Tight end is a position that has traditionally been featured very little in Urban Meyer's spread offense.
That is, until Cornelius Ingram came along.
Ingram established himself as a major weapon in UF's offense Saturday, catching seven passes for a career-high 105 yards and a touchdown in a 59-31 win against Troy.
The Troy defense featured mostly soft zone coverage, as the unit seemed determined to not get beat deep by the Gators talented wide receivers.
That allowed Ingram to play to his strengths as a possession receiver, sliding underneath the coverage on short and intermediate routes in the middle of the field.
"It felt good," Ingram said. "You definitely want to take advantage of (your opportunities), because with the guys we have at all the positions … you never know when you will get it again."
The 6-foot-4, 230 pound junior also showed off his ability to run after the catch, using a combination of size and speed to break tackles and elude defenders.
Ingram's second-quarter touchdown reception put the Gators up 42-7 following an extra point.
Two years ago, Ingram could never have envisioned having such a performance.
A quarterback who found himself buried and sinking on UF's depth chart, the discouraged Ingram approached Meyer to discuss transferring. If not for a pep talk from former Gators cornerback Vernell Brown, Ingram likley wouldn?t be wearing a UF uniform today.
Brown talked Ingram out of leaving, and Meyer convinced Ingram that while his future at quarterback was bleak, his skills would translate well to the tight end position.
Two years later, Meyer is talking about Ingram's possible future in the NFL.
"He's got it all," Meyer said. "If he learns to be a little more physical, he will be an NFL football player. He's very talented, great hands, great size. He?s got a great future.
"Above all, he is a high character guy. He is the face of Florida football, and he played very well tonight."
Despite modest numbers in Ingram?s transition to the position last season, his potential has already caught the eyes of the media.
Ingram was voted to the Preseason All-Southeastern Conference Second Team at SEC Media Days in July.
Ingram, who also played basketball in 2005 before leaving the team to focus on football, said his life has changed quite a bit since his 2005 meeting with Meyer.
"I am happy with the position I'm in right now," Ingram said. "Great team, great teammates, great coaches, and we're defending a national championship. You couldn?t ask for anything else."
