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Gunshot Wound Hasn't Limited Patchan At Practice

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

After nearly three months, Matt Patchan finally spoke publicly about being shot in the shoulder earlier this year. The former Armwood All-American was shot on May 9 when he and a group of friends were standing in Sadie Park in Brandon and an unknown shooter fired at them.

"I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time," the defensive lineman said. "It was a bad deal. I feel grateful for a lot of things, and I know God was definitely watching over me there."

Patchan said he wasn't limited in practice by the gunshot wound, and he is focused on improving as the Gators inch toward their opener against Hawaii.

Through two days of practice, Florida has used Patchan at both the defensive tackle and defensive end spots.

When asked what position he preferred, Patchan's answer was succinct.

"Wherever I start," he said with a grin.

HARVIN SITS OUT: While his teammates have battled each other and scorching heat in the first two days of fall practice, Percy Harvin has spent the majority of his days roaming the sidelines.

Harvin is recovering from left heel surgery. The wide receiver/running back is said to be nearing 100 percent but is being held out as a precaution, according to Coach Urban Meyer.

"We're being real cautious," Meyer said. "When one part of your body is hurt you're compensating and another part of the body starts to hurt. So we've just got to be real smart. He was a little sore today, so just being cautious."

HILL ENJOYS PRESSURE: Because of season-ending injuries to safeties Dorian Munroe and John Curtis, highly touted freshman Will Hill is expecting to receive a large amount of playing time this season.

And that's just fine for the St. Peter's Preparatory (N.J.) product.

"With these two guys going down, I knew I was going to play early, but the opportunity just came to hand every quick.

"I love the pressure. Without the pressure I'm just going to go through the motions, this is pushing me."

Karl Hyppolite

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