TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Good Things Happen As Meyer Builds Depth Chart

ADVERTISEMENT

By MICK ELLIOTT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 14, 2008

GAINESVILLE - Justin Williams, a receiver for three seasons, recently was moved to safety because of Florida's depth issues at the defensive position. If Wednesday's first team scrimmage of the preseason was any indication, the decision is a good one.

"I was looking for some guys to make some plays," Gators coach Urban Meyer said after the session. "Justin Williams went out and intercepted two balls today at safety. Good things happen to good people and he's a good person and two good things happened to him."

The scrimmage was the first step for Meyer to begin building his depth chart and turning practice attention toward his team's season opener against Hawaii on Aug. 30.

"We're trying to get an early jump," Meyer said. "When you have some returning starters like we had last year, obviously you're just trying to get guys lined up and play, but we're a little more advanced this year. You have a lot of guys who've played some football here. It's time to hit the accelerator."

Meyer indicated he plans at least one additional full scrimmage before the opener.

BACKING UP TEBOW: Returning Heisman Trophy winning QB Tim Tebow saw only limited action in the scrimmage as the Gators work toward settling on a backup between sophomore Cameron Newton from College Park, Ga., and redshirt freshman John Brantley of Ocala.

Meyer called the play of both "sporadic" and suggested he may not make a decision until the first game day.

IMPROVING HEALTH: Sophomore RB Emmanuel Moody, a transfer from USC, was limited in Wednesday's scrimmage because of a thigh bruise.

Senior WR Louis Murphy from St. Petersburg is out of his ankle boot after a sprain early in the week and is jogging but did not practice.

RB Chris Rainey was also at full action.

Meyer said freshmen DLs Matt Patchan from Armwood and Omar Hunter are "close" to returning to contact drills.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT