A couple of years ago, Florida's Cornelius Ingram considered leaving for another school where he felt he'd get more playing time.
But after playing on a national title team in 2006 and almost leaving for the NFL following his junior season, Ingram will start his senior year as one of the nominees for the Mackey Award -- which goes to the nation's top tight end.
On Thursday, the Hawthorne native was announced as one of the 30 players from around the nation on the Mackey watch list. He also has made virtually every preseason All-SEC team announced this summer.
In 2007, Ingram played in all 13 games and ranked fourth on the UF team with 34 receptions, averaging a little less than 15 yards a catch and was a second-team All-SEC pick.
Ingram and the Gators start practice for the 2008 season on Monday.
Gator stopped. Sophomore Maurkie Pouncey, expected to be Florida's starting center in the fall, was ticketed on July 20 for having an open container in a motor vehicle.
Pouncey, who started at guard a year ago as a true freshman, was pulled over during a routine traffic stop and was cited for an open can of beer, which is a misdemeanor.
