QB TIM TEBOW, Denver Broncos
Game 3 Passing: 5-of-10 for 72 yards, one TD, one INT (14.4 avg., 67.5 QB rating)
Game 2: Did not play – ribs
Game 1 Passing: 8-of-13 for 105 yards (8.1 avg., 87.0 QB rating)
Game 1 Rushing: Two carries for 10 yards, one touchdown

CB JOE HADEN, Cleveland Browns
Game 3 Defense: Five tackles (two solo), one pass defended
Game 3 Kick returning: one attempt for 12 yards
Game 2 Defense: Two tackles (one solo), two passes defended
Game 2 Kick returning: Two attempts for 43 yards (long 28)
Game 1 Defense: Three solo tackles, one pass defended
Game 1 Kick returning: One attempt for 34 yards

C MAURKICE POUNCEY, Pittsburgh Steelers
Game 3: Worked as first-team center
Game 2: Worked as first-team center
Game 1: Worked as first-team guard, second-team center

LB JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM, New England Patriots
Game 3: Did not play – undisclosed
Game 2: Did not play – undisclosed
Game 1: Did not play – concussion

DE CARLOS DUNLAP, Cincinnati Bengals
Game 4 Defense: One tackle (one solo), two QB hits
Game 3 Defense: Four tackles (three solo), one sack, one Gator Chomp
Game 2 Defense: One tackle
Game 1 Defense: Did not play – concussion

LB BRANDON SPIKES, New England Patriots
Game 3 Defense: Seven tackles (five solo), one QB hit
Game 2 Defense: Three solo tackles
Game 1 Defense: Eight tackles (three solo) [team-high]

S MAJOR WRIGHT, Chicago Bears
Game 3: Did not play – finger
Game 2: Did not play – finger
Game 1 Defense: Seven tackles (six solo)

TE AARON HERNANDEZ, New England Patriots
Game 3: Did not play – undisclosed
Game 2 Receiving: Four receptions for 46 yards [team-highs], one touchdown
Game 1 Receiving: Three receptions for 26 yards (long 21)
Game 1 Rushing: One carry for six yards

WR RILEY COOPER, Philadelphia Eagles
Game 3 Receiving: Three receptions for 39 yards [T-team highs], one touchdown
Game 2 Receiving: Two receptions for 22 yards
Game 2 Special Teams: Two tackles
Game 1 Receiving: Three receptions for 61 yards (long 46) [team-high]

WR DAVID NELSON, Buffalo Bills
Game 3: Two receptions for 34 yards, one touchdown
Game 2: Did not play – ankle
Game 1 Receiving: Five receptions for 47 yards [team-highs], one touchdown

KR BRANDON JAMES, Indianapolis Colts
Game 3 Kick returning: Six attempts for 144 yards (avg. 24, long 34)
Game 3 Punt returning: Two attempts for six yards, one fumble
Game 2 Punt returning: Two attempts for 22 yards (long 19)
Game 1 Kick returning: Four attempts for 99 yards (avg. 24.8, long 28)
Game 1 Punt returning: One attempt for five yards
Game 1 Receiving: One reception for two yards

“This is, in my opinion, a very difficult schedule for the Florida Gators this year. When you consider there’s games at Tennessee, at Alabama, they get LSU at home, they play Georgia in Jacksonville, have to travel to Florida Sate. When you lose players like Tim Tebow or Aaron Hernandez or Maukrice Pouncey or Riley Cooper or [Brandon] Spikes on defense or Carlos Dunlap, you lose that sort of leadership, I think it becomes very difficult. I address and I understand that there are probably more five-star recruits out of high school who will be starting for the first time this year at Florida than most schools can boast in the country, but the most these kids have ever played in front of before is maybe 5,000 people at the high school level. It is very different when you roll into Neyland Stadium and there are 115,000 or whatever that is. You play in these SEC stadiums and on the road and that’s a very different atmosphere. I’m curious to see just how fast this Florida team can grow up and find its leadership. Lots of people talk about John Brantley obviously not being the same type of fiery leader as Tim Tebow is – and that’s totally fine, but that leadership has to assert itself and has to address itself on both sides of the football, and it has to do so very early this season for the Florida Gators to be able to achieve all the goals they want for this year.”

