Meyer says Hines to start in Rainey's spot
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 | Scott Carter
Florida football coach Urban Meyer provided the latest update on Gators junior slot receiver Chris Rainey on Wednesday during his SEC conference call with reporters.
Meyer said Rainey, arrested Tuesday on aggravated stalking charges, is not with the team and that there is no timetable for his return.
"He's not with the team,'' Meyer said. "It's just further evaluation as we go. As of the the immediancy of it is, he's not with the team.''
When asked to specify how long Rainey might be out, Meyer said: "I can't do that because I don't know.''
With Rainey out of action for Saturday's SEC opener at Tennessee, Meyer said TE Omarius Hines will start in Rainey's spot.
Hines has five catches for 55 yards and a touchdown in Florida's first two games.
"We haven't had a lot of production in the first two games from (Rainey),” Meyer said. “The good news is Omarius Hines is a very talented guy. We've got some guys that can still make plays.”
--Meyer said sophomore Xavier Nixon will be back in the starting lineup at left tackle Saturday. Nixon, coming off knee surgery, did not play in the season opener vs. Miami (Ohio) and was inserted at tight end against USF.
"Our offensive line, going into the season was our strength, and we just had a multitude of injuries during training camp,'' Meyer said. "We're still waiting for Matt Pachan [wrist] to get back. As soon as he gets back, then your full force, and James Wilson has been banged up. We live and die by the offensive line, and that's no secret.''
--I'm writing a story on Gators QB John Brantley making his first career road start later in the week for GatorZone.com, but Gators Meyer touched briefly on Brantley's performance so far during Wednesday's call.
"We expect a lot out of John,'' Meyer said. "I thought the second game he managed very well, especially in what we asked him to do. The first game was not good at all, but the second one I thought he did a nice job.''
