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Wilson Returns To UF Practice

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By MICK ELLIOTT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 5, 2008

GAINESVILLE - The Florida Gators' opening practice brought a wave of optimism and a surprising news break Monday.

While talk of living up to preseason expectations was a common theme among players, a return to the practice field by junior lineman Ronnie Wilson quickly became the day's hot topic.

Wilson was dismissed from the team and school in April 2007 almost immediately after his arrest for firing an AK-47 assault rifle into the air following an altercation with a man in a Gainesville parking lot.

In a plea agreement, Wilson was given two years of probation and required to complete 100 hours of community service and undergo a mental health evaluation.

Wilson again found himself in trouble in January of this year when he was arrested for possession of marijuana. Those charges, however, were later dropped.

While the 6-foot-3, 309 pounder was back on the field for morning practice, working as a defensive lineman instead of the offensive side, Florida coach Urban Meyer insisted Wilson's return was not yet official.

"He's not back," Meyer said. "We're still evaluating him. I have a long history of giving guys opportunities. Twenty nine credits away from graduation. A lot of thought went into it though."

The Florida publicity department released a statement by Wilson.

"I'm sorry that I caused so much embarrassment for my family, the school and the football program," he said. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to be out here. I'm blessed to have this chance."

While Wilson was a surprise sighting, potential starting defensive tackle Torrey Davis, a sophomore from Armwood, was missing and not listed on the roster. Same for redshirt sophomore safety Bryan Thomas of Zephyrhills.

"Torrey Davis is dealing with some academic issues and other issues," Meyer said. "Bryan Thomas had a cyst taken off of a knee and he's rehabbing right now.

According to Meyer, Thomas is expected to be back to practice when school starts late this month.

In other changes, Lakeland freshman T.J. Lawrence is being moved from wide receiver to defensive safety.

"The team chemistry is there," senior tight end Cornelius Ingram said. "We just have to execute plays and stay healthy. There are a lot of teams out there with a lot of talent, but we know our goal is to get to Atlanta. We know everything after that will take care of itself."

Reporter Mick Elliott can be reached at (813) 281-2534 or melliott@tampatrib.com

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