Pouncey playing right tackle
Mike Pouncey returned for his senior season at Florida with the idea that he would take over for his brother Maurkice at center and eventually become a higher NFL Draft pick than his identical twin, who was taken in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers last spring.
But it's looking more and more like Pouncey will open the season at right tackle.
"I might have to play tackle in the first couple of games," Mike said Tuesday. "We'll see. We still don't know.
"It doesn't matter to me. I feel like I'm a great player wherever I play, and I just want to win. I didn't expect it. I thought I was going to play center, but I'll do whatever it takes to help us win games. If it means me having to play tackle, that's what it's going to be."
Pouncey has been playing right tackle because starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert has been moved to the left side, where Matt Patchan and Xavier Nixon, who were supposed to battle for the starting role, have been out with injuries.
Less than two weeks before the start of the season, Pouncey said the Gators have yet to determine who their starting five on the offensive line will be for the Sept. 4 opener.
If Pouncey starts at right tackle, redshirt sophomore Sam Robey will get the starting nod at center, Pouncey said.
"(The odds) are pretty high right now with us having our left tackles out," Pouncey said. "Robey is ready. He's been sitting behind me and my brother. He's just waiting for his opportunity. If he gets it, I think he's going to take full advantage of it."
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Mudcrutch August 24, 2010 At 5:40 pm
Fie on injuries. As long as they aren't long term or season ending injuries, we'll be okay. I'm sure everyone is frustrated, though, sine the O-line should be a strength this year.
Lil #'s August 24, 2010 At 5:50 pm
If that's what it takes to get the best starting 5..so be it.
76gator August 24, 2010 At 6:08 pm
Love Pouncey's attitude.
UFGator72 August 24, 2010 At 7:02 pm
This is the trait that have made the Pounceys the great Gators that they are, great attitudes and team players.
Dru2012 August 25, 2010 At 12:22 am
Still, I'd like to know the extent of the injuries to Patchan and Nixon…how did they happen? Both, one after another, is weird. it's being glossed over like it's no big deal, but suddenly both are gone and won't be back for the opener, maybe longer? How about some journalism, folks?
Steve August 25, 2010 At 7:18 am
This time I'm not sure it's the journalists' fault. This is the hardest year ever, apparently, to get ANY info, esp. re. injuries, out of this team.
Brent August 25, 2010 At 8:34 am
I just read, in another story, where Pouncey accused the incoming Freshman Class of being "too cocky". I heard Urban elude to it as well. That's the the last thing a team rebuilding needs is a bunch of premadonnas who haven't played the first down of college football. I don't care how good you were in high school, this isn't high school ball. It's the first thing I've read this offseason that has me concerned. Know it all Freshman can break down team chemistry, divide the locker room, and slow their personal progress on the field. This incoming class needs to keep their mouth shut and just play ball.
producewiz August 25, 2010 At 10:43 am
NOT HAVING REPORTERS ALLOWED AT PRATICE TAKES SOMETHING AWAY FROM FANS, WHO HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THE SEASON TO START, AND ARE STARVED FOR INFO.SHOULD BE TEAM AND FANS, NOT TEAM, THEN FANS
Chas Morris August 25, 2010 At 2:10 pm
Robbie,
Any idea what is going on with 2 additional freshman not being happy? It seems like a rift between older players and younger players is developing similar to 2003. This concerns me regarding team chemistry. Or, maybe it is a positive sign that the seniors are taking ownership of this team and showing the younger players how rough the SEC will be on them if they don't grow up. What are your thoughts?
Dru2012 August 26, 2010 At 7:31 am
I'm not sure posing this question to ANY journalist will get you a straight answer, Chas–there's such resentment about the closed practices, and then there's the tendency towards sensationalizing everything they can…still, better The G'ville Sun than the O-Sentinel–the latter's version, ESPECIALLY of this particular story, has made it sound as bad as anything along these lines I have ever HEARD of! Having it in turn filtered through the gleeful ranting of the local media homers in a distant, RIVAL college hot zone has been as worrisome as any Gator-story yet–and after last season, that's a statement I never expected to make…