One of Will Muschamp’s first decisions as Florida’s head coach has been met with disapproval from the fans. But he isn’t letting that bother him.
Since the team announced last Wednesday that spring practices were going to be closed to the public and media, it has been a popular topic of discussion among those interested in the Gators.
“I have got to make a decision that I think is best for the program and what’s about winning football games and doing it the right way,” Muschamp said. “Unfortunately, in my position when you do make decisions, you affect a whole lot of people, and there are always going to be people that don’t like the decision being made.”
Muschamp is already distancing himself from Urban Meyer, as Meyer never closed spring practices during his tenure at Florida.
The Gators will begin practice Wednesday, culminating April 9 with the Orange and Blue game, which will be open to the public.
“We need to concentrate on us right now,” Muschamp said. “We need to get better and continue to develop the identity of what we want to be as a football team on both sides of the ball and on special teams.”
POSITION CHANGES: As expected, the quarterback position is going to look a little different next season.
Trey Burton and Jordan Reed, who both saw time in the shotgun last year, are moving away from that spot.
Muschamp announced Monday that Reed will become a full-time tight end. Burton will focus on lining up out wide and in the backfield in a versatile position termed F-21.
Also, Leon Orr has moved from offensive line to defensive tackle, and Gerald Christian will play linebacker next season, along with a little bit of fullback and tight end, his original position, in short-yardage situations.
INJURIES: Florida will be missing some players during spring practice.
Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (shoulder), running back Mike Blakely (shoulder) and linebacker Neiron Ball (congenital syndrome) will all be absent from UF’s practices due to injury. Running back Jeff Demps will also stay off the field as he spends the semester running for the track and field team.
