Muschamp expects Powell to play in 2012, plus more tidbits from his Wednesday press conference
Wednesday, July 18, 2012 | Football, Cross Country, Scott Carter
Gators coach Will Muschamp says DE Ronald Powell "will play for us this season."
HOOVER, Ala. -- Gators head coach Will Muschamp has finished making the rounds here at the SEC Football Media Days 2012.
Muschamp and players Mike Gillislee, Jon Bostic and Lerentee McCray traveled from Gainesville this morning for the league's annual preseason media event.
Check out GatorZone.com later today for more coverage. For now, here are some topics Muschamp discussed in his press conference earlier today:
--Muschamp is optimistic the Gators have a head start going into his second season than compared to a year ago.
"Really excited about Aug. 3 when we report,'' he said. "I do feel like we have built a very solid foundation for where we are headed."
--Muschamp provided several injury updates, including junior DE/LB Ronald Powell (knee surgery). Powell is cleared for weight room drills and has already started squats and other intensive lower-body training.
Muschamp expects Powell to contribute this season after the junior suffered a knee injury in the spring game.
"He'll play for us this year," Muschamp said. "When that will be, I don't know yet. There's nobody that's worked harder or has handled the situation better or more mature than Ronald has."
--Cornerback Jeremy Brown's bad luck continues. Brown was scheduled to undergo wrist surgery on Wednesday and will be limited in fall camp.
"That's a tough setback for him,'' Muschamp said.
Brown's career has been plagued by numerous injuries, including a knee injury that sidelined him all of last season.
--Muschamp said WR Stephen Alli (stress fracture in leg) is close to being cleared following surgery in the spring. Meanwhile, freshman S Marcus Maye (torn meniscus) continues to recover from surgery and is expected to be cleared during fall camp.
--Muschamp's tone on the quarterback battle between sophomores Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Brissett has not changed since the spring. Both will enter fall camp with a chance to win the starting job, but Muschamp is not ruling out using both if needed.
"They're even going into fall camp,'' Muschamp said. "I would like to name a starter before the season, but I'm not going to put a timetable on that. If we need to play both of them, that's what we're going to do."
--The addition of offensive line coach Tim Davis has added a boost according to Muschamp. Davis replaced Frank Verducci after last season.
"He brings a much-needed energy to the position.” Muschamp said.
--The last time the Gators played in The Swamp they lost to Florida State, finishing 5-2 at home in Muschamp's first season.
Muschamp wants the Gators to come out fast this season, including the season opener at home against Bowling Green on Sept. 3.
"Last time we played in The Swamp, we didn't coach very well; we didn't play very well,'' he said. "We need to get in front of our fans and do an outstanding job."
Check out GatorZone.com later today for a more in-depth notebook and stories on running back Mike Gillislee and Muschamp's outlook entering his second season in Gainesville.
