A look at 10 notable items from Pro Day and spring football press conferences
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 | Football, Cross Country, Scott Carter
It has been a busy day around the Gators' sports landscape today. First, the annual UF Pro Day took place at The Swamp.
Afterward, Gators head coach Will Muschamp, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Brent Pease held press conferences to preview the start of spring practice on Wednesday.
Next up is the big baseball showdown at McKethan Stadium tonight between the No. 1-ranked Gators and No. 6 Florida State.
UF announced earlier today the game is sold out, so it should be a lively atmosphere at the ballpark, which is where I'm headed shortly.
(Photo: Former Gators DT Jaye Howard working out at Pro Day).
But first, I want to share 10 notable topics that surfaced at Pro Day and during the press conferences. I will have more stories off the events later this week, including features on quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel as they enter camp competing to replace John Brantley.
Without further adieu, here goes:
--Since I know you guys love updates on number changes, here are a few for you based on UF's updated spring depth chart: LB Jon Bostic has changed from No. 52 to No. 1 (defense); TE Omarius Hines from No. 82 to No. 20; Brissett from No. 17 to No. 12; Driskel from No. 16 to No. 6; WR Quinton Dunbar from No. 9 to No. 1 (offense).
--Several players will miss spring practice due to injuries: CB Jeremy Brown, DT Dominique Easley, OL Cole Gilliam, DE Kedric Johnson, OL Tommy Jordan, LB Lerentee McCray, CB Marcus Roberson and OL Ian Silberman. In addition, TE A.C. Leonard (off-the-field issues) remains suspended indefinitely.
--The Gators are cross-training several players at multiple positions, most notably Hines at TE/RB. OL Nick Alajajian has changed positions completely and is now working at NT.
--Both Muschamp and Pease said there is no timetable on naming a starting quarterback. Both said they would preferably like to see either Driskel or Brisset win the job outright and take charge, but that if they have to enter next season with the sophomores splitting snaps, that's what they will do.
--Trey Burton continues to work in a versatile role as a FB, H-back and potential TE.
--Muschamp said that LB Neiron Ball, who missed all of last season after suffered a broken blood vessel in his head, has been cleared for physical activity but is not available for spring football drills.
--Muschamp officially announced that OL James Wilson has been granted a sixth of eligibility and he is listed as the starting left guard on the spring depth chart.
--Former Gators WR Deonte Thompson worked out in front of more than 30 scouts on Tuesday, at receiver and at defensive back, a position some teams apparently feel he may be better suited.
--In discussing the Gators' need to force more turnovers next season, Muschamp pointed out that Florida dropped 15 interceptions last season, a number he wants to see decrease significantly.
--Former Gators cornerback Janoris Jenkins attended Pro Day. Jenkins and the Gators parted ways last spring and he finished his career at North Alabama. Muschamp wished Jenkins well on Tuesday and said he is invited back when he wants to visit.
Last but not least, a few familiar faces that stopped by on Pro Day: Percy Harvin, David Nelson, Mike Pouncey, Maurkice Pouncey, Kerwin Bell, and Mike Mularkey.
