Prior to today’s practice, a handful of Gators players and coaches spoke to the media in the visitor’s locker at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Florida will have its toughest practice of the week this afternoon in preparation for Miami (Ohio).
Here are some notes from what was said this morning:
– Defensive line coach Dan McCarney said the team plans to red-shirt freshmen DEs Lynden Trail and Leon Orr. Florida does not have to designate them as red-shirts and can wait through the season to see if injuries force those two to play. “They’re not ready to play in the SEC, not ready to play winning football,” McCarney said.
– WR Andre Debose’s move from slot to X-receiver might not be permanent. Debose said the coaching staff did not tell him either way and offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said they are doing it to make Debose more versatile.
– Debose has been going against CB Janoris Jenkins in practices. “I got him a couple times, but he always gets the upper hand,” Debose said. “He’s older.”
– RB Emmanuel Moody said he expects a huge year from Chris Rainey, who will play slot receiver and line up in the backfield. Rainey is supposed play a Percy Harvin-type roll, but Moody thinks he will exceed Harvin’s production. “He might have a little more YAC than Percy,” Moody said, referring to yards after contact.
– Moody believes there is “a chance” of Florida having two 1,000-yard rushers this year.
– Moody made some interesting comments about his upbringing in Coppell, Texas. He said as early as Pee Wee football he heard people say “only black running backs make it.”
– DT Brandon Marsh was added as a sixth captain on this year’s team.
Compliments of Gator Bytes
