Florida coach Urban Meyer said junior defensive end Jermaine Cunningham has had his best camp since arriving in Gainesville.
"Last year, he was an OK player,"
Meyer said. "I think he's going to be better than OK this year."
Defensive line coach Dan McCarney echoed similar sentiments.
"He [Cunningham] was a solid player last year,"
McCarney said. "Jermaine Cunningham needs to be more than solid. I'm not buying solid in 2008. I don't think he is, either. My expectations are that he is a lot better than solid and average."
Cunningham had 64 tackles and 61/2 sacks last season, but his production was helped because most of the opponent's pass protection was focused on Derrick Harvey, who left for the NFL and was drafted by the Jaguars.
Cunningham's teammates have noticed a difference.
"I've been watching him ever since he got here,"
offensive tackle Jason Watkins said. "I would pick out every move [he's done], and then he comes with a new spin move. I'm saying, 'Where did you get that from?' "
Okine likely to redshirt
McCarney said freshman defensive end Earl Okine, who has missed many practices because of a groin pull, is a likely candidate to redshirt.
Freshman end William Green has impressed the coaches with his speed and will probably take any snaps Okine would have received.
"Never say never; it's a long season,"
McCarney said. "But right now, I think [Okine's] probably a redshirt."
Etc.
Meyer said he wishes freshman S Will Hill "was a little more advanced right now."
... WR Percy Harvin could practice next week, Meyer said. ... QB Cameron Newton has a sprained ankle, but he was still able to practice Tuesday. ... Former Forrest High standout Byran Jones, a freshman lineman who has lost 20 pounds in 20 days, fullback T.J. Pridemore and defensive tackle Troy Epps all had the black stripes removed from their helmets, signaling they are now considered part of the team.
