Harvin, Spikes Likely Will Miss Opener

By Karl Hyppolite

Tribune Correspondent

Published: August 27, 2008

GAINESVILLE - Coach Urban Meyer said Wednesday that he didn't expect LB Brandon Spikes and WR Percy Harvin to play Saturday against Hawaii.

Spikes didn't participate in practice, and Meyer sounded resigned to the fact that the Gators would be without their preseason All-SEC linebacker.

Harvin participated in 7-on-7 drills Tuesday, but he apparently hasn't shown enough to prove he is ready to play.

Meyer dismissed the notion that Harvin and Spikes are being held out as a precaution or to save them for Florida's Week 2 clash against Miami.

"No, no, no there is no holding them," he said. "We're playing a team that's 12-0, and we better play some excellent defense and take care of the football."

Spikes will be replaced by redshirt junior Ryan Stamper, and no one is expecting a huge drop-off. Stamper is a captain and helps relay defensive signals.

A d v e r t i s e m e n t