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Foot Injury May Keep Spikes Out Of Opener

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By Karl Hyppolite

Tribune Correspondent

Published: August 26, 2008

GAINESVILLE - The injury bug has been particularly attracted to the University of Florida this offseason.

MLB Brandon Spikes is the latest victim, and it appears a foot injury will keep him out of Saturday's season opener against Hawaii.

"I hope it's just a one-game deal," defensive coordinator Charlie Strong said. "You just don't know if it's going to be week-to-week, but hopefully it's a one-game deal.

Spikes had begun to establish himself as the leader of the Gators' defense, and expectations were high for the junior.

"He has never had the strength or complete commitment to the offseason but he has this year," Coach Urban Meyer said. "I think he is one of the best linebackers in the country and is ready to take that next step."

If you ask Strong, the Gators will get by just fine with Ryan Stamper.

"He's probably the most reliable player on our football team," Strong said.

HARVIN WATCH: There are just four days remaining until Florida's matchup with Hawaii and WR Percy Harvin has yet to participate in a full practice.

Harvin underwent heel surgery in April and has been slow to recover.

Harvin spent the majority of training camp doing conditioning drills and just began cutting about two weeks ago. The Heisman candidate has looked good in limited action according to teammates, but has battled soreness following practice.

"Percy practiced Saturday, but not the entire practice," Meyer said. "He still has a reaction where once he goes for a little bit he needs to watch it because he gets sore."

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