UF coach Will Muschamp said Brown benefited from the change in schematics under new offensive coordinator Brent Pease.
“We're
very different in what we're trying to do as far as our downhill running
game is concerned,” Muschamp said. “What we're doing schematically
helps his running style, last year it didn't. And I think he's done a
better job as far as his assignments and protections and different
things you gotta do besides just carry the ball at the running back
position.”
Also winning a job was Darrin Kitchens, who was named the starter at the SAM linebacker spot over Neiron Ball.
Muschamp
also added that Jones, receivers Latroy Pittman and Raphael Andrades,
tight end Kent Taylor, right guard Jessamen Dunker, defensive end
Jonathan Bullard, buck Dante Fowler Jr., linebacker Antonio Morrison and
safety Brian Poole are the freshmen he knows will play Saturday.
'Pop' out
Safety
De'Ante “Pop” Saunders will “sit the first two games right now,” said
Muschamp, who declined to say if Saunders had been suspended.
Muschamp did say the sophomore would have missed Saturday's game anyway because of an injured hamstring.
Saunders was suspended for last year's game against Alabama for a violation of team rules.
Hammond consistent at WR
Frankie
Hammond Jr. was called Florida's most consistent wideout by Muschamp
throughout training camp and his play made him the starting ‘X' receiver
on Monday's depth chart.
Hammond said consistency is one of the main things he focuses on in his game.
“I don't
want to be like one of those guys that's up and down, make a good play
and make a bad play,” Hammond said. “So as a receiver you want to be
consistent because you're developing trust with the quarterbacks in
knowing that when they throw the ball, most of the time you're going to
come down with it.”
Muschamp said Hammond does all the things required at receiver and provides a comfort level for both QBs.
“Everyone
looks at vertical plays down the field and that's great,” Muschamp said
of the position. “But you gotta be able to block, you gotta be able to
make the tough catches across the middle, you gotta know you're
assignments and understand the timing and different things in the
throwing game. And I think throughout the summer both Jeff and Jacoby
felt very comfortable with Frankie. He's a guy that's an experienced
player.”
Hammond said his experience as a redshirt senior as well as his knowledge of Pease's offense makes him effective.
“It's
not just running a route at 10 yards,” he said. “You gotta look at how
(a defensive back) is playing you and know how to read coverages. And
it's just things that comes with a little experience and knowing your
playbook.”
Injury report
Muschamp said the following players will be out against Bowling Green: tight end Colin Thompson (foot), offensive linemen Tommy Jordan (shoulder) and Matt Patchan (strained pectoral muscle), defensive linemen Nick Alajajian (knee), Kedric Johnson (knee) and Ronald Powell (knee).Offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (sprained MCL) may also miss Saturday's game, but Muschamp said there's “an outside shot” he'll be able to play. Cornerback Jeremy Brown (wrist) will be re-evaluated today to determine his status for the opener, Muschamp said.
