When running down the list of the most versatile athletes on the UF football team, not many people would pick Matt Patchan out of the lineup.
But the 6-foot-6, 238-pound early enrollee has the chance to be a two-way star this season on the offensive and defensive lines.
Patchan was brought in as an offensive tackle after excelling on both sides of the ball at Seffner Armwood High, but a bout with mononucleosis and shoulder surgery significantly altered his frame.
On Wednesday, Patchan was moved to the defensive side of the ball but will continue offensive drills as well.
"We moved him full-time defense right now, and he's getting his extra work on offense," coach Urban Meyer said. "We need help on defense, and I think he'll get on the field faster that way."
The switch was music to the ears of defensive line coach Dan McCarney, who believes Patchan's speed can make him a valuable asset.
"If he's healthy, he can help us out this fall on defense. I believe that," McCarney said. "At 260 pounds, I don't know if he can do that yet at offensive tackle. The kid is the real deal, and he plays at a different speed than a lot of guys."
Offensive tackle Phil Trautwein picked up where Patchan left off, participating in contact drills for the first time after missing the entire 2007 season with a stress fracture in his right foot.
The senior was slated to start last season and will be the foundation for the line this year.
"It felt awesome," Trautwein said. "I'm happy to be back. I wanted to do more, but they didn't want me to keep going."
Trautwein added that this is the first time he has been 100 percent healthy since the 2006 season.
INJURY WOES: Starting safety Major Wright missed practice with a fever, but his absence didn't stop the secondary from playing well.
The unit earned accolades from Meyer, who called it the most improved part of the team.
Meanwhile, receiver Percy Harvin had an MRI on his injured heel.
He could miss the rest of spring practice, and it is unclear whether he will still race against UF's fastest student during the Orange and Blue Debut on April 12.
MOORE STILL STARTER: The Gators are entertaining a heated battle for the starting tailback spot, with Kestahn Moore, Southern Cal transfer Emmanuel Moody, Mon Williams, Brandon James and Chris Rainey all in the mix.
As of now, Moore is still holding down the spot he held last season, Meyer said.
"Kestahn Moore is the first tailback right now," Meyer said. "Moody has been impressive, but the other guy is Chris Rainey. When he gets in the open, you can't catch him."
Rainey broke a 70-yard touchdown run in a short scrimmage Wednesday.
