Coaches often talk vaguely about the importance of bowl practices, but Florida’s Will Muschamp has a specific, striking example of why those 15 sessions matter so much: Loucheiz Purifoy.
Last December, as the team sorted out the mess of a 6-6 regular season and got ready for the Gator Bowl against Ohio State, Purifoy used the practices to catapult himself into the mix for a starting cornerback job. Most of his previous work had been on special teams.
The bowl practices helped him grow more fluent in the terminology and more familiar with the scheme, which impressed the staff. He played significant snaps at corner in the Gator Bowl and became a full-time starter as a true sophomore this season.
Muschamp reminded all of his players of Purifoy’s story on the first day of UF’s prep for the Sugar Bowl against Louisville. The team held 10 practices in Gainesville and will have five more in New Orleans starting Thursday, and that time can be pivotal.
“We’ve really challenged our young players to step forward,” Muschamp said. “They have a great opportunity to springboard themselves into the off-season program and really put a mark on our mind of where they are as a player.”
There are several Gators hoping to make a Purifoy-esque leap before Florida (11-1, third in the BCS) faces Louisville (10-2, 21st) on Jan. 2 at the Superdome. Some already made an impression during the first 10 practices.
Three of UF’s true freshmen seem especially primed to move into bigger roles. Linebacker Antonio Morrison is likely to start in the Sugar Bowl, while defensive end Dante Fowler and receiver Latroy Pittman are fighting to increase their workloads as back-ups.
Those three got regular playing time with varying results.
Morrison was a reliable fill-in for starting weak-side linebacker Jelani Jenkins, who had various injuries and will miss the bowl because of foot surgery. Morrison was eighth on the team with 31 tackles and built a reputation as one of Florida’s most ferocious hitters.
Fowler showed signs that he could be the Gators’ next frightening pass rusher, something they have lacked since Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap left after the 2009 season. Fowler had 6.5 tackles for loss, trailing only Sharrif Floyd (11) and Matt Elam (10).
“He’s playing really at a high level right now,” defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said. “You can see the momentum, the confidence, the understanding, at a faster rate. That part is exciting.”
Pittman got the staff’s attention when he enrolled in January and was one of the breakout stars of spring football, but was unable to carry that to the season. He did not emerge from a group of moderately productive players at his position, where Quinton Dunbar led the group with merely 31 catches.
Pittman’s progress also slowed when he suffered a mid-season ankle injury. He caught just two passes in 11 games but is gaining ground this month and has reignited hope that he can be a game-changer.
“Pittman’s had great bowl practices, and I expect him to make some plays in the bowl game,” quarterback Jeff Driskel said.
If Morrison, Fowler or Pittman comes out of this break with the markings of a star, it would not be as shocking as Purifoy’s rise. For example, true freshmen D.J. Humphries, an offensive tackle, and Jonathan Bullard, a defensive end, also got plenty of playing time this season. But there are several unknowns who could burst into the spotlight.
Brian Poole is one of those names who many would not immediately recognize, although Quinn said Poole’s progress accelerated this month. As he nears the end of his freshman season at Florida, he is earning consideration at cornerback and safety for the Sugar Bowl and next season.
“He’s another young guy you better watch out for,” said starting safety Josh Evans, a senior. “He’s going to compete and he’s a guy who’s getting better every day.”
