Notebook: Meyer criticizes practice effort

Florida's third day of practice was just one of those days for the team.

If tight end Cornelius Ingram's injury wasn't enough, UF coach Urban Meyer said Wednesday's practice wasn't good at all.

“Disappointing practice today,” Meyer said. "Lack of intensity. When people talked about the Gators, it was relentless effort to the football and that comes from leaders. That comes from the (Brandon) Silers. That comes from the Ray McDonalds. That comes from those kinds of players.

"The common theme is those are older players that have leadership value. Right now, we're expecting some of our leaders to pick up and go. We're a young team. We're real young still. It's almost like a four-letter word: young."

The Gators are not only young. They are hurt.

For the third-straight practice, junior receiver Percy Harvin spent the day dressed, but on the sidelines. He tossed the ball around with players at times, but was held out of contact drills.

Another one of UF's speedsters was also left out of drills. Redshirt freshman running back Chris Rainey (groin) spent most of Wednesday's practice in the pit. Meyer said his injury has been bothering him since track season.

Sophomore defensive lineman Justin Trattou was absent from practice because of the flu. Meyer said the illness isn't serious and the lineman should be fine for today's practice.

But the day couldn't end without a little drama.

On the final play of practice, freshman running back Jeffery Demps hobbled off the field after taking a hit after making a cut off the right side of the line. When Demps came up, he was struggling to put weight on his left leg. Meyer said he didn't think the injury was too significant and would know more Wednesday night.

Gators land QB

The Gators may have found their quarterback of the future with the verbal commitment of Venice, Fla., junior-to-be Trey Burton, but Tuesday night UF got a verbal commit from New London, Conn., prospect Jordan Reed.

Reed is the ninth commitment for the Gators in the 2009 class. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder is a four-star prospect and the 11th-best dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.com. He finished his junior season with 1,706 yards passing with 28 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He also ran for 570 yards with eight touchdowns.

Calls made to Reed were not immediately returned Tuesday night or Wednesday.

Hunter still hurt

One of the most heralded recruits in Meyer's last class has yet to get physical with his teammates.

Omar Hunter — a defensive tackle from Buford, Ga., — is still trying to recover from a back injury.

He has worked out in every drill, except those involving contact, Meyer said. The coach is hoping to get Hunter into some contact on Friday.

"He's a freshman and he's had a little back injury,” Meyer said. “He's a great kid; we just have to get him going.”

Etc.

Neither Torrey Davis (academics) nor Bryan Thomas (knee) were present at practice. Neither has appeared on the practice roster nor attended a session this week. … Freshman cornerback Adrian Bushell was at practice, but was only in street clothes again and didn't participate. He is still awaiting a decision from the NCAA Clearinghouse.