UF fullback Steven Wilks will likely miss the 2009 season after suffering a torn ACL.
"He'll have surgery in about two weeks," coach Urban Meyer said. "It's a shame because he's doing great. We maybe still hope he can play next year a little bit, and then he has two years left after that. He's one of the most improved guys on the team."
Two weeks ago, Meyer was complaining about the poor performance of his fullbacks, Wilks and T.J. Pridemore, but his tone completely changed soon after. He has since praised them and their importance in the I-formation, which the Gators began experimenting with this spring.
NELSON TAKES ON COACH-LIKE ROLE: Receiver David Nelson is finding the positives in the ankle injury that has kept him sidelined during spring practice. Nelson, a fifth-year senior, will be counted on to lead the Gators' inexperienced receiving corps next season, and his time off has allowed him to be more of a coach for the other wideouts.
"I can take a step back and see everything going on at once," Nelson said. "I'm trying to be more of a vocal leader and give everyone my thoughts on the plays and routes. I've been around the block, and I've seen everything and know everything about the offense."
Nelson said the different perspective has helped him develop as well, as he's able to observe the offense's plays and defense's reactions more closely.
BROWN DRAWS PRAISE AT CORNER: Last spring, cornerback Jeremy Brown looked poised for playing time as a freshman before a back injury held him out of the 2008 season. This year, he has picked up where he left off.
"Oh, man. I'm just telling you, don't sleep on him," Meyer said. "He was ahead of Janoris Jenkins before he got hurt (last fall). Just think about that for a minute."
To see regular playing time, Brown will either have to supplant starters Jenkins and Joe Haden or beat out Wondy Pierre-Louis and Adrian Bushell for the third corner spot when Jenkins plays at nickleback.
