As the Gators began their first practice in full pads today, all eyes were on one player.
CB Jeremy Brown injured his back two years ago on this day and has been sidelined ever since. But after a long road to recovery, which included procedures such as a rhizotomy to burn the nerves to get rid of some of the pain, he is back on the field.
“I’ll hit it every once in a while and it will tighten up on me, but tightness, compared to what it was, that’s good for me,” Brown said. “As long as I can keep it from the sharp pain and the nerves shooting down my legs, I’m going to play through it.”
He is competing with Moses Jenkins for the starting CB spot opposite to Janoris Jenkins.
“My back obviously is feeling better and stronger,” Brown said. “I’ve had a lot of plays so far to test it out, and two thumbs up.”
NOTES:
*QB John Brantley said he has received advice from former Gators Chris Leak, Shane Matthews and Doug Johnson on the position.
*DL coach Dan McCarney said freshman DL Lynden Trail has gained 22 pounds from his weight of 210 as a high school senior.
*QB’s coach Scot Loeffler said that Brantley’s best attribute is “what’s between his ears.”
