Colleges

NFL likely to beckon TE Ingram

By Antonya English
Published December 18, 2007

GAINESVILLE - Florida redshirt junior tight end Cornelius Ingram said Monday that he might know this week what NFL scouts and general managers think of him as a pro prospect, and if things go as he expects, chances are good he won't return for his senior season.

Ingram and defensive end Derrick Harvey petitioned the NFL this month for their draft status. To make an early departure, Ingram said he would have to be projected to go in the top three rounds, which is what he anticipates will happen.

"I'm pretty confident about it," Ingram said after practice Monday. "But I'm trying not to worry about it. I'm just trying to get ready for the bowl game."

Ingram, who is 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, said he's aware NFL scouts will attend the Capital One Bowl but doesn't plan to prepare any differently.

"I try to go out and play every game like it's my last," he said. "But if I have to come back here for another year, that's not a problem. And no matter how it draft status report comes back, I'm still going to sit down and talk with my family and coaches before making a decision."

NO SECRET TO MEYER: While the Michigan and national media were chasing the Rich Rodriguez story, Florida coach Urban Meyer had his own inside scoop. Rodriguez's decision to leave West Virginia for the Wolverines was no surprise to Meyer, a former Michigan assistant.

"I talked to him every night for the last five days, so I knew," Meyer said. "I think Michigan is a great place and West Virginia is a great place. They got a great coach. He's really good."

PROTECTING TEBOW: With quarterback Tim Tebow's new title as Heisman Trophy winner, protecting him from autograph seekers is a new concern for Florida officials. Even before last week's historic win, Tebow was a magnet for fans who wait outside practice for photos and autographs. Allowing him to remain accessible yet have a normal life is a fine line.

"We came out one day and they were driving him in the golf cart around (another exit), so I nixed that," Meyer said. "I don't want him driving around in a golf cart."

Meyer said he's relying heavily on offensive coordinator Dan Mullen to monitor the situation.

e_SDLqPam Tebow is his mom, but Danny's his mom around here," Meyer said. "He does a good job. I bet it will be (different to play a bowl game with a Heisman winner). You just have to be careful. Dan will be in charge of that."

In case you're wondering, even Meyer has been hit up by people asking if he can get Tebow to autograph items.

"I will (get his autograph) after our practice on the 21st," Meyer said. "I've got a whole bag of stuff. ... I'm kidding. No, but I've been asked."

STAMPER INJURED: Linebacker Ryan Stamper injured an ankle Saturday while spending time at fullback. A lineman fell on his ankle during a play. He said he hopes to return to practice today.

Antonya English can be reachedat english@sptimes.com.

[Last modified December 18, 2007, 00:38:42]