Maturity has Gator D soaring

The players may be the same as last year for the most part, but Florida coach Urban Meyer said there is a difference in maturity for members of this team's defense.

On his Sunday conference call with the media, Meyer said contributors like A.J. Jones, Dustin Doe, Brandon Spikes, Major Wright, Joe Haden and Wondy Pierre-Louis are talented guys and good people and always have been. However, now they are playing more like veterans than young kids.

"(They were) all immature players last season," Meyer said. "They're much more improved now."

That improvement was on display Saturday afternoon for a national television audience that saw the Gators trounce Tennessee, 30-6, in Neyland Stadium.

There, UF whipped the Volunteers on the offensive and defensive fronts.

"It's nice to see the lines control the game on both sides," Meyer said.

He added the Gators had a very physical set of practices last week and said the players should expect even more of that as Florida (3-0) prepares for Saturday's home game against Mississippi (2-2).

And going back to the team's new-found maturity, Meyer said he expects his players to relish the extra hitting, much like they did in getting ready for Tennessee.

EXTRA POINTS: Meyer said the team came out of the Tennessee game pretty healthy. Ryan Stamper sprained an ankle, and John Jones had to leave the contest after being hit in the throat. Meyer said both players should be fine for the Mississippi game. ... Meyer said backup quarterback Cameron Newton has been dealing with an ankle sprain, and added John Brantley "probably would have been the one to go into the game" had starter Tim Tebow been replaced for any reason against the Vols. ... Meyer said he will be sending a gift to Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon to congratulate his friend for clinching a playoff berth on Saturday. ... In the book "Meat Market", Rebels' quarterback Jevan Snead said Meyer told him UF was recruiting Tebow as a linebacker. On Sunday, Meyer said that wasn't true. Snead committed to UF as a high school senior before eventually signing with Texas. He transferred to Mississippi prior to last season. Meyer said offensive coordinator Dan Mullen handled most of Snead's recruiting, but said he remembered Snead as a "classy kid" with a "classy family." ... Meyer on his team's blockers: "I'm pleased with the offensive line's play. They're moving people."