Palmer’s thoughts about Brantley: “In regards to Jonathan Brantley, having watched him play now in practice three years, it’s been well documented in my opinion he’s a far superior passer of the football than Tim Tebow was. Certainly the Gator Nation right now is very spoiled, they just witnessed an unbelievable three-year run of one of the greatest college football players to ever play the game. I think the offense of Florida will take on a much more similar look as it did in 2006 when Chris Leak was playing quarterback. I think the biggest misconception people have about Jonathan Brantley is that he cannot run. He’s very athletic, he is able to make things happen with his feet, but he’s obviously the type of player who prefers to throw first and run second. It will be interesting. I think fans obviously expect a lot, they’re heard a lot about him.

“Urban Meyer’s gone on record as saying they’re trying to find out who the pieces are around John Brantley. The concern on offense for the Florida Gators is not Johnathan Brantley, it is who is going to be around him. Can Deonte Thompson step up at wide receiver? Can some of the other players like Chris Rainey and Andre Debose – will these guys be able to step up take the work load and be able to be big targets down the field now that the team has lost Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez? I certainly expect John Brantley to be very focused, he has got a great understanding of the offense. I expect them to still be explosive, but I think it will be a bit of a different look on offense this year for Florida.”

Palmer on how the defense will have to adjust after losing so many players Strong: “I don’t think anybody for a second denies the athleticism that Florida will have on defense this year. Without even knowing who some of these replacements are at the start of the season – you expect them to be a lot of speed, and this will be an aggressive unit. Guys like Jelani Jenkins, Justin Trattou, Ahmad Black and Will Hill – there are people on that side of the ball that will be expected to make a lot of plays. I think the question is: How fast will this unit gel? Particularly early in the season travelling at Tennessee, they’re going to play a very physical Alabama offense Oct. 2 on the road, they’ll face an LSU team on the road on Oct. 9 that has repositioned themselves to be a very strong running team.

“I think the physicality of this Florida team will be challenged. Again, losing so much leadership – not just as you mentioned the players on the field – but like you mentioned losing kind of the identity and face of that defense in defensive coordinator Charlie Strong. I’m very curious to see how this team is able to rebound from that. Without Tim Tebow, without Aaron Hernandez, without Riley Cooper and Maurkice Pouncey and all these weapons on offense, will the Gator offense be able to sustain drives and stay on the field like they did last season? In reality, this is a defense that probably has to be prepared to play a lot more snaps this year and stay on the field. I know, having talked to Charlie Strong in the past, one thing he always reiterated to his guys and to a lot of those young players who are expected to start this season – three and outs. The great defenses in college football can get the opposing offenses off the field in three downs or less. That is going to be a big challenge, I think, for the Florida defense this year now that they lost a lot of that leadership, now that the offense may sputter at time with a lot of new pieces. This defense certainly has a lot of challenges set out for it.”

QB TIM TEBOW, Denver Broncos
Game 2: Did not play – ribs
Game 1 Passing: 8-of-13 for 105 yards (8.1 avg., 87.0 QB rating)
Game 1 Rushing: Two carries for 10 yards, one touchdown

CB JOE HADEN, Cleveland Browns
Game 2 Defense: Two tackles (one solo), two passes defended
Game 2 Kick returning: Two attempts for 43 yards (long 28)
Game 1 Defense: Three solo tackles, one pass defended
Game 1 Kick returning: One attempt for 34 yards

G MAURKICE POUNCEY, Pittsburgh Steelers
Game 2: Worked as first-team center
Game 1: Worked as first-team guard, second-team center

LB JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM, New England Patriots
Game 2: Did not play – undisclosed
Game 1: Did not play – concussion

DE CARLOS DUNLAP, Cincinnati Bengals
Game 3 Defense: Four tackles (three solo), one sack, one Gator Chomp
Game 2 Defense: One tackle
Game 1 Defense: Did not play – concussion

LB BRANDON SPIKES, New England Patriots
Game 2 Defense: Three solo tackles
Game 1 Defense: Eight tackles (three solo) [team-high]

S MAJOR WRIGHT, Chicago Bears
Game 2: Did not play – finger
Game 1 Defense: Seven tackles (six solo)

TE AARON HERNANDEZ, New England Patriots
Game 2 Receiving: Four receptions for 46 yards [team-highs], one touchdown
Game 1 Receiving: Three receptions for 26 yards (long 21)
Game 1 Rushing: One carry for six yards

