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Harvin Watch On As Hawaii Approaches

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 24, 2008

GAINESVILLE - The Percy Harvin watch continues.

The wide receiver participated in practice Saturday as the Gators inch closer to their season opener against Hawaii. While the junior didn't participate in the full session, it is a step in the right direction for the preseason All-SEC receiver.

Early on, Coach Urban Meyer and his staff said Harvin would be at full strength when the season started, but Harvin has been slow to recover from heel surgery.

"There's a chance," Meyer said of Harvin's playing status. "A chance.

We'll make that determination this week."

GETTING HEALTHY: As the Gators begin their preparations for Hawaii this week, it appears they may have the services of a few good freshmen.

DTs Omar Hunter and Matt Patchan appear to be on their way to full health after suffering offseason injuries.

Hunter has battled a back injury, and the coaching staff has been cautious with Patchan's recovery from a gunshot wound.

"Omar Hunter is doing really well," Meyer said. "He's been at three, four practices in a row, which is a world record for him."

Patchan practiced with the scout team, but Meyer said he would likely begin practicing against the offense Monday.

OFFENSE STRUGGLING: No one would expect offense to be an issue for the Gators, but Meyer said the unit has struggled a bit because of injuries.

"I think right now on offense we're not very good," he said. "We're not very good because you've got linemen beat up, you've got receivers that aren't practicing. I'm kind of counting on Monday, when the ball is snapped, to have our best 11 players going, and right now they're not."

Karl Hyppolite

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