The Florida Gators need a tight end. There's no denying that, coach Urban Meyer said this week.
But the preseason injury to quarterback-turned-tight end Jordan Reed delayed Reed's development at his new position and has hampered the Gators' ability to utilize the tight end as an offensive weapon. Florida had also hoped to use Reed in the wildcat formation in some instances this season.
"He's been hurt for so long, and he's a guy we're just trying to get him (healthy),'' Meyer said. "He made a nice play at tight end (against Alabama). We need a tight end. We're short in some areas, and we have to have some guys step up.''
Reed has played in four games this season, but has just three receptions for 11 yards. Meyer said with a combination of experience and better health, Reed most likely will see more playing time soon.
"He's starting to get a little more comfortable there, and his hamstring is 100 percent now so we're good to go,'' he said. "It's hard to practice a guy that missed practice for four weeks."