WR RILEY COOPER, Philadelphia Eagles
Game 2 Receiving: Two receptions for 22 yards
Game 2 Special Teams: Two tackles
Game 1 Receiving: Three receptions for 61 yards (long 46) [team-high]

WR DAVID NELSON, Buffalo Bills
Game 2: Did not play – ankle
Game 1 Receiving: Five receptions for 47 yards [team-highs], one touchdown

KR BRANDON JAMES, Indianapolis Colts
Game 2 Punt returning: Two attempts for 22 yards (long 19)
Game 1 Kick returning: Four attempts for 99 yards (avg. 24.8, long 28)
Game 1 Punt returning: One attempt for five yards
Game 1 Receiving: One reception for two yards

1 » Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer, speaking at the 40th annual UF Joint Civic Club Luncheon alongside president Bernie Machen, paid tribute to longtime Gainesville, FL, police officer Johnny Hornes who died last week of cancer at 67. Speaking about Hornes, Meyer noted that he helped change his players’ perceptions of law enforcement and even taught redshirt junior wide receiver Chris Rainey how to tie a neck tie. During the tribute, Machen happened to say something of note regarding Meyer’s future. “And after [the Meyers] finish working, they’re going to stay in Gainesville as members of the community. So they’ve chosen this as their home, and they’ve chosen you as their friends and neighbors, and I think we’re all better for that.”

2 » According to the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News, former Gators wide receiver Riley Cooper has firmly taken control of the Philadelphia Eagles’ No. 4 receiving role from veteran Hank Baskett. He has been a standout during training camp and has performed well while some of the team’s starters have been out with a variety of injuries.

Three more BITS including thoughts from baseball star Whitson, an honor for Demps and a photo spread featuring a Florida cheerleader…after the break!

3 » Contrary to rumors that he was considering going to a community college in order to reenter the MLB Draft next year, No. 9 overall draft pick pitcher Karsten Whitson will indeed be attending Florida and plans to enroll on Monday. When he and his agent failed to reach an agreement with the San Diego Padres on a few nights ago, Whitson called Gators head coach Kevin O’Sullivan to let him know what his plans were. “I said, ‘Hey coach, I have some bad news for you – you have to put up with me for the next three years,” Whitson said. “I’m really excited about going to college and pitching for UF. It has been a dream of mine before pro ball. […] It’s a big deal to me. They went to the World Series this year and hopefully I’ll be able to make a big impact.”

4 » Gators junior running back Jeff Demps has been nominated for the 2010 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which honors “dedicated and hard-working student-athletes for their off-the-field achievements and selfless contributions to their communities.” Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Tim Tebow made the team in 2009.

Extra BIT » Florida cheerleader Tarin Moses has been honored as the cover girl [cover | photo spread] for the August 2010 issue of American Cheerleader magazine – a publication that reaches 1.2 million readers and is the largest of its kind in the nation, according to The Tampa Tribune. “Cheering for UF is one of the most exciting things about college for me,” she says in the article. “Everyone knows who you are. And leading over 90,000 people in a chant of “orange and blue” is incredible.”

Photo Credit: Richard Graulich/The Palm Beach Post

QB TIM TEBOW, Denver Broncos
Passing: 8-of-13 for 105 yards (8.1 avg., 87.0 QB rating)
Rushing: Two carries for 10 yards, one touchdown

CB JOE HADEN, Cleveland Browns
Defense: Three solo tackles, one pass defended
Kick returning: One attempt for 34 yards

G MAURKICE POUNCEY, Pittsburgh Steelers
No statistics to record.

LB JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM, New England Patriots
Defense: Did not play – concussion

DE CARLOS DUNLAP, Cincinnati Bengals
Game 1: Did not play – concussion
Game 2: One tackle

LB BRANDON SPIKES, New England Patriots
Defense: Eight tackles (one solo) [team-high]

S MAJOR WRIGHT, Chicago Bears
Defense: Seven tackles (six solo)

TE AARON HERNANDEZ, New England Patriots
Receiving: Three receptions for 26 yards (long 21)
Rushing: One carry for six yards

WR RILEY COOPER, Philadelphia Eagles
Receiving: Three receptions for 61 yards (long 46) [team-high]

WR DAVID NELSON, Buffalo Bills
Receiving: Five receptions for 47 yards team-highs], one touchdown

KR BRANDON JAMES, Indianapolis Colts
Kick returning: Four attempts for 99 yards (avg. 24.8, long 28)
Punt returning: One attempt for five yards
Receiving: One reception for two yards

1 » During a post-practice media availability Thursday, defensive line coach Dan McCarney said that Florida Gators freshmen wide receiver Robert Clark (first) and linebackers Michael Taylor and Neiron Ball were the first three youngsters to have their black helmet stripes removed. This is a tradition each fall.

