Sports: Focused Gators in 'phase two'

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Focused Gators in 'phase two'

As the title game nears, Urban Meyer sees his players getting more serious.

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published December 29, 2006

GAINESVILLE - The Gators have returned to participate in final workouts before leaving for Arizona next week, and coach Urban Meyer said he can sense the players getting more serious about playing in the Jan. 8 BCS title game.

Florida began Wednesday what Meyer called "phase two" of a three-pronged plan of practices that extend from the SEC title game Dec. 2 to the BCS finale.

"I think you're really going to see it after the New Year," he said Thursday. "I can see it get a little tighter and all of a sudden bowl games are starting to show up on TV. It's that time of year. I see a little bit of urgency, maybe not as much as we'd like, but a little bit of urgency."

Wednesday's practice, the first after the Christmas break, was "sloppy," Meyer said, but Thursday's workout was much better. Senior defensive end Ray McDonald, "about 90 percent" with his dislocated elbow, practiced but is not hitting. Junior safety Tony Joiner (ankle sprain) practiced and is expected to play, as did running back DeShawn Wynn (shoulder) and offensive tackle Jim Tartt (ankle).

Although the Gators have had no academic or disciplinary casualties, they most likely are losing at least one player, sophomore Nyan Boateng, whom Meyer thinks will transfer. Asked if the receiver from Brooklyn is the only one, Meyer responded: "Yeah, I think so. I hope so. I don't like to see guys leave the program."

NELSON'S STATUS: Junior safety Reggie Nelson is coping as well as can be expected after the death of his mother Dec. 21, Meyer said.

"He's where he needs to be right now; that's around people that care about him," Meyer said. "Anybody that's ever gone through that, that's as bad a deal as there is. He's with the people who care about him the most, his family, then our team."

Colleges

Focused Gators in 'phase two'

As the title game nears, Urban Meyer sees his players getting more serious.