Spring Practice Report: Saturday, April 11

Highlights

No. 2 quarterback John Brantley probably had his best day as a Gator. Showing great accuracy (and throwing with great confidence), Brantley led the offense to two touchdowns during the regular phase of Saturday’s scrimmage. The first drive ended with a 1-yard run on fourth down by walk-on tailback Christopher Scott. The second culminated with a 23-yard touchdown strike from Brantley to wide receiver Carl Moore in the back of the end zone. ... Later in the scrimmage, Brantley threw a laser deep down the sideline to wide receiver Deonte Thompson for a 68-yard gain. Brantley capped off his excellent performance with a 25-yard TD toss to Thompson near the end of the scrimmage. ... Thompson and Moore also had big days, and started looking like the playmakers they’re supposed to be. Both receivers called Brantley a “gunslinger.” ... Another offensive star Saturday was tailback Chris Rainey, who had touchdown runs of 25, 11 and 1 yard. The sharp cutback he made on his 25-yard TD was a big-time move. ... Scott also had a good scrimmage and continues to impress with how hard he runs. He had TD runs of 1 and 14 yards. He’s pushing for possible playing time in the fall. ... Fullback Rick Burgess is another walk-on who looks like he really wants to play. He caught passes of 14 and 18 yards, finishing both runs by putting his head down and grinding for extra yards. ... Senior defensive end Jermaine Cunningham had a sack and was pretty much unblockable for most of the day. Carl Johnson had a hard time pass-blocking against him. The only offensive tackle who slowed him down was Matt Patchan, who was practicing for only the second time this spring. Urban Meyer said the coaches are counting on Patchan to play a great deal in the fall. ... True freshman middle linebacker Jon Bostic had some big hits and stops. ... Wide receiver Justin Williams had a 20-yard reception on a pass from Brantley. ... Cornerback Joe Haden had the defensive play of the game, breaking up a deep Tim Tebow pass intended for Thompson. ... True sophomore defensive end William Green batted down a Brantley pass. ... Tebow completed a 16-yard pass to Moore to convert a third-and-seven. ... Defensive tackle Jaye Howard stripped the ball from Tebow to end the first offensive series of the scrimmage. ... Sophomore wide receiver Paul Wilson had a second consecutive good practice, catching two passes in the regular phase of the scrimmage. ... Despite all the injuries, the makeshift offensive line protected Tebow and Brantley for most of the day, giving them time to find receivers and move the offense. ... Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Earl Okine batted down a pass. ... Four veteran starters — middle linebacker Brandon Spikes, defensive tackle Lawrence Marsh, free safety Major Wright and tight end Aaron Hernandez - were given the day off. ... Meyer said walk-on Mike Williamson is doing a good job as the No. 1 long snapper.

Lowlights

Meyer said he was disappointed that some of the back-up defensive players (who saw lots of action) did not play very well. He said they were players who have been in the program for a while. ... Paul Wilson dropped a pass. ... Overall, the defense didn’t make much happen. There were only a few sacks — and no turnovers, a rarity in a scrimmage. ... Safety Will Hill dropped an interception.

Young guy to watch

Among the second tier of wide receivers, redshirt freshman Frankie Hammond Jr. is ahead of the others, Meyer said. Meyer said redshirt freshman T.J. Lawrence still has a long way to go, but they like his potential and it’s just a matter of time. ... During the circle of death drill before the scrimmage, true freshman offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison went up against Carlos Dunlap and dominated the junior defensive end, drawing whoops from his offensive line mates. ... Meyer said he and the coaches are very high on redshirt freshman cornerback Adrian Bushell. He also said that redshirt freshman Jeremy Brown is potentially one of the best cornerbacks on the team, but he’s been out with a back issue. Meyer said Brown’s injury has improved with new treatment and there’s a chance he’ll practice next week. ... Redshirt freshman Sam Robey had another good day working as the No. 1 center.

Play of the day

Brantley’s 68-yard strike to Thompson deep down the left sideline. Brantley threw a bullet, and it hit Thompson in stride.

Quote/unquote

“The fullbacks are getting better. Brian White is doing a fine job with those guys (Steven Wilks and walk-on Rick Burgess).”

— Urban Meyer

Injury update

Redshirt freshman fullback T.J. Pridemore missed practice for the second day in a row with a slight concussion, Meyer said. ... A.J. Jones (shoulder) returned to practice. ... Redshirt offensive tackle David Young was on crutches. Meyer said it was only precautionary. Young spent last fall recovering from injuries to both knees that he sustained in high school. He’s expected to return next week. ... Meyer said tailback Emmanuel Moody will start practicing again Wednesday. He broke a small bone in his hand Wednesday and had two screws inserted.