2 » Ever since he decided to stay for his senior season, safety Ahmad Black has been talking about becoming a better leader for his teammates. Black expanded on that sentiment during Florida Media Day on Tuesday, explaining how things have changed during his college career. “As a freshman, I thought it was going to be handed to me and it wasn’t,” he said. “I just had to learn to go hard and show that I really belong here. […] I am trying to step up. I have to. I am one of the few seniors that we have on defense and one of the guys that has been there for a while. It is my job to help these young guys and help them do what they are supposed to do.” Black also talked about asking now-New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes for advice. “Me and Spikes would be sitting down playing a video game, and I would ask him, ‘What do I have to do to get the guys to respect me? What do I have to do to get the guys to listen to me? Just him having a conversation with me helped me out.”

3 » Also of note post-practice was senior defensive tackle Terron Sanders’ admission that he was contacted either by an agent or a runner for an agent at the tail end of last season via multiple text messages to his cell phone. Sanders explained that he and the team “nipped that in the bud,” according to multiple reporters.

Three more BITS including Madden NFL 11 rankings and updates on Gators on the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles…after the break!

4 » With Madden NFL 11 debuting this week, many Florida fans were anxious to find out how the new Gators rookies ranked overall. From best-to-worst, here are the figures: Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (79), Pittsburgh Steelers center/guard Maurkice Pouncey (76), Spikes (72), Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (70), Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (68), Chicago Bears safety Major Wright (67), Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper (63), New England linebacker Jermaine Cunningham (53).

5 » The Patriots will begin the 2010-11 season Thursday night, hosting a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. Spikes, who has been practicing as a first-team inside linebacker since the fourth day of training camp, will likely be starting the game. Cunningham and Hernandez will also get plenty of work as both have impressed head coach Bill Belichick throughout training camp.

6 » Eagles beat writers seem all but convinced that Cooper has locked down the team’s No. 4 receiver job. Coaches appear to agree. “He’s had an excellent camp so far. He’s a big, strong, physical man. He’s got really natural hands,” offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. “He’s right in the middle of that big learning curve. He’s had some great days. Now his challenge is two things – technique and assignment, and playing at that high level consistently. All the fellows are thinking a little too much right now.”

The Philadelphia Daily News also reported this comical exchange between Cooper and former Florida TE Cornelius Ingram. “I tell [Cooper] all the time – every time we eat, I’m like ‘Dude, you’re eating more than me. After a while you’re going to be over here with the tight ends,” Ingram said. “Take that 14 off, get you an 80. You’re going to be over here with us in the three-point stance.” Cooper had a reply. “That boy, he can chow. He’ll be over there with the tackles and guards; he’s only about 10 pounds away.”

1 » Since returning to Chicago Bears training camp after sitting out for almost a week with a tweaked groin, rookie safety Major Wright has been turning some heads and is pushing his way into a starting role with the team. Though he is currently listed as the team’s No. 2 free safety on its first depth chart, Wright has been working with the first team and was around the ball all day on Monday (even though he dropped two sure interceptions, the team was pleased that he was in the position to make them).

2 » If we have told you once, we have told you a hundred times: Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder is the best interview in the NFL. On Monday, Crowder spoke about talking trash to his rivals. “[I say] how I feel about them, their mothers, their girlfriends, their wives, their kids, their dogs, their greasy grandma, whatever pops into my mind,” Crowder said. “The league calls me on Mondays and talks to me about the interesting conversations I was having on the field.”

He even had choice words for ex-teammate now New York Jets LB Jason Taylor. “I just want to see JT [on HBO’s Hard Knocks] and laugh at him,” he said. “I talked to him the other night and I was making fun of him, so I just want to see him out there embarrass himself. […] He’s a real pretty boy. He had makeup with Dancing with the Stars and all that, so he might put on makeup. He’s gonna perform. Trust me. You can mark that. JT is not going to be himself. He’s gonna perform for the cameras, ‘cause he’s a showman. That’s what I give him a hard time about – he’s going to be as clean as he can, he’s gonna have a freshly-shaved head, ‘cause the camera is around. He’s very womanly.”

