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Gators' practice full of subplots

By LOUIS ANASTASIS
Alligator Staff Writer

To say UF coach Urban Meyer is giddy about fall practice would be putting it lightly.

"I can't tell you how much I can't wait to get into that hotel with those players and spend time with them," he said. "Some people dislike training camp. I'm a head football coach that loves training camp because I live with them. That's the greatest time of the year."

The Gators commence fall practice Sunday as the 2006 off-season winds down. Beginning Sunday, players will reside in a local Holiday Inn for the duration of fall practice.

Some storylines for fans and observers to keep in mind during practice:

FRESHMAN SPOTLIGHT: Freshmen will comprise 26 of the Gators' 85 allotted scholarships. Among those expected to contribute are Percy Harvin (wide receiver), Brandon Spikes (linebacker), Carl Johnson and Maurice Hurt (offensive linemen) along with Wondy Pierre-Louis, Jacques Rickerson and Markihe Anderson (cornerbacks).

UP FOR GRABS: While Meyer has already named former safety Reggie Nelson a starter at cornerback, there is no telling how this position will shape up as the season nears. Reggie Lewis, Nick Brooks and the freshman triumvirate will all battle for playing time. Then there's Ryan Smith, the Utah cornerback who could transfer at any time.

THE MON WILLIAMS SHOW: Everybody has assumed the starting tailback will be DeShawn Wynn, Kestahn Moore or Markus Manson. But a certain prolific runner from Texas by the name of Mon Williams has something to say about that. The 6-foot-2 back has 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed.

CALDWELL AND MCDONALD RETURN: Wide receiver Andre Caldwell and defensive tackle Ray McDonald will be full-speed as soon as that practice horn blows.

HARVIN'S NEED FOR SPEED: Percy Harvin will show everyone whether he is worth the hype - and perhaps a starting job behind Dallas Baker and Caldwell.

HARRIS WATCH: Starting defensive tackle Steven Harris still has not rejoined the team, according to Meyer's last public word. The Gators are deep on the line, but losing Harris would be a huge blow.

TIM TEBOW: Need we say more?