Gators sophomore Martez Ivey, No. 73, is the latest UF offensive lineman to get hurt. (Photo: Jay Metz/For UAA Communications)
Gators Could Be Without Ivey at Florida State
Wednesday, November 23, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
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Head coach Jim McElwain considers sophomore 'doubtful' for Saturday's game.
By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- If there has been a constant for the Gators this season, it has been the left side of their offensive line.
Left guard Martez Ivey and left tackle David Sharpe are the only UF linemen to start every game this season. Sharpe's streak was in jeopardy a week ago at LSU but he played on a sore leg. Martez Ivey
Florida head coach Jim McElwain announced Wednesday that Ivey's streak is now in jeopardy on Saturday at Florida State.
"[He] hasn't been able to go for two days. He's going to try to get out there today,'' McElwain said. "But I'd probably say 'doubtful' right now, just knowing what it is. Tez is one of those guys I know that will do everything he can to be there."
McElwain said Ivey is battling a leg injury and if he can't play against the Seminoles, redshirt sophomore Kavaris Harkless would slide over to left guard. Harkless played significant snaps at right guard in Florida's 16-10 win at LSU last week.
Meanwhile, Tyler Jordan will move back into the starting lineup at right guard. Jordan suffered an ankle injury against South Carolina as the starting center and played on special teams at LSU. Prior to taking over for injured center Cameron Dillard, Jordan played primarily at right guard next to starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
With redshirt freshman T.J. McCoy the starting center, versatile sophomore Fred Johnson is expected to be the top reserve at FSU and redshirt freshman Nick Buchanan, who has played in just two games, another option off the bench.
A sophomore from Apopka, Fla., Ivey was named SEC Offenive Lineman of the Week in back-to-back weeks after Florida wins over Georgia and South Carolina.