3 » Cleveland Browns cornerback Eric Wright appeared to injure his hamstring during morning practice on Tuesday. While the team waits to find out exactly what is wrong with him, possibly an injury that may keep him out for the short-term, rookie first-round pick Joe Haden will be playing with the first team.

4 » The Philadelphia Daily News caught up with former Florida Gators wide receiver Riley Cooper and tight end Cornelius Ingram and asked both players about the hazing haircut given to Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Tim Tebow. “I love it. I think he should keep it. No, I’m kidding, the haircut was awful,” Cooper said. “You know what, Riley actually showed me about three days ago on the phone,” Ingram added. “I thought it was a [fake]. I really didn’t think it was a real photo. Now that it’s out now, they at least could have gave him a better cut than that, though. It looked bad. It looked bad.” Cooper, who is competing with veteran WR Hank Baskett for the Eagles’ fourth receiver spot, is currently listed as a back-up on the team’s first depth chart.

1 » Perhaps none of the former Florida Gators who are now rookies in the NFL are having more success than the trio drafted by the New Engalnd Patriots – defensive end/linebacker Jermaine Cunningham, LB Brandon Spikes and tight end Aaron Hernandez. Word out of Patriots camp is that all three are shining and will get on the field plenty. Cunningham and Spikes continue to work with the first-team defense and could be penciled in as starters when the season begins. “Jermaine has picked up things very well,” head coach Bill Belichick said. “I think each day you can definitely see him getting better, more confident, understanding things that happened the day before and being able to process that.” ESPNBoston.com‘s Mike Reiss broke down their progress:

Read more about the Patriots’ rookies and three additional BITS on Riley Cooper, Bobby McCray and Greg McGarity…after the break!

Cunningham: In the perfect Patriots world, the coaches would probably be grooming Cunningham behind the scenes, but he’s been thrust into the fire in the wake of Derrick Burgess’ unexpected decision not to report to camp. At the least, he should be rushing the passer in specific packages and looks like the team’s fastest outside linebacker.

Spikes: It wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s in the starting lineup on opening day alongside Jerod Mayo. His size (6-2, 250), power and on-field maturity have been hard to miss over the past five days since he stepped in for Gary Guyton. Bill Belichick lauded him as an “interesting player to coach” who sees things that others might not.

Hernandez: There has been a lot to like from Hernandez, whose route-running, speed and sticky hands have had Tom Brady looking in his direction often. He should be part of a variety of packages, contributing from the get-go. On Thursday morning, Hernandez got an earful from Brady after not running downfield on a scramble play, which seemed to reflect the mistakes that sometimes come when relying on young players. “Aaron is an athletic guy; he’s fast, he’s got good quickness,” [director of player personnel Nick] Caserio said. “He gets into the defense quickly and catches the ball well.”

2 » Also experiencing his share of success is former Gators wide receiver Riley Cooper now of the Philadelphia Eagles. Though some mistakes have been made in camp, Cooper shined during the team’s Flight Night morning practice with a six-catch performance and terrific over-the-shoulder grab on a bomb from quarterback Kevin Kolb. He has been working with the first-team offense because starting receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are both injured. “He’s been down the field deep behind the defense a lot,” WR Jason Avant told The Morning Call. “I think he’s doing a great job. […] And he’s fast. […] I think he’s going to be a good player in this league and possibly great.”

3 » Cut by the New Orleans Saints in the offseason, former Florida defensive end Bobby McCray was brought back by the team just a few weeks ago and is making the most of his second chance. “If you let your emotions out, the majority of the time it can hurt you,” McCray told the Associated Press. “So if you got something [upsetting] going on, just try to keep it inside, don’t let everybody know.” McCray has been sharing first team left end snaps with fellow former Gators DE Alex Brown. “There’s nothing but great things going on at that left end position because of the competition that’s going on,” team defensive line coach Billy Johnson said. “Alex Brown’s done a good job. Bobby’s done a good job. And we’ve got about three weeks here to do a lot of evaluation and see how this thing comes out.” McCray also spoke about his relationship with Brown. “I’m very happy,” he said. “I got my teammate that I’ve had since 1999 with Florida. Me and him got some great things that we can do together.” Check out OGGOA‘s interview with Brown here.

