Urban Meyer is in favor of strict punishment for helmet-to-helmet hits.
The topic came up just hours after the Southeastern Conference suspended Mississippi State linebacker Chris Hughes on Wednesday Hughes was not punished for leading with his helmet, but for making unnecessary contact with UAB wide receiver Frantrell Forrest away from game action, SEC officials said.
Helmet-to-helmet hits received national attention when the NFL fined Steelers linebacker James Harrison for his hit on Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi on Oct. 17. When discussing the issue, Meyer noted that his 11-year-old son, Nate, will start playing football next year.
“I never studied it, never thought about it because that’s a harsh penalty for playing a very physical game,” Meyer said. “But if you launch your head into a guy, I think that warrants a suspension. A face-up, hard-collision hit, that’s part of the game. But if you are projecting yourself into a guy, I do believe that (deserves punishment).”
Florida-Georgia Recruiting: While Meyer said the coaching staffs from UF and Georgia are always competing for the best high school players, he doesn’t think the pageantry surrounding the annual rivalry factors into a player’s decision.
“That’s more of the previous recruiting days,” Meyer said. “This is now all about opportunity to play and that kind of stuff. That’s what I’m noticing.”
The Bulldogs feature 14 Florida natives while the Gators feature 10 players from Georgia. One of those players is defensive tackle Omar Hunter.
Hunter attended Buford (Ga.) High with Bulldogs offensive tackle Kolton Houston, guard Dallas Lee and long snapper Billy Johnson.
Injuries: Running backs Jeff Demps (sprained left foot) and Mike Gillislee (hamstring) have not practiced at full speed this week, Meyer said, but Emmanuel Moody (thigh bruise) has looked good.
Kicker Caleb Sturgis practiced Monday, and Meyer said he will probably play against Georgia on Saturday.
Wide receiver Chris Rainey, meanwhile, remains eligible.
“He’s done everything he’s supposed to do,” Meyer said. “(Today) is the deadline that I set with him and myself.”