Meyer: Young Gators are growing older

So far, 48.6 percent of Florida's starts have been made by freshmen and sophomores, and the younger players don't look to be giving up any playing time anytime soon.

UF coach Urban Meyer said after Wednesday's practice that the demeanor of the younger players hasn't really changed, they're just older.

"I don't know if it's changed that much," Meyer said. "I think it's just guys are getting a little older. The Joe Hadens are much more experienced. I'd credit it with guys growing up."

UF's recent success with its defensive line can be attributed to the play of its inexperienced reserves. True freshmen Torrey Davis, Justin Trattou and Duke Lemmens have made the most immediate impact out of the group.

"Trattou has made some strides," Meyer said. "He had a sack Saturday and (defensive line coach) Greg Mattison loves Duke Lemmens. He wishes (redshirt freshman Terron) Sanders would come on a little more, but Sanders is most improved right now. (Freshman) John Brown is getting a little better, too. I know Greg's working with him this week."

UF could be without one of its top, young playmakers Saturday. Meyer said freshman safety Major Wright, who is coming off of thumb surgery, is listed as "very questionable" to play, but that he is confident in replacing him.

"We got Kyle Jackson and we got Dorian Monroe, so we got capable bodies," he said. "They just have to play their tails off Saturday."

Tebow excited about Jacksonville

The trip to Jacksonville will be a special one for sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow. The former Ponte Vedra Beach Nease standout will be back in Duval County and he made sure his coach new about it.

"He just told me, what is it Duval?" Meyer asked. " â€òI'm going back home, baby, to Duval.' I'm like, â€òDuval County or something?' He's really excited. He said when he was a kid he'd go to his Pop Warner games and then go to the Florida-Georgia game back when it was (in) the Gator Bowl. It's a special game for him."

Meyer good with officials

Coaches never really seem happy with officials on TV. For Meyer, his only really bad experience with officials came against Iowa in the 2006 Outback Bowl on a "missed" call that bothered him the entire game.

"One thing about football, you can say whatever you want," Meyer said. "I think the SEC, there was a little bit of a bad rap a few years ago, but I have not had any issue. There has been great communication on our side. I think we have terrific league officials."

While Meyer's been relatively cool with officials, one of his mentors wasn't so calm.

"I did (witness a coach blow up) in 1986 when I was at Ohio State and Bo Schembechler was on the hash mark throwing his head sets," he said. "I said, 'What are you doing?' He didn't get a flag though. But that was Bo Schembechler."

Etc.

Meyer said sophomore receiver Riley Cooper ran at practice, but is unsure if he will play Saturday. ... Fifth-year senior offensive lineman Carlton Medder (heel) was "moving around" at practice, but did not practice. ... Sophomore defensive lineman Brandon Antwine (lower back muscle) is expected to finally be released from the hospital Thursday, Meyer said.