of power in the blocking drills. Justin Tukes was a part of Coach O’Leary’s predominantly blocking system, so today more eyes were on routes, which Tukes showed efficiency with, which will be beneficial to him.

Guard Jordan McCray returned working hard for an opportunity like his brother Justin McCray got last year. Jordan McCray had a solid pro day showing that he is still very capable of working the line. Offensive tackle, Aaron Evans, had some scouts concerned after his back injury, but Evans appeared in all 12 games this past season for the Knights and showed no discomfort in his back. Evans even showed quicker feet and an ability to be agile during his pro day.

Now for the defensive side of the ball Shaquem Griffin had a solid pro day furthering scouts adoration for him. Although Griffin is listed as a linebacker, he chose to do defensive back drills as well. Mike Hughes who is projected to go in the first round of the NFL draft had a promising pro day as well, showing his versatility in participating in as many different drills as possible for scouts, Hughes has been spoken of as a potential hybrid on the defense for teams. Returner, TJ Mutcherson who had a shot with the Texans last year, displayed to teams he deserves another chance. Mutcherson was a key asset in Coach Frost’s secondary in the 2016 season. Jamiyus Pittman, a name that should be familiar on the defense. Pittman was a aggressor and top interior lineman for UCF totaling 42 tackles in the 2017 season. Pittman showed scouts his capabilities in all the drills, but his film is definitely going to speak highly for him.

Overall UCF 2018 pro day was a successful platform for most of the UCF players current and former to show their hunger and desire to take their abilities to the next level. Stay tune with Florida National News as we keep you updated on these hard workers’ journeys and hopeful success stories in the National Football League!

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Florida Freedom Stay Perfect at Home as Nashville Stampede Win Sixth Straight at PBR Freedom Days

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SUNRISE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Florida Freedom remained perfect on their home dirt Saturday night, defeating the New York Mavericks 89-86.8 for their second consecutive victory at PBR Teams Freedom Days at Amerant Bank Arena.

The victory improved Florida to 5-2 on the season and extended its overall winning streak to three games, keeping the Freedom one game behind the league-leading Nashville Stampede.

Nashville improved to 6-1 after defeating the Texas Rattlers 259.45-89.15 for its sixth consecutive victory.

Florida Freedom Go 2-for-2 at Home

Florida needed only one qualified ride to secure its second victory of the homestand.

Austin Richardson delivered it in the opening frame, riding Blazin Halos Late Night Toss for 89 points. The score ultimately proved enough to secure the Freedom’s 89-86.8 victory.

New York’s Leonardo Castro responded with an 86.8-point ride aboard EmmDee, his first qualified ride of the season, but the Mavericks could not overtake Florida.

The Freedom finished 1-for-5, while New York also went 1-for-5.

Florida entered Saturday after winning its Freedom Days opener Friday and has now won three consecutive games dating back to the league’s Oklahoma City event.

With a 5-2 record, Florida sits alone in second place behind Nashville.

Nashville Stampede Extend Historic Winning Streak

The Nashville Stampede continued their league-leading start by defeating Texas three rides to one.

Nashville entered Saturday having established an organization record with its fifth consecutive victory Friday. The Stampede extended that record to six Saturday.

Alan de Souza opened Nashville’s scoring with an 87.2-point ride aboard Dealer’s Choice.

Texas briefly moved ahead when Brady Fielder posted an 89.15 aboard Texas Slim, but it would be the Rattlers’ only qualified ride of the game.

Rogério Venâncio put Nashville back in front with 88.55 points aboard Political Cowboy before Daniel Feitosa added 83.7 points on Lights Out during a re-ride opportunity.

Nashville finished with 259.45 points to Texas’ 89.15, improving the Stampede to a league-best 6-1.

Texas dropped to 4-3.

Austin Gamblers Rebound Against Missouri

The Austin Gamblers bounced back from Friday’s loss with a 178.1-90.6 victory over the Missouri Thunder.

Three-time PBR World Champion Jose Vitor Leme opened the scoring for Austin with an 89.05-point ride aboard Linebacker.

Missouri’s Felipe Furlan answered with the highest-scoring ride of the game, posting 90.6 points aboard Geralt.

Sage Steele Kimzey then delivered Austin’s decisive ride, scoring 89.05 aboard King Ding A Ling.

Austin improved to 3-4, while Missouri also moved to 3-4.

Defending Champion Carolina Cowboys Move Above .500

The defending PBR Teams champion Carolina Cowboys improved to 4-3 with a 261.95-175.45 victory over the Oklahoma Wildcatters.

Oklahoma’s Trace Redd opened with an 88.5-point ride aboard Diamond Back, but Carolina answered with three consecutive qualified rides.

Guilherme Valleiras scored 84.95 points aboard Organized Chaos, followed by Keyshawn Whitehorse’s 88.95 aboard Hoobastank. Adriano Salgado completed the Cowboys’ scoring with an 88.05-point ride on Hay Train.

Oklahoma’s Kase Hitt added 86.95 points aboard XIT Socks In A Box.

The Wildcatters fell to 3-4.

Arizona Ridge Riders Defeat Kansas City

The Arizona Ridge Riders improved to 4-3 after defeating the Kansas City Outlaws 266.9-174.4.

Luciano De Castro led Arizona with an 89.55-point ride aboard The Heat. Eduardo Aparecido added 88.6 points on Chili Mango, while Elizmar Jeremias scored 88.75 aboard Power Trip.

Kansas City’s Sandro Batista scored 87.05 points on Free Flight, while Hayden Welsh added 87.35 aboard Strawberry.

Arizona finished 3-for-5, while Kansas City went 2-for-5 and dropped to 2-5.

