UF football kicks off practice

<p>Surrounded by true freshmen and a sprinkling of walk-ons, former starting offensive lineman Ronnie Wilson made his return to the Florida practice field early Monday morning.</p><p>Wilson, who played left guard on the 2006 national championship team, participated in the first freshmen practice of the preseason. He is attempting a comeback as a walk-on after his much-chronicled legal problems. In August of 2007, Wilson received probation after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and discharging a firearm in public. He fired an AK-47 assault rifle into the air during an altercation with another man.</p><p>Wilson was suspended from school for a year. He returned to classes in January and will continue to pay his own way this fall. </p><p>In his first day back, Wilson lined up at defensive tackle and moved extremely well in drills. For someone who has been out of football for a year, he appears in excellent shape.</p><p>Wilson's presence was one of several highlights of the first freshmen practice:</p><p> As anticipated, star Lakeland Kathleen wide receiver T.J. Lawrence has made the move to free safety, where he has a chance to be the No. 2 guy behind starter Major Wright. Lawrence also was a standout defensive back in high school and likely will have the chance to see the field earlier on defense. He was wearing No. 18 Monday morning.</p><p> True freshman defensive back Adrian Bushell still has not been cleared academically and did not participate in the workout. He watched from the sideline in blue shorts and a T-shirt, paying close attention to cornerbacks coach Vance Bedford.</p><p> It looks like T.J. Pridemore is going to start his career off on offense. He played fullback and middle linebacker in high school, and there has been speculation he would play middle linebacker at UF, where depth is an issue. But in his first practice, Pridemore was in a blue jersey (offense) and lining up at fullback. If he stays at fullback, he'll be battling redshirt freshman Steven Wilks for the starting role. Wilks also came to UF as a linebacker, making the switch in the spring.</p><p> True freshman Byran Jones was recruited as a defensive tackle, but he was lining up at offensive guard Monday.</p><p> True freshman defensive tackle Omar Hunter made his much-anticipated debut Monday morning. He's an extremely strong prospect, but he does not appear in game shape yet. He's carrying quite a roll around his middle. </p><p> Defensive tackle Matt Patchan looks like he's gained significant size and strength over the summer. He weighed less than 250 last spring, but now appears to be getting close to the 270 range.</p><p> In his first practice, true freshman Jeffrey Demps had a chance to show off his world-class speed, taking a pass in the short flat and streaking down the sideline, leaving defenders behind.</p><p> Wide receiver Frankie Hammond Jr. made several nice catches and displayed good speed and hands. Fellow true freshman wide receiver Omarius Hines also looked good.</p><p> Sophomore outside linebacker Brandon Hicks and redshirt freshman defensive tackle John Brown participated in the workout. Senior long snapper James Smith also practiced with the morning group.</p><p> True freshman center Sam Robey is considerably bigger and stronger than when he signed with the Gators in February. He has been enrolled since Summer A and obviously has been having success in the weight room.</p><p> At the conclusion of practice, the freshmen gathered around UF coach Urban Meyer and sang the school fight song.</p>