Colleges

UF: position by position

By Antonya English
Published August 31, 2007

Quarterbacks

Finally, it's Tim Tebow time. Fans have been waiting for this guy to make his starting debut since he chose the Gators over Alabama two years ago. He was the team's second leading scorer last season (469 yards and eight touchdowns), but he'll be asked tone it down (no more running straight through defensive linemen) and rely a little more on his supporting cast. Though he owns the state career prep passing yards record (9,940), questions about how well he can throw the ball persist.

Running back

Expect this to be one of the most improved groups for the Gators. Former Hillsborough quarterback Jarred Fayson will move into the position (though he'll also still be used some at receiver), and junior Kestahn Moore is healthy and out to prove he's the real deal. The Gators also won't hesitate to run receiver Percy Harvin, or sometimes Andre Caldwell, out of the backfield.

Offensive line

Coach Urban Meyer's biggest concern is a lack of depth after you get past returning starters Phil Trautwein, Drew Miller, Jim Tartt and Carlton Medder. The unit was solid last season, and barring injury, is expected to be one of the most reliable aspects of this year's team. And with a new starting quarterback, that's a comfort for Meyer.

Receivers/tight ends

In a word: loaded. With senior Andre Caldwell, last season's freshman of the year Percy Harvin, and a talented cast of rising stars such as Louis Murphy, Riley Cooper, Cornelius Ingram and Jarred Fayson, the unit possesses talent - and maybe more important, speed. Tebow will have plenty of weapons to help prove he can throw the ball.

Defensive line

The Gators have little experience remaining in this area and are relying on two freshmen - Torrey Davis and John Brown - the latter of whom practiced 14 days in the fall, but still didn't know if he'd be eligible one week before the season. The bright spot is redshirt junior Derrick Harvey, the BCS championship MVP who has 11 sacks last season and is a preseason All-SEC selection.

Linebackers

Youth dominates the position. Dustin Doe and Brandon Spikes are sophomores with limited experience (Spikes has one start), A.J. Jones broke his foot last season and will play for the first time, and Ryan Stamper is a redshirt sophomore who played in two games last season. Of the top eight, there are one redshirt freshman, three sophomores and four freshmen.

Secondary

This was a serious area of concern heading into fall camp. How do you replace an All-American safety like Reggie Nelson? Tony Joiner is the only returning starter at strong safety, but Kyle Jackson and Dorian Munroe are capable returners. Of the top seven prospects at the two cornerback positions, none has ever started a game in college.Markihe Anderson has evolved into a solid player but the Gators most likely will also have to rely on converted wide receiver Joe Haden - who is a freshman.

Special teams

Clearwater native and fifth-year senior Joey Ijjas earned a scholarship and the starting kicker's job 10 days before the season opener. He was pushed by Jonathan Phillips and walk-on Jordan Means, which means there's help if needed. With so much speed on his team, Meyer said he'll try a variety of players on kick and punt returns. One who'll be there for sure is 5-foot-6, 181-pound running back Brandon James, who proved to be quick and elusive as a punt and kickoff returner last season.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 09:37:39]