Gators set to begin preseason training camp

<p>Summer and the long offseason are about to end for the Florida football team.</p><p>The Gators are scheduled to officially report Thursday and begin preseason training camp with the first practice Friday. UF will put on pads for the first time Aug. 8.</p><p>Among those expected to report Thursday is true freshman defensive end Jonathan Bullard, who was denied admission to the Summer B semester due to an academic issue that is expected to be cleared up by the start of the fall semester Aug. 21, according to sources.</p><p>UF officials could not comment on Bullard's academic status Tuesday.</p><p>Bullard, a five-star prospect, is expected to compete for early playing time at a position of need.</p><p>His high school coach confirmed Tuesday that Bullard was due in Gainesville sometime Tuesday night.</p><p>“He is on his way to Florida today,” Shelby (N.C.) Crest coach Mark Barnes said. “He came by to see me (Monday night) and he said he was going to be on his way. He's very excited about getting down there and getting started.”</p><p>UF coach Will Muschamp is expected to announce Thursday whether he will open the first few practices to the public and media. He hinted several times earlier this summer that he might do that, like he did with spring practice, where the first two practices were open.</p><p>Verizon Fan Day for the UF football and volleyball teams will be held Aug. 18 from 3-6 p.m. at the O'Connell Center.</p><p>Contact Robbie Andreu at 352-374-5022 or andreur@gvillesun.com. Also check out Andreu's blog at Gatorsports.com.</p>