Spring Football Practice Kicks Off Wednesday

Spring practice for the University of Florida football team begins Wednesday and will culminate with the Orange And Blue spring game on April 10th. WRUF sports provides a glimpse of each position going into the spring.

**Quarterback. After patiently waiting his turn behind Tim Tebow, this is now John Brantley's offense. Will we see more under center snaps? Will the Gators throw the ball more? And of course, a battle will take place to find the number two quarterback on the team as well. It would seem Trey Burton has the inside track at this point.

** Offensive Line. Even with the loss of Maurkice Pouncey, this group coming back is loaded with talent and experienced starters. Mike Pouncey is back as are veterans Maurice Hurt, James Wilson, Marcus Gilbert, Carl Johnson and Xavier Nixon. Players like Nick Alajajian and Jon Halapio got valuable experience as freshmen last year. And will Matt Patchan stay with this group?

** Running Back. Everyone is back and there is the thought that this group will get more carries because of Tebow's departure. I am sure they're salivating at that prospect but will Chris Rainey be permanently moved to wide receiver?

** Receiver. A lot back but positions probably up for grabs. Deonte Thompson, Carl Moore (back from injury) Omarius Hines and Frankie Hammond Jr. are the veterans back but if a freshman plays well enough in camp, a spot in the rotation could be earned. We'll also see how far along in recovery Andre Debose is and if he's healthy he could provide a big spark to this unit.

** Tight End. With Aaron Hernandez gone, a position of question but a spot where one can earn immediate playing time. Will Jordan Reed stay here permanently? Is Desmond Parks ready to step up or can freshmen Gerald Christian and Michael McFarland contribute right away and could another player be moved here to help?

** Defensive Line. A lot of people left but there is still talent here. Seniors Terron Sanders, Brandon Antwine and Lawrence Marsh return inside as does redshirt sophomore Omar Hunter. On the outside seniors Justin Trattou and Duke Lemmens return as does junior William Green and junior Jaye Howard can play either inside or outside. It will be interesting to see if highly touted freshmen Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley get in the inside rotation and if highly recruited Ronald Powell makes the defensive end rotation. Can Earl Okine become a factor?

**Linebackers. Brandon Spikes is gone and now the torch is passed to Jon Bostic who is faster than Spikes and has loads of potential. Starters A.J. Jones and Brandon Hicks return on the outside and a healthy Jelani Jenkins could factor here as well. Lorenzo Edwards is back to add depth. Will Brandon Beal be healthy and contribute? Can a freshman crack this group for playing time?

** Secondary. Joe Haden is gone as are some other seniors but Janoris Jenkins is back to man one corner spot; the other corner spot is open. The coaches have liked Jeremy Brown and Josh Evans but injuries have hurt development. A lot of talented freshmen could make a run at playing time here with the likes of Jaylen Watkins, Joshua Shaw and Cody Riggs. At safety, Ahmad Black returns for his senior season and Will Hill should be the starter at safety as well. Dee Finley returns too and we'll see if Jordan Haden, Joe's brother, or Matt Elam can fit into the mix somewhere.

** Special Teams. One of the best combinations in the country returns in senior punter Chas Henry and junior placekicker Caleb Sturgis. Lots of players could jockey to see who the kick and punt returners will be now that Brandon James has moved on.

Enjoy spring practice...it should be one of the more interesting Florida has had in a while. And oh yeah, will we see that Urban Meyer guy back????

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