Hurston Waldrep, Florida (UF photo)

Florida’s Waldrep the constant in a drama-filled Gators win

OMAHA — Hurston Waldrep might just be the key to Florida winning its second national title.

A year ago, Waldrep wasn’t here in Omaha at this time. Instead, he helped guide Southern Mississippi to the Super Regional round, only to fall to eventual national champion Ole Miss. At the time, Waldrep felt like he had some unfinished business on a personal level. A few weeks later, he entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and found his way to Gainesville.

With the move to Gainesville came sky-high expectations. The Gators were ecstatic about hard-throwing righthanded pitcher Brandon Sproat returning for another season,[…]