1. Elam’s roots. Cornerback Kaiir Elam’s success during his first college season, including a spot on the SEC’s All-Freshman team, should come as no surprise. His father, Abe, was a high school star at West Palm Beach’s Cardinal Newman and played at Notre Dame and Kent State before embarking on a seven-year NFL career. Uncle Matt was a Gators star and first-team All-America in 2012 before becoming a first-round draft pick in 2013.
2. Braun’s inspiration. Incoming freshman lineman Joshua Braun of Live Oak was destined for athletic success. Braun’s father, Mike, was a four-year letterwinner as an offensive tackle for the Army football team (1986-89), including the 1988 season when the Black Knights finished 9-3 and faced Alabama in the 1988 Sun Bowl.