Contrary to reports circulating in southern Florida, wide receiver Deonte Thomspon seems to be content in Gainesville, Gators coach Urban Meyer said Monday evening.
On Sunday, InsideTheU.com cited a source close to Thompson who said the freshman is not happy with his lack of playing time at UF and is considering a transfer to Miami.
BI talked to Deonte and he said he loves it (here),C Meyer said. BHe?s ready to go.C
The former five-star recruit has not yet played a down in any of the past three games, but Meyer said the depth at the receiver position factors into Thompson?s lack of time on the field.
The coach also said he?s cautious about using up the freshman?s eligibility too soon.
BI think he?s going to be a great player,C Meyer said. BI just don?t want to waste a year, and that?s a fine line.C
PASS RUSH POSSIBILITY: After Saturday?s game against Tennessee, Meyer is considering implementing defensive end Carlos Dunlap into the mix to help the Gators? pass-rush defense.
UF has totaled five sacks in three games, but four were against Western Kentucky, and the team has failed to record a quarterback hurry so far this season.
Dunlap is a 6-foot-6, 240 pounder, so Meyer hopes to utilize the freshman?s length during games.
BHe?s a big body and maybe he?ll knock a ball down or something,C Meyer said. BWe?re searching.C
However, there is a concern that Dunlap?s body is too long to match up with offensive linemen, so Meyer may just throw in the freshman strictly during passing situations.
QB SHOWDOWN: Come Saturday, the Gators may face an unfamiliar foe - a starting quarterback who has actually defeated them.
There are only three current quarterbacks in the nation who have started against the Gators and pulled out the win.
Mississippi?s Brent Schaeffer is one of them, and since Rebels? quarterback Seth Adams is questionable for Saturday?s game, Schaeffer has the opportunity to step in and face UF for the first time since he helped defeat the Gators in 2004 as Tennessee?s starting quarterback.
South Carolina?s Blake Mitchell and Auburn?s Brandon Cox are the other two quarterbacks who claim victories over UF.
