College football

Gators looking everywhere to fill receiver hole

By Times staff writers, Associated Press
Published October 13, 2005

GAINESVILLE - Before the season started, Gators coach Urban Meyer said he needed a fifth receiver to emerge.

No one did, and now he might be looking for just a third if Jemalle Cornelius can't play Saturday against LSU.

Against Mississippi State, walk-on Kyle Morgan and former linebacker Billy Latsko lined up at receiver. Meyer said another converted player, quarterback Gavin Dickey, who caught a pass against the Bulldogs, will get a shot.

Boateng, a freshman, has three catches for 66 yards. Casey, a sophomore tight end, has three for 28 but has dropped passes, including one that would have been a touchdown against Kentucky.

INJURY UPDATES: Cornelius returned to practice after previously doing only individual drills. But he left early after feeling ankle pain, Meyer said.

Ray McDonald, who is recoving from knee surgery, also practiced, but Meyer said he doesn't believe he'll be ready for LSU.

Chris Leak (shoulder) is continuing to practice without limits and is way ahead of where he was last week, Meyer said.

DeShawn Wynn, who also has a minor shoulder injury, practiced in full pads for the first time since Florida's game against Alabama.

- IAN FISHER, Times correspondent

TAMPA - Fans interested in watching USF's game Saturday at Pittsburgh can view the ESPN360 online broadcast for free on a large screen at the Sun Dome, thanks to a watch party sponsored by University Financial Services.

The ESPN360 online broadcast is available only through select high-speed Internet providers, including Adelphia and Knology in the bay area. Fans can watch at the Sun Dome, where Entry 3 will be open at 1:30 p.m., with kickoff set for 2 p.m. Concession stands will be open and USF's cheerleaders and Sun Doll dancers will appear.

DOESN'T HURT: Brothers Siaosi and Paul Uhatafe, both Gibbs graduates, performed a Tongan war dance after Wednesday's drills. Siaosi, a sophomore fullback/defensive tackle, and Paul, a freshman offensive guard, have cousins in Dallas whose high school football team is undefeated, and they've performed the dance with their team before each game. Said ever-accountable coach Jim Leavitt: "It's not about luck. Our good luck is the way we play. I don't believe in luck. I believe in execution."

BULLS BITS: Quarterback Grant Gregory, sitting out this season after transferring from Indiana, wore a boot on his right foot. He's suffering from turf toe. ... Saturday's captains for USF are junior linebacker Stephen Nicholas and three seniors: running back Andre Hall, defensive tackle Tim Jones and center John Miller.

- GREG AUMAN, Times staff writer

TALLAHASSEE - Guard Matt Meinrod had surgery Tuesday night to repair his dislocated ankle and fractured fibula. Florida State director of sports medicine Randy Oravetz confirmed that Meinrod, a former East Lake standout, will miss the rest of the season.

As preparations continue for injury-riddled Virginia, FSU faced more health concerns of its own.

Coach Bobby Bowden said linebacker Jae Thaxton will be out "at least the next two weeks" with postconcussion syndrome. The sophomore has not played since sustaining a concussion during a win over the Citadel on Sept. 10.

Junior defensive end Anthony Kelly pulled his hamstring and groin Saturday against Wake Forest and will not make the trip to Charlottesville.

Cornerback Trevor Ford pinched a nerve in his neck during warmups before the Wake Forest game. Oravetz said he will be out two to four weeks.

Finally, defensive end Darrell Burston (shoulder) is doubtful for Saturday.

LIVE CHAT: The tailback tandem of Lorenzo Booker and Leon Washington will chat on ESPN.com today. Booker will be online from 1-1:30 p.m. and Washington from 1:30-2 p.m.

- D.C. REEVES, Times correspondent

CORAL GABLES - Sophomore Andrew Johnson failed to make the Hurricanes' depth chart this week, yet he's their biggest, fastest running back, and possibly their best.

Making a rapid recovery from knee surgery in January, Johnson carried for the first time this season Saturday against Duke and gained 46 yards. He finished with four attempts for 56 yards.

The depth chart at running back lists only Tyrone Moss, Derron Thomas and Charlie Jones, but Johnson will likely be part of the rotation the rest of the season, including Saturday at Temple.

"I don't think a lot of people were expecting him to come back and be a factor," quarterback Kyle Wright said. "But after last Saturday, I don't see how you can't get him the ball."

Johnson tore the ACL in his right knee Dec. 17 practicing for the Peach Bowl. He returned to practice four weeks ago and said he was surprised to find himself sprinting in the open field on his first carry.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

[Last modified October 13, 2005, 01:11:19]