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Spurrier still has soft spot for Duke

By ANTONYA ENGLISH

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 10, 2001

GAINESVILLE -- Coach Steve Spurrier admitted during Thursday's media day that he's the man who casts a vote for Duke every year in the coaches preseason poll.

"I've basically voted for them in the first poll of every year hoping it would give them a little confidence," said Spurrier, who coached Duke in 1987-89.

Duke finished 0-11 last year. Asked if casting the ballot is his way of saying the poll system "stinks", Spurrier responded, "No, it's my way of saying I like Duke.

"Duke University hired me twice when I didn't have a job, 1980 and 1987, so I owe a lot to Duke University," Spurrier said. "That's just my way of saying I like Duke. It's one of my favorite schools. Duke and Oklahoma (where Spurrier's former defensive coordinator, Bob Stoops, is the coach and Spurrier's son, Steve Jr., is an assistant) are obviously my two favorite schools after Florida."

BEING THE BEST: After an All-America freshman season, Jabar Gaffney isn't shying away from the challenge of having an even better sophomore year. In fact, he'd like to catch more than 100 passes and become the best college receiver in the nation. "Yeah, I'd like to win the Biletnikoff Award," Gaffney said of the award given to the nation's top wide receiver.

FITNESS TROUBLE?: Defensive end Alex Brown failed the 12-minute run for the second time Thursday morning, but he and his position coach, Ricky Hunley, aren't worried about it.

"Unfortunately I didn't make the 12-minute run, but I don't think that (proves) that I'm not in shape," said Brown, who changed his diet in the offseason and dropped his body fat to 7 percent.

PEARSON TO STICK AROUND?: Offensive tackle Mike Pearson said Brown's decision to forgo the NFL and play his final college season had a big impact on him and possible future decisions.

"In the past, guys (potential high draft picks) left, but this kind of gives you something to gauge with Alex coming back because he wanted to win a championship," Pearson said. "Other guys may start thinking about that. I plan on being here five years."

ODDS AND ENDS: Spurrier said tailback Willie Green likely will play some fullback this season. Green had knee surgery last season and did not play. ... All-America cornerback Lito Sheppard said he expects to see double duty again. He averaged 21.5 yards in kick returns and 13.6 in punt returns last season. Sheppard said he filed a second appeal of his one-game suspension for violating university policy. His first was denied. ... Miami's Jonathan Colon is awaiting an ACT test score. Spurrier said a result is expected "any day." Colon said this week he expected the score Wednesday morning, but didn't get it. ... The Sept. 8 Louisiana-Monroe game will be available on pay-per-view. The game, offered through Sunshine Network, is $24.95 in advance, $29.95 on game day.

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