Notebook: Meyer says Jackson has role on defense

Urban Meyer was driving home Sunday night when he decided to pull out his phone and check in on one of his players.

That person was senior safety Kyle Jackson, who was benched early in Florida's 59-20 win over Tennessee.

Jackson, who has played in 39 games with 15 starts at Florida, may begin losing playing time to freshman Major Wright after some shaky play this season. Meyer said he called Jackson on Sunday to offer his support.

"I love Kyle Jackson. I love his family," Meyer said. "He's a valuable leader on this team. There's a role for Kyle Jackson. He's going to fight to the next day."

Jackson was pulled Saturday shortly after missing a tackle on Vols receiver Lucas Taylor that allowed Tennessee to convert a third-and-12 in the first quarter. Wright came on and finished with six tackles, tied for third highest on the team.

Meyer said he has not decided whether Wright or Jackson will start at strong safety for Saturday's game.

"That's week to week," Meyer said. "Saturday Major played better than Kyle Jackson did. But it's not a clear-cut thing."

Meyer upset with lack of pass rush

Meyer expressed his concern Monday about Florida's lack of a pass rush during the first three games of the season.

"We're not even getting to the quarterback," Meyer said. "Some red flags are going up right now. We have to create pressure against teams. That will come back to get us."

Florida has failed to get a pass rush from its defensive line, which features three new starters this year. The Gators are seventh in the SEC with five sacks. Last year, Florida was third in the league with 37 sacks.

"I grade that area of our team right now as a negative," Meyer said. "We all know at some point pressuring the quarterback will get you if you can't get it right."

Gators getting healthy

Florida will be without senior receiver Andre Caldwell (knee) and safety Bryan Thomas (knee) for Saturday's game at Ole Miss, but several other injured players are expected to play.

Receiver Riley Cooper (ankle sprain) did not practice Monday but is expected to play Saturday. Freshman offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey is expected to play after suffering a low ankle sprain against Tennessee. Defensive tackle Brandon Antwine missed the Tennessee game with a hyper-extended elbow, but should play this week.

Cornerback Markihe Anderson, however, is not expected to play against the Rebels. Anderson suffered a sprained PCL against the Volunteers.

"He can play with it but he probably won't play this week," Meyer said.

Ole Miss quarterback question

The status of Ole Miss starting quarterback Seth Adams is in question.

Adams left the Rebels' 31-17 loss at Vanderbilt last Saturday with a sprained right shoulder. Coach Ed Orgeron said at his Monday news conference that Adams wouldn't practice much this week.

"I don't think Seth is going to practice for most of the week," Orgeron said. "I really think it's going to come down to gametime."

Orgeron said he will choose between senior Brent Schaeffer and redshirt freshman Michael Herrick if Adams can't go.

Auburn game time either 5 or 8 p.m.

CBS has opted to exercise its second six-day window for its featured game Sept. 29.

CBS is expected to choose between Auburn at Florida or Alabama vs. Florida State for its 5 p.m. broadcast. ESPN is expected to broadcast whichever game CBS passes on for its 8 p.m. game.

Meyer: Thompson not transferring

Meyer denied an Internet report that freshman wide receiver Deonte Thompson was transferring to Miami.

Meyer said he was going to talk to Thompson after the coach's Monday news conference.

Thompson, a native of Belle Glade, is deep on Florida's depth chart of wide receivers and has yet to touch the ball this season.

James earns SEC honors

Florida sophomore Brandon James was named the SEC's special teams player of the week Monday.

James totaled 159 yards on returns during Saturday's win over Tennessee, including a career-long 83-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter.

It was his second career punt return for a touchdown, and tied for the fifth longest in Gator history. James also returned four kickoffs for a 25.5 yard average and had three punt returns for a 30.3 yard average. He leads the nation in punt return average (30.8) for the season.

Contact Brandon Zimmerman at 352-374-5051 or zimmerb@gvillesun.com.