Gator gathering in Jacksonville
By John Patton
Sun sports writer
Published: Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 7:29 p.m.
JACKSONVILLE — Prior to the 2007 season, Alltel Stadium went back to being named Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, what the facility was called when the Jaguars began play on Aug. 18, 1995.
Second-year free safety Reggie Nelson has an idea for a more catchy title.
"They should call the stadium ‘Little Swamp’ " Nelson said.
He was only half-kidding.
The Jaguars' roster is peppered with former Gators, six in all.
Nelson, middle linebacker Mike Peterson and Pro Bowl tailback Fred Taylor are returning starters. Defensive end Derrick Harvey was the team's first-round pick, eighth overall.
Jeremy Mincey is in his second NFL season, having played in six games for Jacksonville last year after being a sixth-round pick of New England in 2006. And versatile offensive lineman Drew Miller is attempting to make the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.
The familiarity has made life easier for Harvey, who is having to deal with the pressure of being what some Jacksonville insiders have called the "missing piece" between a playoff team and a Super Bowl contender.
"It's nice," Harvey said. "It's really nice to see somebody you know. It's helping the process (for me)."
Peterson, who said "Gator Growl Stadium" is the name he would choose, said the number of former Florida players in camp have made for some mouthy practices.
"Oh yeah, we talk a lot," Peterson said. "There isn't too much anyone else can say. You've got me, Fred, the rest of us out there, and we're all Gators.
"And the Gators have been winning a lot lately. It's not like someone can say something back to us."
When the season begins Peterson, Nelson, Taylor and Harvey are guaranteed roster spots, and all but Harvey are listed as starters right now.
Mincey is hoping his motor — one teammates praise profusely — will help him land a spot. And the 6-foot-5, 303-pound Miller, who can play center, guard and tackle, hopes his many talents fit in to the Jaguars' plans.
For now, with organized team activities winding down, the former Gators are enjoying their time together.
"We're here, young and old," Mincey said. "It's great being around everyone. We all share a bond and always will."