11/24: Florida coach Meyer’s SEC teleconference

OGGOA had the opportunity to participate in Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer’s Southeastern Conference teleconference on Wednesday (for the final time this season). Below are some notes from the event:

INJURY UPDATES

Meyer touched on the status of a number of players dealing with injuries. He said both cornerbacks – junior Janoris Jenkins (concussion) and redshirt sophomore Jeremy Brown (hamstring) – should be good to go Saturday, as will redshirt senior linebacker A.J. Jones (hamstring). However, Meyer called redshirt freshman wide receiver Andre Debose (ankle) questionable for the game after he tweaked his injury during warm-ups before the Appalachian State game.

He also confirmed that senior center Mike Pouncey left practice early Tuesday due to lightheadedness but said he is perfectly fine. Meyer added that redshirt sophomore left tackle Matt Patchan (wrist) has had successful wrist surgery and is in line to return to action in the spring after missing the entire season.

HAMMOND DOING THE RIGHT THINGS

After having his scholarship pulled over the summer due to an arrest for driving under the influence, redshirt sophomore WR Frankie Hammond, Jr. is in line to earn it back even though Meyer said Wednesday that his status remains “undetermined.” According to Meyer, Hammond is currently being evaluated on the selflessness he shows the team, how he is performing academically and his ability to stay out of trouble and be a good citizen off the field. He has been the Gators’ best pass catcher over the last few games and is starting to exhibit the talent that the coaches always believed he possessed.

QUOTES

On redshirt junior WR Deonte Thompson’s issues this year: “Similar problems. I have seen him progress, may not at the pace he’d like to, but he’s a hard working guy and he’ll get better and better.”

On playing in Tallahassee, FL: “We got to really play well down there. We got so many young players playing in that environment.”

On Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton’s play at Florida: “Oh yeah, he was a great player. Just a ridiculous athlete.”