1. We've heard in the offseason that UF was going to utilize a two-tight end set with Cornelius Ingram and Aaron Hernandez this season, but with that no longer a possibility with Ingram out that might not be such an attractive option.
Hernandez said he still hopes it happens a lot, and third-string (now second-string) tight end Tate Casey had a huge freshman year with Ron Zook, but sans a jump-shot touchdown pass from Tim Tebow, Casey's been in Urban Meyer's doghouse.
This is as good a shot as Casey will get to finish out his long career on a high note, but I wouldn't be surprised if a bigger receiver like Carl Moore ends up getting more reps in the long grun.
2. If Hernandez didn't start to show he was the nation's top-rated tight end at the end of last season, losing CI would be a major hit. But Hernandez should have a very good year. Not a CI type-of-year, but there's still potential for a 5-7-touchdown type of year that Ingram had last year. This could lead to Hernandez leaving early after his junior year if he has two solid years, but that's just speculation.
3. And here's my wild card prediction:
Cam Newton to tight end. Might sound pretty crazy, but let me explain. Newton hasn't gotten his mechanics down in his second year here. He still overthrows receivers, and Meyer has said he's planning for John Brantley to eventually be a starting quarterback here. Basically, if Tebow stays for his senior year, Newton's in big trouble. CI was a former quarterback before moving, and there's no doubting that Newton has great physical ability. Will it happen? Probably not. But it's food for thought.
Let me know your thoughts with a nice PG-13-rated comment or an e-mail.
We'll bring you more updates on Friday as UF holds its media day, and best of luck to Cornelius in his recovery.
