Meyer to call on Newton if needed
In Florida's previous two meetings against Tennessee, Florida coach Urban Meyer turned to backup quarterbacks for brief stretches.
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Last season, Tim Tebow came off the bench to convert a crucial fourth-and-one in the fourth quarter. Two seasons ago, Josh Portis appeared in The Swamp, though he nearly lost a fumble and showed little urgency trying to recover it.
With Tebow now starting, it's unclear whether Meyer would turn to backup Cameron Newton at any point Saturday against the Vols. But Meyer says he's as comfortable with Cameron Newton as he's been all season.
Meyer said he wouldn't hesitate to use Cameron Newton if he needed to Saturday.
"I think he is (ready)," Meyer said. "He's as close as he's ever been. He's had a good week."
Cameron Newton has completed 3 of 4 passes for 25 yards and rushed for a touchdown in mop-up duty against Western Kentucky and Troy. While Cameron Newton probably won't assume the same role as Tebow a season ago, Meyer said he's progressing similar to the way Portis did two seasons ago.
"Tim was an exception because he was a little more mature than most guys," Meyer said. "But Josh was a young quarterback and so is Cam, so I do believe there are parallels there."
Practice improves
After some bumps in the road Tuesday and Wednesday, Meyer said that practice was more crisp Thursday.
"Wednesday, we had some concerns but it was a very workman-like approach to the practice today and we had to have that because we're so young," Meyer said. "Good Thursday practice. Very good Thursday practice."
Gators land DB
The Gators picked up a commitment Thursday night from standout Pahokee defensive back Janoris Jenkins.
Jenkins is rated the nation's No. 7 cornerback prospect by Rivals.com and is a four-star prospect. He announced his decision on ESPNU.
Jenkins rushed for 1,253 yards and intercepted six passes in his junior season in 2006. He also has scholarship offers from Florida State, LSU, Miami, Auburn, Clemson and others.
The 5-10, 167-pound Jenkins has favored the Gators for quite some time and attended some preseason practices in August.
Etc.
Meyer said that Clint McMillan and Javier Estopinan will start at defensive tackle Saturday ... Sophomore running back Brandon James (ankle) and sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson (knee) are progressing from injuries, "Brandon James is full speed," Meyer said. "Markihe Anderson I think we're anticipating is close to full speed Saturday. But Brandon is really good." ... Meyer said Wondy Pierre-Louis and Joe Haden will still start at cornerback Saturday. " Markihe, I don't think he's going to take the first rep," Meyer said. "But that doesn't mean he's not going to play a lot."
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