Even though he returned to practice earlier this week, wide receiver Chris Rainey will not see action in games until he fulfills two obligations.
Coach Urban Meyer said the junior needs to spend an undisclosed amount of time performing community service and show he can refrain from making incendiary comments.
Rainey pled guilty to a misdemeanor stalking charge Sept. 27 after being arrested for sending a threatening text message to a former girlfriend earlier in the month.
Prior to the arrest, the receiver carried a reputation of stirring controversy during interviews, most recently in August, when he said last year’s team featured a lot of “prima donnas.”
“Chris has a history of opening his mouth and careless things coming out,” Meyer said. “Obviously, this is the first time [he has done] anything like [the text message]. … Chris is not a violent person.”
Meyer said he was in “constant communication” with Florida president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley as Rainey’s case proceeded.
Hill still struggling: Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said he is still not happy with free safety Will Hill’s performance.
Austin criticized Hill last week, saying the junior was not playing to his potential. Hill responded with a season-high nine tackles against LSU, but Austin called his performance “average” after he whiffed on several open-field opportunities.
Most notably, Hill missed receiver Terrence Toliver on a 38-yard touchdown in the second quarter. After Toliver hauled in a slant pass, Hill misjudged his approach to the receiver and accidentally took out linebacker Brandon Hicks.
“When [Hill] goes to make contact, his head drops down,” Austin said of the play. “As a tackler, you don’t ever drop your head.”
Hill’s form is not usually that bad, Austin added.
Injuries: Guard Jon Halapio (right middle finger) is probable for Saturday’s game against Mississippi State, Meyer said. Halapio underwent surgery earlier this week and should practice at full speed today.
Meyer said running back Jeff Demps (sprained foot) is feeling much better than he did last week, and he expects the junior to play Saturday. Demps dressed out against LSU but did not leave the sidelines.
He added that after being limited last week quarterback John Brantley (ribs, right thumb) has practiced at full speed this week.
Freshman strong safety Matt Elam (concussion) has not been cleared to practice, safeties coach Chuck Heater said.
