Mike Gillislee showed he has what it takes to be a workhorse in Saturday’s season opener. Now he has to prove he can hold up through a 12-game season.
After Gillislee carried the ball 24 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns against Bowling Green, coach Will Muschamp said on Monday that he would like for a second option to emerge so UF can keep Gillislee’s touches at a manageable level.
Only five players in the NCAA carried the ball at least 24 times per game last season.
Freshman Matt Jones ran the ball three times for 17 yards on Saturday, while Omarius Hines had four carries for 14 yards and Mack Brown had four carries for 13 yards.
“As we move forward, Matt and Mack need to separate themselves in some form or fashion to continue to get [Gillislee] the touches we need for him to have in a game,” Muschamp said.
Easley feels fine after opener: Dominique Easley admits he had a few butterflies prior to Saturday’s opener.
Easley’s first game back after suffering a left ACL tear against Florida State on Nov. 26 was also his first game at defensive end, so the junior was understandably anxious.
His fears grew momentarily when he briefly stayed down on the field after one of the first half’s final defensive plays, grabbing the giant brace on his left leg.
“It was a scary moment,” Easley said on Monday.
Despite the fleeting scare, Easley said he felt good during his first game back. After coaches limited his snaps during fall practice, Easley felt 100 percent on Saturday.
He notched the team’s only sack in the 27-14 win and received positive reviews from Muschamp on Monday.
“I played alright,” Easley said. “I don’t want to say it was my best game.”
Injury updates: Offensive tackle Matt Patchan is expected to miss Saturday’s game against Texas A&M with a pectoral injury, but Muschamp is encouraged by his progress.
“I’m hoping for Tennessee, but I’m not sure of that, either,” Muschamp said. “He’s doing everything he can do to get back. I know that rehab is going well, and everything has been very positive on that end.”
Trainers projected Patchan’s recovery time at four weeks. Muschamp said the healing process is currently ahead of schedule, prompting the team to expect an earlier return.
A fifth-year junior, Patchan has seen action in only 27 games due to a variety of medical issues.
“I know Matt’s frustrated,” Muschamp said. “I’m frustrated for him, because he’s worked extremely hard. He had a really good offseason, so I hope it’s not that much longer. We need to get him back.”
Long snapper Drew Ferris suffered a broken clavicle on Saturday, and Muschamp said Kyle Crofoot will assume long snapping duties in the interim.
Contact Greg Luca at gluca@alligator.org.
Mack Brown (33) runs a drill during open practice at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