4 » As expected, University of Florida executive senior associate athletic director Greg McGarity is one of 49 people who have put their name in the hat to be the next Georgia Bulldogs athletic director. McGarity, who is an alum of the school, has been with UF since 1992, most of the time as AD Jeremy Foley’s right-hand man. “I have been very fortunate to work alongside the very best in collegiate athletic at two outstanding institutions, the University of Georgia and the University of Florida, over the last three decades,” McGarity wrote in a letter to the Georgia’s associate vice president for human resources. “I know what it takes to lead and direct an athletic program at the highest level, and am ready to lead the University of Georgia Athletic Association into the future. I look forward to having the opportunity to compete for this position.” U.S. Representative Jack Kingston (R-GA) wrote the school’s president to “enthusiastically recommend” McGarity. “He is ready to get back to his hometown and to serve his alma mater in this distinguished position,” Kingston wrote.

Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Thursday begins fall practice for the Florida Gators, and the team will be going into the 2010-11 season with more questions than answers for the first time in recent memory. From reserves taking over as starters to freshmen trying to make an impact right away, head coach Urban Meyer and his revamped coaching staff will be taking a close look at each and every player stepping on the field over the next few weeks

OGGOA is here to provide you with a preview of exactly what you should watch for and pay attention to, even though practice is closed to both the media and public.

Check out players who are stepping up, fighting for their jobs and trying to break out, as well as notable freshman who hope to make an impact…after the break!

THE NEXT EPISODE

While some positions are sure to be contested until the final whistle blows, others have already been solidified whether because of experience or pure talent. These Gators are being counted on to take over where their highly-touted predecessors left off.

Redshirt junior quarterback John Brantley
Most of the concerns surrounding Brantley are not about his talent or ability to handle the offense but rather whether or not he can cope with taking over for a legend in Tim Tebow. Forget for a moment the fact that Brantley was one of the top three quarterback recruits in the country in 2007; instead, realize that he has been honing his craft for the last few years. Think of him as the Aaron Rodgers to Tebow’s Brett Favre. In limited action in 2009, Brantley posted a 194.88 passer rating and completed 36 of 48 passes (75 percent) for 410 yards and seven touchdowns. Sure, the opponents and time of entry need to be taken into consideration, but the ability is there and the offense is being tailored to fit his talents, meaning concerns about Brantley are sure to vanish in no time.

Redshirt junior wide receiver Chris Rainey
His official position may have changed, but that does not mean Rainey will get the ball in his hands any less. In fact, now that it will be arriving in a different manner, expect to see him with a significantly increased role. Moving from running back to slot receiver, Rainey will take on a Percy Harvin-like role in 2010 without fully playing the “Percy Position.” The goal is for him to get the ball in space so he can utilize his speed, quick first step and small frame to find cracks in the defense and explode towards the endzone.

Junior cornerback Janoris Jenkins
With Joe Haden gone to the NFL, Jenkins rolls nicely into the top cornerback position – one which he will likely take on without a hiccup. The responsibilities are different and his charge is now to cover the opposition’s top pass catcher while simultaneously ensuring that his replacement is capable of filling in for him on the other side.

Redshirt junior defensive tackle Jaye Howard
The defense’s most consistent performer in the 2009 Southeastern Conference Championship, Howard proved what he is capable of last year. After an impressive offseason on the field and in the weight room, Howard is out to prove that his career-high 10 tackles against Alabama were not a fluke. Unlike others in this category, Howard is still fighting redshirt senior Terron Sanders for his job; however, one can certainly expect him to be the cog in the middle when all is said and done.

POSITION BATTLES

Meyer made it his goal a few years ago to build depth throughout the roster and, with such a high turnover due to graduating seniors and players leaving early for the NFL Draft, there are plenty of positions up for the taking this offseason. Here are a few:

Middle linebacker: sophomore Jon Bostic vs. redshirt freshman Jelani Jenkins
If this was purely about upside, Je. Jenkins would have already run this battle – especially after impressing coaches with his speed and agility during spring practice. However, Bostic has the talent, experience and maturity to be effective in the middle no matter what formation the Gators play. The truth is that, like the team did last year with its three outstanding safeties, Florida will likely ensure that the duo are often in the game at the same time by utilizing four linebackers. Nevertheless, one will have to win the position outright, and the growing sentiment is that Je. Jenkins may be able to do just that.

