Gators’ Harvin, Spikes likely to rest up for Hurricanes
The University of Florida shouldn’t have much trouble with a rebuilding Hawaii team on Saturday afternoon, but the Gators’ chances of covering the massive spread (35+) could be affected by the potential absences of starting receiver Percy Harvin and linebacker Brandon Spikes.
Both remain questionable with injuries. Spikes has been dealing with a nagging injury after twisting his foot last week, and Harvin’s recovery from heel surgery has taken longer than expected.
“Percy actually practiced with the team in seven-on-seven drills,” coach Urban Meyer said Tuesday. “The one that’s not (practicing) is Spikes. Spikes has that toe and foot deal. I was disappointed. I’ll know more about him (later).”
Spikes, an all-Southeastern Conference selection, planted wrong and twisted his foot during a practice last week. He practiced sparingly Monday.
“I hope it’s a one-game deal,” defensive coordinator Charlie Strong said.
Ryan Stamper figures to be Spikes’ replacement against the Warriors, and he said the coaching staff might hold Spikes out just to be cautious. Expect the same kind of cautious approach with Harvin, an All-American candidate who for rushed 764 yards and six touchdowns and caught a team-high 59 passes for 858 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Meyer admitted he thought Harvin would have been back by now.
“They shaved off some of his heel when [the doctors] found out he had abnormal growth on the bone that was causing his issues with tendonitis in his knees,” Meyer said. “They went to North Carolina and took a good chunk of bone in surgery. He’s looking pretty good right now. If he’s ready to play, he’ll play.”
Because Harvin has been unable to go full speed since Aug. 5, UF is not preparing for Hawaii with Harvin in mind.
“Right now what we’ve done is put our game plan based on not involving anybody,” wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales said. “We’re moving guys around. … But the bottom line is we’ve got to prepare no matter who we have, if we have high school players playing for us right now or junior high young men.”
Expect both Spikes and Harvin for next week’s game with Miami.
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