Ingram has breakthrough night

Cornelius Ingram, whom Florida coach Urban Meyer has named this year’s Face of Florida football, was practically nonexistent in UF’s opener against Western Kentucky.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound hybrid tight end/receiver caught only one ball for 11 yards.

In UF’s 59-31 victory over Troy, Ingram had a career night, catching seven passes for 101 yards, both personal bests. He also scored on a 5-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow late in the second quarter.

“It felt great,” Ingram said of getting more passes thrown his way. “Like I’ve been telling everybody, you definitely want to take advantage of it, because with guys that we have at all the positions – even the running back position, quarterback position – (you) never know when you’ll get (the ball) again.

"Whenever you are able to get the ball, you definitely want to take advantage of that opportunity.”

Ingram, who originally came to UF as a quarterback, said it took him a while to get accustomed to playing receiver and tight end, but that the move was well worth it.

After the performance he had Saturday night, his coach thinks too.

“Wow, beautiful player,” Meyer said. “He’s got it all. If he learns to be a little more physical he’ll be an NFL football player. He’s very talented. Great hands. Great size.

“He played very well tonight. He’s got a great future. With his size, he’s just never been asked to block and do those things. We’re going to put him more with some tight end position.”

With Troy coming out in a cover two for most of the game, Meyer said it was easier for his offense to call plays that went across the middle. Ingram’s speed was too much for the linebackers that attempted to guard him, and he took advantage of the wide open middle of the field.

Junior wide receiver Louis Murphy said he wasn’t surprised that Ingram was able to get open for most of the game because of the mismatch he poses for most defensive players.

“He’s a big mismatch,” Murphy said. “He’s what, 6’4, 6’5, 235 (pounds)? There’s not a lot of (defensive backs) out there that can guard him. He’s fast too. That gives us another edge to our offense.”