Colleges

Caldwell back to dangerous form again

By ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times Staff Writer
Published October 21, 2007

LEXINGTON, Ky. - He has been promising for three weeks that he was ready to return to the field and make a big impact for the Gators. Andre Caldwell finally made good on his word.

The senior receiver from Tampa has been hampered by a sprained knee and missed the Tennessee and Mississippi games. And though he played the past two games, in reality he hasn't been his old self - until Saturday.

Caldwell had a team-high six receptions for 73 yards and an 8-yard touchdown with 11:38 remaining in the third quarter to give Florida a 28-10 lead over Kentucky. He entered the game with five catches all season.

"I was about 95 percent," Caldwell said.

"I felt real good. I didn't have to wear that big knee brace. I was a little rusty because I haven't been in a big environment like that in awhile, but in the second half, I came back strong."

Caldwell's return opened things up for the Gators, who were more aggressive with deep passes against the Wildcats because of the threat of Caldwell, Louis Murphy and Percy Harvin.

"It's good having him back," said Murphy, who had a 66-yard touchdown pass. "He's the leader of the receivers and we needed his intensity and his spirit."

Caldwell needs one more reception to tie his brother, Reche, for seventh on UF's all-time list (141).

CLASS ACT: Give the Kentucky athletic department kudos for offering a heartfelt tribute to Michael Guilford, the19-year-old Gator who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Oct.12. Before the national anthem, public address announcer Carl Nathe asked the sold-out crowd of predominantly Kentucky fans to put aside the game for a moment and extend its sympathies to the Florida program.

"We ask that you join our hearts with the Florida football family in a moment of silence for Michael Guilford," Nathe said.

Florida officials said Kentucky initiated the pregame honor.

JUMP BALL II: It made the highlights of ESPN's SportsCenter last season when quarterback Tim Tebow tossed a basketball-like jump pass to tight end Tate Casey. Against Kentucky, it was freshman Aaron Hernandez on the receiving end of a similar pass, his first touchdown of the season.

"When they called that play, my heart was pounding," Hernandez said. "I was really nervous right before we ran it. I just kept my eyes on Tim and the ball and then they blitzed us. I went right behind him and tried to sell the play as a run. Tebow threw a great pass."

INJURY REPORT: The Gators got out of the game with a win, but not without several injuries. Tebow injured his right shoulder in the first half, but said after the game he'll be fine. Sophomore cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis (shoulder) returned in the second half. Offensive lineman Carlton Medder (heel), sophomore cornerback Major Wright (broken right thumb) and senior defensive tackle Clint McMillan (shoulder) will all be evaluated today.

TEBOW ON A ROLL: With his three first-half touchdown passes, Tebow matched a career high, and with four passing touchdowns in the game he established a personal best for passing touchowns against an SEC team. Entering today, no quarterback in the country had thrown for more than four touchdowns in a game against a top-25 team this year.

[Last modified October 20, 2007, 22:45:30]