Gators QB Newton may agree to redshirt
GAINESVILLE Cecil Newton, father of UF true freshman quarterback Cameron Newton, said Tuesday both he and his son could handle Cameron Newton sitting out this season as a redshirt.
"I really wouldn't have a problem with it," Cecil Newton said. "If we've exhausted all our opportunities to be the No. 2 quarterback, and there's another person who puts the team in a better position to score and make plays, then we will humbly submit to waiting our turn."
Cameron Newton has missed his first three practices at UF as he makes up academic assignments. He also continues to rehab from a lower back injury UF trainers diagnosed after spring practices.
If the classroom issues get cleared up, his father and coach Urban Meyer said Cameron Newton should be healthy enough to return to practice Friday.
Freshman John Brantley and junior college transfer Bryan Waggener have split snaps with the second unit so far.
FAYSON STEPS FORWARD
With Kesthan Moore missing practice (had class), sophomore Jarred Fayson took snaps at tailback with the first unit. Meyer has talked several times in the past few weeks about using the versatile athlete in the backfield, where he can throw, run or catch the ball.
Fayson laughed when he was compared to Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, whom the Razorbacks use as a quarterback in the famous "Wildcat" formation.
"I'm hoping for something like that," he said.
UM'S MCCRAY ON SIDELINE
CORAL GABLES Defensive tackle Teraz McCray, a returning starter, was held out of the University of Miami's practice.
Coach Randy Shannon said McCray is "a little nicked up." McCray started eight games last year.
FRESHMEN PRACTICE
Freshman Leonard Hankerson (wide receiver) and Adewale Ojomo (defensive end) made their practice debuts. Both missed the first three sessions because of NCAA Clearinghouse issues.
Hankerson, who played at St. Thomas Aquinas, said he felt some effects of missing a few days. He worked at the slot and outside receiver positions.
"It was tough, but I stayed in shape," he said. "I stayed running, so I wouldn't be as tired. I had to fight through it."
SCRIMMAGE THURSDAY
The Hurricanes practice in pads for the first time today. Shannon said they will hold a scrimmage Thursday, when he expects to evaluate players' progress. ...
Freshman defensive back Damien Berry missed another practice because he is still rehabbing a knee injury from high school.
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