FOUR BITS: Position battles, Harvin, T2, Green

1 » When OGGOA published our Florida Gators 2010 Fall Practice Preview, two of the position battles we discussed were for middle linebacker and starting cornerback. The Gainesville Sun has published some choice quotes from defensive coordinator Teryl Austin about these competitions which support our thoughts that MLB is between sophomore Jon Bostic and redshirt freshman Jelani Jenkins while the race to start opposite junior Janoris Jenkins is being led by redshirt sophomore Jeremy Brown.

On middle linebacker: “Who starts is still to be determined. […] Jelani, you look at his speed, his absolutely flat out speed. He sees the ball and he goes and gets it. Jon brings some speed, but he’s also a thumper. He gives you that big body who can sit down on some guards and fullbacks and get that [inside] stuff. […] Each type can get the job done the way we want it. It’s just a matter of how it shakes out at the end.”

On cornerback: “Right now, it’s full speed ahead for Jeremy. We’re real pleased with where he is. […] Jeremy Brown and Moses Jenkins are involved in that position, in addition to any of our freshmen.”

Three more BITS on Percy Harvin, Tim Tebow and William Green…after the break!

2 » While practicing almost 10 days ago, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin “tweaked” his ankle and was carted off the field. He would return later in the day for evening practice but has not seen much of the team’s facility since after learning that his grandmother passed away two weekends ago. Since then, Harvin has missed 14 practices, according to ESPN because he is dealing with “some personal issues,” per offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Head coach Brad Childress believed Harvin would be back at training camp Monday, but understands that everything is “on its on time,” as far as the grieving process is concerned. Suffice to say, there is a mystery growing in Mankato, MN, about when Harvin will be returning to the team.

3 » Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Tim Tebow was the subject of a feature story in the August 2010 issue of 5280 – Denver’s Magazine (no surprise there). The article is pretty standard – discussing the adversity and criticism Tebow has faced and whether or not he will make it in the NFL. However, Tebow does make one noteworthy admission. “Football is just a platform for me,” Tebow said about his faith. “The games are a bonus. But I also recognize that to keep that platform, I have to perform. I think Denver fans will see how willing I am to work hard to make sure I keep it. … I think I can make that work.”

4 » Over the last few weeks, OGGOA has received a number of e-mails from readers asking one question in particular: What is going on with William Green? A highly-rated recruit and junior defensive end, Green has played in almost every game he has had the opportunity to but done very little (27 tackles, one sack) in his two years at Florida. He plans to change all of that this season. “I’m very confident. If you don’t have confidence, you’re not going to be able to do it,” Green told the Sun. “I’ve gotten physically stronger, gotten bigger and all that. I worked really hard on technique all summer. […] I’ve got to play a bigger role. I’m a junior now and I’m going to have to step up. We lost JC [Jermaine Cunningham] and ‘Los [Carlos Dunlap], but it’s time for me to step up. I just have to play a better role as far as playing every down now. I think I’m ready. […] I just want to play football.”