Starting cornerback: redshirt sophomore Jeremy Brown vs. senior Moses Jenkins vs. freshman Joshua Shaw vs. freshman Jaylen Watkins
The fatal four-way for the right to start opposite Ja. Jenkins is underway, and while the job is truly anyone’s to win, Brown is holding the belt going into practice due to straight-up beating out M. Jenkins in the spring. A back injury has kept Brown out for two years; now that he is finally healthy, expect him to claim the position early on…unless Shaw or Watkins shine bright right out of the gates.

No. 4 wide receiver: redshirt freshman Andre Debose vs. redshirt sophomore Omarius Hines vs. redshirt sophomore Frankie Hammond, Jr.
Hammond is the long shot here – for obvious reasons – but completely discounting him from showing the gumption, dedication and pure talent necessary to win the job is simply ridiculous. The fact is that he will have a long way to go and some formidable hurdles to jump in order to earn the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates, but it is important to remember that this was going to be his role before the arrest. Hines certainly showed what he is made of in limited action last season, but there is no doubting what Debose brings to the table. Quite possibly the team’s most dynamic and dangerous playmaker since Harvin, Debose is recovered from a hamstring injury that earned him a redshirt in 2009. Now fully healed, he impressed everyone in the spring and is ready to go at full speed. In all likelihood, Debose will be the No. 4 receiver in title alone – his impact on a game-to-game basis offensively could end up being second to only that of Brantley.

Kick returner: wide open
Rainey and junior running back Jeff Demps could both take over return duties in 2010, but with the number of touches each will get on offense, it may be wise to find someone else to hold down the job. The fastest an most elusive wide receivers and defensive backs will all be considered for the position, but we have a sneaking suspicion that WR Robert Clark – a 5’8”, 175 lbs. freshman – could be a breakthrough candidate here.

STEP YOUR GAME UP

In many ways, the 2009 season was a disappointment. Not only because Florida failed to bring home a SEC or National Championship, but also due to the fact that a number of players did not live up to their lofty expectations. For this, we channel our inner Floyd “Money” Mayweather and hope some players step their respective games up.

Wide receivers: rs junior Deonte Thompson and rs senior Carl Moore
Thompson and Tebow never got on the same page last year, and it all started at the very beginning when Thompson simply could not haul in some elementary passes in the first few games. As the season went on, Tebow failed to look his way – even when wide open – and preferred to hit receivers he trusted like Riley Cooper and David Nelson. The same cannot be said for Thompson this year as he has made it a point to develop a rapport with Brantley in the spring – both in practice and out. Moore was counted on to be a big target for Tebow in 2009, but due to a back injury flaring up, he was forced to redshirt and is now expected to start opposite Thompson in 2010. There were also murmurs that Moore was not stepping up the way he should have been in practice, something else that will have to be corrected from the outset.

Offensive line: redshirt sophomore Matt Patchan
Spurning Miami (where his father starred) for Florida, Patchan came in as a highly-touted freshman with a question mark after randomly being shot while out with some friends. He moved to the defensive line in 2008 to assist a depleted unit but missed the final three games of the season with a leg injury. Last year, he came up big in the Gators’ first four games but tore up his knee and sat the remainder of the season (receiving a medial redshirt for his troubles). While it may seem a bit unfair to get on someone with such bad luck, the fact is that a lot is expected of Patchan and it is time for him to deliver.

Coordinators: Steve Addazio (offensive), Teryl Austin (defensive)
Addazio received plenty of flack for his play calling last year, and Austin is stepping into the first coordinator job of his career. The former is being charged with molding and refining the offense to accommodate his talent, while the latter must ensure that he spruces up the defensive unit without ruining the chemistry and passion established by former coordinator Charlie Strong. This may mean a hybrid 4-3 / 3-4 defense or simply finding what front seven combination works best for the team long-term.

FRESHMEN OF NOTE

Five-star defensive end Ronald Powell
Look, this is simple: Powell, DT Dominique Easley and DT Sharrif Floyd are arguably the Gators’ top three incoming recruits, and all three are expected to contribute early and often. However, with Powell, the expectations have reached another level. There are rumors that he may start at defensive end from day one, but seniors captain Justin Trattou and Duke Lemmens will probably be holding down the jobs – at least in the beginning. Easley and Floyd will have more work to do in order to win early playing time, but Powell has the best chance out of the three to land a starting role.

