Florida’s stable of runners is deeper than it’s been all season.
Coach Urban Meyer said running backs Mike Gillislee (hamstring) and Emmanuel Moody (ankle) practiced at full speed this week and will be available Saturday at Vanderbilt.
“Moody’s had his best practice,” Meyer said. “He looked at me today and said, ‘That’s the first time in a month (my ankle) feels great.’”
Meyer expected both to be available last week against Georgia, but neither looked game-ready in the days leading up to that contest.
Gillislee has gained 202 yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries, while Moody ran 48 times for 162 yards.
Despite being limited in practice this week, running back Jeff Demps (sprained left foot) is also expected to play Saturday.
And even with all three running backs available, Meyer said wide receiver Chris Rainey will rotate into the backfield in certain packages. Playing in his first game since Sept. 11, Rainey carried the ball 16 times for 84 yards and a touchdown against Georgia.
Florida has two more options in the backfield with quarterbacks Trey Burton and Jordan Reed. Burton led the Gators last Saturday with 17 carries for 110 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
And Reed will have an increased role against the Commodores, Meyer said. The redshirt freshman gained 19 yards on a pair of second-quarter runs Saturday.
“He’s earned his right, and he can help us,” said Meyer, who added that fans should not be surprised to see Reed throw this week.
Injuries: Defensive tackle Jaye Howard’s (ankle) chance of playing Saturday “does not look good,” Meyer said. Wide receiver Andre Debose (ankle) will play. Left guard Carl Johnson (strained calf) practiced Thursday.
Meyer not involved: Meyer said the NCAA has not contacted him in its investigation of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, who transferred to Blinn (Texas) College from Florida after the 2008 season.
A representative for Newton reportedly told a former Mississippi State quarterback last December that Newton would play for the Bulldogs this season in exchange for $180,000.
