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Gators' Harvin Returns To Practice

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 20, 2007

GAINESVILLE - Florida WR Percy Harvin returned to practice Monday for the first time since he got a migraine headache that left him "crying himself to sleep some nights." Harvin, who said he has suffered from migraine headaches since age 10, said the headache that lasted more than a week and caused him to miss the South Carolina and Florida Atlantic games was the worst he has experienced.

"It wouldn't go away. I couldn't see, I was dizzy, and I couldn't walk," Harvin said. "I was constantly at the hospital getting IVs and stuff. It was the worst that I've had it and the worst I've felt. I was nauseous and throwing up, so it feels good be back out here."

Harvin, who hadn't practiced since Nov. 7, said he initially thought he could sleep off the headache. When it didn't go away after two days, Harvin knew something was wrong.

"It just felt like your heart was beating in your head," Harvin said. "It's black. You can't see anything, and you just have to lay down and be in a dark room."

Gators coach Urban Meyer said doctors tried several medications before they found one that could knock out the headache, which Harvin said dissipated Friday or Saturday. Meyer said Harvin should play Saturday against Florida State.

"As far as his involvement in the offense," Meyer said, "if there's anyone who can get right back into it, he's it."

CAPTAIN AGAIN?: Meyer said S Tony Joiner has a chance to become a captain again before the Gators face the Seminoles.

Meyer stripped Joiner of his captaincy last month after Joiner was arrested and accused of trying to remove his girlfriend's car from an impound lot without paying. Though the state attorney's office dropped the charge, Meyer said Joiner would have to earn the captaincy back.

"He's just been accountable," Meyer said. "He's been performing."
Andy Staples
Ford Earns Big East Offensive Honor

TAMPA - University of South Florida freshman RB Mike Ford was named the Big East's offensive player of the week Monday.

Ford rushed for a career-high 140 yards and two TDs against Louisville. The week before, Ford gained a then career-high 134 yards at Syracuse.

Ford has 574 yards this season, the second most in school history for a freshman.

He also has 10 touchdowns, the most by a USF freshman.

JACKSON PRACTICES: Senior WR Amarri Jackson, who injured his knee against Connecticut on Oct. 27, practiced Monday.

"He practiced today a little bit," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "He didn't look great. We're going to wait to determine if he will play Saturday at Pittsburgh. Being a receiver, you have to have that knee ready."

Jackson did not participate in contact drills.

Leavitt said DT Aaron Harris, who missed the Louisville game with an ankle injury, looked good and is expected to be ready for Saturday.

Also, SS Carlton Williams, who left the Louisville game with a mild concussion, practiced Monday and will play Saturday.

"We had a good practice, did a good job," Leavitt said. "Everybody's sore. We've gone 10 weeks without a break."

Brett McMurphy

Parker Will Showcase His Versatility For Noles

TALLAHASSEE - FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said Monday that versatile sophomore Preston Parker will see snaps at tailback again this week, but will move back and forth from wide receiver against in-state rival Florida.

Parker moved over from wide receiver to start his first game at tailback in Saturday's 24-16 win over Maryland, with FSU's top three backfield options sidelined with injuries. The Delray Beach native was also supposed to be a part-time tailback against the Terrapins, but ended up carrying the ball 20 times for 133 yards and a touchdown.

"We'll mix him," Fisher said in his weekly news conference Monday. "He'll still stay at tailback and play there. I mean, he's too productive. We should have the guys back, but we'll still have to define their status and how effective everybody will be."

Both starting TB Antone Smith and backup Jamaal Edwards participated in Monday's light practice.

Smith has suffered but played through several injuries this season, including a concussion, turf toe and an ankle sprain, but he had not missed a game until sitting out against Maryland. Smith and Edwards both left the Virginia Tech game with shoulder injuries.

Parker, who has had a breakout year for the Seminoles, leads the team in all-purpose yards with 113 a game and has drawn comparisons to Florida's Percy Harvin after last week's performance. Fisher, however, wouldn't buy into the comparison.

"He's our Preston Parker," Fisher said. "That's who he is and what he is. He's got to have the ball in his hands, and we've got to find ways to get it there."

BACKUP QB UPDATE: Redshirt freshman QB Christian Ponder likely will remain with the second team again this week, but redshirt junior Xaver Lee still is getting reps under center.

Michael McGuffee

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