GAINESVILLE - When Florida's team convened for the beginning of spring practice on Tuesday, it was without a member of last season's stable of running backs.
Jimtavis Walker, who saw extensive action on special teams, has decided to transfer instead of competing for playing time in what shapes up to be a crowded backfield.
"I think he felt that he needed to explore some other opportunities, and he'll do fine," coach Ron Zook said.
As a freshman in 2003, Walker had 19 carries for 105 yards and scored a touchdown. But with junior Ciatrick Fason ready to become a starter, sophomore DeShawn Wynn looking to build upon a season in which he led the team in rushing touchdowns, and touted recruit Marcus Manson set to arrive in August, Walker might have found it difficult finding many carries in 2004.
"We've got a pretty good one coming in here, and we've got three guys that are pretty good players here. I think he may have seen that," Zook said.
OUT ON THE DIAMOND: Though unable to attend a majority of the upcoming spring practices because he plays for UF's baseball team, last year's backup QB, Gavin Dickey, remains entrenched as the second-stringer behind sophomore Chris Leak.
"He meets with (quarterbacks coach Ed Zaunbrecher) separately," Zook said. "He's going to hopefully get to five or six practices. It's not going to be easy, but we'll keep him abreast the best we can."
INJURY UPDATE: Several Gators who have been nursing injuries throughout the offseason were held out of practice and could remain sidelined for contact drills.
The offensive line was down two members as junior center Mike Degory recovers from offseason knee surgery and senior tackle Jonathan Colon rehabs from hip surgery. Zook said their experience allows for them to take as long as they need to recover before returning.
Other notables held out of practice included junior linebacker Todd McCullough, who is rehabbing from a torn labrum in his shoulder, and sophomore tight end Brian Crum, who has switched from linebacker since last season and has battled a foot injury during the offseason.
