Before he stepped up to the podium as the first speaker at the annual Southeastern Conference Media Days in Hoover, Ala., Florida coach Will Muschamp sparked controversy with something he said.
“In both situations we were turned in by Ohio,” Muschamp said about reported rules violations. “We appreciated our friends from Ohio making sure we’re compliant with NCAA rules. They certainly know a little bit about that subject.”
Former Florida coach and current Ohio State coach Urban Meyer reportedly turned in UF running backs coach Brian White for recruiting violations. Meyer has denied those allegations.
Florida was cleared of any wrongdoing in both incidents.
Muschamp’s comments were widely reported before he made his opening statement in the main media room.
Muschamp began his 30-minute session with the media with a 15-minute opening statement, which touched on all aspects of the upcoming season.
Along with Muschamp, three Florida players -- quarterback Jeff Driskel, defensive end Dominique Easley and offensive guard Jon Halapio -- met with the media to answer questions that were both serious and lighthearted.
“Rocky Top (is the most annoying SEC fight song),” Easley said. “Not because it’s Tennessee, but just because it’s Rocky Top.”
Purifoy at receiver, Burton everywhere: After trying him out at wide receiver during spring practice, Muschamp announced that defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy will see time with the offense when the season begins.
Muschamp said that Purifoy’s time on offense will be determined based on how the receiving corps performs. Florida lost three of its four top pass-catchers and brought in five recruits at wideout.
“He probably won’t take any snaps on the first 12 to 14 practices because we need to find out what those other guys can do and how we’ve progressed from spring,” Muschamp said.
Purifoy is on the Bednarik Award watch list for his performance at cornerback. Last season, Purifoy had five pass breakups and forced three fumbles. He also racked up 13 yards on one carry and one reception.
Senior Trey Burton, who specializes in Florida’s wildcat package, will see time all over the field, according to Muschamp.
“Trey Burton will play everything,” Muschamp said. “Wideout, running back, quarterback; he’ll have a huge part of our offense.”
Florida getting healthy: Doctors have cleared Florida linebacker Ronald Powell to practice with the team in the fall, Muschamp announced on Tuesday.
Powell missed the entire 2012 season with an ACL tear he suffered in the 2012 Orange and Blue Game.
“(Powell’s) been through an awful lot,” Muschamp said. “Two surgeries. Never complained, never got down about anything.”
Powell, who was a five-star recruit according to Rivals.com, led the team with six sacks his sophomore season.
“(He’s) a guy I’m really excited to see get back on the field to see No. 7 running around in orange and blue,” Muschamp said.
Muschamp said the only two players who will be limited going into fall camp are offensive lineman Trip Thurman and linebacker Alex Anzalone. Both players had shoulder surgery in the spring.
Kickoff times announced: Florida fans who dislike the heat will not enjoy the first two games on the Gators’ schedule.
Florida’s season opener against Toledo will begin at 12:21 p.m. and will be broadcasted on the SEC Network.
The following week, UF travels to South Florida to play Miami for the first time since 2008. That game will begin at noon.
Contact Adam Lichtenstein at alichtenstein@alligator.org.
Coach Will Muschamp disagrees with a call during UF’s 41--11 loss against LSU on Oct. 8, 2011. Muschamp made a controversial comment about Ohio State reporting Florida for rules violation at the Southeastern Conference Media Days on Tuesday.
