When the Florida Gators began their fall practice schedule on Monday, they were without several key players.
According to a report from Sports Illustrated-AllGators, receivers Trevon Grimes, Kadarius Toney and Jacob Copeland, as well as defensive end Zachary Carter, are all holding out currently and considering opting out of the 2020 football season due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
It’s unclear at this time what conditions, if any, these players have for returning to the team.
Coach Dan Mullen addressed their absence and the possibility that they could opt-out of the season on Monday.
“We had a couple guys not practice today, but we’ll see how that goes moving forward for us. But, you know, I wouldn’t be surprised if you have guys opt out. I’m going to support them fully,” Mullen said on Monday. “Really wouldn’t be surprised if we had coaches opt-out, to be honest with you. Coaches are at such high risk because of the age group that they’re in. So statistically I think coaches are probably even at a higher risk. I think when you look at those things, but we’ll figure it out. We’re going to adapt to whatever happens as we continue to move forward.”
Mullen also said he has communicated with the players, though he didn’t mention them by name.
The three receivers were all expected to see starting reps this fall. Grimes and Toney both considered leaving after their junior seasons for the NFL Draft before deciding to return. If they aren’t a part of the team this fall, it would put Florida’s passing offense in a tough spot on short notice.
Defensively, Carter was expected to take over a starting role on the outside this season. Without him, defensive coordinator Todd Grantham would need to hope Georgia transfer Brenton Cox, Jr. is ready to shoulder that load.
It remains to be seen what will happen with those four players or if they will be joined by any other teammates, but it will be a story to watch over the next month as we progress toward a planned Sep. 26 start date.
[lawrence-related id=20688,20658,20608,20601,20577,20571]
[vertical-gallery id=20711]
[vertical-gallery id=20730]