Florida sophomore linebacker Antonio Morrison could be on track for an early return from his suspension.
Morrison, the Gators’ likely starter in the middle, was back in meetings and practiced Thursday. He had been barred from training camp for the first week because of a pair of arrests earlier this summer.
Gators coach Will Muschamp initially said Morrison would sit out the first two games — Aug. 31 against Toledo and Sept. 7 at Miami — but that appears to be undetermined at this point.
“I’m still working through that,” Muschamp said Friday. “He’s still going through some things for me right now.”
Morrison played regularly as a backup last season and started three games. He had 34 tackles, including two for lost yardage, and forced a fumble.
Hardin jumps ahead: The race to be Florida's kicker is ongoing, but redshirt freshman Austin Hardin has the early lead over senior Brad Phillips.
Muschamp said Hardin has been more consistent, but “nothing has been settled.” Phillips, a walk-on, has been hampered by a pulled groin muscle.
Receivers take flight: Muschamp sees progress from his wide receivers, and the vertical passing game is showing signs of life.
There is minimal proven talent at the position behind redshirt junior Quinton Dunbar and senior Trey Burton. No other Florida receiver had more than two catches last season.
“Quinton Dunbar continues to be a leader among that group,” Muschamp said. Trey’s going to play in the slot and is a tough cover. He’s a bigger guy that can run a lot of the option and bounce routes and things.”
The Gators signed five freshman receivers in the last recruiting class, and Muschamp said Demarcus Robinson and Ahmad Fulwood are emerging as downfield threats who could make an impact this season.
Injury updates: Starting quarterback Jeff Driskel returned from an appendectomy, and some other Gators who missed the beginning of training camp could be back soon.
Max Garcia, a probable starter at left guard, has been cleared from a back injury and is easing his way into camp. Running back Matt Jones (viral infection) and starting right guard Jon Halapio (torn left pectoral muscle) could be back early next week.
On the downside, freshman linebacker Matt Rolin is out for the year after re-tearing the ACL in his left knee. Earlier in the week, receiver Andre Debose also suffered a torn ACL. Muschamp said Rolin was on track to play on special teams and be the No. 2 strong-side linebacker.
Defensive tackle Damien Jacobs (sprained left knee) and cornerback Jaylen Watkins (sprained left foot) are expected to be out until at least Aug. 19.
Roderick Johnson, a freshman offensive lineman from American Heritage, will miss 3-4 weeks after surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.
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