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UF recruit puts off enrollment

GAINESVILLE -- Florida held its first set of freshman practices Wednesday without one of its top recruits.

Channing Crowder, a linebacker from Atlanta, has a knee injury. Coach Ron Zook said Crowder had surgery during the spring and will not enroll until January. Crowder will not have to redshirt and will enter the 2003 season with five seasons of eligibility.

"I think we'd accomplish for him a lot more in the fact that he can sit out and continue to rehab on his own and work out," said Zook, who did not elaborate on the injury. "In January, when his clock starts, he'll be ready to go in the offseason."

FUTURE UNCERTAIN: Freshman Dallas Baker, who signed in 2001, failed to qualify academically for the second straight year.

The receiver from New Smyrna Beach is enrolled in summer school at Florida and waiting for the results of his most recent test.

Florida has petitioned the NCAA, seeking a waiver that would allow Baker to remain in school and be eligible for this season. If deemed a partial qualifier, Baker would remain on scholarship and be eligible in 2003.

-- JILL MARTIN

Ex-Chief impresses

TALLAHASSEE -- Defensive tackle Broderick Bunkley, a freshman from Chamberlain High, drew praise from Florida State coach Bobby Bowden.

"(Bowden) came up to me during practice and told me that he was proud of how I was playing," Bunkley said. "What Coach Bowden said to me changed my whole attitude toward practice. I know I have to come out and get better, but now I know I can impress and improve."

AGGRESSIVE QBS: With the team in pads for the first time, Bowden said he was happy with its performance but believed his quarterbacks needed to be more careful. "I saw entirely too many opportunities where the quarterback had the (receiver) open but wanted to go for something bigger," Bowden said. "You can't do that. When you see the guy open, give him the ball right then."

Bowden established the depth chart with incumbent Chris Rix at starter, Adrian McPherson at backup and Fabian Walker third. But he warned nothing was set.

"Every one of them can get better," he said. "And if someone gets tremendously better than the other, then moves can occur." INJURY NEWS: Sophomore free safety Kyler Hal broke his right hand and had surgery to insert a pin. He is expected to be ready for the season opener.

-- JASON SCHNEIDER, TIMES WIRES

'Canes lose recruit

CORAL GABLES -- Miami receiver Darnell Jenkins was declared academically ineligible. Jenkins plans to enroll in January, coach Larry Coker said. Jenkins was one of four players who did not report Tuesday because of academic problems. The other three (running back Devin Hester, defensive back Terrell Walden and defensive lineman Alton Wright, a junior college transfer) have not been admitted to the university.

-- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Around the nation

ALABAMA: Linebacker Derrick Pope, a junior college transfer was cleared to play after passing an English course.

IOWA: Defensive back Benny Sapp pleaded guilty and was fined $100 for public intoxication stemming from his arrest last weekend. He is scheduled to face trial Nov.27 for interference with official acts and disorderly conduct.

MARYLAND: Quarterback Chris Kelley was cleared to practice. He tore his right ACL during the spring game.

MISS. ST.: Athletic director Larry Templeton said NCAA investigators will interview four more athletes, who were not identified. The NCAA is investigating academic fraud.

SOUTH CAROLINA ST.: Coach Buddy Pough said he expects running back Derek Watson to receive academic clearance today. Watson was dismissed from South Carolina in January after an arrest on drug charges.

TEXAS: Starting tight end Bo Scaife will have surgery to strengthen his left knee and miss the season. The junior, who tore his ACL in 2000, twisted his knee during a workout at home.

-- TIMES WIRES

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