Florida’s search for an offensive playmaker other than WR Demarcus Robinson seemed to point to two guys: TE Jake McGee and ATH Brandon Powell.
Just as McGee works his way back from a broken leg that spoiled his 2014 season, the Gators have lost Powell for the remainder of spring.
McElwain says Brandon Powell will stay out of live contact drills rest of spring. Needs a specially fitted shoe for ailing foot.
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) March 30, 2015
Powell, officially listed as a running back last season, carried 16 times and caught 15 passes. He moved to receiver full-time this spring, and despite standing at just 5-foot-9, reports from spring practice characterized him as an up-and-coming player for the Gators this fall.
Florida’s projected starter at slot receiver, Powell had foot surgery early in 2014, an injury that’s flared up again. Team doctors recently found a “hot spot” where they inserted a screw in his foot, the Associated Press reported.
There’s no reason to suspect that Powell’s foot will prevent him from playing this fall, and coach Jim McElwain has indicated holding out the receiver is a precaution. But a recurring foot injury for a skill player who relies on speed and sharp cuts is enough to at least raise an eyebrow.
Florida RB Adam Lane remains out of practice with a leg injury, but the Gators did get QB Treon Harris back Monday. Harris missed several practices after the death of his cousin.
The Gators will hold at least some semblance of a spring game on April 11, depending on injuries.
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
