UF offensive lineman may play defense
GAINESVILLE — With Florida scrambling to find depth at defensive tackle due to injuries and youth, coach Urban Meyer said that freshman offensive lineman Mike Pouncey may play at defensive tackle Saturday against Vanderbilt.
Pouncey has been practicing on the defensive side of the ball all week.
"His effort level is phenomenal, so he's doing good," Meyer said. "Of course, he's a big body."
Pouncey told reporters Wednesday that he may start against the Commodores.
His twin brother, Maurkice, starts at offensive guard for the Gators.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Riley Cooper, who missed the Georgia game with a broken finger, is expected to play against Vanderbilt.
Meyer said Cooper tested the injury in practice Wednesday.
"He caught some balls," Meyer said. "I think tomorrow he'll catch some more balls. He should be ready to go."
Free safety Major Wright, who was limited to kickoff-coverage duties against Georgia due to a broken thumb, is questionable to start at safety.
Wright wore a modified boxing glove on his hand to protect his thumb against Georgia.
Meyer said Wright will still wear some kind of glove on his hand against Vanderbilt.
Senior Kyle Jackson will likely start if Wright is unable to go.
TEBOW IMPROVING
Quarterback Tim Tebow's shoulder is feeling better, Meyer said, and the coach hopes Tebow can run more Saturday against Vanderbilt than he was able to against Georgia.
Meyer said he has also thought about the possibility of giving Tebow some plays off in favor of freshman Cameron Newton.
"There has been the thought to get (Cameron Newton) some runs, and we might do that," Meyer said.
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