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Meyer to frosh: '93 class standard

WIRE REPORTS
Posted August 7 2006

GAINESVILLE · Florida coach Urban Meyer handed each freshman a little card with a picture of five rings on it.

The photo contained four Southeastern Conference championship rings and a national title ring -- representing what Florida's 1993 freshman class accomplished. He told the newcomers that no matter how highly regarded they were -- the 2006 class was ranked No. 2 behind USC -- they haven't done anything for the Gators.

At least not yet.

"That's the standard that was set 13 years ago, and we need another one of these classes," Meyer said Sunday after the freshmen completed their first fall practice.

They gave Meyer a glimpse of what to expect.

"I'm not going to give you names, but I can see a couple guys that already I can tell are going to play," Meyer said.

Quarterback Tim Tebow, considered a perfect fit for Meyer's spread-option offense, headed the recruiting class. Tebow enrolled at Florida in January, participated in spring practice and immediately took over the backup job that was vacated by Josh Portis (transferred to Maryland), Gavin Dickey (gave up football for baseball) and Cornelius Ingram (moved to receiver).

The '06 recruiting class also included five highly touted receivers: Riley Cooper, Jarred Fayson, Percy Harvin, Jamar Hornsby and Justin Williams.

Harvin, a Parade All-American who scored 33 touchdowns as a senior at Landstown (Va.) High, was widely considered the top receiver prospect in the country. He showed why Sunday, running the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds.

"As long as I work hard, I feel like I can make a contribution to the team," Harvin said. "I've got a lot of things to learn, but I think I can make an immediate impact."

Linebackers Brandon Spikes and Dustin Doe also could contribute, especially given that the Gators are desperately in need of depth at that position.

Offensive linemen Carl Johnson and Maurice Hurt, both of whom enrolled in January, showed up considerably lighter than they were during spring practice.

And running backs Chevon Walker and Mon Williams could get a chance to make an impact given Meyer's desire for more consistency from DeShawn Wynn, Markus Manson and Kestahn Moore.

"Someone said they are the best recruiting class in America," Meyer said. "I haven't bought that one yet."

Safety Bryan Thomas twisted his knee during practice and was carted off the field. He was scheduled to have tests to determine the extent of the injury.