Three Florida players suspended for the season opener

The University of Florida Athletic Department announced Friday that starting safety Marcus Maye, starting defensive end Alex McCalister and backup wide receiver Latroy Pittman will miss the opener against New Mexico State on Sept. 5 due to a violation of athletic department policy.

Maye started nine games and recorded 62 tackles and picked off one pass last season. McCalister did not start a game but finished with six sacks last season.

The pair of redshirt juniors were expected to start against New Mexico State. McCalister was expected to make his first start in his college career against the Aggies to help fill the void left by Dante Fowler, who was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the third overall pick of this year’s NFL Draft.

Pittman, a senior, caught 15 passes for 164 yards as a slot receiver last season. He was expected to be part of the rotation of receivers Florida put on the field.