Much of the talk during fall camp has centered on filling the void left by do-it-all receiver Percy Harvin, but the production of fellow former Gator Louis Murphy may prove to be just as hard to replace.
"People always talk about replacing Percy. At the same time, people forget about how critical Murph was in us being successful last year," wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales said.
Murphy caught 38 balls for 655 yards and seven touchdowns during the Gators' national-title run in 2008.
His sure hands and toughness across the middle of the field made him the go-to option for quarterback Tim Tebow last year.
"You put him on another team and he's probably an All-American," UF coach Urban Meyer said. "That's how good a player he was. Right now, we're having a hard time filling his void."
The two likely replacements for Murphy are senior Riley Cooper and sophomore Deonte Thompson.
Cooper spent the summer playing baseball and recently agreed to a professional contract with the Texas Rangers. He started 12 games last season but only has 30 career receptions. It could take time for Cooper to work his way back into football shape.
"Cooper has been there, he's played in every game, he's a starter for us," Gonzales said. "I trust Cooper. I trust him with everything out there. I've got to get that kind of trust in the other guys."
Thompson played mostly on special teams last season, catching just 18 passes on the year. But he has speed and has shown that he can stretch the defense and be a threat down the field.
"I hope Deonte is ready right now. He's performing," Gonzales said. "I want Deonte to play as hard as Murph, as hard as Dallas Baker, as hard as Bubba Caldwell. Murph was developed. He didn't happen overnight. He grew on special teams. Deonte last year basically was a special teams player and has worked his way."
Gonzales said Cooper and Thompson continue to split reps at the position during practice.
