Coach Will Muschamp has received criticism this week concerning his decision to lift the suspensions of wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (university sanction) and nose tackles Darious Cummings and Jay-nard Bostwick (violation of team rules) on Monday.
And during the Southeastern Conference’s weekly teleconference on Wednesday, the fourth-year UF coach answered those critics.
"There are a lot of things that go into discipline," Muschamp said. "It’s about altering and changing behavior, which we’ve done here. I think our discipline speaks for itself and how we’ve handled our football team. ... At the end of the day, it’s more than that and there are a lot of things that go into those situations, a lot more than people know and it’s very frustrating for me as a coach or any coach to have someone being critical and you don’t even have all the information.
"So at the end of the day I make the decisions in this program, I handle the discipline in this program and it’s been handled very well.’’
This is the first time Cummings and Bostwick received a suspension during their tenure at UF, but it was the third time for Robinson, a sophomore who was suspended for violation of team rules twice during his freshman year.
"He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do," Muschamp said of the wide receiver.
"He’s a wonderful man to be around. He’s got a smile on his face all the time. I love Demarcus, he’s a great kid. Now just because you make a couple of poor decisions doesn’t make you a bad person. He certainly has learned from these situations and will move forward."
Leon Orr progressing: Redshirt senior Leon Orr is ready to make his mark.
After playing behind starters such as Sharrif Floyd, Dominique Easley and Damien Jacobs throughout his Florida career, Orr is ready to make an impact.
"He’s playing well, doing a good job," defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin said. "I think he understands his role has changed a little bit now. He’s been behind some really good players throughout his time. Now it’s his turn to step up and take on more of those reps."
Durkin also sees development in redshirt freshman Caleb Brantley.
"Caleb’s made great strides from throughout his time here — from when he first got here to right now," Durkin said. "He’s gone leaps and bound. ... We’ve had to work on his practice habits and things he does, but that’s natural."
Fowler’s lovin’ it: Dante Fowler, Jr. made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight.
One way he’s accomplished that was giving up on eating one of his favorite foods — the McDonald’s Big Mac.
"I’m like six months clean or something. But nah, I mean, I feel good, just being healthier and just staying in shape," Fowler said.
"I’m feeling more better, my body is more leaner, I don’t have a lot of fat on me. So I’m able to just run around and just play football."
Fowler then clarified that he had not eaten a Big Mac in eight months.
Injury Report: Redshirt sophomore Jeremi Powell had his knee scoped and will be out for a few weeks, Muschamp said on the teleconference. Marcus Maye (hamstring) is doubtful for Saturday’s game against Eastern Michigan.
Follow Jordan McPherson on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
Dante Fowler Jr. (6) rushes Vanderbilt quarterback Patton Robinette during the Gators 34-17 loss to the Commodores on Nov. 9 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
