MLB Brandon Spikes questionable for season opener

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GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer said on Monday that Brandon Spikes is questionable for the Gators' season opener on Saturday due to a foot injury.

Meyer didn't elaborate but said that the foot injury is a "lingering" problem. Spikes led the Gators in tackles in 2007 and, according to teammates and coaches, has asserted himself as a team leader this offseason.

Redshirt junior Ryan Stamper is listed as Spikes' back-up on the Gators' depth chart.

Gator Clause asked Meyer one question during Monday's press conference and received a pretty good answer. Meyer mentioned that the defensive coaches plan on using three-linemen sets at times. Here's the question and Meyer's answer:

GATOR CLAUSE: If you go to that three linemen set, who are going to be the three linemen and who will be the linebackers?

Meyer: "There are just too many groupings. We have one where it's 3-3-5 where it's five defensive backs and an extra linebacker. [Linebacker] Brandon Hicks will play a lot and also [cornerback] Joe Haden will go to nickel and [cornerback] Janoris Jenkins will come in when we play five defensive backs. We'll play a lot of the game like that where [Haden] will move inside and we'll go with Janoris or [cornerbacks] Jacques Rickerson and Wondy [Pierre-Louis] on the outside and two safeties, Ahmad Black and Major [Wright]. That will be a big chunk of our game.

"Linemen will be Carlos Dunlap, Jermaine Cunningham and Lawrence Marsh but then you have [Justin] Trattou and [Matt] Patchan, we'll find out if [Patchan] goes. You're going to see a lot of players playing on defense. A lot of rotation going and that's advantage us because one of the hardest things in sports is to rush a quarterback. You rush him 60 times a game you're usually toast after three series so the ability to rotate guys on the pass rush is going to be key. You'll see Duke [Lemmens] play as well.

"William Green will play. He's a true freshman. He's 218, 219 pounds right now. A couple more peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, get him up to 221. He's going to play on defense a lot. He's a really good player. You will enjoy watching him play."

MORE LATER THIS EVENING...So, check back.

-jo-