Colleges

UF freshmen earn stripes, lose them too

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published August 12, 2006

GAINESVILLE - Jarred Fayson has known it since the day he signed with Florida. So has fellow receiver Percy Harvin. And running back Brandon James.

And nearly every other freshman in the 2006 class.

"He (Urban Meyer) said if you're tough you can come in and help us throughout the season," said Fayson, a former Hillsborough High standout.

Turns out it wasn't just a coach's recruiting tactic after all.

Meyer has said for months that lack of depth would mean many freshmen will take the field this fall. And though it's only one week into practice, several freshmen are earning early praise from Meyer, including a couple of area players and most notably James, Fayson and Harvin.

"Coach is expecting me and Percy to come in and help out somewhat," Fayson said. "And they are talking about me running some option in some big-time games. Just wherever I can fit in, wherever my role is, once I find out what my role is, that's what I'll do."

Some of the newcomers have been so impressive that Meyer is considering using at least those three on the kickoff return team.

Meyer said James might even take the opening kickoff against Southern Miss in the season opener.

James, who rushed for 900 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior at St. Augustine High, has impressed Meyer with his work ethic and athleticism.

"He's a tough nut, that's a very professional player," Meyer said. "He's very professional, everything he does he does it the right way. He loves the game of football."

Younger players are quickly taking advantage of the experience the Gator veterans have to offer.

"Brian Crum (senior linebacker) has stepped in and helped me a lot," said linebacker A.J. Jones, who has also earned some praise. "He's teaching me the ropes, teaching me the plays. When I hop in there, he gives me little signals about where I've got to go, so he's helped me out a lot."

As part of a ritual begun under Meyer last season, newcomers are required to wear a black stripe on their helmets until they have made enough of an impact to prove they are part of the Florida "family."

Meyer said he doesn't think the players took the ritual seriously last season, but the coaching staff said the players have embraced the ceremony this year.

"We talk about being a family here and that's kind of your initiation into being a family here," receivers coach Billy Gonzales said. "We always tell our freshmen you have not done it yet. The longer your stripe goes on, it's horrible. You want to be that guy that all of a sudden you prove to this team you are worthy to be considered a Gator football player. . . . Obviously it's extremely exciting when the stripe comes off."

Harvin was the first to have his black stripe removed, a clear sign on the team that a newcomer is making his mark. Jones has also lost his stripe.

"I lost my stripe the first day," Jones said. "Billy Latsko was coming through the hole and I stepped up and plugged him and made the play, so I got my stripe off. Coach Meyer said it was an excellent play."

Fayson still has his stripe but was quick to point out that he changed positions this week - from slot receiver to the outside playing behind Dallas Baker - which has slowed his progress.

Don't worry, he said, the stripe will be gone soon. Based on the early reviews, he's probably right.

[Last modified August 12, 2006, 02:20:36]