GAINESVILLE -- Running back Chris Rainey has more than 500 yards of total offense through three games. He’s also blocked a punt and returned another blocked punt for a touchdown. Coach Will Muschamp thinks Rainey is worthy of an entrance into the Heisman debate.
“His production and what he’s done for our football team, running catching and on special teams and in return and blocking kicks, you’re talking about value to a football team,” Muschamp said. “But again it’s a long season and we need to continue to play consistently well at his position.”
Rainey leads the team in rushing yards (321) and receiving yards (214) and already has five touchdowns.
• After playing snaps at defensive end in his first game of the season, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd said rushing from the edge was harder than it looks.
He won’t be on the outside full time, as Quinn said Floyd will move around on the line depending on the opponent. But Quinn said he isn’t concerned with Floyd’s ability at end because the coaching staff just started to experiment with him playing outside during training camp.
“He hasn’t done it as much,” Quinn said. “He’s getting more comfortable with it, it’s just taken him some reps to do it.”
• The Gators are making sure their hottest commodities — running backs Rainey and Jeff Demps — stay healthy by limiting their contact in practice. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis said Tuesday the coaches made the move in order to keep the duo fresh. Last season, Demps carried the ball 26 times against Tennessee and was never the same after injuring his foot.
