possible opportunity???

[radbag]

Fifth-year senior Andre Caldwell won't play. Percy Harvin was limited again with a hip pointer and Riley Cooper's ankle is about 80-85 percent although both sophomores are expected to play this weekend.

The injuries at wide receiver and especially the emergence of freshman Deonte Thompson in practice prompted coach Urban Meyer to say that as of Wednesday's practice Thompson would play when fourth-ranked Florida hosts Auburn at 8 p.m. Saturday.

"Deonte Thompson, keep that name in mind, right that name down somewhere," Meyer said. "I love that guy. He's a worker. He just works and works and works. (He) stays after with (wide receivers) coach (Billy) Gonzales and you can see the player development going on right before your eyes… I don't want to say something that's not going to happen but as of right now he's going to play."

Harvin, who had just gotten over tendonitis in his knee and Achilles, suffered a hip pointer in Florida's 30-24 victory over Ole Miss Saturday in Oxford. He ran Wednesday but the deep hip bruise kept him limited. Caldwell's knee is progressing, Meyer said.

"The good thing is it's not structural so even if we have to practice (Harvin) on Friday we'll do that," he said. "Bubba looked terrific. He's out there running."

Meyer said one thing that has held younger players back is the mental transition to the college game. Not going at full speed will keep underclassmen off the field. Playing in the SEC means giving a '10' each play, Meyer said, or things will not work out. Thompson is starting to understand the playing speed needed to be a successful wide receiver at Florida.

"For some reason, these young guys they play at about a 7 instead of playing at a 10," Meyer said. "Because they've been so much better than everybody else, a 7 scores touchdowns. A 7 in (The Swamp) against Auburn, you're not going to get off the line of scrimmage. (Thompson is) not the only one. It takes guys a minute to learn to play at SEC speed. He's got it. He's starting to play at it."

There is a battle at free safety between senior Kyle Jackson and freshman Major Wright. Both had miscues in the Ole Miss game that helped lead to Rebel touchdowns. Meyer said players there are practicing better this week.

"That position just has to play great," he said. "Most free safeties have to but we're mostly a single high safety so obviously that's like the quarterback of a defense. You miss a play there and the opponent's band is playing.

"Dorian (Munroe) is more of a down guy but could play. We've discussed it a little bit. Bryan Thomas actually practiced a little bit today. He's going to be on call for special teams. He won't play on defense but he was really coming on before he got hurt so that name will surface again."

More Meyer quotes

On Auburn and last season's loss: "They want to get those ends to get upfield and create havoc in the pass rush. Their defense, someone said they're struggling, but it's not on defense. Their defense is playing very well. They have excellent players, some NFL players on defense.

"We played well in the first half (last year). Second half, we started getting in the drop back game. We're not a great drop back team. I'm not sure anyone is in this conference because the ends are so good. You don't want to sit back and drop back all day long. We ended up having to do that and that's when Chris (Leak) got rattled a little bit. We can't let that happen this year."

On motivation for this game: "Coach (Mickey Marotti) is their motivation coach and he does some stuff. He's got some stuff downstairs. That all starts (Thursday). Tuesday and Wednesday is just learning the scheme, don't worry about last year, don't worry about this, don't worry about that. You're playing a very good team. It will start happening in a little while."

On Wilber Marshall getting inducted into the Ring of Honor: "I remember one of the biggest, most athletic human beings I've ever seen. I've watched him more in the NFL than in college. I've seen what a lot of the players said who played with and watched him. A tremendous talent."

More on Thompson: "We talk every day. He deserves it. He's what you look for. Very talented guy who's not complaining, not whining, just wants to get better."

On progress this week: "I'll tell you Saturday. I like our practices but I'll tell you midnight on Saturday night."

[annarborgator]

Muck City baby. let's go DT.