Colleges

Gators' Meyer praises play of another Pouncey

By Times staff, wires
Published November 2, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Willie J. Allen, Jr. | Times (2006)] FSU redshirt freshmen Christian Ponder, above, and D'Vontrey Richardson could fill in at quarterback this week.

GAINESVILLE - Freshman Mike Pouncey continues to impress Florida coach Urban Meyer on defense.

A day after confirming that the converted offensive lineman would play at defensive tackle against Vanderbilt on Saturday, Meyer left the door open for a start by Pouncey, whose twin brother, Maurkice, starts at guard for the Gators.

"I've seen energy, I've seen a young guy that loves football, I've seen a tough guy and a big guy," Meyer said. "He's got that big ol' rear end you need in there to stop some runs."

Meyer said it would be a game time decision as to who will start alongside senior Clint McMillan at defensive tackle.

Pouncey's only experience on the defensive line until this week in practice was goal-line situations in high school, so he has a lot to learn about the position.

"He's really smart," Meyer said. "There is not an issue as far as football smart. Understanding scoop blocks and understanding what goes on on offense has actually helped him."

Pouncey is filling in due to season-ending injuries to Javier Estopinan and Brandon Antwine. Meyer hasn't decided if the switch is permanent.

Meyer expects Carl Johnson, Maurice Hurt and Marcus Gilbert to help replace Pouncey in the offensive line rotation.

TAILBACK BY COMMITTEE: After declaring the starting running back job "wide open" this week, Meyer will go with a committee approach Saturday.

Sophomores Brandon James, Percy Harvin and Jarred Fayson and junior Kestahn Moore will all get carries.

Bryan Jones, Times correspondent

USF: In hindsight ...

TAMPA - Offensive coordinator Greg Gregory said Saturday's loss at Connecticut was especially difficult for him, knowing how close USF came to a tying touchdown in the closing minutes.

"It was a tough day, because you make what ends up being a bad call, and that bothers you," Gregory said Thursday. "It was just disappointing because I really liked our plan, really liked the way we moved the football. We made mistakes and left so many points on the field."

Three chances from the 1-yard line failed in the final quarter, and Gregory said his call for a naked bootleg run by quarterback Matt Grothe was a mistake. Grothe was dropped for an 11-yard loss, setting up an incomplete pass on fourth and goal.

"The reward wasn't worth the risk involved when we called it," Gregory said. "I thought our plan was exactly right to move the football. We just left the points on the field that we've got to come up with."

INJURY UPDATE: Coach Jim Leavitt said receivers Amarri Jackson (knee) and Taurus Johnson (ankle), who have not practiced all week, are out Saturday, with freshmen Carlton Mitchell and Dontavia Bogan stepping up as starters. Tackle Walt Walker will miss his second game recovering from a knee injury. Running back Mike Ford (ribs) practiced Thursday and will be a game-time decision.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

FSU: Backup QB?

TALLAHASSEE - Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher would not name a backup quarterback, saying that either Christian Ponder or D'Vontrey Richardson could play Saturday against No. 2 Boston College if starter Drew Weatherford goes down.

"We will decide by the situation," Fisher said. "We feel comfortable with both of them."

The redshirt freshmen split time with the second team this week after Xavier Lee was suspended for two games.

Smith probable: Tailback Antone Smith is probable for Saturday. Smith aggravated his sprained left ankle last week.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

UM: Waiting on QBs

CORAL GABLES - Coach Randy Shannon said a decision on the starting quarterback for Saturday's game against N.C. State could be made today.

"Both quarterbacks (Kyle Wright and Kirby Freeman) did some good things," he said.

Wright, who has a sore ankle, continued to progress.

"Every day he is getting better," Shannon said. "We did some sprint-out stuff to see how he responded."

Times wires

Up next

UM: vs. North Carolina State, noon Saturday, ESPNU

UF: vs. Vanderbilt, 12:30 Saturday, Ch.38

USF: vs. Cincinnati, 3:30 Saturday, Ch.28

FSU: at Boston College,8 Saturday, Ch.28

[Last modified November 1, 2007, 22:41:06]