Five-star safety Matt Elam
The only other recruit who can be mentioned in the same class as Powell, Easley and Floyd, Elam has already won over Meyer and is a shoe-in to be playing from the get-go. “Matt Elam is going to play. It’s done,” Meyer said emphatically in June. “He had a heck of a spring, he’s a heck of a kid, comes from a great family, we’ve known about him forever.” Expect him to begin the season as the team’s third safety.

Four-star tight end Gerald Christian
Christian is in a unique position to make some noise right out of the gate as Florida has yet to solidify its tight end position. While former QB and redshirt freshman Jordan Reed is making Cornelius Ingram-like strides in his transition, Christian brings the body type, hands and skills to the table that may overwhelm coaches in their decision making. This will be a fight all camp and should probably be listed as one of our position battles two categories above. An impressive spring and summer have boosted Christian.

Four-star wide receiver Chris Dunkley
Florida is searching for playmakers, and Dunkley is the incoming recruit with the ability to be one right away. He has a lot of guys to pass in order to earn some early playing time, but the talent and explosive capability are certainly there.

Four-star cornerback Joshua Shaw
Though Brown has the edge and M. Jenkins has the experience, Shaw will almost certainly be in the mix to start opposite Ja. Jenkins as the team’s second cover man. As an early enrollee, he got a head start on his fellow freshmen and has the opportunity to make a Haden-like impact right away if given the opportunity.

Photo Credit: University of Florida

The Denver Post describes one notable moment: “During seven-on-seven drills, Tebow worked in the rotation to completed a 40-yard pass to Matthew Willis on a fly route. The crowd cheered and some stood to their feet, as if the season had already begun.” There were also chants of “Te-bow! Te-bow!” during portions of the practice. In fact, “Tebow received cheers for everything he did,” according to the Post. “For walking out of the locker room, handing the ball off or tossing a short screen pass. And especially for every time he tucked the ball under his arm and ran through the Broncos’ defense.”

Two Denver players – one a fellow Florida alum and another from Georgia – had their own thoughts on the festivities off the field.

“It’s darn near like Gainesville. It feels the same way,” former Gators defensive end/linebacker Jarvis Moss said. “I don’t know too many people who have fans like Tim. You can’t think of too many people who people just love like that.” Countering but still agreeing was a Bulldog. “You’ve got to think he’s the most marketable guy in the league right now so he’s definitely going to that attention. The only knock on him is he went to Florida,” cornerback Champ Bailey added.

Two BITS on Percy Harvin’s health and a fight started by Riley Cooper…

2 » OGGOA mentioned yesterday that former Gators wide receiver Percy Harvin was carted off the field during the early portion of Minnesota Vikings training camp. Later in the day, he returned to action for the evening session showing no signs of discomfort. After practice concluded, the Minneapolis Star Tribune caught up with Harvin to find out exactly what happened. According to the player, he “tweaked” his ankle, and it immediately began to swell. The trainers were able to get the swelling down quickly, and he claims he feels fine now. “I’ll continue to follow the program, the rehab, but I feel fine,” Harvin said. “I’ll be all right.”

Extra BIT » Practicing at such high temperatures with so many competitive athletes, tempers tend to flare from time to time. Take a look at what happened during a little tussle between former Florida WR Riley Cooper and his new Philadelphia Eagles teammate, cornerback Ellis Hobbs on Saturday. “He was on the line doing his job, and I gave him a shove and he didn’t like it,” Cooper said afterward. “So we had a little talk about it. [...] I’m an easy-going guy. But I’m not going to take crap from anybody.” Hobbs disagrees. “A cheap shot,” he said of the move, which he responded to by ripping Cooper’s helmet off. “I don’t know how everybody else feels, but I speak for myself: I’m not going to just sit here and take crap,” he continued. “We’re going to play hard, we’re going to play hard the right way. [...] He likes to put his hand on people, and when you’ve got a guy like that, they don’t like to be touched. As you see, when he gets touched, he gets riled up a little bit. Riley gets riled up. … But I’d rather see him do that than cower down.” Bygones are bygones and both have now proceeded forward. “It is what it is. It’s hot out here, you get annoyed, it’s gonna happen. Move on,” Hobbs said. “It’s in the past,” said Cooper. “We’re good.” Notice who is one of the first to step in and separate the two – Cooper’s former Gators teammate, tight end Cornelius Ingram. VIDEO