Carter's Notebook: Reed Has Debut To Savor
Sunday, September 12, 2010 | Football, Scott Carter
As far as debuts go, redshirt freshman tight end Jordan Reed had one to savor in Florida's 38-14 win over South Florida.
Reed didn't play in the season opener, but on Saturday, Reed quickly made his presence felt. Reed's downfield blocking helped Jeff Demps cap off a 62-yard go-ahead touchdown run in the third quarter. Reed also hauled in a 2-yard touchdown reception from quarterback John Brantley for the Gators' final score.
After turning the corner and getting into the open field, Demps was able to finish off the run as Reed fended off USF defensive back Mistral Raymond inside the 10-yard line.
“That was great perimeter blocking,'' Demps said of Reed, a former prep quarterback from New London, Conn.
Reed's performance was just one of several key contributions for Florida's young players Saturday, including defensive backs Cody Riggs and Jaylen Watkins, and linebacker Neiron Ball.
“That freshman class is really starting to come along,'' Gators coach Urban
Meyer said. “We need them all.''
CATCHING ON
Redshirt junior receiver Deonte Thompson had the best game of his career on Saturday. Thompson finished with a career-high six receptions for 83 yards.
“Once we got the momentum, we just ran with it,'' Thompson said. “It was a very intense week for the offense. I was glad to be able to contribute.''
RUSHING FORWARD
The Gators finished with 251 yards rushing, led by Demps' career-high 139 yards and 54 yards from Emmanuel Moody. Fullback Mike Gillislee added 29 yards and a 4-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
The running game impressed Meyer. Not only the running backs, but the offensive line that had some issues in the season-opening win.
“That's the hardest our backs have run here in a little while,'' Meyer said. “The offensive line won that game for us.''
SMALL TWEAK HELPS
Florida C Mike Pouncey was a hot storyline after the first game because of several errant snaps to quarterback John Brantley in the shotgun.
The two practiced on their own last Sunday morning and during practice this week, Pouncy adjusted his stance a little at the suggestion of a team manager. It paid off Saturday as Pouncey's snaps were right on target.
“The snaps went back great,'' he said.
GATOR BITES
The Gators intercepted USF quarterback B.J. Daniels four times Saturday, marking the second consecutive game they have had four interceptions. Senior safety Ahmad Black had two interceptions and DE Justin Trattou's 35-yard interception return for a touchdown game the Gators a 28-7 late in the third quarter … Florida has now won 22 consecutive regular-season games and improved to 34-2 at The Swamp under Meyer … The Gators have won 13 in a row at The Swamp … Three Gators (TE Omarius Hines, CB Jeremy Brown and ATH Trey Burton) made their first career starts Saturday … Demps' 255 all-purpose yards were the most by a Gator since Percy Harvin's 268 yards against Ole Miss on Sept. 27, 2008 … Demps is also the only player in the nation to have two touchdown runs of 60 yards or more this season (as of games completed by the finish of Florida's game on Saturday).