PBR Teams Standings After Saturday

Following Night 2 in Sunrise, Nashville leads the league at 6-1, with Florida alone in second place at 5-2.

  1. Nashville Stampede — 6-1, 1,589.9 points
  2. Florida Freedom — 5-2, 1,249.85
  3. Arizona Ridge Riders — 4-3, 1,500.2
  4. Texas Rattlers — 4-3, 1,153.45
  5. Carolina Cowboys — 4-3, 1,062.75
  6. Austin Gamblers — 3-4, 1,281.2
  7. Missouri Thunder — 3-4, 1,070.35
  8. Oklahoma Wildcatters — 3-4, 884.25
  9. Kansas City Outlaws — 2-5, 966.35
  10. New York Mavericks — 1-6, 1,132.35

Freedom Days Finale

The Florida Freedom will look to complete an undefeated homestand when PBR Teams Freedom Days concludes Sunday at Amerant Bank Arena.

Competition is scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. ET, with live television coverage beginning at 2 p.m. ET on The CW.

Nashville will enter the finale looking for a seventh consecutive victory, while Florida has an opportunity to keep pressure on the league leaders and close its home event with a perfect record.

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House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, Randy Fine Endorse Joe Strada for Congress

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People attend an abortion-rights rally at the Utah State Capitol Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Republican congressional candidate Joe Strada announced endorsements Thursday from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Randy Fine of Florida, adding support from prominent conservative leaders to his campaign for Florida’s 11th Congressional District.

Strada, founder of Strada Services, said the endorsements reflect confidence in his business experience and commitment to advancing conservative priorities in Congress.

Conservative Leaders Rally Behind Strada

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise praised Strada’s private-sector leadership and pledged his support for the campaign.

“Joe Strada is a strong conservative Republican who will stand with President Trump to help us deliver on the America First agenda for hardworking families in Central Florida and across the country,” Scalise said. “Joe Strada has my full endorsement because, as a businessman, Joe knows firsthand what it takes to solve problems, create jobs and empower those who are willing to work for their piece of the American Dream.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan highlighted Strada’s workforce development efforts and business record.

“Joe Strada has built the American Dream for countless families in Florida and across this great nation,” Jordan said. “He’s tackled the skilled worker shortage by building his own training program and graduating students directly into the workforce. Now, more than ever, we need leaders like Joe Strada in Congress because he is a problem solver who will stand up for our shared conservative values and with President Trump.”

Florida Congressman Randy Fine also endorsed Strada, citing their shared business backgrounds and longtime friendship.

“Joe Strada doesn’t just talk about the American Dream—he’s helped thousands of Floridians live it,” Fine said. “While Washington created problems, Joe built solutions by creating his own workforce training program and putting graduates directly into good-paying jobs across Central Florida. President Trump needs fighters who know how to get things done, and I want Joe standing with President Trump and me in Congress.”

Business Background

Strada is the founder of Strada Services, which the campaign describes as the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned provider of air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and security services. His campaign has emphasized his experience as a self-made businessman and employer, arguing that his private-sector leadership prepares him to address workforce and economic challenges in Congress.

Campaign Message

According to the campaign, Strada is running on a conservative platform focused on supporting President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, strengthening workforce development, expanding job opportunities, and promoting pro-business policies.

The endorsements from Scalise, Jordan, and Fine are expected to bolster Strada’s campaign by highlighting support from influential Republican leaders with strong ties to the House Republican Conference and the conservative movement.

Looking Ahead

Florida’s 11th Congressional District is expected to draw significant attention during the 2026 election cycle. As the campaign progresses, endorsements from national and state Republican leaders are likely to remain an important part of candidates’ efforts to build support among primary voters.

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Byron Donalds Courts Latino Voters in Kissimmee as Florida Governor Campaign Expands

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds continued his campaign for governor by engaging Latino voters during a stop on his “Defending the Florida Dream” tour in Kissimmee, where he shared his vision for Florida’s future and discussed key issues impacting Hispanic communities.

Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

Florida National News was on hand to capture the event as Donalds met with supporters and community leaders while emphasizing economic opportunity, education, public safety, and preserving what he described as the “Florida Dream.”

Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

Latinos for Byron Coalition Launch

The Kissimmee event follows Donalds’ May 2026 launch of the Latinos for Byron Coalition, a statewide effort designed to strengthen support among Hispanic voters ahead of Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary.

The Trump-endorsed congressman announced the coalition during a rally at Hialeah Park in Miami-Dade County, drawing approximately 300 supporters. Many attendees waved American and Cuban flags as Donalds outlined his vision for Florida and highlighted the growing influence of Latino voters in state politics.

Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

Republican Leaders Show Support

Joining Donalds at the Hialeah event were several Republican elected officials, including Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo, the city’s youngest mayor and a lifelong resident. State leaders in attendance included Sen. Bryan Avila and Reps. Juan Porras, David Borrero, and Alex Rizo.

Donalds said Hispanic communities play a vital role in Florida’s economy, culture, and future, and he pledged to continue policies focused on economic growth, educational excellence, and public safety.

Building a Statewide Coalition

The Defending the Florida Dream tour is expected to continue across Florida as Donalds works to build a broad coalition of supporters ahead of the 2026 election cycle. His campaign has placed a particular emphasis on engaging Hispanic voters, who represent one of the fastest-growing and most influential voting blocs in the state.

As the gubernatorial race develops, Latino outreach efforts are expected to play a significant role in shaping the Republican primary and the general election.

Florida National News will continue to follow the Defending the Florida Dream tour and provide updates from campaign stops across the state.

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