Gators Notebook: Emmitt Apologizes for Driskel Tweet, Injury Update, More Tidbits
Wednesday, September 24, 2014 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Former Gators running back Emmitt Smith has apologized for a tweet that raised eyebrows and created headlines.
During Florida's 42-21 loss at Alabama on Saturday, Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, turned his thoughts to the passing game. More specifically, the play of Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel.
Driskel finished 9 of 28 for 93 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the loss to Alabama.
In a tweet that has since been deleted, Smith posted: “Put Jeff Driskel on the bench please, I have seen enough.”
Smith's tweet was surprising, not just that it came from one of the Gators' all-time greats and someone who understands the importance of team chemistry, but the fact Smith (photo, left) has developed a good relationship with Florida head coach Will Muschamp.
Smith has spoken to the Gators on multiple occasions during Muschamp's tenure and joined the Gators on the sideline during their victory in 2011 over Tennessee at The Swamp.
Muschamp was asked to address Smith's tweet on Wednesday.
“Emmitt called to apologize. To me, to Jeff Driskel and our football team,'' Muschamp said. “He was frustrated. He wants us to win. He wants us to be successful. He's a great Gator.
“Everybody's entitled to their opinion. And I appreciate Emmitt calling and saying the things he said, I really do. He's a class individual, and he's about all the right things.”
INJURY REPORT
The Gators expect starting left tackle D.J. Humphries (ankle) to return to the lineup at Tennessee on Oct. 4. Muschamp said Humphries is moving well and appears ready to return to action.
Humphries left the season opener against Eastern Michigan and did not play against Kentucky and Alabama. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Trenton Brown, who left the Alabama game with an ankle injury, is day-to-day.
Two defensive players, defensive tackle Leon Orr and linebacker Michael Taylor, are listed as questionable according to Muschamp. Orr suffered a small meniscus tear and underwent a knee scope on Monday.
“Cleaned that up. He had a bone bruise as well,” Muschamp said. “He will be questionable for Tennessee. He was walking yesterday, so we'll see how he continues to progress.”
As for Taylor, he suffered a bone bruise on one of his knees and is receiving treatment in hopes of playing against the Vols.
The most serious injury coming out of the Alabama game was to reserve running back Mark Herndon, who tore an ACL playing on special teams.
“Disappointed for Mark Herndon. Lost him for the year,'' Muschamp said. “Was covering a kick there, got his foot caught and got hit on it and turned funny.”
JOHNSON MAKES MARK
In Humphries' absence, redshirt freshman Roderick Johnson moved into the starting lineup at right tackle as Chaz Green moved over to the left side.
Johnson has not disappointed.
Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Roderick Johnson (No. 55) has played well. (Photo: Tim Casey)
He received attention in the world of football analytics this week for his performance at Alabama. According to Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus, Johnson surrendered only one pressure in 34 pass-black attempts. He also graded out well in the run game.
While UF's coaching staff has its own grading system, Johnson has made a positive impact.
“He's a very good athlete and has handled himself, other than getting a little excited in the Kentucky game on the goal line, he has really handled himself extremely well,” Muschamp said. “He has played well. D.J. comes back, we're going to figure out what our best five are … we need to get D.J. back full speed first, but there's no question Rod is playing good football for us.”
POWELL WATCH
Freshman running back Brandon Powell scored a touchdown in his first game.
However, Powell has been invisible since the season-opening win over Eastern Michigan. Muschamp said that could change once Powell gets past a hamstring injury.
“Well, we had some things for Brandon, and a matter of fact he has tweaked his hamstring a little bit and will probably miss today and tomorrow,'' Muschamp said. “We'll get him back next week, I hope. Need to try to get him more involved right now.
“At the running-back position, we feel really good about Matt [Jones] and Kelvin [Taylor]. Both of those guys have played well. We're looking at Brandon possibly in the slot to try and create opportunities for him.”
QUOTE OF NOTE I
“It'd be nice to get more rush. Right now, I feel like that Dante [Fowler] has been very effective. Jon Bullard has been very effective from an inside rush standpoint. And past that, we have not been very effective. We need to give Alex McCalister more opportunities to rush on the edge. Most of the pressure we've been able to generate is with five guys rushing. So our four-man pass rush needs to improve." – Muschamp on creating more quarterback pressure
QUOTE OF NOTE II
“If I kicked myself on anything, not going for it on fourth-and-2 after we got stopped on third-and-1. Probably should have gone for it right there. We were tired defensively. To create and, you know, put ourselves in the situation to maintain possession of the ball after the long drive. We should've done that.” – Muschamp on ensuing possession after Alabama's 16-play, 66-yard drive in third quarter
EXTRA POINTS
Muschamp said starting cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, who left Saturday's game multiple times, was kicked on his Achilles' heel was forced to deal with swelling. “It was painful. He'll be fine,'' Muschamp said … Senior punter Kyle Christy leads the nation with an average of 50.4 yards per punt … The Gators missed nearly 30 tackles against Alabama according to Muschamp. “A little bit of that was credited to fatigue late,'' he said. “The others you credit to their backs. They have good players.”
